2025: A Year to Remember

I’ve been thinking about writing a “Year in Review” for a while now. Much like my top books series, this tradition started as an Instagram post, but it has since outgrown the format.

I want to emphasize that this is a highly personal summary. This post covers the areas I find most meaningful and focuses on achievements and moments of joy and happiness. While I won’t ignore life’s challenges, my goal is to highlight the positives — what I want to remember — rather than dwell on dread, despair, or disappointment.

This year marked a personal milestone as I celebrated my 31st birthday. While turning quarter a century might seem daunting, it was an opportunity to reflect on how much life still has to offer.

Creativity played a big role this year. Writing has been a deeply rewarding experience, and I plan to dive deeper into this creative outlet next year with another book focused on business & digital management.

What is holding you back from making this season one to remember?

• Fear of trying something new?
• Doubts that you don’t have what it takes?
• A limiting mindset that says it can’t be done here?
• Bad habits that short-circuit your success?
• Lack of skills in a certain area?
• An unwillingness to change?

Remember that the toughest opponent you ever face in your life is yourself.

Most people unwittingly limit, prevent and sabotage their own success. It’s not others who are holding you back, even though it’s much easier to try to blame them. We usually are our own worst enemies. We get in our own way much more than others stop us from being successful. The question is not, “What is holding you back?” The real question is, “What self-imposed obstacles must you conquer and breakthrough to reach your goals?”

Most importantly it has made us realise how we should value what we have, when we have them; be it things or people. We often tend to take our lives, people around us, our family, our friends, our career, our wealth and our health for granted.

It’s time we value our today and all the people who make our today so wonderful. Tomorrow is an unseen, unheard concept; tomorrow may never come.

This year wasn’t without its sorrows. I experienced the loss of dear friends and mentors, including my family. While their absence is deeply felt, their impact and memories live on. These moments reminded me of the importance of cherishing time with loved ones and celebrating their legacies.

I am determined to make this year a year to remember and a year more fruitful than before by setting clear goals, trying new things, nurturing relationships, prioritizing my health, and maintaining a positive mindset. I am excited about the possibilities that the year ahead holds and am committed to making the most of it. I am confident that by taking these steps, I will be able to look back on this year with pride and satisfaction.

A Man and His Beautiful House

I have to tell you, I've become obsessed with reclaiming a zen space in my home. Like a lot of working teenagers, I tend to get focused on job obligations & home chores.

A comfy blanket makes all the difference in the world! The right blanket for that space entices you to cozy on down with good book and let your stresses float away (for a little while, at least).

I do not think it's too much of an overstatement to say that a warm mug of whatever is your pleasure (hot chocolate, coffee, or tea) is a must have in your zen den. Whatever warm drink is your favorite, keeping it warm just got a ton easier with a mug warmer.

This is not some secret hideout behind a hidden wall, which slides away to reveal itself, like in some thriller novel. It is simply a cosy niche outside my bedroom window on the second floor, looking out into the green garden below and beyond that onto the bustling street.

This is my favorite spot in the whole house. It is my private retreat that just lets me be for as long as I wish to be. That is, till some one realizes that I am missing and comes searching for me! By now, of course, my family has discovered my little hideaway and knows where to find me if I am not to be seen around. But that doesn’t stop me from retiring into ‘my space’ whenever I am in need of some solace and solitude.

I love laying in this spot to read a book, listen to music, or just take a nap. I also love looking at the clouds as they pass by. Sometimes you see the clouds take on different figures or faces. It's like being outside without actually being outside. It's hands down the best spot in the house.

The room is very useful to study, have a rest and converse or discuss about a lesson, and watching Netflix. In the room, I have a tiny electrical table lamp on my desk. I always turn on the electrical table lamp to study in the darkness like night for instance and I don’t want to leave it in lighting after i finish studying. Beside that, there is a television to entertain me when I am dizzy or bored. Then in my room there are some Kpop Musical Band pictures on the wall. So I feel so comfortable to enjoy staying in my lovely room.

Here, I reach for my favorite books, their words transporting me to places unknown. Here, I scribble down my fragments of thoughts that bubble in my mind. Here, I immerse myself in melodies, eyes shut, singing my favorite tunes, letting the music weave its magic around me.

I hope one day when I get a house of my own, I can have a similar spot. It is such a peaceful and relaxing spot.

And I’m certain you have such a magical corner in your home too. Tell me, where do you retreat when the world feels too overwhelming? What do you love to do in your cozy sanctuary?