The mornings are becoming brighter, the evenings are getting longer, and Mother Nature is waking from her long slumber. Transition is approaching, and every day is a gentle but steady reminder of this impending change. Despite the flowers opening up around me, I feel like I’m not quite ready for this winter to end. My life turned upside down over the past season, and I haven’t quite caught up.

In January, my feed is filled celebratory reflections, ambitious goals, highlight reels, and smiley photo dumps. And, as much as I want to smile back, I can’t help but feel an uncomfortable animosity towards this time of year, and the modern traditions that accompany it …

It should be a surprise to no one that Instagram looks completely different from a year ago. The rise of Reels, vertical content, trending sounds and awkward dance moves has completely transformed our feeds.

Dear 2021,

I have wished for your appearance for most of this year. I have longed for you to replace the wounded and battered spot 2020 once held inside of me, and have imagined the future you and I will have together, many times.