Angie's Note
Can you believe another year has come and gone? Just like that, 2021 is over! As exciting as the start of a new year is, I think it can simultaneously be a time that is hard on us. We tend to think about all the resolutions and promises made at the start of year that we perhaps haven’t managed to keep. We begin trying to create and come up with new ones for the upcoming year in hopes that this will be the year. I think it’s important for us to realize though how unfair some of those resolutions can be. We put all these expectations on ourselves for how we would like the year to go and what we’d like to achieve by the end of it, but realistically… how can we when we have no idea what will be coming our way?
Now, I’m not saying don’t set goals, don’t strive for better. What I’m saying is don’t tear yourself down for something you didn’t manage to achieve, especially if it was out of your control. Instead, acknowledge where you are now, where you have been and where you are going. Rekindle the fire that you once had for your innermost hopes and dreams. Reach for what seems to be the impossible. And remember that some things take time.
As we take our first steps in to 2022, I think we should all look back and reflect on this year and realize just how far we have all come, how much we are capable of and how much we should appreciate the small wins. I believe that it’s these seemingly small wins that make all the difference, and when you look back, you’ll realize they were actually huge. No matter how "small" it may seem to society, if you are proud, it should be acknowledged and celebrated!
For me, this year at Hope we have celebrated some major wins and accomplishments that I am extremely proud of. Which is kind of funny because about a year ago I was ready to throw in the towel with Hope… but I knew I had to keep going. And as it turns out, this year was a total refresh for me and the magazine. I started to set boundaries that were good and healthy for me. I let go of toxic friendships and rekindled relationships I should have never let go of. Hope has grown so much (and we cannot thank you, our readers, enough for your support)! We’ve brought our magazine Mixer’s to life, we’ve reached the best engagement we’ve had in a very long time. Not to say that this year hasn’t had its challenges and lows… but I’m in the mood for a celebration and I am so excited for all the things we have in the works for the upcoming year!
So as we welcome 2022, think about what you’d like most for your life. It’s never too late to start again, or to pick up again from where you’ve left things. From here, take the small steps forward to getting there. And remember, everything might not happen all in one year. That’s okay. Just keep moving forward.
