Where did 2024 go? It seems like yesterday that I sat down to write my Farewell 2023 post and now here I am again ready to say so long to 2024.
By all accounts, 2024 was a good year. I continued writing articles for Family Tree Magazine and Reunions Magazine. I also moderated classes for Family Tree University, ran four virtual meetings on Eastern European Research for the International Institute of Genealogical Studies, and presented webinars for Legacy Family Tree /MyHeritage.com Webinars. I also taught two sessions as part of the “Bring ‘Em Back to Life: Writing Our Ancestors’ Stories” course for the Spring 2024 Virtual offering of SLIG (Salt Lake Insitute of Genealogy), and a virtual session on “Reviving Memories: The Joy of Photo Reunions” as part of the Imaging–It’s Past, Present, and Future course with the GRIP Genealogy Research Institute June 2024. I also wish to thank the many libraries, societies, and organizations (too many to name indivivually) for the opporrunity to present on topics such as using Artificial Intelligence(AI) for Genealogy, Eastern European Research, and Creative Nonfiction Writing for Genealogists (and many more).
The highlight of the year for me was the invitation to give a talk on Slovak Immigration for the Thomas Kukucka Memorial Lecture on Sunday, 25 March 2024 at the University of Pittsburgh (my alma mater). I was touched to have so many family members and friends there to hear my presentation.
My “Word” for 2025
For 2024, I selected the word DETERMINED. I stated I was determined to 1. Write more; 2. Stress less; and 3. Declutter and organiize. I think I did pretty well in all three areas. and hope to continue to do so in the coming year.
It was challenging to decide on a word for 2025 that will set the tone for me for the next 12 months. After much thought, I chose REALIGN.
The definition of “realign” according to Dictionary.com is:
- “change or put back to a new or former place or position.”
- “change one’s position or attitude with regard to (a person, organization, or cause).”
The main reason I chose this word is because I want to realign my priorities both personally and professionally. Primarily, I desiere to create a healthier work/life balance. This means giving up some activities or work in order to make room for new projects, experiences, rest, and fun. I also plan to get back to my creative nonfiction writing roots. I have so many ideas that I never had time to explore in recent years. I look forward to putting my fingers to the keyboard very soon to finish a creative nonfiction book that is long overdue for publication and start some new projects.
As always, I would like to extend a special thank you to my readers for your continued support
I wish you health, happiness, and peace in 2025!
