At the end of 2024 I felt like I really hadn’t accomplished much. So much technological change has happened between Google, the rise of AI, and the unforgiving Instagram algorithm that I was scared to sit down and look at the goals I had set for myself at the beginning of 2024.
I originally thought I didn’t do anything because blog numbers are down compared to years prior (thanks Google), but the thousands (yes, thousands – please don’t tell my husband) of photos on my phone indicate otherwise.
Between the unpublished photos and reflecting on my 2024 written goals, I have proof that I did so much more than I was giving myself credit for. It lifted me and why although timid at first, I put pen to paper on 2025 goals – some similar to 2024, some new, but also something to sorta hold me accountable.
2024 crossed off Arkansas: Junction Bridge in Little Rock
The Blog in 2024
The top 3 takeaways:
- I mostly wrote about travel that made me happy and when I was ready to vs the pressure of a rigid schedule.
- Newsletters (15) contained more expat offers, reminders, and new information than what was published on the site.
- It was mostly a year of clean-up and fundamentals: updated 37 blog posts while deleting ~5, 100+ site updates, plug-in changes, ad testing, legal updates…the list goes on. Not always fun, especially when the changes aren’t noticeably visual, but required!
Did you know that there are 219 articles on this site? It’s a whole lot of management!
In 2025 I hope to do more of 1 & 2, and less of 3. 🤪
So glad I found this site. Wish I found it sooner. Either way, it’s still a great find. Thank you for sharing your experience!
Travel in 2024
I traveled all over the West South Central region of the US for my kids’ soccer games, completed our annual road trip to Maine, and went scuba diving in Maui. Travel outside the US focused on an amazing celebration of life trip for my parents in St Martin. That latter one was quite frankly my trip of the year. ♥️
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Travel breakdown:
- Visited 2 new states in 2024: Tulsa, Oklahoma & Little Rock, Arkansas
- 2 trips to Georgia: Atlanta & North Georgia
- Kaanapali Maui, including the Road to Hana & taking the kids scuba diving for the 1st time
- Chattanooga, TN – my most unexpected travel gem of the year
- Maine highlights:
- Moosehead Lake, ME
- Ferry to Islesboro Island, ME
- Belfast, ME – named after the Ireland one 🍻
- Texas highlights:
- The Houston Rodeo to see Jelly Roll!
- Round Top – Fall Antique Week with my bestie
- Countless soccer trips to Dallas, TX
- And the trip that had my heart: St Martin
Let me know if you want recommendations on any places mentioned that don’t have a linked blog post.
Nothing compares to whale watching. So awesome to see these creatures and humbling.
Special Shout-Outs On Family & Personal Stuff
So much going on after the loss of my dad in November 2023 (my mom passed in 2019) but my siblings and I are getting through it together and with the amazing support of my husband. With that in mind, a few amazing people, events, and fun (err, interesting) home projects carried me through the year.
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- Had the MOST amazing surprise visit from my dear friend who lives in England. She just showed up in Texas for the weekend! For my expats reading this – a weekend trip anywhere is 100% feasible!! Here’s another example if you need further inspiration.
- Some incredible bonding time with my sister in the most unprecedented situations – like when I forced her to stop at The Lost Kitchen in Freedom, Maine
- The joy on my husband’s face when he got his first boat, and the first family 4th of July boat parade on 3MP!
- Replacing grass, toilets (they had cracked!!) and repainting all of our kitchen cabinets in Texas. Who knew toilets, grass and a fresh coat of paint could bring so much joy. 🤪
- Countless soccer matches, football games, volleyball games, and track meets…with lots of 1×1 road trip mom bonding.
Forever grateful to everyone so supportive, willing to go on adventures with me, in the trenches with the not-so-fun-stuff, and cheering from across the Atlantic. Your messages, encouragement, and comments on the blog have meant so much. ♥️
Love reading your posts, thank you! Really sorry to learn of your dad’s passing. It’s SO tough. Xx
Funny enough, my word of the year for 2024 was “refresh”. I’d say I accomplished just that.
So, what’s in store for 2025?
Other than hopeful travel destinations including Taos, Vermont, and Greece, I’m not entirely sure. While I have a few things brainstormed, I’m considering a transition:
- Officially pivot to travel only?
- Create more moving/expat content?
- Use social media only & retire the blog entirely?
- Or just keep writing…
What do YOU want from aBroad purpose in 2025? Don’t be shy.
Please share in the comments (even a response with just 1, 2, 3, or 4 is helpful) or email me at abroadpurpose at gmail.com. And if you use AI for nearly all your searches now, I’d love to know!
As long as I’m helping you, I’m here. Let me know.
xx