Thank You For The Blessings, 2025!

Today, I woke up more grateful and hopeful than ever before, chosing faith over fear. Whilst seeing 11:11 once scared me, today I was brave - I prayed and recited my affirmation instead- one thing that I promised to bring into the New Year.

2025 was a year of many possibilities and pleasant suprises for me. Of course, there were a few uncertainties and small challenges along the way, but they were  a speck compared to the blessings that I received. And for this, I am feeling proud of myself for finally trusting the process and believing that the universe will provide. Below are the highlights of my year and the reasons why I am grateful for 2025.

Firstly, I was able to go home to celebrate my father's 80th birthday. I am very grateful for this opportunity, and thankful that although he is not the healthiest 80-year old, he was doing quite well. Needess to say, it was really good to spend time with the rest of my family and my friends. I was also glad that for the first time ever, I collaborated with my brother in one of my instagram reels. It was fun to shoot with him because although he complaind a lot, he still obliged. It was also an honour to feature our humble farm in this reel.

Another thing that I am grateful for this trip was the opportunity to visit Dubai again. Dubai has become a regular stop whenever I go back home, as I now have a reason to visit- to see my nieces (Erlie and Cleng) and my nephew (Moel) whom we missed on this trip.

Back in the UK, I am grateful for everything that this beautiful country has given me in the last 25 years. Despite the many challenges, I am still here- thriving, resilient and stronger than ever. Although I have no biological family here, I found the love and care in J, his family and my closest friends. For this, I am deeply grateful.

Having constant people around me who consistently infuse positivity and help with my personal growth has been one of my biggest blessings in 2025. I am blessed to have friends who continue to believe in me and stand by me with unwavering love and support. I may not be  that rich in material things, but I am reach in genuinely kind people- people I can rely on even in the most challenging times.

I am grateful for friends from the past whom I may not see regularly, but when we finally meet, we automatically just pick up where we left off. I was very happy to see some of my university friends last year.

And of course, my friends Mai and Small came back to London- this time only to eat at Dishoom- and I am not joking. :)

Needless to say that I survived the first year at work. I won't pretend it was easy- it was not the job itself that was challenging, but other factors that at times hindered my effectiveness as a leader and manager. Saying this, I still believe that I was prepared for this role.

Of course, it would have been far more challenging without the colleagues who encouraged me to keep going, and who stood by me during challenging times. To be honest, being in this position can often feel isolating and lonely, which is why it was and still is important for me to surround myself with like-minded people, who share the same goals. There are a few individuals at work and I am focusing my energy on them, rather than those who create unnecessary noise and disruption.

Last year, I was able to travel locally and abroad a  few times and I am deeply grateful for that- some trips with J, others with friends. Travel has been a significant part of my life since I overcame my fear of unfamiliar places and people 25 years ago.

At first, I was hungry for travel, going to as many places as I possibly could as if I was in a competition. Over time, I realised that travelling is not about how many places I have been to, but about how I connect with a place- how I immersed myself in its culture, how I listen to its moments and how I listen more closely to myself. This is also why I love returning to places I have visited before.

Travel became less about consumption and more about conversation. Now I travel simply not to escape life in London, but to pay closer attention to it. Even if I document my travels, I try to do so as a way of remembering and reflecting, not collecting.

2025 saw my instagram account grow- not necessarily in number of followers but in the depth of connection with fellow creatives. Their engagement and support meant that I was able to collaborate with some businesses in London and even abroad. To be honest, I've found more support from the community I built on social media than my personal networks- and that is okay. I am just grateful that this platform introduced me to a lot of incredibly kind and caring people. Some I have yet to meet in person, whilst others I had the pleasure of spending some time with last year.  In a time when building genuine online relationships is not always easy, I feel truly blessed to have connected with these people.

From dreaming of becoming a fashion blogger 20 years ago, to becoming, well, a social media influencer apparently. Honestly, I am still uncomfortable calling myself an influencer because I don't feel I have quite reached that status yet. However, whenever I visit restaurants and get contacted by businesses, they consider me one. So, I guess I just need to get used to it. I am incredibly grateful that these businesses actually trust me. It took me twenty years to realise this dream, not in fashion as I once imagined, but in a way that still allows me to share my passion with people all around the world.

Behind all the blessings that came my way last year were some health scares that thankfully, remained just that. In January last year, I found myself in Accident and Emergency twice due to unexplained chest pains, accompanied by dizziness and shortness of breath. Spending six to eight hours in A&E was not fun in any way, however I needed the reassurance that I was okay. Thank God there was nothing serious and I reamined fit and healthy since.  

This year, I pray for nothing but good health-  for myself and everyone I love. 

I hope and pray that this year will be better for all of us- that it brings healing where it's needed, peace where it's been missing and the courage to keep believing that all our dreams and wishes can, and will come true.

Tintin x