REFLECTION

Yep. This is the one MUST-DO thing to start your 2019.

Years ago, I discovered the power of reflection.
I have developed this habit of jotting down things that have happened, both positive and negative and take the time to reflect on them to gain insights from these experience.

I dare say I won't start my 2019 goals without these gems.
The past lessons help frame my future steps.
 

MY 2018'S TOP 7 REFLECTION

1. COURAGE
   We started entering retail arena in February 2018. We did 3 trade shows and approached stores. Many times it involved cold calls and numerous follow ups which can take months. For a small start up like mine with no retail background, this was quite a bold move but the hard work pays off. Our products are now stocked in 30 shops around Australia.
   
   One of my highlights is our stationery being stocked in Kinokuniya, a beautiful design bookstores that I have always admired since my uni years. Dreams can come true if you are brave enough to pursue it.
    
2. STAND TALL AND BE MYSELF
   
   The PR coverage we got through various medias/ press. The best one was the radio interview we did through Hope 103.2FM. It was nerve-wrecking to tell my story with my son for the first time on air. But the reach was so impactful that I would still get strangers coming to me in markets and trade shows these days. They would tell me they have heard me on the radio. Some even asked for a photograph as if I am famous! Haha... I learnt there is power in just being your true self, getting your story heard and how by sharing it, you can help others.
    
3. CUSTOMERS ARE THE PARTNER IN MY BUSINESS
   I met a lot of new customers face to face through spring - summer markets and getting their feedbacks both direct and online. I feel so much more confident with our products and pricing seeing the positive response from customers. Customers' feedbacks are valuable for the growth of our brand. Their support really helps me going stronger forward.
    
4. IT TAKES A VILLAGE - WE NEED EVERYONE TO CHIP IN
   
   I launched a series of Disability In The Workplace blogs/ video logs. Creating these content especially videos is time consuming. From the interview stage to the writing and then to make the videos could take weeks of my time. I do this simply because I want people to see the possibilities in the midst of challenges, so parents, carers and the person with disability themselves won't give up and the stories are aimed to achieve greater community support. The story I did on Emma Lynam has inspired many parents to be creative to come up with an employment solution. It was viewed hundreds of times, but we need your help in spreading these content more. By sharing, you may find yourself as part of the solution of someone else's journey.
    
5. ONE BAD HABIT CAN COST A FULL YEAR HARVEST
   I have lost my peach tree crops because of procrastination. If I hadn't delayed covering my peach tree with the net, the birds couldn't have eaten 93 of my 100 fruits! The same principle applies for every other thing in life.
    
6. THE RIGHT THING, THE RIGHT TIME, THE RIGHT PLACE
   
   Jon's work got selected to exhibit in the Sydney Children Hospital Randwick scheduled for 2019.  It's a great opportunity that we are grateful for. But we are not always successful. We have also a fair share of rejections. The fact is, there have been many other doors that have not yet opened and some are totally closed. I learnt that I don't have to sweat it or be frustrated when things don't happen the way I desire it to be. There is the right time and the right place for everything. I just need to believe for better opportunities ahead and keep going.
    
7. PERSISTENT FAITH
   I must admit I won't be able to do all these things I do without my faith. Without hope in better future, I won't be able to do all the 6 things above and keep going for this new year. 2018 has been a great year of courage, hard work, and persistence.  And in faith, I am believing 2019 for a bigger year of more productivity, growth and harvesting more fruits of our labour of love.