2021 Archives

10 Reasons I am Hopeful for 2022

I had my ups and downs with 2021 – probably like with many other people. I think the COVID fatigue has been hitting me. I thought the pandemic would be over months ago, but here we are. The biggest moments of darkness for me came in other problems besides the pandemic such as depression, job anxiety, low self-esteem, doubts about my future, drama with loved ones (which is normal for family), not seeing loved ones due to the pandemic, not seeing friends, either, because of the pandemic, feeling low, not having enough money, feeling useless – the list can go on for me. I think I have found 10 hopeful reasons, though, for why 2022 will give me some hope in my own personal life.

1. My boyfriend

He has saved me at my lowest points and has made me feel like I am capable of doing anything. He was truly a blessing in disguise and I have hope he will help make 2022 a better year for me.

2. My new job

My new job started in October 2021. I just began here, but I hope it gives me better opportunities as it has already given me a better pay raise.

3. The COVID-19 heroes

I do believe, in the midst of chaos, and with honestly the back and forth of government protocols, that we will eventually get through this because of the nurses and healthcare workers who have not given up.

4. My mental health care team

I am starting to work with a regular therapist and OCD specialist to help guide me on my mental health journey to feeling better and controlling my anxiety that takes a toll on my life.

5. My parents

They give me support no matter how much I can be a pain to them. I have said things I regret but they are always there to help me.

6. My boyfriend’s family

My second family who I love, and lets me call them whenever I need them.

7. My loyal and hopeful new friends

Friends come and go. I hope some new ones stick around like the old ones.

8. My schooling

I am getting my master’s in human services and finish in June 2022. I am hopeful this will open more opportunities for me.

9. Exercising

This is cheesy, but working out keeps me in check with my body and health.

10. Sleep

This one may sound odd. When I am asleep, my troubles disappear for those moments and I am fine with that. It does not take away from the problems and it gives me relief to not think about something.

2022 is going to be an interesting year. We are almost two years into the pandemic. Mental health is on the rise. I have to take care of myself not for the sake of the pandemic but for myself. I am hoping 2022 can truly be a good year for me and that it will help change my life for the better. May 2022 bring me joy and happiness along with the health that I deserve.

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About the Author

Molly Rose lives in PA but is originally from NY. She wrote for Odyssey Online in 2017 and has now started her journey with Puckermob. Molly is getting her Master’s degree online in Human Services at Capella University. She is an advocate for individuals with disabilities. Follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

The Top 7 Makeup Trends to Try This Winter

With 2021 coming to a quick close, it’s time to evaluate what makeup looks will be hot this winter. We’ve seen some trends coming back into play – specifically looks from the 80s and 90s like bright colors and dark eyeliner. So, with that being said, here are seven makeup trends that will be making a debut or a comeback for the winter that you won’t want to miss.

1. Draped Blush

Draped blush is blush that is applied from your temples down to the apples of your cheeks (the front most part). This technique is applied similarly to contour and makes your face appear slimmer.

2. Metallic Eyes

This trend is exactly what it sounds like. This winter, grab some metallic eye shadows, such as gold and silver, and apply them directly to your top lid. You can also sweep some directly underneath your bottom lashes, as well, for an elevated look.

3. Wine-Stained Lips

With the return of lip stains, the new winter lip trend is wine-stained lips. This essentially means darker red lip colors, which you can purchase at any place you buy your other makeup. The best part is, these colors can come in whatever style you’re looking for – stains, mattes, and glosses, to name a few.

4. Embellished Eyes

Another winter eye trend is embellished eyes. This can mean large glitter, rhinestones, gems, jewels… You can go as crazy or as tame on this as you want. Invest in some eye-friendly stick-on gems or jewels to add a whole other dimension to your makeup look.

5. Icy Shadow

This winter will also focus on cooler colors for eye shadows. This means lighter blues, whites, and silvers. If you want to combine some trends, purchase some light blue shadow, silver metallic shadow, and some gems for an altogether next-level, trendy look.

6. Fluffy Brows

It seems like eyebrow trends change at the drop of a hat. In the 2000s, the trend was extremely thin brows. After that, brows went from sharply angled to round to untrimmed to now fluffy. For this look, try and grow your brows out (minus the unibrow) and brush them up with an eyebrow brush. For extra hold, you can purchase clear eyebrow gel that will keep your brows looking fluffy all day long.

7. Heavy Eyeliner

This look has been back and forth through the years but has made a pretty large comeback as of recently. For this look, invest in some black, brown, and even dark purple eyeliner and line the top and bottom waterline, as well as the top lid.

Winter 2021 into 2022 will be an exciting time to think outside the box when it comes to makeup and beauty. If you’re ready to try some trends you may not normally try, go to your local makeup or drug store and see what inexpensive products you can purchase to experiment with.

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About The Author

Emmie Pombo is a latte and tattoo-loving Tennessean who specializes in mental health and beauty writing. She holds a degree in Journalism and a certification in Makeup Artistry and Airbrushing. Follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Why You Need To Put Yourself First In 2021

I am the first to admit that my self-care is seriously lacking. However, I think 2021 is a perfect time to start implementing some new and better habits. Who doesn’t want to be the best person they can be? I know I do.

We all know the importance of sleep. This is another thing that I have not been great at in the past, but here is my bedtime self-care routine.

Set boundaries around time:

This was a hard one for me and something that I still struggle with. However, it’s so important to have boundaries around your time. I am the first to be working well into the wee hours of the night. So my workday ends at 3, which means I am done emailing and doing anything else work-related at 3. Being a college student I have so much homework all the time so from 4-6 is when I work on homework. This allows me to usually study and do homework for one class. On weekends I take the extra time I need for classes, and I try to squeeze a workout in before dinner. Then after dinner, it’s time for a shower and some downtime.

Exercise:

This has become such an important part of my nighttime routine (I tried to be a morning exerciser I’m just not). This is something that helps me turn my mind off and feel good afterward. Even if I didn’t get everything that I wanted to achieve done that day, exercise is something that I accomplished. I feel great and I’m ready to wind down for the rest of the evening.

A full belly and a hot shower:

I’m usually starving after working out so I have to eat right after. I also feel like I have to have something healthy because well I just worked out and I wouldn’t want to take all that work away by eating something that’s going to make me feel like garbage. Next is the hot shower. This is where I melt the day away. I come out feeling clean and relaxed ready to snuggle up and relax for the evening.

Reading or tv:

We all need something to help us wind down. To take our minds off of the day. Whether I read or watch tv really depends on the day. Thursdays you can find me on the couch snuggled up with my dog watching Greys. Although the other days of the week are hit or miss if I find something good I’ll watch tv if not it’s to my room to read.

Breathing:

This is something that I do every night before bed. I work on control breathing. I hold my breath a lot when my anxiety is high. (who’s isn’t right now) So this is a time for me to really relax and get into the mood to sleep!

I find night time is the best time for me to do self-care. It’s relaxing for me and the perfect way to end the night and rest a-little before my busy life kicks back up the next morning!

I hope this helps! Stay mindful!