Reclaiming Joy, One Tile at a Time

Reclaiming Joy, One Tile at a Time

2024

What a year.

Absurd. Emotional. Reinvigorating.

This year felt like I was adding tiles to an evolving mosaic. Some pieces gleamed brightly, others were cracked or unexpected, but together, they formed a picture that I’m proud to call my own.

Life, as a mosaic, is never perfect—it’s a collection of moments, choices, and experiences that collectively create something unique and beautiful. Each tile holds its own story, and the process of arranging them is as meaningful as the final piece.

The metaphor of a mosaic resonates deeply with me because it's a reminder that even the broken pieces have their place. They add texture, contrast, and depth, transforming what could be seen as flaws into essential parts of the whole.

As I reflect on the past year, I’m struck by the variety of tiles I’ve added to my life’s mosaic—the radiant ones that shine with accomplishment, the cracked ones that taught me resilience, and the unexpected ones that brought surprise and joy. Together, they tell a story of growth and transformation.

Looking Back: My 2024 Mosaic

The Mines Adventure

Me, in the driving seat of a mining excavator - thankfully an out-of-commission machine.

Who knew I’d trade my dual screen monitors for high-vis gear and steel-capped boots? Spending three weeks on a mine site was a plot twist I didn’t see coming, but what an unforgettable chapter it turned out to be!

My mission: assist with onsite change and IT support for connectivity after Whitehaven Coal acquired new mine sites.

The stakes? Transitioning 2,500+ people, implementing a shiny new SAP ERP system, and integrating 150+ applications across two massive Queensland coal sites—all within a tight six-month deadline. No pressure, right?

Adapting to 8-12 hour night shifts felt like a brain chemistry experiment gone wild. But amidst the surreal landscapes of colossal machinery and the camaraderie of the site, I learned this golden rule: "Safety first." It wasn’t just a motto—it was a way of life. Support and kindness were woven into the fabric of daily operations, ensuring everyone felt looked after.

And the highlights? Visiting the coal basin sites and witnessing the scale of operations firsthand. Seeing the immense beauty of raw coal seams and getting to ride a pink ‘Hello Kitty-eque’ mining truck, I have to say was a bonus. But truly the resilience and amazing team spirit I saw there onsite was like nothing I’ve ever experienced—a tile in my mosaic that gleams with awe and appreciation.

Nature’s Call: Camping and Hikes

Serene moments before the scramble and rock parkour attempts.

If chlorophyll could course through veins, I’m convinced I’d have some. 2024 became the year where camping gear and instant noodles over a campfire became part of my personality. Bungonia’s stunning river gorges, hilly vistas, and star-studded night skies quickly became my favorite getaway.

But nature had other plans. My partner and I went in with no expectations and left with a story straight out of an adventure movie. Picture this: scaling boulders, skirting fragile landslide slopes, and navigating treacherous terrain, armed only with sour patch gummies and twiggy sticks for sustenance.

?Netflix, if you’re reading this, we’re ready for our adaptation.

This wild escapade taught me that sometimes getting lost—literally or figuratively—is the best way to discover resilience, teamwork, and unexpected joy.

Climbing, Running, and the Olympics (Sort Of)


Seeing that beautiful blue 'Finish' banner - who knew such a beautiful sight could exist.

Outdoor climbing (my first attempt!) alongside the riverside bay in Sutherland tested my limits, while City2Surf’s 14 km run had me imagining every kilometer was the last. Fitness highs were accompanied by a fair share of injuries, courtesy of arm bars during BJJ training. I earned another stripe on my BJJ blue belt and dabbled in imagining myself as an Olympic archer, courtesy to the adrenaline inducing wins of the Korean women’s archery team — what a powerhouse performace!

And then there was the 7 Bridges Walk—a 28 km trek over six hours with my dear friend, raising awareness for cancer. Walking across Sydney’s iconic bridges, one step at a time, reminded me of the power of endurance and the joy of achieving something meaningful together. My calves may have been on fire, but my spirit was soaring.

Adventures in Adulting

2024 wasn’t just about adventures in nature—it was about navigating life’s curveballs with a (mostly) straight face. Dealing with tricky tenants who missed every payment and then pulled a full Jason Bourne disappearance act? Oh, the saga. Let’s just say I’ve earned my first-time landlord badge, complete with a new appreciation for insurance protections.

But life wasn’t all rent roll drama. It was also the year I nearly lost my dog (false alarm, all is well!), dabbled in pottery, and fell head-over-heels for Woolies Jam Cream Long Johns (zero regrets). I even entered a slow cooking phase, where my experiments in pulled beef and pork took over my weekends—and my kitchen compost bins.

Scratching my Travel Bug

Mount Fuji

Japan? Checked off the bucket list with flying colors! I now understand why everyone I know went to Japan this year. The streetscape, the food, the people – it was like a magical Studio Ghibli film come to life. And not to mention, walking almost 20 km a day taught me the priceless value of a spiky foot massage ball—seriously, a lifesaver! And Vietnam? Imagine this: dawning on a long flowing ao dai dress, closing down a whole street to setup a pop-up restaurant and witnessing my cousin and his bride at a traditional Vietnamese wedding - it felt like I stepped into the most heartwarming rom-com ever. Both adventures were packed with culture, charm, and unforgettable moments.

Creative Pursuits

One of my favourite photographs taken in 2024 - on Cockatoo Island

2024 was the year I rediscovered the joy of capturing life’s moments—whether through journaling, filming, or photography. Creative cross-training became a refreshing shift, as trying out new mediums opened up new ways to express myself. I embraced imperfection and found genuine enjoyment in experimenting with different forms of creativity, from writing and drawing to creating short videos.

As I found myself willing to experiment more, more ideas began to take shape. I found a love in dissecting and creating cinematic films and brainstormed concepts for a documentary series. It felt like the beginning of something exciting and meaningful. Watch this space ~

Lessons and Moments Learned in 2024

  • Biggest Lesson Learned: Progress isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up, learning, and taking small, consistent steps forward.
  • Best Sub-$100 Purchases: A Spikey Foot Massage Ball – a game changer for foot recovery, especially after intense travel or long walks.
  • Helpful Frameworks Learned This Year: Treat every quarter as if they were annual reviews to maintain focus and alignment.
  • Mistakes Made This Year: Energy management is more critical than time management; focus on replenishing and using energy wisely.
  • Favorite Content: Books - Lady Tan’s Circle of Women and Clytemnestra, Podcasts: Scam Influencers and Morning Brew, Helpful Website: Coolors – a user-friendly tool for generating harmonious color palettes.
  • Life Insights #1: Presence is the best gift; being fully present in conversations and interactions adds priceless value.
  • Life Insights #2: Self-doubt can coexist with progress; you don’t need to feel fully confident to move forward.
  • Life Insights #3: Creativity needs space; unstructured time often sparks the best ideas.
  • Life Insights #4: Gratitude amplifies joy; focusing on what you have shifts your perspective positively.
  • Practical Advice #1: Scratch your own itch: Build or create something you personally want or need and then share it.
  • Practical Advice #2: Draw a line in the sand: When you don’t know what you believe, everything becomes an argument. Everything is debatable. But when you stand for something, decisions are obvious.
  • Meaningful Moments: Prioritising meaningful connections enriched life through mentorship, shared laughter, and presence with loved ones.
  • Journaling unlocked unexpected joy, providing a creative and emotional outlet.
  • Positive Habits Started This Year: Reading for 30–60 minutes daily, maintaining consistent morning and evening routines, including exercise, meditation, and self-care, Regular 5k runs and tracking sleep for better overall health.

Looking Ahead: Shaping the Mosaic of Tomorrow?

As I look ahead, I’m excited to continue crafting this mosaic, adding tiles of purpose, growth, and connection. The beauty isn’t just in the finished work but in the care and intention behind each piece. What kind of tiles will I add next year? How will I show up in the moments that matter? These are the questions I carry with me as I step into a new chapter.

I invite you to reflect on your own mosaic. What tiles did you add in 2024? Were there moments of triumph, lessons from challenges, or unexpected joys that enriched your life? The opportunities to shape our mosaic are endless, and each decision we make is an opportunity to create something special and beautiful. Let’s keep building.

Happy 2025!

Hope you enjoyed that read! Want to revisit some old goodies?

Check out last year's rewind article here:


Litsa Roberts

Principal Consultant | Enterprise Architecture | Enterprise - Digital - Data - AI - Tech - Leadership, Strategy, Architecture, Value, Results | Value-Driven Data & AI Strategy | AI Value | Value Maker | Advisory Boards

2 个月

Happy New Year, Julia! Happy 2025!

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Jason Tung

Assurance Associate at EY

2 个月

What an amazing journey you've had in 2024. It has truly been a mosaic full of opportunities for growth and adventure for the both of us! Can't wait for what this year brings for you!

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