I close 2024 with a bang, literally. I tripped over a wheel stop in the shopping centre carpark, falling face-first and hitting my forehead on the hard surface. The weight of my backpack exacerbated the fall, and the loud thud sent my husband into a tizzy. I heard panic in his voice as he tried to pull me up.
Sometimes, the sound is louder than the impact. Even with a sizeable bump on my forehead that hasn’t fully disappeared, there was no need for an ambulance. The injury wasn’t severe. I simply sat down to regain composure while applying a pack of frozen peas to reduce the swelling

After easing my husband’s concerns about a possible concussion, we proceeded to our accommodation. And I spent the whole day resting, as we decided to cancel our sightseeing plans. We could talk about poorly designed spaces, and places where pedestrian safety is clearly not a priority. My focus, however, is on the significance of that incident, not to blame designers or architects.
Because there’s always something bigger than me
We were winding down our trip in Thailand and getting ready to head home in time for New Year’s celebrations. Sporting a gigantic bump on my forehead felt like the universe was having a good laugh at me: You think you’ve got your word for 2025 figured out? Focus on what is right in front of you!

I’d been quite pleased with choosing “responsibility” as my word for the year. It stemmed from a desire to let go of a strained familial relationship that had weighed on me. I’d finally accepted I’ll never get an apology. Hence, taking responsibility for my feelings and actions made sense and was the way to go for me this year. Taking responsibility for one’s own actions is still important, if you ask me.
Anyway, my fall highlighted a few things: the importance of focusing on things within my view and surroundings, appreciate my support system and take time to rest.
Because there’s only so much we can do
The world voted in 2024, and some predicted a post-election hangover in 2025. The sheer volume of international issues, coupled with new leadership and policies, creates a sense of overwhelm. Where does one start? Which cause to fight for?
You’re not required to save the world with your creativity. Your art not only doesn’t have to be original, in other words, it also doesn’t have to be important.” — Elizabeth Gilbert
I’m not advocating for an “all-or-nothing” approach. But I’m simply suggesting that we adjust our focus and attempt what’s within our capabilities, rather than spreading our efforts thin. Activism is super important, because it provides us with a sense of agency and connectedness. However, we can only do so much.
I also suspect noise pollution, with digital gravel slung in all directions and the messaging on how we are not doing enough, doing it wrong, etc., will reach a new high. So, I’ll share a poem by Hanif Abdurraqib, How Can Black People Write About Flowers at a Time Like This, I return to repeatedly when I feel the pressure to write about serious matters rather than the seemingly frivolous pursuit of beauty.
Because small can be part of the whole
Did you know that skiing demands more than just fitness? Yes, that’s right; skiing requires more body awareness, mental focus, and the right equipment. However, even with the small percentage of fitness required, one couldn’t just pick up the skis and sail downhill. You still need to be strong and flexible to enjoy it, and not injure yourself.
I believe incorporating this mix into our daily lives could prove helpful. That is, periodically, check in with ourselves and ask, “Do I need a break? Am I focusing on what matters? Is my current equipment still suitable for the task?”
Writing is part of my essential equipment. Yours might differ, but the idea is the same. So, we can use what we already have, no matter how insignificant it might seem, and keep contributing what we can to the ongoing discourse.

Anyway, this is a long way of arriving at my word, focus, for 2025. But here am I, trying to focus on what is, not what if. Perhaps, like a skier on a slope, by concentrating on our surroundings, adjusting to changes, and filtering out distractions, we can maintain our sanity during these unpredictable times.
PS. You can read this article, The world in 2025, to learn about issues shaping international agenda this year.
PPS. Feature image taken at Levi Ski Resort.
UPDATE: My website has been down (inaccessible) for an entire week due to web hosting issues. If you’ve been trying to reach it, apologies for the inconvenience.