The end of the year is always filled with reflection. We look back on what we did well, what we wished we could have changed, and what our goals look like for the next year.
And while we sat down with every intention of creating a blog that was reflective on the last year we realized if we’re being honest and authentic – hallmarks we try to live by every day at Boss Talk – the truth is, 2021 has been such a whirlwind of a year that we didn’t really know where to begin.
For many, 2020 was devastating. We were forced to attempt to navigate the coronavirus pandemic as well as an economic downturn many of us had yet to experience in our lifetimes (or others have experienced more times than we’d like to count). With 2021 came hope that in the new year things would turn around, but it appears 2021 didn’t deliver what we had hoped.
The world is still being ravaged by COVID-19, people have pitted themselves against their neighbors over mask and vaccine mandates, we are watching climate change quickly overtake the planet, school shootings are no closer to being less prevalent, hatred towards minority groups is still rampant, and women and girls are constantly being subjected to violence, sexual assault, and governance where it doesn’t belong. It also sure doesn’t feel like the economy is steaming towards a rapid recovery.
While this is an accurate depiction of the last year, there are also other events that don’t get nearly as much coverage and attention. Here a few high notes from 2021:
- More people ARE getting vaccinated against coronavirus.
- Women’s enrollment in business schools reached an all-time high in 2021.
- Free menstrual products are becoming more prevalent in public restrooms.
- Germany is soon welcoming its first gender equal cabinet into its government.
- Jessica Watkins will soon be the first Black woman to reside and work at the Space Station.
- People came together to protest restrictive abortion bills.
- Female sports reporters are obtaining bigger roles in their fields.
- Athletes around the world helped to begin the process of destigmatizing mental health.
- The three men who murdered Ahmaud Arbery were convincted and sent to prison.
- Spain plans to ban sales of fruits and vegetables in plastic in 2023.
- Switzerland legalized same-sex marriage.
The list goes on – in both categories. The point here is that although 2021 saw many catastrophic events, it also saw many people begin to take a stand against injustices. People protested and started social media campaigns and used their voices to seek solutions.
It can seem daunting to have a positive outlook on what’s to come in 2022. After the last two years, seeing the light at the end or keeping the faith that things will change for the better is exhausting. We’re all tired – tired of the hatred and divisiveness and violence that seems to characterize our society today. It is completely overwhelming to watch the bad news unfold in front of us every single day.
However, if we continue to speak up, change will happen. Our voices have power, and think about the power that we could have if this was everyone’s collective New Year’s Resolution. We have the tools to fix gender inequality, climate change, political dishonesty, and unfair legislation.
So, in 2022, here’s to seeing more women in positions of power, less women subjected to violence, and more protests against laws that restrict women’s choices. Here’s to seeing more love and acceptance given to those who are different from ourselves. Here’s to more productive political conversations and policies that create opportunities for all. Here’s to preserving our green spaces and clean air and planting more trees. Here’s to those in power taking the safety and health of all more seriously, and here’s to more peace and less chaos.
Here’s to us, Boss Talk Community, and the brave steps we will individually and collectively take to make it happen.
