Finally – the year 2020 has come to an end. From revolutions, to crises, and – of course – the worldwide pandemic – the Coronavirus – we made it through it all! It is no doubt that many have faced several difficulties with their mental health throughout the year, but we have officially made it to the end regardless of our fears, our circumstances, and our inevitable losses. We have no certainty that things will look up from here, but our goal is to motivate you throughout your journey – and, so, we, at Aware AE, have come up with a couple of things to remember for the new year.
Omaya Bader: Founder & Editor-in-Chief
“You cannot heal in the same environment that made you sick. Change your surroundings, eliminate toxicity, and move forward. Whether it is a job, a social gathering, or a relationship – detect the red flags and learn when to leave. Your mental health is more important than anything or anyone else and you are not selfish for believing so.”
Tala Al Otaibi: Co-Founder & Editor
“Always remember to celebrate every little achievement you accomplish during these hard times. Be your own inspiration and do not constantly put yourself down”
Andrew Riad: Social Media Spokesperson
“One thing I think is important for me and that I’ve come to realize is that growth isn’t always linear. To grow is also to hurt and to be down at times, and that’s okay. For me, growing is also confronting, realizing, disappointing, laughing, crying, and everything in between. It is in expressing and feeling everything, that we begin to grow to love ourselves, to be secure in ourselves, and to ultimately grow overall as human beings.”
Zahraa Jaber: Staff Writer
“Always keep going forward because life won’t stop moving even if you do.”
Maya Chami: Staff Writer
“Know your value. Know your worth. And if there ever comes a time where you doubt yourself, just acknowledge the devil within you that feeds off of your insecurities and fight it. Let your potential grow, and always believe in yourself.”
Tania Dubayssi: Staff Writer
“Always remember to put yourself first and be your own motivation.”
Anushka Agarwal: Staff Writer
“‘I think it’s incredibly important to realize that everyone makes mistakes and it’s perfectly normal to do so and should even be encouraged! Mistakes are proof that you’re constantly trying and putting in your maximum effort which is an integral part of embracing new experiences and self-growth.’”
Amal Al Ghory: Contributor
“Bad things happen, and they’re almost never under your control. The way you choose to perceive and react to things, however, is completely in your power. You’re allowed to be sad and disappointed, just remember to pick yourself up and keep going.”
Mais Othman: Contributor
“Death is the most difficult pain to deal with. It’s easy to start disconnecting from people and the world but remember that your loved one would have wanted you to smile and carry on with life. Remember this person for the lessons taught and the beautiful memories made.”
Salma Yasser: Contributor
always remember that your mental health is never something you should be ashamed of. What it really is, is proof that you are strong enough to get through tough obstacles.”
Jumana Ameen: Contributor
“Be your own source of happiness as other ones are just temporary. You can hence be in control of your joy and there’s no feeling as empowering as that.”
Nour Emara: Contributor
“One thing that I think is important to remember with the start of a new year is that personal growth is a journey and not a destination. Whilst it may be difficult to cope with experiencing setbacks and difficulties in your journey, you have to remember that it is a part of the learning and growth process. Don’t let the minor setbacks demotivate you or stop you from achieving your personal goals and being the best person that you can possibly be.”