forward FACING
Have we ever been more primed to say “so long” to one year and welcome in a new one? Although things are still far from perfect, we’re feeling a renewed sense of hope for the future with the turning of the calendar page, and looking forward to—at some point in 2021!— setting the reset button on life.
This issue reflects that anticipatory mood with a balance of stories that consider both the reality of our present circumstances and a few ways to make the days a little better until the COVID-19 tide truly turns.
It’s the time to reevaluate your financial picture (ugh!), so our Money Talks column (page 40) offers some pointers on what aspects to review. If you’re feeling a little faint after that exercise, it’s okay to indulge in some self-care—yes, really— because in “The Science of Self-care,” on page 48, we run down the facts behind the rituals that keep us sane, and why we need them.
You can find easy ways to freshen up on the homefront, whether it’s with a lick of paint or a textured toss cushion, in our Home & Garden section. After staring at the same walls and furniture for almost a year now, we all deserve a few well-placed enhancements. And if you’ve been spending an inordinate amount of time looking at your laptop from the comfort of your bed (who hasn’t?), our primer on what to look for in a new mattress means the way you lounge around won’t seem like a scene from The Princess and the Pea.
But we haven’t forgotten that it’s winter, after all, so our feature food stories are chockfull of yummy recipes that make the most of the season: Sausage, Cabbage & Apple Soup, followed by Chocolate Hazelnut Fondue, don’t mind if we do! For those who are starting the new year with a resolution to eat more mindfully, it’s worth noting that all our Quick & Easy recipes this issue are vegan.
Finally, our interviews with two women who inspire us with their strength and indomitable spirit will feed your soul. Powerhouse actor Viola Davis talks inner beauty and being true to yourself on page 24, and on page 42 we learn from Accessnow founder and CEO Maayan Ziv about the how the app she created is addressing the importance of accessibility.
We know we still have a long, difficult road ahead of us in 2021, but we like to think that stories like these provide a glow of light at the end of the tunnel. We don’t know what will happen this year, but by allowing ourselves to learn, to stay positive and to relax, we think we’re off to a pretty good start.