What I learned this year
Gary Bloomer | SHAKING THE TREE #168
As 2024 draws to a close, now’s as good a time as any to think back on the last twelve months.
This year I’ve learned:
The benefit of belonging. In mid-February of 2024, I became a U.S. Citizen. The USA has been home now for over 25 years. Now, it’s official: I’m an American.
The importance of consistency. I’ve successfully published two editions of my online newsletter for a year and a half. By showing up again and again, I’m gradually making a name for myself as a content creator.
The power of self care: I’ve learned to worry less and less about things over which I have little control, or upon which I have little influence. I’ve also learned to take mental health days off when i feel the need.
The value in building a personal brand: I know I have more work to do on this front, but the thing is, I’m more mindful of carving out my own space online.
The need to set and defend personal boundaries: Earlier this year, it became necessary to cut ties with an old friend who had shown repeatedly that they were incapable of acknowledging and respecting my personal boundaries.
I’ve also found it necessary to limit my interactions with a close family member because that individual is impossible to communicate with. When every question I’ve asked and request I’ve made has been met with another question or a needlessly defensive statement that’s unrelated to the matter at hand it becomes difficult to maintain a relationship.
In both cases I’ve decided to step back.
What about you? What have you learned in the last year? Feel free to share your thoughts.
As always, thanks for reading.
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P.S. Next time on Shaking the Tree … Why you need to stop apologizing.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Originally from the U.K., Gary Bloomer is a writer, branding advocate, marketing specialist, and an award-winning graphic designer.
His design work has been included in Creative Review (one of the UK’s largest design magazines). Since 2009, he has answered over 5,000 marketing and business questions in the Know-How Exchange of MarketingProfs.com, placing him among the top 3% of contributors. He lives in Wilmington, Delaware, USA.