I don’t want you to forget the rest of this year, however, can we just take a peek forward? A little sneaking around the corner to set up 2025 to be the year of YOU?

Before we do that though, in today’s letter to you. We will also dip our toes into:

• The Place of Pagoda’s and Peace

• The Doom Scrolling

• 25 in 25

• Making Your Own Tortillas!

An Adventure Your Soul Will Thank You For

For a while, this had come up in conversation. A location, an adventure, a place to hide, away from everything the outside world attempts to throw at you.

And finally the day had arrived. We got the coffees, jumped in the car, and off we went!

Caitlin and I embarking on another journey.

This one though, this one taking us to the Peace Pagoda just outside of Amherst, Massachusetts—a place that felt as though it existed in a realm of its own. Nestled in the rolling hills, surrounded by dense forest, the pagoda seemed to breathe serenity.

From the moment you arrive, the world beyond its borders begin to feel like a distant memory. The air was heavy with a kind of stillness that silenced the chatter of our minds and softened the edges of reality (possibly also just the humidity making itself known, but let’s go with option 1). It was as though the site itself stood as a guardian, shielding its visitors from the negativity of the outside world.

It’s not difficult to get to, however also not the easiest. A slight uphill path through the woods, passing some structures. Then, then it begins…

Walking up the quiet path toward the gleaming white structure, you truly can’t help but feel as thought you are entering a sacred bubble of peace. The subtle hum of nature—the whisper of leaves in the wind, the occasional chirp of a bird— all setting the tone for a magical experience. Here, time seems to slow, and the burdens of everyday life fall away. It wasn’t just a place of beauty; it was a refuge. The energy of the Peace Pagoda is palpable, a quiet force that blocked out the noise of the modern world and replaced it with something infinitely purer. It truly is more than a destination—it’s a sanctuary.

This isn’t a place to go to for the simple reason of going. Taking some pictures, posting on the socials (to let the world know you went) and leaving. This is your time, this is your place. To get lost. To let go. To sit. Don’t rush, but instead, be a sloth… Yes, let’s go with that. The Peace Pagoda, Your Place To Be A Sloth…

While We Are Talking About Peace and Calmness…

Can we also talk about something that is almost the polar opposite?

10,950 minutes -182.5 hours -7.6 days - ONE WEEK (and then some)

Hang on, look at those numbers once more..

Now, are you ready for the smack across the face. Those numbers are based off you, based off 30 minutes of scrolling a day.

What is someone’s most valuable asset? Hang on! What is YOUR most valuable asset? 

Time… Time is that thing you only get one minute of. Once that minute is gone, that’s it. (Unless you’re Doc. Brown or Marty McFly of course) Time with loved ones, time creating, time creating a legacy, time to breathe. When it’s gone. It’s gone.

I sit here thinking about the fact I only have so many summers left on my plate. Lately I’ve been thinking about the fact that our older pup Blue only has so much time left and while some of that time he annoy’s the F out of me. He’s just being Blue. And I’ll miss those times when they’re gone. I’ll even miss all the damn fur he is constantly leaving everywhere. Because he’s Blue.

So I try to give him an extra pat on the head every time I walk by him. An extra bone when I’m up at 4AM and he looks at me as if I’ve lost my mind. But it all comes down to time.

That being said, 30 minutes a day of scrolling, and let’s face it, you’re probably doing a lot more than that, equates to 10,950 minutes a year, which turns into 182.5 hours, 7.6 days and yes, JUST OVER A WEEK OF SCROLLING a year.

What could you get done in a week? How many accomplishments could be accomplished, how many goals could be goal’ed, how many creations, created. How many breaths, breathed.

Your life could be so much different using that time elsewhere. Working on your business, wiring a book, learning something new.

Or…. You could just go back to staring at your phone and watching other people’s lives while yours is passing by right in front of you?

Here are 5 practical tips to help you stop scrolling your day away:

1. Set Intentional Limits 

- Use app timers: Most phones allow you to set daily limits for social media or specific apps. When you hit the limit, it’s a natural reminder to step away.

- Try the “10-minute rule”: Allow yourself a short, intentional scrolling session, but stop as soon as the timer goes off.

2. Create a Screen-Free Zone 

- Designate areas where your phone isn’t allowed, such as your bed, dining table, or workspace. This helps break the habit of mindlessly reaching for your device.

- Consider a digital-free morning or evening routine to protect your most productive or restful hours.

3. Replace Scrolling with Purposeful Breaks 

- Keep a book, a journal, or a puzzle nearby to fill those moments when you’re tempted to scroll.

- Try mindfulness exercises or stretch for five minutes instead—activities that leave you feeling refreshed, not drained.

4. Turn Off Notifications 

- Disable push notifications for non-essential apps. Without constant pings, you’ll feel less compelled to check your phone.

- Use “Focus Mode” or “Do Not Disturb” settings to avoid distractions during critical parts of your day.

5. Identify Triggers and Replace Habits 

- Pay attention to what prompts you to scroll: boredom, procrastination, or stress? Once identified, address the root cause with healthier alternatives.

- Keep your phone out of reach, like in another room, during moments of temptation. Out of sight often means out of mind.

Bonus Tip: Use apps like Forest or StayFocusd, which reward you for staying off your phone or block access to distracting sites during specific periods. These small interventions can make a big difference in regaining control of your time.

25 in 2025

If today’s newsletter get’s any longer we are going to be reading it till 2025 - However, I’m not stopping. I’m not leaving! Please stick around for just two more minutes. Don’t leave me yet. You are thinking, i’ll read the rest later. You won’t though. You’ll forget all about me.

So yea, 2025…

It’s almost here. Don’t freak out, don’t stress. You have all the time to get all the things done. And we don’t want to just erase the rest of 2024 (though, maybe we do?)

2025 is more than just a number; it’s a blank canvas waiting to be painted with bold strokes and vibrant colors. With adventure and moments, memories and stories to share. This is the year of YOU. That’s what we shall call it, THE YEAR OF YOU!

There’s something invigorating about starting fresh and setting our sights on new horizons. It’s a chance to embrace the unknown, challenge ourselves, and infuse the year with intention and excitement. I’ve started thinking about 25 new things I’d like to do in 2025—some big, some small, but all meaningful in their own way.

Here are a few that I already know are on my list:

• Hike and summit at least 5 - 4000 footers - in the White Mountains.

• Learn pottery and maybe even have a wheel and kiln.

• Learn the hand pan drum (this one might be out there because good ones are not cheap and inexpensive ones sound, well, inexpensive)

• Ride the northeast from Canada south with Caitlin and not stress about how far we go each day.

• Read 5 books (from start to finish with actual pages, non of that digital crap)

• Learn that it’s okay to take a break for more than 5 minutes. (Yes, I know this is not a “tangible” thing, but it’s a must on my 2025 list)

• Create a daily art journal that has no destination other than just colors on paper.

• Spend an entire day on the beach in either spring or fall when there’s no one else there.

• Have our first vegetable garden.

That’s just a few, but I do have a growing list. One way it will happen is by not wasting that 30+ minutes a day scrolling other peoples lives.

Grab a pen, grab a pad, journal, tablet and start thinking about your list.

Know that by focusing on trying new things, we open ourselves up to growth, excitement, and unforgettable memories. Each item on your list represents an opportunity to learn, connect, or simply enjoy the world in a different way. It does NOT matter how young or old you are because it’s never too early or too late to start.

As you think about your goals for the year, what’s on your list of new things to try? Whether it’s something daring, thoughtful, or completely unexpected, 2025 could be your year to make it happen. Let’s step into the new year together, ready to embrace everything it has to offer and spread love, kindness and joy.

Creating A Healthier Lifestyle

What does that mean to you?

One thing it had meant in 2024 was becoming more self sufficient on the homestead.

We got our wonderful chickens this year which have been magical little egg layers. Most days, producing 9-11 eggs a day! So we no longer purchase eggs.

We got a bread maker. So we no longer purchase bread. (get a good one, read the reviews, make your own deliciousness)

We generally make our own pizza dough and no longer order pizza out (did you know that $20+ pizza only costs like $5 to make?

And next up, this past week, learned how to make tortillas! Soft flour tortillas perfect for wraps, tacos, burritos and more! So instead of $6-8 for a pack of 6-10 tortillas, you can make your own for like $1

(and let’s not forget, everything is fresh without the ingredients you can’t even pronounce)

How about we dive in for the perfect tortilla recipe?!?!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups All Purpose Flour

• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, vegetable oil, or other neutral flavored oil

• 1 cup warm water

Instructions:

1. Combine flour, salt and baking powder in a medium-size bowl. Using a sturdy silicone spatuala or a sturdy wooden spoon, mix dry ingredients until well combined.

2. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the oil and water. Stir well from the bottom up, until all dry ingredients are incorporated and the dough begins to come together and form a shaggy ball.

3. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead for 1-2 minutes until the dough is nice and smooth.

4. Transfer dough to a lightly floured work surface. Divide into 16 equal portions. Turn each piece to coat with flour. Form each piece into a ball and flatten with the palm of your hand. Cover flattened balls of dough with a clean kitchen towel and allow to rest for at least 15 minutes (or as much as 2 hours) before proceeding.

5. After the rest period, heat a large pan over medium heat. Roll each dough piece into a rough circle, about 6-7 inches in diameter, keep work surface and rolling pin lightly floured. Don’t stack uncooked tortillas on top of each other or they will stick together. (I like to separate my tortillas with parchement paper.)

6. When the pan is hot, place one dough circle into the pan and allow to cook 45 seconds to 1 minute or until the bottom surface has a few pale brown spots and the uncooked surface is bubbly. If browning too fast, reduce the heat a bit. If it’s taking longer than a minute to see a few pale golden brown spots on the underside of tortillas, increase the heat a bit. Flip to other side and cook for 15-20 seconds. The tortillas should be nice and soft but have a few small brown spots on the surface. 

7. Remove from pan with tongs and stack in a covered container or zippered bag to keep the tortillas soft. 

8. Serve warm or allow to cool for later use. When ready to use, place a slightly damp paper towel in the bottom of a microwave-safe container (with a cover) that will hold the stacked tortillas. Microwave uncovered for 15-30 seconds (start with 15) or until warm, then keep covered to hold heat while serving.

9. Store in an airtight container or zippered bag at room temperature for 24 hours or refrigerate for up to 1 week. To freeze, separate tortillas with parchment paper or waxed paper and place in a zippered bag before placing in the freezer.

As always, I believe in you!

~Tim