As the year comes to a close, it is a perfect opportunity for reflection and planning. It's time to pause and reflect on the goals that will shape the coming year. For me, 2025 will be a year dedicated to regaining and honing a skill I had neglected for over a decade: writing.
Years ago, I made the conscious decision to take a break from writing to raise my children. Those years were filled with responsibilities that demanded my undivided attention and energy. My family's needs came first, and I had little time to pursue my personal goals. Now that my children are older and more independent, my schedule, while still full, has become more flexible. This newfound flexibility enables me to set aside devoted time for writing, which I have long desired to do.
Over the last decade, I have concentrated my creative talents on art. Unlike writing, art required less mental concentration and was easier to pick up and put down. It became a safe haven for me and a means of expressing myself without the intense attention required for writing. However, as wonderful as my artistic journey has been, the urge to write has grown stronger, and I am now ready to completely embrace it once more.
This year, I took a timid step back into the world of words. I began revising and refining old poems, some of which I had written as long as twenty years ago. To my excitement, I wrote fresh pieces and sent them to literary journals. The result was encouraging: Eksentrika and Teesta Review accepted three of my poems for publication. These tiny successes have revived my enthusiasm for writing and confirmed my belief that it is a worthwhile pursuit.
As I look ahead to 2025, my goals are clear. First and foremost, I plan to work on refining my craft. Writing poems, blog articles, stories, and essays will take precedence over my art. While art has always been an important aspect of my creative expression, I realize that writing now deserves my full concentration. Writing—the process of combining words to create meaning, evoke emotion, and tell stories—is both difficult and rewarding. It requires authenticity and vulnerability, the qualities that I want to nurture in my work.
However, writing in English brings a unique set of challenges. As a non-native English speaker, I often struggle with concerns about grammar, vocabulary, and fluency. These doubts can be paralyzing, making me question the quality and originality of my work. However, I am determined to confront these fears head-on. The act of writing itself requires guts, and each sentence I write is a step closer to mastery. I'll remind myself that progress, rather than perfection, is the goal.
Another major goal for 2025 will be to build up my self-confidence. The need to adhere to external standards exacerbates the insecurities associated with writing in a third language. Many times, I find myself worrying what others want to read rather than writing from a place of authenticity. This approach stifles creativity and diminishes the joy of writing. In the coming year, I want to trust my instincts and embrace my unique voice. I will write what feels genuine to me, even if it goes against traditional conventions or expectations.
Authenticity, after all, is the foundation of meaningful writing. It is the thread that binds writer and reader, resulting in a shared experience that crosses cultural and linguistic boundaries. By focusing on authenticity, I aspire to not only improve my writing but also provide something meaningful to the literary world. My goal is to write with authenticity and purpose, whether it's through poetry that captures fleeting emotions, essays that examine personal and universal truths, or stories that combine imagination and reality.
Additionally, I intend to widen the scope of my writing. While poetry is still my first love, I am keen to experiment with other forms. Blog postings, for example, provide an opportunity for sharing ideas and reflections on a wide range of topics, from everyday observations to deep musings. Essays enable a more systematic study of ideas, whereas stories provide a platform for creativity and storytelling skill. Each form offers its own set of demands and rewards, and I'm excited to explore these various options.
This path will definitely present problems. There will be moments of uncertainty, dissatisfaction, and creative block. However, I am determined to persevere. The entire writing process, from grappling with ideas to wrestling with words and finally generating something important, is rewarding in and of itself. It's a journey of self-discovery, a way to comprehend and express my thoughts and emotions, and a way to connect with other people.
In pursuing these goals, I wish to provide an example for my children. As they follow whichever path they choose in life, I want them to understand the value of resilience, enthusiasm, and lifelong learning. By devoting myself to writing, I am not only accomplishing a personal goal but also demonstrating the importance of pursuing one's aspirations regardless of the hurdles.
The decision to prioritize writing in 2025 represents both a return to my roots and a move forward. It is an acknowledgment of the creative spirit that has always existed within me, as well as a commitment to developing that spirit in new and significant ways. As I embark on this journey, I take with me the lessons of the past, the encouragement of those who believe in me, and the hope that my words will resonate with others.
So, as the new year approaches, I am filled with anticipation and resolve. I'll write with courage, authenticity, and purpose. I will accept the challenges and cherish the successes, no matter how small. Most importantly, I will honor the gift of writing. It's a gift that has been buried for years but is now ready to bloom again.
Note: This post is my entry for the Ladies of Hive #217 weekly contest. There were two questions to choose from, and I picked the second question: "When a year ends, we should be clear about the goals or purposes for the following year — what are those goals or projects that you would like to accomplish this new year?"
That's it for now. If you read this far, thank you. I appreciate it so much! Kindly give me a follow if you like my content. I mostly write about making art, writing, life musings, and our mundane yet charming family life here in Klang Valley, Malaysia.
Note: All images used belong to me unless stated otherwise.
