Words to Future Me 

As we step into 2025 (because, let’s be real, the Chinese New Year always gives us a second chance to hit the reset button), it feels like the perfect time to reflect on what I’ve learned in 2024 and, of course, offer a few pearls of wisdom to my future self: 

My Realisations: 

  • Life is an experience – pain is also part of the package. – It’s all part of the deal. If you’re not learning or growing, you might be stuck in a loop. 
  • Everything changes. Be okay with that. – The only constant in life is change, and maybe your Wi-Fi password. While you can’t control change, you can control how you respond to it. 
  • No matter what happens, the Sun will rise again tomorrow. – Even if it’s running late or hiding behind clouds for a bit.  
  • Expect less from people, and you’ll always be pleasantly surprised. – Unless you’re waiting for them to return your Tupperware. In that case, don’t hold your breath. 
  • The world is a grand makeshift troupe. – I’m doing the best I can, and honestly, I’m already doing better than most. 
  • The best way to overcome anxiety is to take action. – Waiting for the perfect moment is like waiting for your laundry to fold itself. Spoiler: It won’t. 
  • I am perfectly imperfect. – If people don’t like me, that’s their problem. I’m not for everyone, and that’s fine by me. 
  • Happiness hormones: Dopamine can be triggered by eating your favourite food, serotonin from quality sleep, oxytocin from strong social connections, and endorphins from exercise. In short: eat well, sleep well, socialise well, and exercise well. If you can do all four at once, you’re basically a happiness ninja. 
  • When a door closes, a window opens. – And if you’re lucky, it’s a window with a great view and no construction noise. 
  • Sometimes, all it takes is 8 minutes of a friend’s time to change everything when you’re feeling lost. – Eight minutes is the perfect amount of time to vent, cry, laugh, and maybe even analyse what went wrong in your favourite TV show. 

My Expectations for the Year Ahead: ‘Rehabilitation and Transcendence’ 

  • Focus on the present. And if you have any spare time, think about the future. But never, ever dwell on the past. Don’t cry over spilled milk—it was never meant to be yours anyway. 
  • Remember: ‘It’s okay.’ – No matter what the universe throws your way. And if the universe throws a pie, well, at least it’s something sweet. 
  • Less is more. Get ‘lean’ and ‘agile’ in all aspects of life. This applies to both your physical health and your closet (we’re looking at you, overstuffed drawers). 
  • Go out more, meet more people, experience more, and have fun. Because if you don’t, you’ll find yourself binge-watching your life away—not the fun kind. 
  • Try to use the gym more and build muscles. – I mean, “try” might be a strong word, but at least aim for being able to lift the grocery bags without straining your back. 
  • Read more books—at least one per month. It’s time to finish that book you started… in 2020. 
  • Continue writing your book and finish it this year. The world isn’t going anywhere, and neither is your book. Let’s get this chapter wrapped up. 
  • Build more pillars in life. When one pillar snaps (not because of your weight, obviously), the others will still hold you up. 
  • Sail full speed towards your goals, and your goals only. The world is full of distractions; focus on what truly matters. 

OK, so 2024 was a disaster – but luckily, there’s still a chance. 2025 is the year of resetting myself, embracing whatever comes my way, taking on new challenges, and maybe – just maybe – finishing that book. I’m going to laugh, love, and live a little louder than usual. Here’s to all the fun we’ll have!