On Targeted Focus

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

An image of the culprit: a wheel stop / parking bumper

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!

An image of a forest in winter

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.

An AI-generated image depicting a woman skiing downhill

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.

The Courage To Admit: 2024 in Review

With 2024 drawing to a close, I thought I’d take stock before I pop a bottle of champers. Because it’s safe to say this has been another turbulent year, filled with widespread global unrest, among other things. The impact of these events is profound. But I refuse to end this year on a glum note. Instead I’ll end with a chuckle and a moment of self-reflection.

So, early this year, I set ambitious creative goals—classic me, stuck in the cycle. But I’m here to admit that I bit off more than I could chew, failed to prioritize, and didn’t account for life’s curveballs. Anyway, no self-criticism here, but a rundown of my 2024 creative escapades, in no particular order:

I didn’t create a masterpiece in 2024, and that’s perfectly fine!

I wrote a mountain of words, enough to build a small kingdom of sticky notes and scribbles. I dabbled in all sorts, from navel-gazing stories to wildly experimental fiction. I consumed enough content to make my brain a walking, talking magazine stand. And as for publishing? Let’s just say my output wouldn’t overwhelm a thimble. Turns out, writing is about the joy of creation, not just chasing those tiny moments when the world actually reads your stuff. Plus, it’s way easier to impress yourself than an editor.

Created with Gencraft, the image depicts a writer’s exciting escapades

Confessions of a poet who didn’t submit a single poem this year

Now, I’m going to contradict myself… I’d love to say I wrote poems purely for my own joy, with no intention of sharing them, but that would be a lie. Besides practicing self-affirmation, I still crave validation within the traditional publishing space, geek over poetry with other lovers, and expand reach beyond my tiny blog. And let’s face it, shiny awards don’t rain down on self-published poets! The poetry world is a bit old-school like that. But, this year, I’ve been like someone who wants to win the lottery without buying the ticket. Go figure!

A year’s worth of sketches

I was surprised by how easily I could manipulate lines into different shapes. I’m talking about “How to Draw 101”, good people! I’ve always joked about my inability to draw, claiming I couldn’t even if my life depended on it. That’s all in the past, now. Go ahead, have a good laugh at my success! But I’m pretty proud of my sketches.

My outstanding sketches! 😀

The art of saying ‘no’ to trends

I prefer following threads of curiosity over fleeting trends, even if it leaves me outside the mainstream. Back when tweeting was the hallmark of a ‘serious writer,’ I opted to listen to the birdsong instead. The same way I find the hourglass rhythm more soothing than quick “tick-tock” loops. Nonconformity may be my art form—and possibly my downfall—but hey, fame isn’t for everyone.

The wild thing I called ‘art’ this year

Smartphones made us all photographers, and now AI turns us into art directors with a single prompt. Count me in! I openly acknowledge my extensive experimentation… That said, I still favour older photographic techniques. But as a writer, it’s the stories behind the shots that hold the greatest allure. Hence, finding beauty in everyday life, both near and far, has been my most rewarding artistic pursuit this year. See an example here!

Inflatable boat and long-tail boat at Kata Beach in Phuket, Thailand

What I learned from giving my time away for free

The concept of a literary citizenship can be as grey as a cobblestone street; beautiful in theory, uneven in practice, and likely to trip you up if you’re not careful. Giving your time for free can feel like walking barefoot down that street. Though initially appealing, the lack of creative solitude eventually becomes agonizing, like walking on rough stones that grate on your feet. What I learned this year is that even cobblestone streets require defined boundaries or at least, I need a good pair of shoes.

A rekindled passion I kept mostly to myself

After losing my gallbladder earlier this year, I developed a prolonged fear of food. But when the appetite returned, my travels turned into a buffet of adventure. I became a fearless foodie, diving fork-first into exotic dishes with stories as rich as the flavours. From the hidden culinary treasures of Europe, like Croatian black risotto, to authentic Thai street food I couldn’t pronounce, let alone spell. If it looked intriguing or even mildly suspicious, as long as it was fresh, I was game and naturally expanded my waistline. I intended to write about my food enthusiasm, but I’m still privately savouring the experience.

A simple, delicious and satisfying fish dish

How romance novels saved my reading habit in 2024

This year, I regretfully read fewer books than usual. Modern stress, endless distractions and overwhelm kept my attention as fleeting as a bad Wi-Fi signal. Every time I tried to commit to a book, I found myself sneaking glances at my phone, resulting in flings that were shallow and unfulfilling. Luckily, my obsession with happy-ever-afters saved me. Romance novels featuring characters who look like me, behave like some of the people I know and settings or places I could relate to, worked like magic. As a writer, I draw inspiration from these stories, which go beyond mere entertainment. Special thanks to authors like Alyssa Cole, Jane Igharo, Vanessa Riley, and more, for the revival. Btw, if romance isn’t your usual genre, this article dispels some myths about romance fiction and might change your mind.

2024’s unfinished projects: my art graveyard

Returning to my sticky-note kingdom, Google Keep became my art graveyard—so much untapped potential just gathering digital dust! But there’s hope. Because, if 2024 offered a glimpse into the future, artists will have no choice but to pick up the metaphorical chisel and get to work! Enough said.

Piecing together stories to be reborn in the future. Pic created with Gencraft.

The art of self-repair: my word for 2024

In 2024, life delivered a spectrum of emotions, from profound sorrow to unadulterated happiness, with a lot of beige experiences in between. Looking back, my guiding word “self-repair,” quietly influenced both my creative work and personal life. I learned that self-repair isn’t about fixing everything. Sometimes, it’s about knowing when not to fix anything, including yourself. Repairing (aka healing) involves remembering yourself, expressing your needs and releasing what doesn’t benefit you, much like donating those old college jeans.

Yours truly, practicing the art of looking! Pic courtesy of my travel companion.

In all, rather than focusing on the frustration of unrealized ambitions, I choose to give myself grace. I hope you do, too! And oh, if you’d like to share that one thing you didn’t achieve in 2024, I’m all ears. As you can see, I’m not in a position to judge. 🙂 Please do share!

With that said, here’s to 2025, another chance to realign our values and become the better versions of ourselves!

PS. Feature image taken from Teide National Park, Tenerife, Canary Islands.

On Spreading Some Holiday Cheer!

It’s been a year of profound contrasts – the sharp sting of sorrow interwoven with the sweet taste of extraordinary happiness, in seemingly equal measure, for me. Regardless of my own experiences, global issues such as poverty, conflict, and displacement continue to affect countless lives daily.

As the gap between the haves and have-nots widens, I’m reminded of this wisdom: people won’t remember how busy you were or how much money you made, but how you made them feel, the time you gave, and whether you kept your word. In the end, people remember your character.

A catamaran sailing at sunset

As we know, the holidays often heighten mental health challenges, including loneliness. That’s why the gift of our time can make a difference in someone’s life. Perhaps, rather than buying possibly unappreciated gifts, we could some spread holiday cheer by spending time with those who need and might appreciate our company.

For instance, sharing quality time with loved ones, volunteering at a homeless shelter, or hosting dinner for friends or those away from home can be mutually beneficial. There are countless ways of creating meaningful connections and celebrating the holiday with dignity. Try it, you may find spreading cheer deeply rewarding!

This year, my husband and I have ditched the family holiday traditions and opted to explore beauty in the Land of Smiles. Because, of course, we all ought to give ourselves the same gift of time. Do what makes you happy instead of constantly fulfilling other people’s expectations. I can’t tell you how incredibly freeing and rewarding this experience is!

A village next to Mai Khao Beach in Phuket

On that note, I wish you a splendid holiday season, however you decide to spend it!

Happy Holidays, Good People! ♥

PS. Stay tuned for my last blog post, a self-deprecating review of my word “self-pair” and a look back at 2024!