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January 1, 2025
Dear D101,
Happy New Year! I hope you had a chance to slow down and spend some time with the people who matter most, whether it was sharing laughter over a holiday dinner or just enjoying the quiet moments. Personally, I feel recharged and ready to take on whatever the new year throws my way, and I hope you do too!
I have always found that the start of a new year is a great time to reflect, set new intentions, and get excited about what’s possible. This year, I have set three resolutions that I am genuinely passionate about, and I wanted to share them with you—mainly because it helps keep me accountable and perhaps will inspire you to take on your own personal challenges.
1. Keep a habit I love: This year, I am committing to reading more, especially exploring genres I have never really touched before. I think it’s so easy to fall into routines, but books allow us to step into different worlds, different perspectives. If you have a book that makes you think or laugh or see the world in a new way, I’d love to hear about it. Let’s swap recommendations and inspire each other to read more this year.
2. Learn a new language: I am determined to finally get serious about learning Spanish. After many “I’ll-do-it-tomorrow” moments with Duolingo, I am ready to really immerse myself in it and get conversational. Language is more than just words; it’s a way to connect with people, to understand cultures, and to stretch my own limits.
3. Step out of my comfort zone: Saying this out loud and sharing it with you is a big step. I want to navigate difficult conversations with more grace and ease. This year, I am committed to learning how to approach these conversations with clarity and confidence, using everything I’ve learned in Toastmasters through the various evaluation experiences.
What’s one thing you are challenging yourself to do in 2025? Whether it is big or small, it’s all about learning and growing. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and pursue something that makes you feel alive. Let’s hold each other accountable, inspire one another, and make this year one to remember. Are you ready to be my accountability buddy?
Raji Bandanapudi
dd@d101tm.org
District Director, 2024-25
District 101 Toastmasters
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