03 Jan Reflecting on a year of design

Dear Jim,

“Somewhere in all that chaos there was work.”

Such a simple turn of phrase – and in those eight words, you offer a new way to reflect on 12 months of life.

Twelve months I had previously considered troublesome and consumed by work. But as I reassess, I see the moments in between that eluded me. As you suggested, they flew by so quickly. Did I take stock? Was I present enough to appreciate them?

You are a great mentor to me and many others – no doubt. Weekly, I sit in awe of your eloquence and insight as you give form to the scratchings in my head, asking for nothing in return. You push, prod, share, and guide. It’s a pure demonstration of being a giver, not a taker – something I aspire to emulate. Your golden Athenian wisdom seems to flow effortlessly.

This week, you encouraged introspection and reflection. I’m forcing myself to take the time, ignoring the dings and alerts to focus on what is inherently more important.

Chaos is the perfect way to sum up the year. Good, bad, and somewhere in between. It was a whirlwind of doing, pushing, and chasing. It feels like I fit more into a year now than I did when I was younger. Is that hunger? A yearning for distraction from the gloomy, endless grey of England? Or societal pressure? I don’t know.

I reflect on your question: why is it so hard to see the good things we do?

I sat with this for a while. I’m not sure I fully agree. Given the space, I don’t find it hard to think back and ponder the good. But it’s just that – the constant forward march leaves no room for reflection. We shouldn’t have to wait 12 months to find a moment to pause.

The past year was remarkable – primarily in life, and adjacently in work. And I should do well to remember that order.

For all the tribulations, a dear friend lost, and missed opportunities, the year was full of teachings, positive experiences, and rewarding human connections. In harder moments, I treasured the company and conversation of friends and, sometimes, the camaraderie of co-workers on a shared path. Did it strengthen my character? I hope so. But I know I can do better – be more stoic.

The doom and gloom of the world occasionally snagged my attention. This year felt particularly bad in that sense. But you remind me to look back and appreciate the gains made – comparing them to no one.

Like you, my year was filled with interesting books and art, moments spent with friends old and new, and laughter mixed with bittersweet moments. It was a year of travel, exploring multiple countries and cultures, and meeting new people who specialised in environmental topics I’d never encountered before. Learning from them was fun and has galvanised a new interest I intend to pursue.

It was also a year of self-discovery, living back in London – a place I didn’t expect to return to. Adapting to the different lifestyle has been challenging, but a precious routine is forming, giving me a sense of control again.

I believe I’m at a pivot point. I’ve formed bonds and interests that could have outsized effects on the world. This is a time of potential, and it urges me to reach out further than expected and see what happens.

That, I hope, is enough.

R.