As 2024 ends, reflecting on the past year comes naturally to most of us.
As I look over my 2024 calendar, leaf through my gratitude journal, and flip through thousands of photographs on my iPad, I realize there are many moments and events that have not surfaced in my memory for months.
It is through these memories I can determine how much I have grown and all that I have achieved. How many of my goals I accomplished, the lessons I have learned, how many challenges I overcame, the wonderful people I met, the people who supported me, the people whose hand I held when they needed one, and all for which I am grateful.
I will share my reflection related to my book.
The invitations I received from local and national organizations to speak, to be interviewed or to discuss my memoir Taxi to America were a boost to my confidence. The audiences were compassionate with their questions and their comments. They expressed that the themes of resilience, strength and perseverance throughout the book inspired them. Repeatedly, I heard I should be speaking to our youth at schools and other establishments where our young people can be inspired.
Whether I spoke to a small book club group or a crowd of 100 plus, I left satisfied and grateful that I accomplished the purpose for which I wrote my story. I wanted it to be relatable, helpful, hopeful, and inspiring.
Throughout the course of the year, I learned a lot from professionals about how to market my book. Not being a natural “salesperson,” I took on this challenge and handled it in the same way I always face challenges. First, I acknowledged it was something I had to work on. I researched where and how to find resources to accomplish my goal. I made good progress.
I learned about advertising on social media, on-line ads, Amazon ads, podcasts, and YouTube ads. Although I have not implemented everything, I learned but I know what I can expect from the work and money I put into it. Continued Education for promoting and marketing Taxi to America will be on my to do list in 2025. I still have more to learn.
The challenge of getting more reviews for Taxi is still tough. Again, with help from professionals, I have improved my skill of asking for reviews. I am better at following up with readers who have promised or offered to post a review. Even with my persistence, the results are low. Another challenge I will work on in 2025.
For the new year, I am ready to continue to overcome the challenges I mentioned above. In addition, I will work toward having Taxi to America translated into Greek and publish it in Greece. I look forward to speaking engagements and to meeting more good people. For my personal growth, I will continue to enhance my spiritual journey.
Overall, the popularity, the praise, and satisfaction I received this past year have put me in a constant state of gratitude. Adding that to my personal growth of increased peacefulness, gratitude, and happiness, I am eager to live in the new year!
Happy, Healthy, Peaceful New Year to all!
What is your reflection of the past year? Would love to read it. Send me a note.