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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
