As we say goodbye to this year, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to each of you. Your unwavering support and love have been the cornerstone of our journey at Ryan Christian. I find myself reflecting on a powerful concept that resonates deeply with our journey – Misogi.
This is the ritual of standing under icy cold waterfall water for purification. This ancient Japanese practice, symbolic of challenging oneself, is akin to the essence of our brand – transformation, resilience, and the beauty of evolving.
Each December, I get into a phase of reflection and vision planning. This year, I was inspired by Jesse Itzler's take on Misogi. His interpretation isn't tied to a spiritual journey but is an endeavor to uncover our individual capabilities and tap into unseen possibilities. Completing a Misogi Challenge is a powerful reminder of our strength and the vast potential that lies beyond our imagination. It's an opportunity to reset and redefine ourselves for the year ahead.
I have come to realize that the most significant moments in life leave lasting memories, while others times just come and go, like a brief mist. I want my life to be full of these memorable moments. If I get to be an old man, I want to have these stories to enjoy. And if my life is shorter than I hope, I want to know that I made the most of it. This is something else Itzler talks about. We often make plans for many years ahead without realizing that this time is not guaranteed. If we remember that our time is short and valuable, we would live differently. We wouldn't waste time and we'd make every day count.
For 2024, I've decided to take on my own Misogi: running my first marathon in Osaka. Health and fitness is a massive value for myself and the team at RC. I love to strength train, but running is something that I have felt I wasn't made for. Running just a mile or two was a struggle. This is a big challenge for me and it makes me a bit nervous. But that's the point of Misogi – it's supposed to be tough, with a real chance of not making it. It's about facing that fear and finding out what you're really made of. I've scheduled this challenge early in the year (February) in the hopes that it will snowball to more adventures and an exciting year.
I encourage all of you to find your own Misogi for 2024. It should be something that pushes you, maybe even scares you a little, but it should be your own journey. Whether it's starting something new, taking a big step in life, or setting a tough goal, let it be a way to learn more about yourself.
I'd love to hear about what you come up with, reply to this email, share and tag us on social media or just drop us a message on our Contact Us page.
Let's make 2024 a year of big changes and great achievements. Let's create memories that last and use every moment well. Wishing you a happy holiday season and a New Year full of new starts and big changes.
Ryan
Founder & Creative Director, Ryan Christian
Here's the video if you would like to watch and guide you on your yearly planning:
Leave a comment