Welcome to 2025: A New Year, A New Hope, A New Start

Good-bye, 2024. 

Hello, 2025.

One of my mental health strategies has been to avoid dwelling on either the past or the future. Instead, immersing myself in the present and live in the moment as much as possible.

But New Year's Day is a time for reflection on the past year and preparing for the year ahead. As I relaunch Beyond the Balcony, my kick-off article looks back at 2024 and towards what will be 2025.

2024 didn't unfold as I dreamed when the year began. The site only hosted a few reviews, The Movie Breakdown took a long hiatus, my freelance career faced many ups and downs, and my mental health plunged into darker depths.

Yet, despite the challenges, 2024 offered many priceless treasures if I dared to dig them up.

Finally Getting Answers to My Mental Health and Self

I got answers this year. After being juggled around by various medical professionals and experiencing long waits, my family doctor provided guidance and support to a clearer understanding of who I am.

I was diagnosed with forms of depression and anxiety, which I had expected. However, after several tests and evaluations, I was surprised to discover I am neurodivergent, specifically with ADHD and possibly autism. It was a whirlwind to learn at 47 years old, but a massive 'Eureka!' moment. I finally had explanations for some constant challenges and the feelings of being out of place.

I am relieved to have an answer but also processing what this all now means. My next step is to equip myself with the tools to thrive, recognizing this is not an insurmountable obstacle but a clear discovery of who I actually am. Neurodiversity comes with both challenges and great strengths, and I am preparing to navigate both effectively. 

I check in with my family doctor monthly, seeing a cognitive behavioral therapist, taking antidepressants and ADHD medication, and seeking out professional strategies to empower my success as a husband, father, freelancer, creator, and person.

The Wins of 2024

I can't expect a successful 2025 without practicing gratitude. I feel it is essential to celebrate the best parts of 2024.

• Love of family: Despite my struggles, my family continued to express their love. Danika's beautiful homemade cards and gifts, Everett's eagerness to play games and watch shows with me, and Emily's hard work and devotion were daily reminders of what a blessing my family has been.

• Supportive community: Several friends offered encouragement and advice after I shared my diagnosis. This has meant the world to me - thank you.

• Creative work: My freelance career has been rocky, but I still worked on creative projects that enriched my soul and increased my skills while providing new opportunities in 2025.

• Theatre Memories. Getting to perform with my family in Playful Fox Productions was pure magic. It was great performing major crowd-pleasing scenes as the Beavers with Emily in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and sharing the stage with Everett in his first lead role in James and the Giant Peach. 

• Inspiring shows. Watching productions like Something Rotten, A Christmas Story, and Salesman in China fueled creativity, imagination, and love for theatre

• Everyday joys. From feeding off Danika's holiday joy to family trips like Gettysburg to surprise messages from readers and listeners to games nights there have been countless moments to lift my spirits. 

Beyond the Balcony in 2025

The continued professional medical help has set me up for a successful year for my career and Beyond the Balcony. Here is what you can expect in 2025.

• Weekly movie reviews. Most weeks will have a review for at least one new release. 

• Media Diary. Every Sunday, I'll post short reviews of everything I've watched, read, played, or listened to that week. 

• MCU and Disney review series. I'll finally deliver chronological reviews of every MCU movie and Disney animated theatrical release.

• Movie News Analysis. A site claiming to be about movies should probably cover some major movie news. 

• The Movie Breakdown. The return of weekly episodes! Yee-Haw! I'll start with solo shows but will add guests for some reviews as time marches on. 

• Personal essays and anecdotes.  I'll explore my adventures in mental health, parenting, freelancing, creative writing, and theatre with a healthy dose of pop culture references.

• Links to external work: I'll share my articles on MovieWeb and other pop culture sites.

• Future Projects. Later in the year, expect weekly serialized fiction, a Substack newsletter, videos, and other creative ventures.

Happy New Year to everyone who made it to the end of this piece. I have several articles ready for the next few days, and I'm looking forward to an amazing year. Here's to a successful, rewarding, and loving 2025!