by Michael Krieger, Liberty Blitzkrieg:

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.

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