2021…my God what a year!
You know, I’m exhausted. I’m absolutely exhausted.
I feel like the progress I started to build during 2020 helped me to start digging out of the personal hole I dug for myself starting in 2018. You get evicted and kicked out of a home right before a global pandemic hits, it’s a miracle I have stayed sane.
Not only am I sane, but I’m thriving. I’m growing. And I’m starting to love what my 2022 is set to be.
Starting in January, I watched one of my favorite college football teams of all time capture the national championship. Yeah, my Tide has won a lot lately. And even I find it difficult not to get jaded by our success. But the 2020 team was special.
Yeah, Bama dominated Ohio State in the championship game. But my favorite moment without a doubt was Landon Dickerson — on a surgically repaired knee — begging to be in uniform. He not only made the final snap, but he picked up Coach Saban on the sidelines and lifted him above his head.
Yep, the tears were right behind.
As Spring came along, I found myself blessed beyond measure to be featured in yet another Amazon Bestselling anthology “Redefining Masculinity.” My dear friend Davidson Hang assembled some of his friends to share what being a man means to us. I got a massive thrill creating that chapter and I truly believe it was one of the best things I’ve written.
I know I say that a lot, but it’s true.
Later in the summer, I made a post on social media about wanting to relaunch my first book “Written In The Stone.” And as I’m working on some revisions on my second book, I get a text message from a dear friend (who has become an unwitting mentor in recent months) about wanting to help me relaunch my first book.
And…well…”Stone” became an Amazon bestseller almost five years after her initial launch.
While Soul-R Powered may not have had the exponential growth it had in 2020 this year, I feel like I’ve done some phenomenal episodes. Here are some of my favorite episodes:
- Laura Westman is a friend and coaching colleague (and Laura #42 that I’ve gotten to know in recent years.) We spoke about the creation and recording of her stellar EP and some of her own musical aspirations.
- Jarrod Lawson is a soul and jazz musician. We spoke about the feeling that you get when you’re playing a live show and everything is clicking and you know you’re hittin’ the note.
- Alison Reynoso was a member of my Accomplishment Coaching class. We had a truly mind-blowing and soul-opening conversation around what it means to no longer fear death.
And so many more. My 2022 goals for Soul-R Powered aren’t simply the numbers of listeners, but of the quality of the interviews. I want to have conversations with people I want to talk with. I want to have conversations with people I admire.
Speaking of that unwitting mentor, after a conversation with Elizabeth Hill, I started thinking “well dang. Maybe I should go shopping for a publisher’s hat?” And that’s just what I’ve done.
I’m currently working on a compelling memoir by a good friend about her struggles with addiction and her recovery.
However, my first official publication was something that I’ve been growing for almost six years. “Hello Again” is a humorous and heartwarming novel that shows that it’s never too late to paint a new picture, sing a new song, or write a new book.
Royal Hearts Media is open for business.
I find myself grieving the passing of a really complicated man. My uncle Alan Hall passed away in September. There’s a lot that I could say about him and about his confounding and confusing life that I won’t say. I’m sad that he’s gone. He was the final direct physical connection I had to my Dad’s side of his family.
The last thing I wanted to reflect on was how often I felt like a little kid again this year. Feeling like a little kid in my work, my writing, and in my everyday life. I have been able to get back in the doors of my absolute favorite building in Port Chester, New York — the mighty Capitol Theatre! And there I saw two phenomenal concerts, Steely Dan and Joe Bonamassa.
However nothing helped me feel like a little kid again like a hungry and red-hot bunch of badasses who play baseball in Cobb County, Georgia.
As much as I love my Crimson Tide, the Atlanta Braves were my first sports love. From the days of Murphy and Horner, all the way to today, they’re my team and always will be.
The way this team came together after Ronald Acuna — one of the top 5 young players in the game today — injured his knee, was something I’ve never before or since seen. It was so beautiful.
The final game was never in doubt. But as soon as the ball was hit, I knew what was going to happen.
“Is this happening? IT IS! THE ATLANTA BRAVES ARE WORLD CHAMPIONS!” As Braves radio announcer Ben Ingram yelled that on the radio broadcast, 44 year old Ryan fell to his knees and sobbed uncontrollably for a half-hour.
That was 10-year-old Ryan in my 44 year old body.
It used to drive me crazy whenever my therapist would try to get me to get in touch with my inner child. But I get it. I really do.
My biggest lesson of 2021 is this. When my inner 10 year old and my 44 year old work together in harmony, there’s nothing I can’t do or create.
A successful career in book publishing? Done.
Creating an amazing relationship? In process.
Having financial stability? Working on it.
Having a life that lights me up like a rocket? You better believe it!
For the lessons of 2020, I thank you.
For the growth of 2021, I appreciate you.
To the life I’m growing in 2022, watch out!
To all who’ve supported me, loved me, and helped me, I thank you.
I love you all.
Happy, lit up Ryan is coming! Watch out!
Now, who wants to rattle the foundation of humanity with me?
