This year was unlike any other I’ve had before. How, you ask? Well because for the first time in 20 years, I had the freedom to spend my day however I liked. I didn’t have to go to school, work a job, or have obligations of any other kind. I could wake up and do whatever felt right. So, that’s what I did. I did what I felt like, all day, every day, for the entirety of this year.

When I felt like playing video games, I grabbed my PS5 controller and didn’t let go until I was satisfied (or basically until I hit the platinum!). When I felt like working on the long pending project, I sat on my desk and got up only after I was finished (about 2 months later). When I felt like exercising, I took over the gym for the past 3 months without a single rest day.

Though the downside of living like this, from moment to moment, is that there’s not much I could accomplish. Well at least as much as I had hoped to!

Okay so even though I couldn’t get what I wanted from this year, 2024 gave me so much that I didn’t really expect.

The Year of Strength

Physically, I’m stronger than ever before. I can lift crazy weights (115kg deadlift), I can lift my own weight in many many forms (elbow lever, crow pose, L-sit, etc.), I can run fast and for long (12k in 83mins), and I am much more flexible too (perfected Dhanur Asana for example).

But that’s not all. 2024 made me mentally stronger. It taught me patience and perseverance, courage and resilience, and humility. I hit so many walls this year that I learned to spring back quicker and quicker.

Got ditched for the scuba trip, no worries. Had to wait for 9 months to get my course published and it’s stuck at zero sales, no problem at all. Unable to find a nice job, well, that’s alright.

I’m brushing off these setbacks like a stoic. But I did go through tremendous amount of suffering before I could finally let go. And that’s what I have learned this year — to let go with ease.

The Year of Creativity

This year, I got opportunities to get creative in various forms. I took the time to produce 50,000 words worth of technical content, 27,000 words in creative writing, a 25-minute video course, and a highlight reel for my parents’ 25th wedding anniversary.

Not just this, the preparations for the anniversary function also provided a canvas for my creativity. I designed the event logo, invitation cards, and even a photo booth with props which found their way to another wedding, and are waiting for my cousin’s engagement. It felt sooo good when random people held those props in their hands for a photograph. I felt acknowledged, valued.

The Year of Relationships

Probably the best aspect of this year. A relationship is something you can only half control. You can do your part but need to rely on luck for the relationship to work. And I, I am extremely lucky!

This year, I got to catch up with friends from USA, Australia, Canada and Ireland. Can you imagine, how rare would that be?!

But even rarer than that, I think, is being able to make so many new friends :) I made a friend at the gym. I became friends with the newly moved neighbors. I made friends during that trek in Uttarakhand. Now that is pure serendipity (and a bit of charm :P).

And the cherry on top, the highlight of this year, was that epic anniversary bash. I spent 24 hours with the complete extended family. Some of us were seeing each other after 20 years! It was grueling, yes, but equally rewarding too.

In general also, I didn’t miss a single family moment. That’s probably the biggest perk of being free and at home. That’s also the reason I’m chasing freedom still.

Phew, a longer post than usual. But a shorter post for the annual review. I wanted to cover more aspects, go in more detail. But I am tired 😅. Also, it’s tricky to tell the truth while still keeping a positive vibe when you’re not particularly excited about the progress you’ve made.

But anyhow, this was my 2024! How was your year? Did you have a good time? Let me know by replying to this email or commenting on the website. Next week, we’ll plan the year ahead 😉.

Good night!
Aachman