New journals, new shoes, new hopes, and new goals. That is what the first few weeks of January 2024 have held for me. But before I get too carried away, I have learned that it is good to look back at the previous year and acknowledge the hard, note the lessons I learned, and celebrate any achievements.

The Hard

I started this blog in 2011, hoping to encourage others in the throws of raising little TCKs. I have met or interacted on social media with many of you. What a treat. As my kids got older, I became more aware of the need to maintain their privacy and not write about their stories. And now, they are adults, and I was unsure I had anything to write about. So, earlier this year, I considered closing this blog. I wondered if it was worth the subscription I am paying. And I also started a new company with its own website. So, I was not sure this blog was relevant. That was hard.

The Lessons

I began getting emails from authors asking if I would consider reading an advanced reader copy (ARC) to help promote their book by writing a review here. I also spoke at the International Third Culture Kid Conference on how to support families raising TCKs with special needs. My lesson is that as people change and develop, so do blogs. And this blog has changed a bit over the years.

The Achievements

I did not receive any blogging, writing, or parenting TCK awards. But, as I was filling out my Reflect on 2023 & Prepare for 2024 from Global Trellis, I was reminded that we should celebrate small achievements daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly. So, my achievement is that this blog is still open. It is simple, but considering I about shut it down, it is an achievement. And this achievement could not have happened without you, the Readers. So, thank you for opening up your inbox to me to read and learn along with me. I value your trust in me.

New Year: Hopes and Goals

Maybe you are wondering what to expect from this space this year. I would be. So here is what I would like to do. My hope & goal is to offer a post once a week. My first goal is to post two book reviews on TCKs or living overseas each month. My second goal is to have some sort of a story of my life as a parent of ATCKs, but also as a parent of a TCK with special needs. And my third goal is to interview other parents raising TCKs (this will come out later in the year).

I could use your help. Want to know how? I’m not going to ask for money, so don’t worry.

First, contact me if you are an author and would like me to review your book. Or, if you have book recommendations let me know. I have a stack going – but I am always looking for new resources and fiction.

Second, let me know if you would be interested in being interviewed.

Thank you for reading this blog. Thank you again for your trust and your time.