Do you remember who you were a year ago? Now, take a look at yourself today – are you the same person? What kind of work were you doing then, and what do you do now? Where have you traveled over the past year? Have there been changes in your personal life? Who stood by your side back then and who is with you now? Do you have new interests, hobbies, habits, tastes, or even a new style? Anything new at all?
Even if nothing major seems to have changed, remember this: you’ve become one year wiser and yes, one year sexier too! You’ve experienced a full spectrum of emotions and lived through situations that have shaped your character, helped you grow, and made you stronger. Every moment – good or bad – happened for a reason. It all contributed to who you are today.
And for those whose world has been turned upside down in just one year – welcome to my world. So much has happened, it would take a book to describe it all. And that’s exactly what brought me to this point: wanting to share the emotions and experiences we all go through in times of change.
- Happiness. Happiness literally prolongs life – science backs that up. So when joy finds you, fully embrace it. Cherish those moments, be grateful for them, and hold them close to your heart. As much as we wish we could stay in that euphoric state forever, life is fluid and sometimes…
- Sadness. …sadness arrives, often unexpectedly. It can linger for hours, even days. Learning to sit with sadness and listen to what it’s trying to tell you is key. What needs to change? What can you shift? Sad moments are reminders of just how precious happiness is. They inspire us to create more joy, to work our way back to peace, and to turn things around.
- Anticipation. That feeling of waiting for something to happen – it’s exciting but often frustrating. You know the moment is coming, but you’re stuck in the “not yet.” Instead of letting it eat away at you, redirect your energy. Do something good, something kind. Anticipation teaches us patience, the art of letting go – temporarily – and trusting that everything will unfold in its time.
- Hope. Hope is beautiful. But hope alone isn’t enough. Let hope lead to action. If you’re hoping for something, pair it with a plan. Set small goals, take consistent steps, and grow in the process. Don’t just wish for a great outcome – work toward it while keeping that hope alive in your heart.
- Fear. Fear is always lurking – the fear of change, of the unknown. It can feel paralyzing. But this is where focus becomes your superpower. Shift your attention from what scares you to what strengthens you. Remind yourself: you’ve overcome before, and you’ll do it again. You are wiser, stronger, and far more capable than fear wants you to believe.
- Trust. Trust yourself. Trust that you will either adapt and accept, or find the strength to change your path. Balance comes from that inner confidence. Trust leads to peace.
- Anger. Anger is heavy. It clouds our thinking, hijacks our emotions, and damages our nervous system. But here’s the truth: kindness is stronger than anger. You might get angry at yourself for a poor decision, but don’t let that anger turn outward. People are different. Practice patience and understanding. And when the situation becomes too intense – walk away, breathe, and shift your focus. Anger solves nothing. Calm solves everything.
- Frustration. Frustration shows up in unfair, tough situations. It’s uncomfortable but it’s also a catalyst for growth. It forces your mind to problem-solve, to analyze, to get creative. These are the moments that build resilience. Over time, you bounce back quicker, stronger, and wiser. It’s your mental immune system at work.
- Surprise. Pure joy times a hundred! Surprises often come when we least expect them, flooding us with positive energy. They lift our spirits and brighten our days in the best way possible. I truly wish everyone could feel this kind of joy a few times a year – it’s a beautiful reminder that life is full of unexpected magic.
And here’s the truth behind all these emotions:
Enjoy and learn from everything that happens to you – in any situation. When you start to look at life this way, you begin to see that everything really does happen for a reason. Difficult moments reveal your hidden strength. Challenges give you the power to later create something good and meaningful. What didn’t work out yesterday might just unfold perfectly tomorrow – because each new day brings more wisdom, more experience, and more strength. And when the time is right, you will be ready to face anything in the right way 💫
Natalia Turanova-Cengiz 