Thanks to my little assistant ChatGPT, I’m able to write this post with question prompts about what kind of a year 2024 was. A lot of things happened last year, but at the same time I feel like I was just writing about my West Coast trip last Christmas in my previous entry.
Will I ever get tired of whining about how time flies in this blog? It feels like it’s the only way I can truly grasp how time just passes like nobody’s business. Like, who gave time the audacity to go by so quick?
What was the biggest highlight of your year?
I think it would have to be my Bali trip last June where I had a big reunion with my childhood best friends—my core C.O.F. as how we used to call it: core circle of friends.
It was also the first time I’ve been back in Indonesia since the pandemic, which was interesting because Bali and Jakarta were the last out of country cities I visited before the lockdowns happened in 2020.
It was so good to finally see my best friend, Noemi, who moved to Bali for good at the beginning of 2024, and have some bonding time before she becomes a new mom and enters a new stage in her life. At the same time, I also got to spend time with Carissa before she moves to the U.S. for good as a newlywed! Plus all the Indonesian food we got to eat, don’t even tell me about it.
Bianca (and her husband, Chris), Patrick, and I flew in from the Philippines, while Norv and Patty came from Jakarta, and Gabby and his wife traveled from Australia as part of their own family reunion trip. It’s difficult to explain without dedicating an entire chapter to it, but in essence, the people I grew up with during my formative years in Jakarta all came together as adults to celebrate life before hitting several life milestones. It was bittersweet as we continued to leave our childhood behind.
Another highlight would probably be getting to meet and spend time with online friends IRL in Hong Kong last October! They have been my constant chat buddies from the thick of lockdown up to now, and our friendship has truly transcended the four corners of the Discord app.
What is one challenge you overcame?
Personally, learning to say no without feeling guilty has been a big milestone for me. A huge part of me is a people pleaser, and every time I turn down a social event, a work project, or a favor I can’t commit to, it used to eat me up inside. But this year, I’ve learned to let go of that and put myself first. Is it an age thing?
Another challenge I overcame this year was losing a freelance client I had been working with since 2019—essentially a significant chunk of my extra income and a secure freelance gig. They needed to take a break to realign their business offerings, so hopefully, it’s not a complete halt.
One challenge I’m still working on is being overly critical of myself, downplaying my professional achievements, and struggling with imposter syndrome. But 2025 will be the year I actively work on this.
What is a new skill or habit you learned?
Expounding on what I wrote above, I’m not sure if it can be considered a new skill or habit but I felt like I am really coming into terms with being okay to say no to things or situations that don’t serve me. I used to be so much of a people pleaser back then and always want to say yes or concede to avoid conflict or to make sure I don’t put myself in a negative light or situation, but I’ve really gone deeper into learning how to listen to myself first, which could mean saying no or even disagreeing to a lot of things.
What was one thing you’re proud of last year?
Honestly? Always just proud of making it through the year. Even though I’m so hard on myself mentally most of the time, I still manage to insert little pockets of grace that I award myself at times, and I think that’s enough.
