Reflections on 2024

This New Year's Eve, I'm not just thinking about resolutions; I'm thinking about metamorphosis. Like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly, I want to shed old habits, evolve with new challenges, and transform into a stronger and more focused form of myself. Goal setting is about defining the shape of that butterfly, and reflection is about understanding the journey it takes to get there.

One of my favorite things to do when trying to bolster my creative juices is learn about natural and scientific systems, just today I was trying to get my brain thinking about the kinds of data transformations a product would have to perform in order to integrate in Closed and Open API Environments with both modern, and I’ll use the client’s words ‘archaic‘ data systems. I’m also doing some reflection on my year given it’s New Year’s Eve, and thinking about how I’ll transform in 2025. 

Caterpillars undergo a complete metamorphosis, Pokémon evolve into new forms with different abilities, and I, well, I'm trying to evolve into a better version of myself, both personally and professionally. These are all about transformation and growth, but with different nuances. Maybe there's a game mechanic here, where users can 'evolve' their skills or knowledge as they progress through the app.

Mystique's shapeshifting abilities are a metaphor for adaptability and the need to navigate different social contexts. It's something I relate to as an autistic person, constantly adjusting my behavior and communication style to fit in. Maybe I can incorporate this concept into my personal brand, highlighting the importance of authenticity and embracing our unique forms, even if they don't always fit the mold.

Both kaleidoscopes and geological metamorphism involve transformations and the creation of new patterns. In a kaleidoscope, it's the shifting of colorful fragments; in geology, it's the intense pressure and heat that reshape rocks. Maybe I can use that as a visual metaphor in my design system, showing how data transforms and adapts within different environments.

Just like in geological metamorphism, where rocks undergo transformations under intense pressure and heat, data needs to be molded and shaped to fit different systems. Integrating with those 'archaic' systems is like finding a Rosetta Stone to translate ancient languages into modern code. It's a challenge, but it's also an opportunity to bridge the gap between old and new, to make information accessible and useful in ways it never was before.

Perhaps the answer lies in the metaphor of glass. 

Glass, born from the intense heat and pressure of metamorphism, embodies the very essence of change. It's a substance that's both fragile and resilient, transparent yet capable of distorting and refracting light, revealing hidden depths and unexpected perspectives.

Just as glass is the product of transformation, so too is the evolution of a Pokémon, a creature that sheds its old form to emerge stronger and more capable. And then there's the kaleidoscope, a childhood toy with its ever-shifting patterns of color and light, the glass mirrors within create a symphony of reflections, a dance of infinite possibilities. 

Glass also represents boundaries, a barrier between the internal and external world. In the realm of data transformation, it's the "glass walls" of privacy and security that protect sensitive information while still allowing for the flow of data. It's a delicate balance, a tightrope walk between transparency and protection. 

The question of whether to share my resolutions and goals online is a reflection of this tension. It's about finding the balance between vulnerability and self-preservation, between connecting with others and protecting my own inner world. I can be transparent, sharing my aspirations and vulnerabilities, while also setting boundaries, like the panes of a window that allow light to pass through while still maintaining a sense of separation. I can be reflective, like a mirror, examining my own growth and transformation, while also refracting light, offering new perspectives and insights to those around me. And I can be resilient, like tempered glass, able to withstand pressure and emerge stronger from the fires of change.

This New Year's Eve, I find myself drawn to the metaphor of glass. It's a substance that embodies transformation, resilience, and the interplay of transparency and reflection. Just like glass, I want to be adaptable and strong, capable of refracting new ideas and perspectives while staying true to my core self.

As you enter the new year, remember that transformation is a continuous process. Embrace the journey, stay curious, and allow yourself to evolve and shine. Happy New Year!