Closing 2024
It’s NYE(New Year’s Eve) in my time zone, and as I reflect, this year feels like it has been utterly surreal. I’m sure I’ve had my share of personal successes and failures, but honestly, I can barely recall them. It’s not that I’m stepping into early dementia in my 50s, but rather that the larger, sweeping changes in the world seem to have overshadowed everything else.
Mr. Trump is poised to return to office. The Middle East is ablaze with conflict, adding to the ongoing suffering caused by the war in Ukraine. My original home (South Korea) was shaken by the chaos of martial law—an actual insurrection instigated by an elected president. And then there was yet another tragic accident that cast its shadow. I always believe the macros always prevail over the micros, and 2024 has been a stark reminder of just how true that is.
So, what about 2025? I believe this year will feel much more personal—not because there will be fewer macro-level changes, but because those changes will start directly impacting our lives. I see it as the beginning of an era where everyone must fend for themselves. For me, that means focusing on continuous self-improvement, which feels more essential than ever.
This year, I’m also trying to be more intentional about my actions. I’ve shifted my donations from broader platforms like ActBlue to directly supporting Senator Warren. I’ve paused contributions to some global organizations (allow me to keep those private) and redirected my focus to causes that feel more personal and immediate: Wikipedia (thanks, Elon, for the reminder), Sandy Hook Promise, and Nova Ukraine.
As for the larger picture, Mr. Trump appears more 'institutional' than his first term. Perhaps he’s learned a thing or two, but not everything will unfold as simplistically as he’s claimed. The war in Ukraine, for example, won’t end on day one. We’re also witnessing how immigration remains a divisive issue, as seen in the civil war between factions like DOGE and MAGA on H1B policies. There’s much uncertainty ahead, but it’s clear to me that 2025 will be the time to protect us from fallouts. Here’s to navigating whatever lies ahead, embracing, adapting, and protecting what matters most. Happy New Year!
