I was unsure as to what I should write as my last piece for 2023. I went back and forth with ideas, such as tips for a more productive 2024, how to reach your goals, and so many more, but ultimately, when I reflected on the year, I felt there had been so much sadness in the world. Putting aside whatever achievements or failures we as individuals may have experienced in our lives over the past year, there has also been so much destruction within the world. One thing I know for certain is that we all need hope and love.
So in light of this, I decided to take quotes/extracts from people and books that will hopefully resonate with everyone in some small way.
"...If one does not know how to build good interpersonal relationships, one may end up trying to satisfy other people's expectations. And, unable to communicate out of fear of hurting other people, even when one has something to assert, one may end up abandoning what one really wants to do." Extract from The Courage To Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga.
"It is so easy to overestimate the importance of one defining moment and underestimate the value of making small improvements on a daily basis. Too often, we convince ourselves that massive success requires massive action." Extract from Attomic Habits by James Clear.
"I will never have this version of me again, let me slow down and be with her" - Rupi Kaur
"Whatever you do, keep moving forward. Keep trusting that you will get there if you just keep putting one foot in front of the other... Keep moving forward because you're worth it, my beautiful friend. It might take longer than you thought it would, it might be harder than you expected, but don't let those things stop you. Keep going anyway. Keep trying anyway. Keep showing up... Because if you just keep putting one foot forward, you will get there." - Nikki Banas, Walk the Earth.
"Sometimes we can romanticize growth as only being abundance or making space for more, but I also believe growth involves shedding, loss, and really tough shifts. Growth is saying how you really feel. Growth is sometimes disappointing others by choosing you. Growth is being willing to let go, even though it's hard. When we ask for growth, we may have to be willing to allow people, places, and opportunities to leave for our benefit. Thats growth too." - Yasmine Cheyenne
To end with my own thoughts and affirmations for you: I hope you have grown from anything life threw at you. I hope you have learned from your trials and tribulations. I hope you have faith in yourself and your abilities. I hope you understand that you are capable of so much more. I hope you know that you are enough to fulfill your dreams and aspirations. I hope that you find love, because ultimately, it's what conquers all.
Nina Xxx
Great article. Happy new year Nina
Thank you for all your advice and information; it’s invaluable. I am a 60 years old woman who has never worn makeup before and your tutorials are so wonderful. Sending warm wishes and wishing you and your family a happy, healthy and prosperous new year. Certainly a time to reflect. X