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.
What I didn’t do well or enough is to network with real-life poets in the city…but that’s a goal for another day! Good luck in 2025, Khaya. Hope your adventures continue!
Thank you for this honest post. I am glad that you found joy to counterbalance the sorrow and that you came through with your sense of humour intact.
My year is littered with unrealised projects.
Our years had unexpected outcomes, and we keep on writing nonetheless, moving forward (and backward), and connecting with our networks online. Happy new year.
Wishing you a 2025 of joy and delight, Khaya ✨️. Love your authenticity ❤️.
Happy New Year, Khaya <3 I hope 2025 is much kinder to us all.
I enjoyed reading your year in review and found many points of commonality.
Here are two: “enough to build a small kingdom of sticky notes” and “I prefer following threads of curiosity over fleeting trends” The first made me laugh. I’ve had to limit my sticky-note consumption because they don’t grow on trees, and I am with you on following curiosity. Any alignment with trends is a coincidence. Thank you for the wonderful share, Khaya and the literary and blog connection this year. I look forward to growing in those regards with you. Best wishes to you in 2025! 🥂
“I learned that self-repair isn’t about fixing everything. Sometimes, it’s about knowing when not to fix anything, including yourself.” I love that. It’s such a rarely heard twist on the idea of self-improvement, and so true of much of the process of healing.
“I choose to give myself grace.” Another beautiful line and what a gorgeous gift, my friend. Thanks for sharing your years. I always find wisdom in your words.
I love your honest assessment of your year. And I am especially excited about the foodie part.
Every year, I tell myself I’m going to be a more “professional” author, do more of the business stuff. Once again, I did not secure an agent. I did not establish a mailing list. I did not create a bunch of marketing materials. I wrote and edited and lived in my stories.
I like the sincerity you express all your goals of 2024. I feel related to you about given away free time, it is not easy. I do it just for two festival per year. I learned, but is not easy. I know how it feels to live in Finland and not give away your free time.
Best wishes for 2025!
Certainly, one of the wonderful ways to foster deeper connections with other poets is through face-to-face poetry conversations. Here’s to meaningful engagements with fellow local writers in 2025! Happy New Year, Rajani!
Thank you, Mariss. I wish you a year of abundant creativity to finish all those outstanding projects! Happy New Year!
How lovely to see you here, Rebecca! Thank you. May we keep moving forward and also embracing backward movement, as we continue to write and strengthening our connections online! Happy New Year!
Thank you so much, Natalie. I try to keep it real…and I love the way you show up authentically, too. You’re a superb model. Wishing you a year filled with abundant adventures and stories to share! <3
Many thanks, Kathy. <3 Indeed, let’s hope for a kinder year for everyone.
Thanks, Michele. Glad you find some points of commonality… 🙂 I appreciate you, and value our literary and blog connection. May we continue to grow, writing alongside, in 2025! Happy New Year!
Many thanks, Diana. It means a great deal to me that you find wisdom in my words. <3 Here’s to wishing you abundant creativity in 2025, and as you continue to enchant with the stories you write. Looking forward to your upcoming book!
Oh, Christina! Thank you. To grow as writers, I believe, we need an honest assessment of our strengths and areas that need improvement. I’m in the same boat with prioritising business stuff, marketing and so on. Let’s turn this around in 2025, as we embrace and strengthen ways (approaches, tools and platforms) that work for us to share our writing! Happy New Year!
You’re very welcome and I am excited for all of it! Thank you!
<3 Thanks, Khaya. I always find wisdom in what you write. And thanks for the cheers on the new book too!
<3
<3
I love the self reflection and exploration! All the best for the new year!
I have quite a bit of catching up to do with you as well, Khaya! 2024 was a bit of a roller coaster ride. I like you reference to self-repair. And we all need a good pair of shoes, too.
I am glad to hear you came through the gall bladder operation successfully, and have found joy in food again. Wishing you all the best in 2025. The new year is a blank slate, the possibilities myriad.
Peace in 2025, Khaya. It’s all about trying. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again!
Hey Lavinia! Thank you for stopping by and catching up with my musings. I appreciate it. 2024 was a roller coaster ride, indeed. And yes, as you so well put it, a new year offers renewed hope and a multitude of opportunities… Wishing you all the best, too. Take care!
Hi Maryann, lovely to see you around. Yes, we’ve got to get up, shake off the dust, and try again. Thank you for this important reminder. May we all find peace… the world desperately needs right now!
I am still on the roller coaster, but possibly see the end of the ride.
thanks for visiting my site. I would be thrilled if you’d write a guest blog post for my site. If you think it might be fun or helpful to have my followers (who total about 10k across my various social media) meet you, here’s the link for general guidelines:
https://wp.me/p6OZAy-1SOc
Thank you, da-AL, for extending the invitation again and your vote of confidence. I promise to be in your inbox soon.
Wonderful! Whenever you’re ready or if you have questions please email me at contactdaal@gmail.com