Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Redefining Success and Finding Gratitude
LOOKING BACK
2024 zoomed by pretty fast - faster than I would like. There were so many things that happened from trips and adventures, meeting new people and reconnecting again with those whom I’ve crossed paths with, a lot of questioning and introspection, a wake up call to focus on my health and my family to thoughtfully upskilling as much as I could, a whole new website, revitalizing my way of shooting and editing, and a brand uplift.
There were also a few big changes which I probably would have wanted more time to process…
I thought I was looking forward to this day but this really hit me hard because this boy made me a mom, you know what I mean? For the longest time, my mom role shaped my identity as a woman and letting go has been so unexpectedly hard. Letting him make and learn from his mistakes even if I wanted to step in so badly. Seeing him navigate through hormonal changes and more complex social rules. Cementing his habits, growing into his body albeit awkwardly and so much more. I prepped myself for parenting kids but the teen years are all uncharted territory for me. I didn’t really have the time to grapple with all the big changes it brought and it took my heart by surprise.
I thought I could do it all and I think that my stubbornness and aversion to quitting staved off my humble admission to myself that I, in fact, could not do it all.
And that’s okay.
It was hard because I really, really wanted to make it work. But I realized that if I wanted to be there for my family and make my health my priority, I had to strategically choose and unload my plate.
I’ve done some photography workshops for parents, students and migrant workers on top of free portrait sessions for helpers. I’ve also quietly started a mentoring program for other photographers, whether just starting out or they’ve been in the business for a few years. And I wish I had more time to further develop these initiatives and do more of them this year but time has ran away from me. Hopefully I get to sit down and make these even better and much more available in 2025.
Moving Forward
In previous years, it was a lot about growth and doing things that challenged me. But 2024 was about laying down the bricks to prepare for this journey of going back to myself and what really mattered to me.
I know in my heart that leaning into the creative side of it all, as well as slowing it down and deepening my relationships with my client families - whether it is through our shoots or just personally as a friend - are the things I know I want to invest time in. And I couldn’t do all these if I was spreading myself too thin.
Gratitude for the Present
But before everything else, I would like to say thank you to each and every one of you for making my 2024 the best and most meaningful one ever. I think this year, I’ve truly found my people - the ones from way back and those who have found their way to me. I am so grateful to be able to spend time with those who I've captured in front of my lens, those who've attended my workshops, those who I have caught up with over coffee, and everyone else who I have messaged with and hugged when I see you out and about around HK.
