At the end of 2024, a rather busy year filled with 8-to-5 (or 8-to-8 again) workdays, short courses, business trips, and conferences, I remember joking with my colleagues that I wouldn’t take on too many side activities in 2025. After all the fun and chaos of 2024, I promised myself that 2025 would be a chill and slow year.

But then 2025 came with an unexpected twist, one that completely redefined my so-called “chill year.” What was meant to be slow quickly turned into another roller coaster ride. Thrilling. But also fun. I took the challenge and chose to enjoy the ride anyway. The rest of 2025 became a path I had never crossed my mind before.

I had to adapt to unfamiliar ground, build new connections, and learn new skills. Rather than leaving my comfort zone, I chose to expand it. It wasn’t always comfortable, but as long as there was something to learn, I embraced it.

Through all the changes, some things remained constant: coffee, reading, and painting. When everything else shifted, these small constants kept me steady, grounding me and quietly reminding me that we are more than our roles.

What I Learned in 2025

1. It’s okay to let go of a plan and enjoy the ride anyway.
My “slow year” turned into a roller coaster almost instantly and I decided to ride it anyway. Chasing the thrill, and yes, the occasional adrenaline rush. I learned that plans are useful, but they shouldn’t be rigid. A bit of flexibility allowed me to stay open, present, and even enjoy paths I never planned to take.

2. We always need to embrace a beginner’s mindset.
Becoming a beginner once again reminded me that there is still so much to learn and that growth often begins with humility. I now try to see myself as a work in progress: a continuous learner, a student of life.

3. Hobbies are anchors when everything shifts.
When routines and expectations changed, coffee, painting, and reading remained constant. They grounded me, gave me space to think, and helped me to keep going.

4. Don’t joke too much with colleagues… the universe might be listening. (kidding)
What I really learned is to be more mindful of the words I throw, even casually. Sometimes jokes have a funny way of turning into reality or at least into unexpected twists.

2025 didn’t unfold the way I planned, but perhaps that was the lesson. Not every year is meant to be predictable and that’s where the fun is.

Some years teach us how to move fast.
Some years teach us how to slow down (or, ironically, move even faster).

For all the rides, thrills, and adrenaline rushes 2025 offered me, I’m deeply grateful. What felt like unfamiliar ground at first slowly became a space for growth. For me, 2025 will always be a year of redefining.

Hola from a beginner, once more.
Let’s ride into 2026 and embrace the unexpected.

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.