Stop overthinking and take action—things only happen when you take the first step.
This year, I finally travelled more. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do but kept putting off. Over the last few years, I’ve been living vicariously through travel photographers on Instagram. Back when I had a regular job, I could squeeze in the standard four-week annual leave trip. But since going solo in 2018, and spending time building up my business, it’s been rare to just pack up and go.
At the end of 2023, I was severely burnt out and decided to take a step back from work. Instead of working in 2024, I made a choice to study—and suddenly, the door was wide open. Instead of procrastinating over whether or not I should travel, I simply booked my airplane tickets. Three international trips later, I finally got to see the world again. Turns out, all it took was actually doing it.
Celebrate the small wins; they add up to big achievements over time.
One of my personal achievements this year was finally running 5KM in one go. For the longest time, I told myself I wasn’t a runner, mostly because I never really tried. I can walk for hours without a problem, but running? That was a whole different story. This year, I decided to change that.
I bought a treadmill in March and subscribed to the Apple Fitness+ app for some structured programs. Little by little, I started incorporating running into my workouts. At first, I could barely make it to 1.3KM. My heart rate was already in Zone 5 by the end of that workout. Let’s be real—I was super unfit. By the end of March, I was up to 2.5KM. In April, I hit a personal best of 4.24KM.
Then, winter came, and I got lazy. I didn’t run for a while, but in August, I got back on track. By mid-August, I completed my first-ever 5KM, and at the end of the month, I was up to 5.5KM. In September, I ran over 5KM four times, and in October, I crushed my goal by running 6.11KM. By the end of the year, I had run over 5KM a total of 15 times.
The biggest lesson I learned was about the persistence and endurance needed to keep going and eventually reach my goal. Every step, no matter how small, counted towards the bigger picture.
No matter how much you know something, there’s always more to learn.
As I mentioned, I chose to study full-time this year. I applied on a whim in December 2023, and by mid-January 2024, I was enrolled in a Certificate IV course completely out of my comfort zone—Information Technology (IT). With a background in visual arts and design, IT felt like the opposite of what I knew.
However, I’ve always been curious about coding and programming—I love understanding how things work. Additionally, with my growing focus on digital and web design, it just made sense to upskill.
It’s funny—you reach a stale point in your career where it feels like there’s nothing left to learn. Then you dive into something new and suddenly feel like a total beginner again. It was a mentally challenging year, no doubt, but I’m wrapping it up with a whole new toolkit of knowledge and skills.
You don’t have to conform to anyone else’s expectations—it’s okay to go your own way.
Expectations—honestly, they’re the ultimate buzzkill. Whether it’s what you expect of yourself or what others expect of you, they can weigh you down. I’ve never been one to follow the stereotypical “right way” that society pushes, and sometimes it feels like I have to justify my choices to people who just don’t get it.
The “right” career, income, partner, timeline—it’s exhausting. Who has time to check all those boxes? I’d rather focus on doing my own thing and building a life that feels genuinely fulfilling than waste energy living up to someone else’s idea of success. Comparison steals joy; focus on your personal journey.
Live by your own values and purpose, not someone else’s roadmap.
Building on the last lesson, staying true to your “Why” is everything. Doing things without purpose or intention only leads to stress and burnout. I learned this the hard way, trying to live the life society expects.
Creative industries, sadly, are often dismissed. I can’t count the number of times I’ve been asked when I’ll get a “real job.” For years, I believed it. I actually wondered if I should aim for something “respectable”—i.e. a job I’d hate but paid well. After all, isn’t income the ultimate marker of success?
Spoiler alert: it’s NOT. I’m glad I stuck to my gut. Now, I get to do what I love and decide what I’m worth. I set my own hours, plan my own vacations, and have more freedom than I ever did trying to follow a path that wasn’t mine.
As I get older, I crave a simpler life.
Each year, I find myself seeking less complexity—fewer distractions, less stuff, and more space to breathe. Even my design style has shifted to reflect that, becoming more minimal and raw! Whether it’s simplifying my schedule, decluttering my space, or saying no to unnecessary commitments, I’ve learned that peace comes when things are kept simple.
Ten years ago, I was all about that “late nights, bright lights” city life. To make it happen, I moved into a bustling Melbourne apartment right in the heart of the CBD. It was literally across the road from one of my favourite night clubs (strategically!). I’m grateful for that chapter in my twenties. But as I reflect on 2024, it’s clear I’m ready to close that door and embrace a more minimalist way of living.
Set boundaries unapologetically. Saying “no” can be a form of self-respect.
I think my word for 2025 is unapologetic. I’ve caught myself saying it a lot these past few months. When I think of being unapologetic, I think of living with intention. If you do things with purpose, there’s no need to apologise for your choices—unless, of course, they’re truly terrible decisions. In that case, maybe a little apology is warranted.
Why should I apologise for how I choose to spend my free time? Or for saying no to a task that doesn’t feel right? Here’s what I learnt:
If you can’t do it, you can’t do it.
If you don’t want to do it, don’t do it.
Letting go of what no longer serves you isn’t weakness—it’s strength.
Gratitude can transform your mindset—acknowledging what you have is powerful.
I know, I know—the word “gratitude” has been thrown around a lot in recent years, especially in the mindfulness movement. But I’m here for it. Gratitude is powerful. It can shift you from a “woe-is-me” mood to one that sees the opportunities and positives right in front of you.
Sure, there are times in life when things truly suck, and no amount of gratitude can change that. 2023 was a year of many losses for me—it felt like I was grieving the loss of people, pets, and even pieces of myself at every turn. As hard as it is to go through, I think those moments often highlight the good things you already have. It’s easy to get caught up in the bad. However, when you take a step back, you’ll often find that there’s still a lot to be thankful for, even when life isn’t perfect.
Gratitude isn’t about ignoring the hard stuff—it’s about finding balance. Life is a mix of good and bad, and sometimes the hardest moments help you appreciate the good things even more.
Happy New Year
2024 has been a year of personal reflection, growth, and plenty of lessons. So, as we step into 2025, I’m holding onto these lessons and embracing the idea that growth doesn’t always have to be fast, but it should be intentional. I’m excited for the new year, and I hope you’re ready to make it a great one too. Wishing you all a very happy and safe New Year.
See you in 2025! x