New Years 2025 thoughts

I’ve been reflecting deeply on my life lately—on my thoughts, actions, and the path that has brought me to where I am today. I’ve been looking at the big picture, from my school days to now, and thinking about the people I’ve let down, hurt, or treated unkindly. Whether it was through negative comments, sarcasm, or simply not being as understanding or compassionate as I could have been, I see moments where I could have done better. Even harboring negative thoughts about others has been a challenge for me to confront.

I’ve come to realize that I’ve leaned toward negativity at times. There was a point when I was more positive, but somewhere along the way, I shifted. Now, I find myself reflecting on all the times I could have been more patient, more understanding, less cold, or simply kinder. Most of all, I’ve been thinking about how I could have been better for the people closest to me—my wife, my daughter, my parents, my in-laws, my friends, and even those I’ve known in the past.

This year, I want to start fresh by acknowledging my shortcomings and apologizing to those I’ve let down. I’m working on being better—slowly but surely—and I hope that my efforts will shine through.

As we step into the new year, I want to send love to everyone. A quote from Tim Ferriss’s podcast resonates with me: “Be a little kinder.” With that in mind, I wish you all peace, love, and prosperity. Here’s to a beautiful beginning of the year for everyone.

Zag Meditation

I’d like to introduce a unique approach to meditation that I’ve named Zag Meditation—a nod to my last name. It’s a practice I’ve discovered on my own, without prior reading or exposure, though I’ve experienced its benefits many times. Zag Meditation is essentially a meditative practice performed immediately after a sauna and cold plunge session.

I’ve noticed that this specific combination creates the ideal state for meditation. After the sauna’s heat and the invigorating cold plunge, the body enters a remarkable state of balance. It feels cleansed, renewed, and vibrationally aligned, often accompanied by a profound sense of euphoria. In this state, I’ve experienced incredibly deep meditations, vivid memories resurfacing, and moments of clarity and self-discovery.

For instance, during one of these sessions, I had an epiphany about my reaction to raised voices. I realized it stemmed from childhood experiences in Ukraine, where my neighbors often argued with their window open. As a child, I didn’t recognize it as abnormal, but their frequent shouting became a backdrop to my daily life—whether waking up, doing homework, or going to sleep. This realization helped me understand how those moments shaped my emotional responses as an adult.

There have been many other insights I’ve gained during these meditative states, which I believe are amplified by the combination of the sauna and cold plunge. While such breakthroughs are possible during regular meditation, I’ve found that this method makes it significantly easier. It feels as though the body’s frequencies are immediately tuned for deeper introspection and healing.

I encourage everyone to try this practice—it’s therapeutic, transformative, and offers profound healing on many levels.

Micro-workouts

Micro workouts of 5 minutes are often underestimated for three reasons:

  1. Once you start, those initial 5 minutes often extend into 25 minutes of exercise.
  2. They can be incorporated into any part of your day, whether it’s morning, night, during lunch, and so on.
  3. When you consider the cumulative effect of adding extra micro workouts throughout the year, the strength gains can be significant.

In conclusion, the power of micro workouts lasting just 5 minutes should not be overlooked. Not only do they often extend into longer sessions, but they also offer flexibility in timing and significant strength gains over time when practiced consistently. Embracing these short bursts of activity can lead to notable improvements in overall fitness and well-being.

Prioritize home workouts, invest in used equipment.

Recognize the power within you! For years, I clung to the excuse of lacking time for the gym, but the reality is, home workouts and snagging used weights from platforms like Craigslist are game-changers. Keep those workout essentials in your car or backpack; it’s your secret weapon against the chaos of daily life. I recently committed to a 60 lb kettlebell, a 70 lb dumbbell, and a set of 20s, transforming my fitness routine with three impactful workouts this week. Swipe away excuses, dive into Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, and let the journey to a fitter you begin! No more holding back – make fitness your reality.

The most impactful productivity quote I’ve come across:

This is about winning, and it’s not about winning a year. This is about winning moment by moment, every day. This is about winning a few days in a row—5, 6, 7 days in a row—and winning the week. Then it’s about winning a few weeks in a row and winning your month. Afterward, it’s about winning a few months in a row, and you will win the year.

Check this guy out at http://www.andyfrisella.com.

A quote Jeff Bezos looks at everyday.

The quote reads: “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

About advice

It’s important to share advice with those who genuinely listen and appreciate it. Sometimes, when trying to help others, it’s disheartening when they don’t value or acknowledge it. This can be frustrating, especially when they continue to do what they want despite asking for input.
At times, I’ve chosen to keep valuable information to myself because it feels more meaningful to share it with my family or use it for personal growth activities like reading, exercising, or connecting with friends. It’s a way to prioritize what matters most to me.
Instead of just giving advice, the focus shifts to using that guidance for personal growth and financial gain. It’s about leading by example and hoping that by doing so, others might better understand the point being made.

Sauna is my drug

I was introduced to saunas by my Dad at just 8 months old. He’d recall how I sat on the lowest bench and, finding the experience odd, began crying. Nevertheless, as my parents, both dedicated athletes and runners, regularly used saunas for exercise recovery, I found myself accompanying them. Initially, I resented being taken away from my friends and soccer for sauna sessions. However, during my high school years, I discovered the social aspect of saunas, becoming hooked on the sense of well-being it offered, especially when I dealt with hangovers. It became my go-to for detoxification, helping me feel normal after heavy nights. Eventually, quitting drinking made sauna sessions my new addiction. Now, I enthusiastically seek out hotels with saunas and steam rooms, as this practice has become an integral part of my life. The myriad benefits of saunas, from toxin elimination to the incredible way it makes me feel, have deeply influenced me. It’s akin to a drug for me, and I could passionately discuss its advantages for hours. I firmly believe people should consider investing more in saunas. While consulting a doctor is essential, for most individuals, the benefits saunas offer are invaluable.

Celebrating 10 Years Sober

🌟 Celebrating 10 Years of Sobriety! 🌟

Hey friends and family,

I’m filled with immense joy as I share a personal milestone with all of you today. It’s hard to believe, but it has been 10 years since I took the life-changing decision to embrace sobriety. 🎉🚫🍻

Reflecting back, this journey has been one of the most transformative and empowering experiences of my life. I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for all the support, love, and encouragement I’ve received throughout these years. Each one of you played a crucial role in helping me navigate this path and I’m forever grateful for your unwavering belief in me. ❤️

Ten years ago, I made the courageous choice to let go of alcohol, and it has been a decision that continues to shape my life in unimaginable ways. I remember the fear and uncertainty that accompanied my early steps, but I’ve come to realize that the strength within us is limitless when we commit to our well-being and personal growth.

This journey has taught me the true essence of self-discovery, resilience, and the power of choosing a life of clarity and purpose. I’ve discovered newfound passions, rebuilt broken relationships, and embraced a deeper connection with myself and those around me. The friendships I’ve formed and the lessons I’ve learned along the way are treasures I hold close to my heart.

To those who might be fighting their own battles, know that you are not alone. It is my hope that my story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, proving that change is possible and that a life without alcohol can be incredibly fulfilling and rewarding. There is strength within you that you may not even realize, and with the right support and determination, you can overcome any obstacle.

As I celebrate this significant milestone, I want to raise a toast to life itself, to the incredible blessings that surround us, and to the endless possibilities that lie ahead. Cheers to a decade of sobriety, growth, and unwavering determination!

Thank you all for being an integral part of my journey and for being here to share this momentous occasion with me. Your love and support mean the world to me.

Listening 🎧 to Cameron Hanes book Endure

This book has been the most motivational book. I can’t believe Cameron runs so many miles on a daily, while raising a family and holding a 9-5. All of this in order to be the best bow hunter. Just crazy. I can’t believe it. More importantly, he lives here in Eugene, Oregon. Hope I can meet him someday on the trails and shake hands. No excuses for me. Got to “keep hammering” 🔨🔨🔨