The Road Ahead in 2021
2021 should be a pretty decent year. The basic plan is to finish up year one of seminary, complete my summer Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE, basically a chaplaincy internship) unit this summer, and start my second year at seminary. Along the way I’m hoping to spend quality time with my family, read a few good novels in addition to theology, and hopefully the COVID situation will improve so we can spend more time exploring New York.
My theme for this year will establishing healthy rhythms (thank you Fr. Nicholas Roth for the inspiration). I need to improve my physical health by getting more active and losing weight. I’m not doing anything too extreme, my wife wants to go back to a keto diet, and I’m happy to do that as I feel much better when not eating carbs. My plan for the year is to 1. Hit the activity rings on my Apple Watch for movement, exercise, and standing; 2. Track what I eat each day in an app to keep me mindful of the quality and quantity of what I consume. Those aren’t huge changes, but are deliberate and something I can work with without creating too much havok.
My next semester of classes should go well. I have the next stage of Liturgical Skills (singing, chanting, and liturgical rubrics), a New Testament overview, and two Patristics courses. I don’t anticipate any issues, and since I did fairly well academically last semester, I’m going to lessen my effort 10% to spend more time with my family—all going back to establishing healthy rhythms.
My other goal is post consistently on this page. I want to have five posts each week to keep up momentum. Instead of one or two huge goals, I am instead seeking balance and rhythm, establishing a good baseline for my body, mind, and soul.
David, I just discovered your blog and will be subscribing. May God bless you and your family on your journey. in XC, Deacon Nichcolas