It’s been quite a while since my last post, more than two years, to be exact. Every year, I promise myself to write more, but I haven’t managed to fulfill that promise. Typical me, lol. Hopefully, this year will be different.

For me, new year is always a time for contemplation and reflection. Classic, but it’s also the perfect moment to set resolutions, though I’ll keep those private. Instead, I want to share some reflections from the past year. Since I’ve always treated this blog as a journal, a Daydreamer’s Journal since day one, I hope this post can serve as a reminder for my future self. Up to this point, alhamdulillah, we’ve done well and have much to be grateful for.

2024: A Year of Challenges and Opportunities

2024 was full of lessons; every moment spent, opportunity seized, connection made, and even every mistake offered something to learn. Every experience had something to teach me. One thing I love about being Muslim is how we’re always encouraged to see the good in everything. There is always hikmah behind everything. If something goes well, we express shukr (gratitude). If things don’t go as planned, we reflect, learn, and grow. Nothing is ever truly wasted, every challenge is either a test or a stepping stone.

So, here’s what I learned from last year…

• Opportunities can come from anywhere, embrace them.
  One Monday morning on my way to work, a friend told me about a short course opportunity in Australia. Although the deadline was only three days away, I managed to complete the application, and I got accepted! Alhamdulillah. That opportunity didn’t just give me new knowledge and perspective; it introduced me to one of the most supportive networks I’ve ever been part of. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best chances come unexpectedly, and saying yes, even when the odds feel slim, can lead to something amazing.
• Manage the expectation and always have backup plans .
  Last year, I had the chance to handle one of my company’s event, that outside my usual expertise. I worked with an event organizer, but things didn’t go exactly as planned. While it wasn’t perfect, the attendees were happy, and the event was still a success. That experience taught me an important lesson: when handling something beyond my expertise, it’s crucial to seek help from the right people, but also to manage expectations and have backup plans. No matter how much we prepare, things can still go wrong. It’s impossible to please everyone, so the best approach is to calculate risks, and adapt as needed. Mistakes will happen, but as long as we learn from them, they become valuable stepping stones for doing better next time.
• Spend more time with those who matter most.
  Family, friends, or anyone I try to make time for them. Alhamdulillah, I got to spend more time with my parents and family last year, even traveling together. Life moves fast, and we never know how much time we have with our loved ones. The same goes for friendships and networks. I’ve made an effort to rekindle old friendships, broaden my network, and stay in touch. Maintaining these relationships matters for me. We never know how a single conversation can bring new perspectives, opportunities, or simply the comfort.
• Learn more about my culture.
  During a business trip to China, I often had lunch or dinner at a round table, sharing stories about our cultures and customs. That’s when it hit me, I barely knew how to explain my own Indonesian culture. I struggled to find the right words, not because I wasn’t proud of it, but because my understanding was so shallow. It made me realize how important it is to truly know my own roots, not just for myself but also to share them with others. Now, I want to learn more about Indonesia’s rich culture and heritage.
• Stay active.
  At the start of last year, I was pretty active and managed to work out regularly. But as work got busier, keeping up with my workout routine became a struggle. When my schedule is normal, it’s easy to stay consistent, but during hectic times, it always seems to be the first thing to go. Looking back, I’ve realized that health isn’t something I can put on the back burner. So, I want to make it my priority, be more active, and fix my lifestyle for the long run.
• Rediscover old hobbies.
  Painting always helps lift my mood, and I’ve realized how important it is to have hobbies that bring you joy. For me, one of those hobbies is painting. I’ve always loved impressionism, artists like Van Gogh, Monet, Seurat, Pissarro, and Sisley have always inspired me. Their use of color and light just speaks to me, and without even realizing it, my style has shifted towards impressionism too. I love how it lets me express myself.
  Last year, I picked up painting again and went back to my childhood favorite medium: pastels. It’s been a great way to unwind and stay connected to my creative side.
• Give back to the community.
  When the opportunity to give back to the community came up last year through CSR activities, I didn’t hesitate to say yes. My team and I spent a few days at a university in Kalimantan, teaching undergrad students about our field of expertise in the construction industry. It was such a rewarding experience to share our knowledge with the next generation and see their enthusiasm. Giving back like this not only helps others but also reminds me of how much we’ve learned and how we can use that to make a positive impact.

Through these experiences, I’ve come to realize that life is a journey, unfolding in chapters, each with its own lessons and opportunities for growth. 2024 was one of those chapters, filled with moments of learning, gratitude, and personal growth.

Adios 2024. Xièxiè.