In many ways, 2025 provided so many challenges and opportunities, allowing for a deeper, more layered approach to the world we live in. Our world is changing, and often, not for the better. Over the last 365 days, life has been more complex, more exhausting, and is asking so much more of us through these transitions and nuances than it did 365 days ago.
No big deal, right?
But hey, you're here. We're here. And we're going into 2026 much stronger, whether we realize it or not.
But before we do, let's bid adieu to 2025.
As always, I'm incredibly grateful to those of you who still visit this little speck of the internet that houses my thoughts, rambles, and learnings. Thank you for taking a break from instant dopamine hits and videos, and likely the much cooler options of prepared content and indulging my humbled words. It is much appreciated.
It's the 20th annual - TWENTY YEARS of doing this! - Dome Pondering Year in Review.
Let's go.
Dome Pondering Pondy Award History
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THE PONDY AWARDS
*Crucial Moment of the Year: Charlie Kirk's Death
Okay, slightly controversial start...I get it. However, everything surrounding Kirk's killing captures the layers of our current society. Fractured politically. Influencers and talking heads stronghold in the societal space on wisdom and discourse. The grifters who capitalized on the situation. The safety (lack thereof) of College Campuses. The questioning and boundaries of free speech. Some thought he was great, others thought he was filled with hate. And of course, a school shooting (!!!) on the same day that was minimized. There was also another missed opportunity to bring our country together.
Let us not forget the murder of Melissa Hortman, the elected official of Minnesota, who, along with her husband, Mark, was murdered, which preluded this and added context to the moment as well.
All of it, was such a heavy September 10th. Crucial and so exemplary of where we are.
*World Affairs Issue of the Year: Gaza War
Another year, and the war in Gaza continues with heartbreaking images, stories, and the continued impact of divisiveness around the world.
Honorable Mention: India/Pakistan Conflict, Continued War in Ukraine, and Tariffs
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*Inspirational Story of the Year: Angola Prison Father-Daughter Dance
This one takes grace, humanity, and the human spirit into another space, especially in today's world. This event stayed with me all year, a great lesson (and test) for us.
*Random Story of the Year: Luka Doncic Trade to Los Angeles Lakers
I'm still trying to wrap my mind around this one. It came out of nowhere on a Saturday night, and we're all still scratching our heads.
Honorable Mention: Sherrone Moore Saga and NBA Gambling Cases
*Most Controversial Story of the Year: Immigration
Ideologies and policies sound great to some until they are humanized...or for some, until it impacts their bottom line. From ICE Raids to the HB1 visas, the topic of immigration has become a deeper concept that is not just about protecting the border.
Honorable Mention: Trade Tariffs and The Big Beautiful Tax Bill
*Most Overrated Story of the Year: Super Bowl Half-Time Performance Selections
I'm over hyper-politicization reaction to these selections.
Just enjoy the damn show. If you really can't get into it, go grab a bite, use the bathroom, scroll your phone...
Honorable Mention: Taylor Swift's Engagement
*Tune of the Year: "Ordinary" by Alex Warren
A beautiful song that carried throughout 2025.
*Invention of the Year: Artificial Intelligence
An obvious, right?
*Comeback of the Year: Indiana Pacers
This hurts to admit. This hurts a lot...but here goes...
All of their comebacks in the NBA Playoffs, including that...Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals...you know the game. If you don't, look it up. I'm not mentioning it or opening trauma that hasn't been dealt with.
My poor Knicks fandom. I still have nightmares of that ball dropping from the MSG sky through the hoop.
Let's move on...
*"Wishing Well" Award of the Year: American Stability
Everything in our country just feels...unstable.
Honorable Mention: Affordability and Common Courtesy
*"Just Go Away" Award of the Year: Elon Musk
Is it possible for the richest man in the world to go away? Likely not. But his involvement in just about everything, especially those DOGE efforts earlier in the year and trying to discuss matters of the everyday American...bro, just go away.
Honorable Mention: 6-7, Voting Against Your Own Interest, and DOGE
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*"Largest Fortitude Award of the Year: Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams (Astronauts Stranded in Space)
You think this world is tough? Imagine being stranded in space for 286 days! Kudos to both Astronauts and everyone else involved in their safe return home.
Honorable Mention: Yoshinobu Yamamoto in the 2025 World Series
*We'll Miss You" Award of the Year: Jimmy Cliff
Very personal selection here. An outright music legend.
Honorable Mention: Affordable Streaming Platforms
*"What Were You Thinking" Award of the Year: Closing of Federal Jobs
So many jobs cut. And so many of them, in the long run, are needed for things to operate functionally. The job market is a mess.
Honorable Mention: Government Shutdown and Mavericks Trading Luka Doncic
*"What a Shame" Award of the Year: California Wildfires and Texas Floods
2025 brought some horrific stories of devastation and loss of life with a substantial impact.
*"Welcome to the Scene" Award of the Year: Artificial Intelligence
A.I. has been around for a while, but 2025 marked the beginning of its daily impact on our lives. Education, job replacement, lack of regulation, and overall influence. A.I. is now a part of our everyday existence.
Honorable Mention: Zohran Mamdani, Cal Raleigh, Sports Gambling Consequences, and Overt Gerrymandering
*"This Should Have Been Done Before" Award of the Year: Call for Epstein Files Transparency
I cannot (and I really try to) understand why some individuals are against holding some of the most powerful people in the world responsible if they are connected to child trafficking.
Honorable Mention - Regulation of Men in Women's Sports
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*"The Incredibles" Award of the Year: Shohei Ohtani Game 4 NLCS
This is likely the greatest baseball game ever by a baseball player. Ohtani struck out 10 batters and hit 3 home runs. Incredible.
Honorable Mention: Nick Kurtz and Kyle Schwarber - 4 Home Run Games, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto's World Series performance
*"We Need to Fix This" Award of the Year: Attack on Education
At the federal level, on college campuses, or just about every day in a classroom, education in our nation is taking a hit. Acceptable standards. Mass shootings. Lack of Teachers. Over-politicalization. Mass shootings. Overall cost of education. Mass shootings.
We need to wake up.
Honorable Mention: Affordability, American Unity, Male Loneliness Epidemic, and ICE Raids
*Biggest Letdown of the Year: Pardon of January 6 Convictions
January 6th, 2021, was a horrific day. Many were convicted in the court of law for their participation and law-breaking actions. Yet, they were pardoned in this recent wave for political acceptance. Disappointing. A huge letdown for our society.
Honorable Mention: Missed Opportunities for American Unity and Removal of Fact-Checking on Social Media
*Idiot of the Year: Voters Who Voted Against Their Own Interest
As mentioned in the Pondering 10 - Most Fascinating Things of 2025, it's the most salient line I've heard all year regarding voting behavior:
There is a category of voters and voting behavior revealing that a strong interest in negative feelings toward a sector of people or policies outweighs voting for matters of self-interest.
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Photo Credit: Richard Tsong-Taatarii (My favorite Photo of the Year)
This is not a selfish pick. Even as a parent myself, I have empathy and admiration for other Parents.
With the rise of loneliness, the decline of marriages, and the overall negative feeling towards intimacy and finding belonging, it's difficult enough being an individual and caring for oneself.
Imagine having to take care of others?
Then there are mass shootings. Wars. A challenge making finances work (hello, Childcare?!), lack of trust in the sciences and the government, the attacks in the home through our digital spaces, artificial intelligence, and so much else...
Exhausting.
Imagine having to raise decent human beings?!
Being a parent is more difficult than ever. Gone are the "villages" that raised our children with the trust of others, and here to stay are the constant threats that come in various forms every single day, and the "not my child" agenda.
Parents of 2025 are absolutely super.
Keep going, parents. And let's rebuild these villages where we can.
*Pro Wrestling Show of the Year: TNA Slammiversary 2025
Best TNA show that I've ever been to. The energy at UBS was amazing. And this show launched TNA Wrestling to great levels.
Honorable Mention: WWE Summerslam Night 2
*Pro Wrestling Moment of the Year: John Cena's Retirement
The GOAT is done.
Honorable Mention: Joe Hendry's Appearance at Wrestlemania, John Cena's Heel Turn, and AJ Styles' return to TNA at Slammiversary
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*Pro Wrestling Match of the Year: Iyo Sky vs. Bianca Belair vs. Rhea Ripley (WWE Wrestlemania 41)
This one came out of nowhere. While there were plenty of matches in competition for this award, this one still stands out as the year closes. It's even better in the re-watch.
Honorable Mention: John Cena vs. AJ Styles (WWE Crown Jewel)
*Pro Wrestling Tag Team of the Year: The Hardys (TNA)
They ran away with this. They carried a company, and had plenty of memorable moments.
Honorable Mention: FTR (AEW), The Young Bucks (AEW), and The Elegance Brand (TNA)
*Female Pro Wrestler of the Year: Iyo Sky
Iyo Sky was absolutely solid this year. Every major event it felt like she somehow stole the show or was part of the main memory of said show. A solid year for "The Genius of the Sky".
Honorable Mention: Becky Lynch (WWE), Mercedes Mone (AEW), Toni Storm (AEW), and Jacy Jayne (NXT)
*Male Pro Wrestler of the Year: John Cena
It was his year, period. GOAT wrapped it up. No contest.
Honorable Mention: Joe Hendry (TNA & WWE), Dominick Mysterio (WWE), Cody Rhodes (WWE), Mike Santana (TNA), "Hangman" Adam Page (AEW), and Trick Willliams (NXT)
*Sport Event of the Year: MLB World Series
Sheer drama. Unbelievable series.
Honorable Mention: NHL Stanley Cup Finals
*"The Derek Jeter Flip Play" Award of the Year: Miguel Rojas Throws Home
The World Series was on the line...literally! Stumbling back, he makes the play to save it for the Dodgers and break the hearts of Canadians.
Honorable Mention: Miguel Rojas World Series Home Run and Andy Pages World Series Catch
*Coach of the Year: Paul Maurice (Florida Panthers) and Dave Roberts (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Two coaches who led their teams to back-to-back championships.
Honorable Mention: Mark Daigenault (Oklahoma City Thunder) and Becky Hammon (Las Vegas Aces)
*Team of the Year: Florida Pathers and Los Angeles Dodgers
Ditto on the Coach of the Year - copy and paste for Team of the Year. Dominant.
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*Dome Pondering Athlete of the Year: A'ja Wilson
What a year it has been for Wilson. Women's basketball always centers on something other than the game, too often. She has been the very best for well for years.
Yet, 2025 somehow managed to be different. Wilson continued her dominance, but that dominance came together this year like no other.
- MVP (her 4th)
- Defensive Player of the Year (her 3rd)
- WNBA Finals MVP
- Enters the University of South Carolina Hall of Fame
- Signature Nike Show announced
A'ja is now more than the diehard basketball fan's secret obsession. She's known among the casuals and a household name. Earned. Deserved. Legend. One of the best of all-time.
2025 was the year of A'ja.
Honorable Mention: Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
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THE FINAL COUNTDOWN...
2025 added depth through discernment.
The year began with the rolling theme from 2024 of “stay real.”
For me, that blended into a year in which I turned forty, bringing with it a natural reflection and life benchmark.
At 40 years old, and for 2025, an authentic me meant two things - discipline and consistency. How can I become more prudent in my life, and how can I make it endure?
What does discernment look like in my life?
For the first time in a few years (of which I can remember - I am forty), my goals weren’t static and were more fluid in my approach to life. How can I become a better husband? Better Father? Better leader? Better Person?
How can I get the most out of life? Am I currently doing that?
Damn, turning forty changes a dude.
Being genuine comes with the understanding that people are complex. How do I engage every encounter with grace and empathy? How do I do that on my worst days when I’m tired? Or when I'm lacking patience? Or in a season of adversity?
- Staying in my faith. Praying more.
- Listening plenty. And on days where I'm short on patience...listening more.
- Staying the course with integrity. When shortcuts and exits present themselves...to keep going.
- Choosing to be present, even when you need an escape. Showing up, again. And again. And again.
These sound great, but I was extremely intentional in applying myself in those moments.
I did certain things, over and over…and over. And over, and over...
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid- Proverbs 12:1
As the year ends, I’m also still figuring some of it out. As noted, a lot of this is fluid, ongoing... The chase is still there. I'm comfortable admitting that. 2025 was less about making sense of things in the world and more about becoming a better person and more prepared within it.
The world is changing - we all see it. We know it.
Discipline and consistency lead me to my approach and refinement of what discernment looks like in my life in 2025.
The following are some other topics or drivers that were salient in my 2025. In no particular order:
Chasing Wisdom
At the end of 2024, true purpose in life had a fiery burning curiosity for me. There were legit times I flirted with apathy in specific areas - what’s the point of this?
You chase so many goals, climb a few societal mountains, and get to the point where I am in life, and you silently wonder - is this all?!
Do not say, 'Why were the old days better than these?'For it is not wise to ask such questions.-Ecclesiastes 7:10
2025 led me to slowly go through three key books in the good Word, which served as a foundation for so much of the year - the book of Ecclesiastes, the book of Job, and Proverbs.
Those three books helped place life in perspective, in what routinely feels like an exhausting world.
I really loved my time working through Ecclesiastes. There's so much you'll unpack for yourself...
People are Complex, Nuance is Beautiful
As mentioned above, it was a year of continually leading with grace and empathy.
What I discovered was that there is also a very tight balance between those two, and how you protect your peace.
I've given some people far too much control in my space, in valuing their expression of me, and what they expect from me.
In a world cluttered with this-or-that scenarios, I've fallen in love with nuance.
People are complex. Nuance is a beauty within that complexity.
Integrity Matters
Integrity in the smallest areas makes the biggest of changes.
I’ve leaned into that. It's really become more than just a Scareface quote. With age comes some wisdom...
"All I have in this world is my balls and my word, and I don't break 'em for no one,"
Moments Are My Currency
My favorite parts of 2025 were the moments.
Seeing and connecting with a lot of friends I haven't hung out with in a while; exchanged texts or direct messages with others I haven't connected with in years (for a few, decades); or simply re-engaging or re-starting an abandoned message thread text - all of them were refreshing and fulfilling in their own way. Those restored relationships, no matter how long they lasted, I greatly appreciated each moment.
There are also tangible ones...
The car rides with my mother, and the stories she has shared on those trips when we find ourselves stuck in NYC traffic. Again, it's the nuances I learn about her life (and my dad's life) - it's a much different conversation that we have in this stage of our lives.
Watching my oldest son earn his yellow belt, enduring and passing a grueling belt test.
The sight of my youngest son running to the door with excitement as I entered from work every night.
And my absolute favorite...
I attended so many wrestling events with my oldest son this year. I'm certain it will stay with him for the rest of his life. Many of those trips, and the car ride back home, were wholesome and awesome.
I know they'll stay with me.
I'm so driven by ensuring those core memories for myself, family, and those I've connected with in this life. I feel like I've missed or overlooked many in the past few years. But more than just providing them and recognizing them, I am making sure I take the time to be in the moment and appreciate them.
Oh, take the time to waste a momentOh, never ask to be forgiven"Waste a Moment" by Kings of Leon
Being IN these moments has become my life currency.
Gratitude
I'm big on gratitude. You already know that if you follow this site.
Through so many of the things mentioned above, even the trials and challenges not discussed here...
I continue to be so incredibly grateful for this life. Just so incredibly grateful for it all.
As 2026 approaches in a few short days, authenticity remains steadfast in my soul.
Stay real, yo!
In a world centered on influencers, influencing, and influences, I hope you, too, can explore opportunities to cultivate an authentic version of yourself. Whatever that may look like for you.
In 2026, how will you find discernment?
Happy New Year!