Looking back and dreaming forward
Planning my 2024 freedom roadmap
It’s that time of year where finally I am able to take a step back, enjoy the sunshine and breathe.
So much has happened since I left my 9-5 in June:
I started freelancing, and have billed over AED60,000 since August (~ $16,300).
I wrote, illustrated, designed and published two children’s books using AI. I was amazed by the result so I decided to teach others who might be interested.
And so I launched my first online workshop on how to create, illustrate, design and publish a children’s book using AI in 90 minutes, and sold 24 seats that made me ~ $1000.
I’m afraid to do the math on how much I have spent on learning and growing since August. However, not a penny has been in vain and I will continue to spend to grow in 2024.
I attended the UN Climate Change Conference COP28 as a journalist, a life experience there. Never have I seen such a big event of global consequence in action, first hand. I learnt more than a thing or two not only about environmental science and climate action, but also about journalism and public relations.
I got Shingles (yes, wtf) that put me in a reasonable amount of pain for about 4 weeks.
I wrote my first research report, something that I have never done myself before.
I worked with some fantastic people who pushed me out of my comfort zone but in the best way possible.
We celebrated Diwali in India, and my cousin’s wedding. My parents and brother visited.
I spent much more time with my kids which has been wonderful and exhausting.
I have not felt so much joy and fatigue at the same time!
What I have learned:
I am 100% motivated to design my own life where I work doing something I love, whilst having the freedom to plan my own day.
It is 100% possible to sustain such a lifestyle, I just need to hone in on my direction and be intentional about my actions.
A growth mindset is the cornerstone of success in anything you choose to do. And, with everything around us changing at an unprecedented rate thanks to emerging tech, the sooner you embrace it, the faster you will achieve whatever you set out to.
There are no shortcuts to success. Discipline, grit and persistence is required every single day, to move forward.
I am okay not having much of a social life at the moment; in fact I have no bandwidth for it. I am happy in my bubble at home, with a couple of friends and my community interactions here (with YOU! :)
I have no space for anything that isn’t good for me, or doesn’t serve me. This sounds selfish, and it is.
I don’t need to ‘earn’ rest. That is a recipe for burnout. I find this hard to practice, but know that I must. We are often way too hard on ourselves.
Quality time with the kids is much better than quantity time, for both the relationship with your kids and your sanity!
It’s okay to build your boundaries, even with your kids.
It’s imperative and should be a non-negotiable to fill your cup first. No one can keep giving from an empty cup.
I am getting older, and am possibly peri-menopausal? I need to look after myself better if I want to age better both physically and mentally. That means more rest, more sunshine, more movement, better eating, and more of saying no to energy depleting tasks.
What’s in store for 2024?
My priority for next year is building my own ‘thing’ that will not only generate income, but also nourish me and make a positive impact on others.
What is that ‘thing’ I’m not entirely sure yet. I have a lot of ideation and design thinking to do.
I’m also going to prioritise designing my business around my life rather than just freelancing to hit some income goals.
I am lucky and full of gratitude that I get to do this with the support of my amazing husband.
Grateful for this community
My journey to designing my own life started with the launch of this newsletter. Today 718 of you subscribe to hear from me. I love love LOVE that we are building something here!
None of this would have happened without this community!
I thank you all from the bottom of my heart of allowing me in space in your inbox and being on this journey with me.
Some things on my mind moving forward are:
Building a stronger community by getting to know you better
Launching a podcast and perhaps getting some of you on it to share your knowledge!
Publishing more books and maybe publishing together?
Getting AI to help work better and faster
I will keep you posted :)
That’s all for now.
I wish you all a wonderful holiday season!
All my love,
Abha
PS: If you want some fun winter printable activities for your kids, I made a whole bunch of them here.
PPS: If you want to start your AI journey by learning how to write, illustrate, design and publish a children’s book using AI in 90-minutes, you can get my course below here at 50% off for my newsletter readers only :). Discount valid till December 31, 2023.
USE CODE WMC AT CHECK OUT
