A year in review - 2024

My first post here calls for an introduction I suppose.

After months or rather years of procrastinating from what I can only justify as self-doubt, I am (finally) here with my first post and it’s more of a personal one with my reflections from the year. Broadly, I intend to use this space to share my journey of personal and professional explorations, and things I find interesting and learn along the way. The aim is to help at least one other person or at the very least have a documented archive for myself.

So without further ado, here’s my 2024 in review.

A habit I seem to have caught on to, perhaps from the endless hours I’ve spent watching productivity YouTube or listening to personal development podcasts, is that of doing routine reflections and reviews to keep track of how I’m progressing and mainly to recall things from the time gone by.

Lighthouse at Galle Fort, Sri Lanka

As I sit to write this, I find myself unable to neatly sum up this year. 2024 was quite confusing, challenging and yet rewarding. From starting the year expecting to hit the pedal with my business ventures to the reality of its slowness kicking in, to now when. its beginning to make sense. From turning 30 and taking time out being by myself to being fully present for big and small life events of those closest to me. And from being the obsessive over-planner to seeing how doing the exact opposite of that was what helped me. It was a year that taught me that we don’t (always) need to have a well-written, categorized and organized plan — cause things hardly ever work out that way.

So from a year filled with paradoxes, and not being quite what I wanted but (maybe) what I needed, here’s a not-so-random list of 10 things:

1. Travel — I did a cute little solo trip to Sri Lanka for my 30th birthday (just casually unpacking a few milestones here), but this was hands down, one of my most peaceful, well-planned and ME trips. Met some of the nicest strangers, enjoyed great meals and got to spend more time by the beach. (Travel stories and guides coming soon!!)

   
   

2. Professional Bridesmaid on duty — Being able to show up for big life events of the people closest to me was one of the biggest highlights this year. Learning, teaching and performing choreographed dances at Sangeets, giving a wedding toast, or simply being the errand girl. Only love.

   
   

3. Book — The Midnight Library by Matt Haig — in a time of being in denial about all the ways in which my life changed with moving countries and whatnot, I found this book giving me an interesting (and dare I say, optimistic) perspective on regrets. (Spoiler alert: What stood out to me was how the book explained our life as a series of events following each decision, the outcomes of which we cannot predict ahead of time. As such, one different decision, could mean that out life could play out in a entirely different way, changing everything around us, and perhaps leaving room for something more undesirable).

   
   

4. Playlist — Not going to lie, I’ve binge-watched a fair share of TV shows this year (both old and new — looking at my 18th re-run of ‘The Office’ 🤭), and this inspired me to create a TV show theme songs playlist that I’ve played on repeat. P.S. I named it 'Binge Watch'.

   
   

5. Coffee — Me? Obsessed with coffee and coffee shops? (Ask the 628 coffee memes my friends shared with me this year 😂). My favourite this year was the dark roast from %Arabica. Quick side story — my friend nearly missed her flight while running to grab a bag of these beans at the airport for me, and I couldn’t be more grateful 🥹.

   
   

6. Learning — Storytelling Workshop — I love to learn new things and attended a storytelling workshop. Walked away with some neat tricks and story structures that can be used in many contexts (even for corporate work) and some creative approaches to content — hopefully, this will be visible in the coming posts.

   
   

7. Purchases — I am not quite sure how this item fits in this list, but I’m low-key obsessed with the smell of lavender. This Bath and Body Works candle called ‘Lavender Cedarwood’ is my absolute favourite and one that I have re-purchased over and over again this year.

   
   

8. Consistency — While the year largely felt slow-progressing, I was able to maintain a consistent 170+ day language learning streak, courtesy of Duolingo. The app is rather aggressive, but does gamification really well. It’s a habit I’m carrying into the next year.

   
   

9. Food — Been a good year for food experiences, to say the least. From exploring popular joints in my city and travels, to whipping up my signature dishes and trying new recipes — it’s been a tasty year. Some dishes that are making my mouth water just thinking about it — Thai Green Curry (from Khmer Kitchen in Bangalore, India), Miso Ramen (from Naru Noodle Bar in Bangalore), Mango Prawn Curry (from Friends Cafe in Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka), Chicken Ghee Roast (from Shetty Lunch Home in Kundapur, Mangalore), Masala Dosa (from Bengaluru Cafe), Cacio-e-Pepe Pasta (from Roxie in Bangalore), my signature (if I can call it that) Tava Paneer Pulav (recipe coming soon!), and honestly the list goes on.

   
   

10. Philosophy — Between curiosity and certainty there is growth — I’ve learned to embrace the questions more than finding the answers, and that comes with an odd sense of comfort in the spaces of not knowing.

A Middle Eastern Breakfast at XVA Cafe, Al Fahidi, Dubai (Fattoush, Turkish Eggs and a Mezze)

In summary, stepping into a new year, I am trying to take lessons from both, the things that have worked for me and those that have not. Instead of looking at 2025 as a clean slate, a space to write a perfect new story, I am taking it as a continuation story with its existing dents and imperfections and the ability to make it through.

I’d love to hear about your year, a highlight, something you’re taking away or anything you might want to share. Leave a comment below, I’d love to chat!

And here’s to taking up space, making uncomfortable choices and being more authentically yourself.

Thanks for reading :) See you soon! <3