Lin's Perspective

The year has gone by, but the lessons I’ve learned remain. So, I would like to share with you what 2024 taught me.

This year was not easy for me, although it was the most memorable one since our daughter came into the world.

1. Not finishing something you started is not the end of the world.

We are often taught that we should finish what we start, at least where I am from. However, there comes a time when one should look after himself and decide what battle is worth fighting for. And really, some of the things we start and do are not something WE wanted, but rather the people around us. So, yes, do not feel guilty if you ever end up in this situation, and simply ask yourself if it is worth it and if you want it. I know it is cliche, but life’s too short for useless things.

2. Give in to your emotions, it is OK not to be OK!

Ever since I became pregnant, I’ve been overwhelmed with a whirlwind of emotions and was fearful about whether we would make it through, especially given the complications I faced during the pregnancy. I’ve always been someone who tends to bottle up my feelings, absorbing everything like a sponge until I can no longer contain it, and this would greatly affect my mental and physical health. This experience has forced me to confront my emotions and share with those around me what I’m going through, including my fears about the possibility of not making it through this journey.

3. Read the books YOU want to read, do not be afraid to DNF!

There was a time when I never would have thought of not finishing a book, but as we age and life passes, I just won’t waste my time on books I do not enjoy, and I could care less about what others might think or say about that.

4. Don’t postpone calling or visiting a friend or a loved one…

Unfortunately, I lost a friend and my only great-grandmother in 2024 unexpectedly. My friend and I wanted to organise and meet with each other, so I could introduce them to my husband and just catch up on life, our baby on the way, as we had not seen each other for almost a year. We were planning to go visit my granny once I felt better due to the difficult pregnancy I was having, but this time never came, and I never saw nor heard them again… Therefore, I now make sure to call the people I care for and check on them, as we never know when it will be the last time.

5. Appreciate the little things.

Again, this is so cliche, but I am guilty of not appreciating the small things that add up to the bigger picture. I am ever so grateful to my husband for every little thing he did and is doing for us. Not only this but just going for a stroll and stopping and listening to the birds chirp or to the street cat coming in for a pet is worth so much.

6. Learn to save up, but also don’t be a penny pincher.

Knowing how to save up for a rainy day can come in handy, especially nowadays when our economy is so FU, and everything is costing an arm and a leg, but at the end of the day, we live once, so we might as well every now and then indulge in something you love, be it that book, or that art class you always wanted to own and attend, or simply just buy that expensive thing you saw… Just do it

7. Yes! You can eat that piece of chocolate!

Nothing else to add here.

8. Ask for help, do not be ashamed.

If you are anything like me, then you have been doing everything on your own without expecting any help from anyone and are probably too ashamed to admit or accept a helping hand from a friend or a family member. Do not make this mistake; we can only take so much, and this is why we have our families and friends. The ones who care will help.

9. Ditch the people in your life that only cause you pain and misery!

It is about time you unfriend that person who only writes back when you write to them first, or that one who is always criticising every little thing you say or do, or that one who is never there when you need them most. It does not matter if they are a friend or family; just ditch them, it is for the better.

10. SMUT is not for me!

With all due respect to all of you out there who love this genre, it ain’t working for me. I mean, I am not offended by the explicit language or anything like that; just I find it does not contribute to the plot at all.