Nostalgia and new beginnings

If you’ve been following along from my last newsletter, you’ll know I’m currently in Malaysia with my family, soaking in a much-needed holiday. Even though it’s my first time visiting this beautiful country, the sight of the towering, brilliantly lit Petronas Towers brought a wave of nostalgia.

I first encountered these twin marvels years ago, not in person, but on a postcard. It was sent by a friend—now my aunt—who hails from Malaysia. At the time, I hadn’t met her in person. She introduced herself, her country, and the Petronas Towers in a beautifully written note. The postcard itself was stunning, but standing before the real thing took my breath away. It wasn’t just the towers that moved me—it was the memory of my aunt’s pride in her home and how that connection, so many years ago, brought me back so many memories.

And that’s the funny thing about nostalgia, isn’t it? It has this sneaky way of wrapping up not just one memory, but a whole bundle of moments from the past. The towers reminded me of my aunt, which reminded me of my college days, my hometown, and the friends who made those years unforgettable.

Nostalgia seems to be the theme of this holiday season for me.

My family and I have been watching the movies my husband and I grew up loving—classics like Back to the Future, Die Hard, and Speed. It’s such a joy to see our kids, now old enough to appreciate these stories, watching alongside us. There’s something magical about sharing a piece of your past with the people you love most. ✨✨

But here’s the thing: nostalgia isn’t about staying stuck in the past. It’s about honoring where we’ve been so we can better appreciate where we’re headed. It’s a celebration of the moments that shaped us—the triumphs, the mistakes, the lessons—and a reminder of how far we’ve come.

As the year draws to a close, I hope you, too, are surrounded by family and loved ones, reminiscing about the moments that mattered, and preparing to welcome the year ahead with open arms.

Here’s to a fresh start, to learning from the past, and to stepping into 2025 with hope and positivity.

Wishing you and yours a very Happy New Year. See you in 2025! 🙌 ❤️