Reflections on 2022 & Aspirations for 2023
I started writing these yearly reflection posts back in 2019 and love that each post captures memories and moments that continue to inspire me. If you would like to take a small journey back in time, check out my previous three yearly recaps below.
1. Reflections on 2019 & Aspirations for 2020 2. Reflections on 2020 & Aspirations for 2021. 3. Reflections on 2021 & Aspirations for 2022.
I knew 2022 would be a year of transformation and drastic change, as I spent the first few months of the year studying hard for my SAT test in April and preparing to apply for university. On May 5th, I was accepted at the University of Arizona. From that day forward, 2022 turned into a milestone experience.
I prepared to leave my home in rural Virginia for the completely new terrain and experience of urban Tucson, Arizona. Between planning and packing, I counted down the days to my departure date of August 16th while treasuring every moment spent with my family.
My parents and youngest brother accompanied me to Arizona and helped me get settled with my aunt. It is incredible to have family in my new home, as it made the transition so much easier.
On August 22nd, I started university. Having never been in a formal classroom setting, the first few weeks served as a welcome adjustment period. I then found my rhythm and utterly enjoyed every moment of the fall semester. Now, during the final week of my winter break, I have time to share my reflections on 2022 and aspirations for 2023.
Reflections on 2022 and Aspirations for 2023: Writing Reflections
Here is a sweet round-up of highlight moments from my writing journey as it has progressed over the course of 2022.
7 of my poems are published in five print anthologies
While this number is smaller than last year, it still brings me great joy to know that my writing was printed on a clean, crisp page. I look forward to furthering that feeling into 2023.
I compiled a comprehensive list of magazines and journals
Despite having little time to write and query my writing, I spent time finding and researching quality magazines, journals, and presses. I compiled my findings into a spreadsheet that I continued to add to over 2022. The spreadsheet lists over 350 magazines, journals, and poetry presses. I plan on sharing a download link in a future post.
28 pieces of my writing were published
In 2020, I had 43 pieces of writing published and in 2021 the number grew to 55. This year, although the number is much smaller, I love that my writing found homes at new magazines and journals, and I look forward to continuing to submit to new literary ventures in 2023.
I was paid for my poetry!
This continues to be a milestone for me! The payments I received for a couple of my poems was money well-earned and well-spent.
Bonus: I Started University!
This is not a writing reflection per-say, but it deserves a spot on my list of accomplishments during 2022.
Nominated for Author of the Year at Spillwords Press
In January I was nominated for Author of the Month at Spillwords Press, and was moved, touched, and honored to know that the Spillwords Press community thought so highly of my writing.
I attended a writing workshop!
I attended my first writing workshop earlier this year and summed up my incredible experience in this post, and look forward to attending further workshops through my university later this year.
Reflections on 2022 and Aspirations for 2023: Blogging Reflections
In early 2022, I switched to a self-hosted WordPress site. Building back up the growth I lost from the discoverability of the WordPress.com Reader was initially hard and frequently demoralizing, but I took the opportunity to write several search-friendly writing & blogging guides. I also started a series of gift guides and literary lifestyle posts that share creative gift ideas and useful items for writers.
I was interviewed for VoyageMinnesota Magazine & VoyagePhoenix Magazine
In July, I was interviewed for VoyageMinnesota Magazine. In November I was interviewed for its sister publication, VoyagePhoenix Magazine. I took both interviews as a chance to share more about my writing journey and how I hope to see this blog evolve.
I worked with brands and authors
This year I worked on four sponsored posts and four book reviews. I reviewed three excellent poetry collections and one compelling horror novel, as well as hosted a successful giveaway.
1. Book Review: Hours in Forever by Vincent Hollow. 2. Book Review: Honor by C.S Phoenix. 3. Book Review: Nature Speaks of Love & Sorrow by Jeff Flesch. 4. Book Review: Golem by P.D Alleva + Book Giveaway.
When it comes to the sponsored posts I worked on, I wrote three useful blogging and writing guides and reviewed an amazing leather writing bag.
1. 5 Priceless Reasons To Go Self-Hosted With Your Blog Featuring Tim’s Solutions. 2. Literary Lifestyle: The Only Writer’s Bag You’ll Ever Need w/ Galen Leather. 3. 6 Practical Uses for a GPS Tracker in Everyday Life. 4. 9 Easy Tips to Help You Get Started as a Beginner Content Creator + Tool List.
I met you
Community is an important part of writing. I am delighted to connect with you, experience my writing anew through your readings, and ultimately grow from the stories you share. Thank you for sharing this journey with me.
Reflections on 2022 and aspirations for 2023: 2022’s Wishes:
I hope to publish a book
Although I have two working drafts for two poetry collections, I did not make much progress toward this goal this year.
Bonus Goal: I wish to start university
This is something I have thought about since 2020. Although I never put it down in writing, it was very much something I envisioned as part of my future. I could not be more excited to be where I am right now but I am also ready to continue to grow.
I hope to relaunch my Patreon page
Once I have settled upon a writing schedule that works for me and decided if Patreon is even something that fits in well with what I do, I will revisit this on-hold goal.
I hope to make at least $100 through future writing publications
Done! I am so pleased to have met this goal. It is so encouraging to know that my writing is worth purchasing.
I hope to make at least $200 through future brand collaborations
Also done! Between the gifted collaborations and sponsored posts I worked on this year, I met this goal and am ready to aim higher this year.
I hope to score 1200+ on my SAT test in May
I am so much more than just a number! Let’s just say my SAT scores got me where I needed to go and leave it at that.
Goals for 2022
I love reading my Reflections on the year and Aspirations for the next year posts every New Year, so I am putting down a few goals to work towards in 2023. Several of these goals are upscaled versions of goals from previous years alongside completely fresh goals for the New Year!
I will
- grow
- reach 1000 Instagram followers
- maintain my academic excellency
- make at least $200 through future writing publications
- make at least $300 through future brand collaborations
- post at least four posts a month on the blog
May 2022 have treated you as well, if not better, as it has treated me. May 2023 flower and blossom for us together.
Consider sharing a highlight from your 2022 with me. May the words flow!
Dawn Pisturino
Congratulations on all of your successes, Layla!
Karima Hoisan
Love to read your goals and reflections Layla and also for meeting you in this WordPress Community. You are a wonderful writer, think out of the box, and express yourself so well!!
dgkaye
Congratulations on your amazing accomplishments Layla. Go you! 🙂
Bridgette
I love how clearly you set out your goals and reflect upon them each year. Congratulations on all your successes and may 2023 bring even more!
marcdbaker
Layla, one of my favorite songs. Thank you for reading MY blog Layla and for your kind review.
I am now a follower. I am Marc Baker and I am an American living in French Polynesia.
I like what you are writting so far. It will take me a while to catch up. I am at:
docofthebay.blog@ wordpress.com. How did you get so many followers ?? crazy !
I like your writting and your poems. Keep it up. It’s good Karma Layla.
Layla- Eric Clapton way back when he was playing with CREAM. Before your time. but you must know the song !
Wishing you well Layla ! sending you gooe thoughts. I’m originally a California guy. Moved here to paradise 5 years ago.
Marc
Layla Todd
I do indeed know the song! Thank you for sharing this lovely introduction to yourself and thoughts on my writing. 🥰
Belladonna
Congratulations on everything and wishing you much success this year!
Layla Todd
Thank you so much, Belladonna!
barbaraleaver
Congratulations on getting many of your inspirational pieces published! I look forward to reading more of your work
Layla Todd
Thank you ever so much, Barbara!
haoyando
Congratulations! What a reflection. And wish you a great publishing and award winning 2023!
Aspen Hite
Congratulations on your many accomplishments and milestones. Wishing you much success in 2023! 💜
According to Chren
Happy 2023, Layla! You accomplished so much in 2022. It’s amazing that you were able to get so many poems published.
I'm All Booked Up YA
It’s so great to be able to reflect on the past year. Congratulations on all of your accomplishments. Getting published and starting college are big and should be celebrated.
Jenny in Neverland
Congratulations on everything you achieved in 2022! Wishing you all the best for 2023 x
Lauren
You have achieved so much in 2022 you should be proud of. Reflection is so important to set focuses for the new year as well. One of my highlights is finally settling out of court with my previous employer regarding my work accident causing Fibromyalgia. Thank you for sharing.
Lauren x
Layla Todd
OO, sounds like 2022 brought you some closure! Wishing you the best in 2023.
Kelly Diane
You should feel so proud of all that you achieved in 2022. Its great to look back and reflect on the journey you’ve had. Good luck with university and reaching all of your goals.
Layla Todd
Thank you, Kelly!
Unwanted Life
Your yearly reflection posts are a little like my blog anniversary posts. I knew you’d had a lot of your poetry published over the last year, as I read quite a lot of it. But I don’t recall reading about how you got paid for your awesome work. So just in case, congratulations on getting paid for being a poet
Layla Todd
Indeed, my yearly reflections are similar to blog anniversary posts. Thank you for the well wishes and all the best in 2023 to you as well!
Charity
I love this! Wishing you all the best in 2023!
Sue Berk Koch
Congrats on your U of A enrollment and your phenomenal 2022! Here’s to more positivity in 2023.
Michele Lee
What a year you had! Outstanding! 👏🏻 I have no doubt that you will achieve your goals (and then some). I am also confident that you will do so with your signature style of exuding creativity and compassion. Best wishes, Layla! ✨
Layla Todd
Thank you so much, Michele! I look forward to continuing to connect with you into 2023.
Michele Lee
You are most welcome! We have an exciting year ahead! 😊
Jacqui Murray
You are a dynamo! I remember when I was getting my Masters, working fulltime, pregnant –no writing at all–it just about did me in. Kudos to your energy!
Layla Todd
Thank you for your inspiring comment, Jacqui! 🥰
Ingrid
Congratulations on all of these achievements Layla!
Cassa Bassa
2022 was a fruitful year，may you exceed your goals in 2023! It has been a pleasure to read your work.
Layla Todd
Thank you so much, Cassa! The feeling is mutual.
Captain Q
Funny. I was born and raised in Tucson. I also lived in Virginia Beach for 2 years.
Layla Todd
It is so amazing that you have those two connections! 😍
Cindy Georgakas
Congratulations on an ambitions and wonderful Year dear Layla! You have a lot on your plate and so delighted you are flying high. You just made me think of an interview I did. I best go and add it to my page.. lol. I mentioned you in my video last night. Love my earrings but lost one.. sad.. Happy New Year!!! 💗🥳
Layla Todd
Thank you for this amazing comment, Cindy! I just caught up on your video and, after commenting, realized my Google account still has my pen name attached to it. 😂
Andrew McDowell
Congratulations! 2022’s biggest highlight for me was getting my novel republished after the original publisher shut down.
Layla Todd
That is indeed an amazing highlight, Andrew!
Andrew McDowell
Thank you.
Michelle (Boomer Eco Crusader)
Congratulations on all your successes and accomplishments in 2022, Layla. I wish you continued success in 2023.
Layla Todd
Thank you, Michelle! Same to you.
rachelramdhan
Congrats on all your achievements. One of my highlights is getting my license. I’ve been pushing it off for the longest while.
Layla Todd
Congratulations on getting your license, Rachel! That is a great achievement. 🥰