Blog #495: Christmas Reflections of 2024 (Part 2)

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Picking up from where I left off yesterday, I think the time has come now to continue my year end reflections and at the same time give you a taste at what I have planned for Going the Distance in 2025. While Part 1 of this blog covered the year that was in 2024, Part 2 will take you into the future.

So, let’s get into it, shall we?

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#1: More marketing towards virtual classes: If there is one thing that has been at least, financially successful for Going the Distance, it has been my 4 virtual classes that I teach to day hab programs or any programs that are geared towards supporting developmentally different individuals. Currently, I offer the following 4 virtual 10 week classes:

A. Disney Decades Class

B. Disney Theme Parks Class

C. Three Stooges Class

4. Muppets Class

These four classes alone have made a decent amount of income for Going the Distance and at the same time, it gives the members or clients something to look forward to in terms of activities.

As of this blog, I am currently in contact with several day hab programs in Massachusetts in terms of offering the 4 existing classes and you’ll be happy to know that I am currently drafting up two more classes geared towards the history of Disney Parks Food and Transporation as well the history of Hanna-Barbera that I hope to debut in 2025. But, I look to offer these classes to programs across the country, so if you are interested, don’t be afraid to reach out to me in the coming year.

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#2: Possible Podcast Series: I do want to make a statement regarding the future of my blog posts on this website and that is I do plan on cutting back on the frequency of these blogs in lieu of a possible podcast series that I might look into starting in 2025. My personal advocate commented that I have a really nice podcaster-like voice and being a public speaker, this seems like a match made in heaven.

Naturally, I will be re-covering some of the same topics that I have covered in the nearly 500 blogs I have done, but I also plan on eventually interviewing individuals in the autism/neurodiversity community and allowing them to share their stories as well. This way, it is just another way of getting the message of Going the Distance out to the community.

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#3: Possible book release: Another area that I have been considering to jump into and possibly help cover with travel expenses is to maybe write a book or two talking about various aspects of my life as a neurodivergent. I feel that writing a book can not only serve as a marketing tool, but also help those who don’t have a full understanding of neurodiversity gain at least some knowledge of it.

Sure, I did contribute to the book “This is Autism” by Aidan Allman-Cooper and the late Jessica Leichtweisz. However, by writing my own book or book series, I can expand my story to just beyond a contribution. Who knows? Writing a book can lead to book signings and speaking engagements.

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#4: New Website and Social Media platform: I’m also happy to share with you all that as of January 1st, I will be launching a new website that I have developed with help from the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. This new website will largely be devoted to marketing my classes and trainings while also allowing possible customers or clients to reach out to me directly.

Also, as of yesterday, December 24th, I have closed down my account on Twitter/X after 5 years and have moved over to BlueSky. This was not only a mental health decision, but also a business decision where I can share my knowledge in a safe environment without any mainstream garbage that can be found on Twitter/X. If you wish to follow me on X, please click on this link here:

Going the Distance (@godistance3562.bsky.social) — Bluesky

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So, there you have the four main plans I have for 2025 at Going the Distance. As always, all these plans are subject to change and I am also currently accepting bookings for 2025 whether they be in-person or virtual.

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Catch you all later and Happy Holidays!!