2024 wrap-up
What went well, what didn't, and my 2025 focus
Is it that time of the year already? It is that time of the year already.
What went well.
I did this review.
Necessity is the mother of invention. I went from “I don’t know how and don’t like to cook” to “I do know and don’t quite mind cooking”. Maybe you are one of those who says “I don’t know how to draw”… but you can/can learn to.
Loving the long walks. The longest: my husband and I (together with our friends) walked the Camino do Santiago. Something we thought of back in 2021, back in the COVID years.
A lady was weeping in the metro, her husband/partner silently comforting her. It felt like some sense huge of loss and pain. As we alighted at our final metro stop, I followed my instinct and quietly handed her a packet of tissues. It took her a second to register what was handed to her—compassion and comfort. We looked into each other eyes, and she cried again. Without the need for words, I’m saying, I’m sorry you are sad; she’s saying, thank you for seeing my pain and weeping with me.
I painted 55 paintings and lost count of the number of sketches. So, I think my Project365 drawing: September 2023 - December 2024 is completed.
Lots of explorations, and mistakes. In art and art business.
Sweet, sweet consistency. Written and sent 12 monthly art newsletters (it was a separate newsletter from HopeMail).
Kept rerouting to be true to self, and kept seeking clarity.
Kept simplifying: life, painting, business.
What didn’t go well.
Lots of chaotic events, emotional distress and distractions. Felt at the brink of breakdown.
Didn’t have space to invest in HopeMail. Yet, wanting to write badly. Thankful for my art newsletter. But, I found that I can’t focus well on two newsletters, just one. So, 2025 will see a change.
Comparison, distraction, demotivation. The worst and best way to stall growth.
Three things to focus on in 2025.
Painting, keep strengthening my painting fundamentals and enjoy creating.
Writing, simplifying to one regular newsletter. I will consolidate Mel’s Art Community (my art newsletter) into HopeMail. HopeMail is sent every two weeks—a space where I reflect on life and creativity, share stories from my art journey, and highlight my latest works. Each edition ends with a piece of good news—because we all need a little more light in our world.
Normalising. Stabilising. Simplifying. Focus on what matters most.
What are the three things you want to focus on in 2025? Feel free to share in the comments.
With that, it’s a wrap!
See you next year!
🧡
Melinda
melindayeoh.com
Ending the year with this hymn based on Psalm 42.
-As The Deer Panteth, Martin Nystrom, 1984
🎧 Listen