It’s December 31st as I write this…well, as I begin to write this anyway. For the past few days, weeks, months, and years, I’ve experimented with various ways to share my thoughts. I’ve tried social media, videos, blogs, photos, etc… I’ve been kicking around the idea of blogging again, so why not write at least one for the New Year. So here goes.  

You would typically expect an end-of-year blog post to start with some reflection. Like this: As we end another year, it’s essential to take a moment to reflect on the things we’ve achieved and be grateful for all the good that has come our way. From there, I would drone on about the glorious path of hopes and dreams I’ve pinned down for the coming year. Don’t get me wrong, I have a lot to be thankful for, but that’s not my style. Expressing gratitude should be a more significant part of my style, and I am actively trying to improve. I’m just not there today.

So, let’s look ahead to 2023 because there is nothing you can do about the past wins or losses of 2022 except to learn from them and move on — those outcomes can’t be changed. But you can do something about the way things go THIS year. With 2022 in the rearview, I’ve learned a few things. 

The Universe is Infinite

I often dream about the Universe and what’s out there beyond Earth. So this year, when I stumbled across a documentary on Netflix called, A Trip To Infinity, I was in! 

I am absolutely blown away by the idea that the Universe is infinite in size. Before seeing the film, most of us would agree that the Universe is infinite. Or, at the very least, you’ve heard it said and never really thought about it beyond; wow, infinity is pretty big. But how big is that? This means there is no end to the number of galaxies, stars, and planets, and the distance between them is also infinite.

The concept of infinity is difficult for me to fully comprehend. It’s difficult for any human to understand! The concept of infinity is beyond the limits of human understanding. The Universe has no bounds and no end. It goes beyond the finite and measurable limits we are used to dealing with in our everyday lives. I am fascinated by the idea. When I think about the Universe, I cannot help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the thought of an endless expanse of space and all of its possibilities.

Since this is not a movie review, I’ll simply say, watch it! If you are into science or astrophysics or are some sort of a geek in the least, you will not be disappointed. I loved it, and after watching the trailer, I think you will too.

Artificial intelligence (AI) Will Not Take Over The World

At least not yet. I don’t know about your feeds, but mine are full of AI content. If you were the type of person living in your own bubble, you might think EVERYONE is seeing this content, and the AIs are about to take over. Keep Calm and Party On. Let me tell you what to expect. 

Now, the AIs being developed and available for access today are incredible tools. Like a hammer, it’s up to you, the human, to wield it properly to get the outcomes you expect…no, the result you prefer. 

Let me give you an example from a design point of view. A designer could use AI to automate tasks that are time-consuming or repetitive. For instance, a graphic designer could use an AI-powered tool to quickly generate multiple design variations based on a set of design parameters. This can save the designer time and allow them to focus on more creative tasks.

Another way AI can be useful for graphic designers is through machine learning algorithms. These algorithms can analyze large datasets and identify patterns and trends that a human designer might miss. This can be particularly useful for tasks such as data visualization, where the designer tries to convey complex information in an easy-to-understand format.

I hope you get the point. AI is just like computer programming has always been: garbage in, garbage out. This is like when personal computers first came on the scene, and everyone freaked out. Sorry to those reading younger than Gen X who didn’t experience this. For the rest of us, we learned the computer was a tool. A valuable and powerful tool. AI is only capable of producing what we tell it to. Today. Stay tuned for future events, but I am not predicting Time’s Person of the Year 2023 to be AI. 

I’ve Learned A Bit More In 2022

Please don’t walk away from this read thinking all I learned or cared about last year was AI and the Universe. There is much more to say, but I’ve realized I went on long enough for this post. Fortunately, somewhere between the start of writing this piece and actually publishing, I discovered the blogging challenge thanks to my good friend Peter Kaizer. I saw a social media post of his that said, “Bring back personal blogging in 2023. We, as a web community, will be all that much better for it.” – definitely on my to-do list for 2023.” It was linked to this article on The Verge.

As we look ahead to the new year, it’s natural to have some uncertainty and anxiety about the future. But with a positive attitude and a willingness to embrace change, we can tackle whatever challenges come our way.

Here’s to a bright and prosperous new year filled with opportunities for growth, connection, and joy. May we all find the strength and resilience to overcome the challenges that come our way and make the most of every day.

Wishing you all a happy and healthy new year!