Now that 2024 is coming to an end, it would be wise to look back and reflect. One of the ways to do that is to reflect on the investments I made, whether with my time or money. My hope is that this inspires you to start setting some goals for 2025 which is in about a day! From a tech course that changed my life personally and professionally, to a tiny tech device that I use daily, to an activity that not only made me physically but also mentally strong, this blog post is about 6 life-changing investments I made in 2024. Interested? Keep reading.
- Oraimo Freepods
I had been eyeing these babies for a while, and I particularly wanted the white ones. These have been a worthy purchase and one of the life-changing investments I made in 2024 because they not only have that sleek, classy, and clean look, but the sound quality is top tier, it takes about 20 minutes to charge fully, and one charge can last up to two days. These have come in handy especially this year, since my workplace was a walking distance from home, I used to pop these in my ears and listen to some upbeat music, inspirational messages, or an educational podcast to start my day on the right footing.
I will also mention that we are lucky to have Oraimo as a brand. Their products are very affordable, making high quality and a large variety of products accessible to people from all walks of life. At the time of ordering, I also recall how professional the customer service was, and I did all the ordering and payments online without a hitch.
To speak on the great quality of Oraimo products, before the pods, I bought wired earphones about two years ago, which still work phenomenally to this day.
If you’ve been looking for ear pods, look no further, Oraimo’s got you. You can order the pods via the Oraimo website for Ksh.3500 exclusive of delivery fees.
Update! 16/01/2024: My right ear pod started to misbehave. It drains the case battery, loses its battery very quickly, and even gets hot. This is quite annoying since the left one is working just fine, so I had to put it away and now I only use the left one. 🙁
2. Miniso Handheld Fan
This cute device came in handy this year, especially in the first quarter when it was hot! I also might have bought it because I am just a gurl. Being able to blast my face and neck with some cool fresh air helped me to stay comfortable and confidently get on with life despite the smoldering heat. I also use it occasionally when doing my skincare routine. After cleansing my face, which I in detail elaborated in my simple 5-step daytime skincare routine blog post, I would fan my face to dry it quicker before I continued with my routine. I purchased mine from Miniso at Ksh.1300. I also saw other handheld fans in Ximi Vogue shop. They have more variety ranging in different sizes and colors, at a more afforable price.
3. Jumia Water Flosser/ Oral Irrigator
One of the ways I have amped up my oral hygiene routine in 2024 is by using a water flosser instead of the normal dental floss. A water flosser is a device with a small water storage tank, a pipe, and a mechanism that shoots water at different pressures. It is much better to use this instead of normal dental floss as the water at relatively high pressure can dislodge food remains from harder-to-reach areas between the teeth, preventing the formation of plaque and cavities. This device can also help to easily and effectively dislodge tonsil stones.
You know those small irritating yellow/white balls that appear randomly at the back of your throat that you have to vigorously cough to get them out? Plus they smell like death? Those are tonsil stones and a water flosser flushes them right out. Also, since tonsil stones are caused by the accumulation of leftover food particles or bacteria, that have calcified, constantly using a water flosser ensures your mouth and the back of your throat stay clean, hence the occurrence of tonsil stones becomes non-existent before you know it. Another fascinating fact about this device is that it is chargeable, so no need to buy batteries now and then.
4. ALX AI Essentials Short Course
One of the best and honestly most life-changing investments I made in 2024 was investing my time in taking this AI essentials short course from ALX. Note that I just mentioned that the investment was time because this short course was completely free.
By now, you know that Artificial intelligence (AI) is taking over the world, and a great way to invest in both your personal and professional skills, is to learn more about it. This course by ALX Africa breaks down the origin and basics of AI, different AI tools and tutorials on how you can use them personally and professionally, quizzes at the end of each week to test your knowledge, access to high-quality and value-packed tech-related knowledge, networking with professionals in various fields and more.
All I had to do was be curious and have the willingness to invest a few hours for six weeks of my 2024. This course gave me the mindset shift and practical knowledge I needed to tackle a work task that seemed to be a mountain at the time. It also sparked an interest in tech.
At the end of the course, you will graduate be issued a certificate, and get lifetime access to all the content provided in the course.
How shiny would your CV be with this short course added onto it, given that tech skills are becoming more and more marketable?
To register for the next cohort that starts on January 13th, 2025, the application deadline is January 6th, 2025, so hurry hurry hurry.
Also, feel free to check out the other courses ALX offers. Some are free, but some require payment, which fyi has been recently significantly slashed. I recently applied for the three-month professional foundation’s short course at only $5 a month which starts in January 2025. Some of the content of these courses would cost thousands of dollars, but here is an opportunity to upskill at just $5 a month, which is about Ksh.700 a month.
Considering how much value I got from the free AI Essentials course, I reckon that this paid one has even more value.
5. Gyming!
The fifth and final life-changing investment I made in 2024 was spending most of my evenings after work at the gym. I started going to the gym in August 2023 and ever since then, I have been hooked. I enjoy gyming because I get to work on my body to be strong and healthy, as I challenge myself I become mentally strong, I make new friends with similar goals as mine, and I enjoy the rush of endorphins and feeling of accomplishment after slaying a workout, and it’s not only an enjoyable hobby, but it’s also productive.
- I will mention that I lost about six kgs since I started going.
- I dropped to a size medium-small from large in my clothes.
- I gained more muscle, and most importantly,
- I feel at home in my body.
If you’ve been looking for a sign to join a gym, let this be it. I was fortunate to have access to the gym at my workplace for free, but if there’s a gym near you that you can afford, please invest in yourself this way, you won’t regret it.
Remember that you are your greatest investment and the biggest project you’ll ever work on, is project YOU. You also have the responsibility to invest in yourself, otherwise no one else will do it for you.
Till the next post.
Miss Kambe.
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