#51: 2024: A Year of Change, Growth, and Resilience
As I sit down to reflect on the whirlwind that was 2024, I’m reminded of how fleeting time can feel. The days blurred into weeks, the weeks into months, and now, here we are. Despite the fleeting nature of it all, this year left its mark on me in ways I’ll never forget.
Travel remained a constant, giving me moments of joy and discovery. I checked off Brunei, a country I'd been curious about for years, bringing my total to 39 countries visited. Closer to home, I ventured to Rayong, Chonburi, and Koh Samui in Thailand. Each destination offered something unique—whether it was breathtaking beaches, hidden gems, or time to reset. Even with the chaos of life, travel continues to ground me, giving me both perspective and unforgettable memories.
2024 brought new beginnings and bittersweet endings. After the closure of Conductive.ai, a Web3 startup I’d poured years of effort into, I found myself in the trenches of job applications, sending out 165 in total before finally landing a new role. The grind paid off, but the journey was anything but easy. It also reminded me how unpredictable the Web3 industry can be—and why I’m passionate about pushing forward despite the challenges.
On a more personal note, I adopted a French bulldog, Toby, who instantly became my best buddy. Tragically, I lost him in a car accident. I think about him every day. The heartbreak was immense, but the arrival of Cooper, another French bulldog, brought comfort and joy back into my life. Cooper’s antics have been a source of daily laughs, and he’s already part of the family.
In the realm of personal milestones, I completed the Google Project Management Certificate and stayed consistent at the gym, going almost every day (Sundays are for rest, after all). Fitness remains one of the few constants in my life, keeping both my body and mind sharp. I even managed to upgrade to an electric toothbrush—a surprisingly life-changing decision—and devoured 12 books this year (though I’m racing to finish the 13th before the clock strikes midnight):
This year also marked a concerted effort to improve my financial health. I managed to save a solid chunk of money despite splurging on some new Nike sneakers (you’ve got to treat yourself occasionally, right?). I also poured time into fixing up my condo, turning it into a space that truly feels like home. A new dining table, chairs, sofa, TV stand, and ceiling fan gave it a fresh look, while framed jerseys and new bathroom tiles added character. For the first time, I celebrated Christmas at home with a tree, decorations, and ornaments from my mom—a moment that meant more than I can put into words.
2024 had its challenges, too. The Chiang Mai floods—the worst in the city’s history—disrupted life for weeks. While my condo on the 14th floor stayed safe, the chaos below was heartbreaking to witness. It disrupted routines, including my ability to work from my office or hit the gym. Still, it brought into focus the resilience of this community and the importance of adaptation.
And yes, I lost a little more hair this year, but let’s not dwell on that. Sometimes, it’s the smaller moments that define the year:
Donating 25kg of clothes reminded me how rewarding it feels to give back.
Tackling health head-on with a prostate exam (not fun, but necessary).
Finding joy in the everyday, like learning to laugh at life’s little surprises, whether it’s solving a Rubik’s cube in under 3 minutes or drafting a Fantasy Football lineup.
2024 flew by in a blur of travel, personal growth, and life’s inevitable ups and downs. It was a year of resilience, gratitude, and embracing what’s next.
Here’s to 2025—may it bring fewer floods, fewer job applications, and maybe a Fantasy Football championship (I’m in week 1 of 2 for the finals, so fingers crossed). While I won’t be continuing this blog series for 2025, I’m working on figuring out another weekly project to dive into—so stay tuned. Cheers!
