2018 was a slog, and the more I mention this to friends, the more I realize a lot of other people feel the same way. It wasn’t a bad or terrible year for us, but at the same time nothing came easy. Anything we tried to accomplish came with all sorts of unexpected pitfalls and hurdles, and in many cases success seemed hopeless until the very last moment when things finally came together reasonably well. Stuff that had to get done got done, but not without struggle and headache.
The highlight of the year was the birth of our third child, something that will forever color 2018 positively despite other challenges. Although I knew three kids in three years would be tough, the reality of the situation has been more difficult than I imagined.I forgot just how constantly attached to a newborn a mother is, a reality that’s left me largely in charge of the toddlers.
On one hand, this new role has prevented me from writing, reading and reflecting on the larger world to the extent I enjoy, but on the other, it’s demonstrated just how demanding the job of being a stay-at-home parent is and provided the priceless gift of extra bonding with our two toddlers. I’m extremely grateful for my extraordinary wife, and for the fact I’m able to be present for our family during this chaotic time.
2018 also took much of the hype from 2017 and washed it away — especially with regard to crypto, but also within traditional financial markets. Assets that looked like they would never stop going up started falling, at times precipitously, and with a vengeance people forgot about during the heady days of 2017.
As we look toward 2019, it’s impossible to know how things will play out, both in our personal lives and on the larger world stage. Whether you had an easy, excruciating, or somewhere in the middle 2018, the most important thing is you’re still here. You made it through another trip around the sun and you’re stronger for the experience.
Ultimately, life’s about experience and learning from the ups and the downs of existence. Irrespective of what 2019 holds, I hope to honorably rise to any challenges faced, demonstrate humility and gratitude when things go my way, and grow a little more wise and kind. Though many of us don’t like to admit it, a lot of the events that happen in life are beyond our control, so it’s the attitude and strength you bring to trying times that make the difference.
Finally, I want to thank everyone who’s shown the thoughtfulness and generosity to donate/support Liberty Blitzkrieg in 2018. I’m a strong believer that reader/viewer funded content is the only viable path forward if we want independent content creation to thrive and grow in the years ahead. If you felt you received some value from my work this year, consider becoming a Patron or visit the Support Page.
Wishing you love, happiness, peace and strength in 2019,
Michael Krieger
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I found this blog recently, and I’ve found it enjoyable to read a post here and there. There’s clearly passion in your writing, and you have good insights. But there’s also a good amount of re-inventing the wheel, especially with regard to some of your posts on “spiral dynamics”, except the wheel always seems to gets re-invented ready-made for a libertarian rut.
I’d be interested in seeing you challenge your most closely held beliefs a bit more in 2019, I think it would make for some interesting content.
The fact you have toddlers is a never ending source of amazement, humor and admiration. It’s exactly what you needed in life. Good for you! You da man!
Thanks Dude
Yes Jon and Michael. I also advocate that we inspect our desires and wishes, and not just the methods of gratifying them. I have commented elsewhere that perhaps we should assume just for a moment that WW3 and climate change are inevitable. They CANNOT be stopped or prevented. It would then be immediately apparent that all our effort should be on dealing WITH, coping, surviving, and all efforts spent on preventing the inevitable are wasted.
The results of these events are not necessarily all bad.- Us might lose. A multipolar world order may emerge. A more equitable exchange and wealth distribution system may develop. A different climate may actually be better.
Small consolation to a self centred individual perhaps, but every major war or adversity has resulted in either an immediate or very subsequent INCREASE in population.
I congratulate Michael on realising the importance and significance of CREATING life compared to the current obsession with preventing death.
“perhaps we should assume just for a moment that WW3 and climate change are inevitable. They CANNOT be stopped or prevented.”
WW3 can be prevented.
The climate of the Earth changes, and has been changing for millions of years. Humans cannot change the fact that it changes, any more than humans can cause the Earth’s climate to change.
..
If we do not seriously consider the possibility that we may be wrong, then we almost certainly ARE wrong. This means “assuming just for a moment………”, something other than what we would like to believe.
Wrong about what?
“WW3 can be prevented” – Have you considered (just for a moment) what if it cannot?
Happy New Year, Michael. How lucky your kids are to have a dad so closely involved with their lives, and lucky you to get to have so much time with them when they are little.
To those who think that WWIII, or any war, is inevitable, and for those who are simply interested in history and truth (which would be most readers of your blog), I highly recommend this recent post by James Corbett. Michael, if you’re not familiar with his work, he’s terrific. This piece on how history, as well as war, are “made” is fantastic.
https://www.corbettreport.com/episode-350-history-is-written-by-the-winners/
all best,
Shannon