To begin: welcome to a new year.
It seems only apt that with a new year, comes new beginnings – so they say. So far, though, it doesn’t seem all that much different than the last one. What is meant to be a time for resolutions, motivated changes and bidding adieu to old habits, problems and difficulties, has ultimately become an unpleasant start to the year – not least due to the gloomy, wet storm we’ve been experiencing this past week.
Amongst the bright colours, exciting words and positive messages that we usually try to share with our readers, it’s quite hard to remain hopeful. From the rise in the number of COVID-19 cases to restrictions on travelling and the uncertainty of what’s next, we believe that to have hope in difficult times may not be such a foolish idea.
The past few years have been truly remarkable for social changes, new perspectives and the emergency of movements, and whilst all of it can be particularly dizzying, it’s important to think about what hope is not. To have hope is not the belief that everything was, is or will be, but it’s to want an outcome that makes your life better in some way. Speaking to our hope can help make a tough present situation more bearable and it allows us to express multiple emotions and acknowledge what we’re feeling. It is empowering to own, envisioning a better future for ourselves which will eventually motivate you to take the steps to make it happen.
With that being said, we’re using our platform to embrace the feeling of being hopeful – whether it’s through adopting a new change on making the world a better place (hello Veganuary), using technology and exercise to enhance our well-being, escaping to a Middle Eastern capital that has already given its people hope with a new capital or remaining hopeful that those healthy habits you’ve taken on will see you throughout the year, and plenty more. We hope we got you feeling all kinds of hopeful.
And right now, we could all use a little more of it in our lives.
So, we’re asking our BURO. Community, what is that one thing you’re hopeful for: for yourself, your loved ones, your community and the world?