Podium
Subscribe
Cover photo

Happy New Year

Malala's reflections on finding joy in an unpredictable time

Malala

Dec 31, 2021
2
17

I’ve found it hard to keep track of years after 2020. Even saying “2022” is difficult for me so far. Most often it comes out as “twenty twenty twenty twenty…two.” But, as the new year draws closer, I’ve been practicing.

I’m also trying to get used to uncertainty. The new normal means not being able to make plans too far in the future. It means waiting, indefinitely, for the people and places we want to see. It can stunt your ability to dream.

But the unexpected isn’t always unwelcome. In a brief worry window between Delta and Omicron this year, I graduated from college and got married. I was able to see my friends; some family members were able to travel from other countries to attend the ceremonies. Even though nothing happened how I imagined it, I was so grateful for these unpredictable moments of joy in hard times.

While I’ve had happy personal moments, it’s harder to figure out how to push for bigger change in an upended world. In the new year, I want to be even more ambitious about ensuring our political, economic and social systems do not discriminate against women and girls. Specifically, I want to see all girls in Afghanistan go back to school. This is my most urgent priority for 2022.

As I write this, I am sitting with my husband Asser in a Thai restaurant waiting for our main course (Thai fried rice, chicken and massaman curry). I’m feeling very grateful for this moment. I hope there will be more like it in 2022…but, like all of us, I will take moments of joy as they come, when they come, and keep working for a better world in whatever way I can.

Happy new year to you and your loved ones,

- Malala

Subscribe for free to Podium
By subscribing, you agree to share your email address with Malala to receive their original content, including promotions. Unsubscribe at any time. Meta will also use your information subject to the Bulletin Terms and Policies
2
17

More from Podium
See all

Soul-searching for Ramadan in a loud, loud world

Reflections from Fareeha Molvi
Apr 23
17
6

My conversation with Yale's "Happiness Professor"

Continuing my virtual discussion with fellow Bulletin writer Dr. Laurie Santos
May 12
11
2

To be continued...

15 year-old Setare Golzari writes about being banned from school, fleeing Afghanistan and her new life in Canada
Apr 28
11
3
Comments
Log in with Facebook to comment

17 Comments

  • Andrew Revkin
    Writes Sustain What
    You deserve such simple moments more than almost anyone I know. Cherish every one and use the resulting energy to power the hard work.
    • 24w
  • Shereen Michael
    Such simple, but powerful words, Malala...May the new year bring hope, strength and renewed vigour. Have a blessed New year.
    • 24w
  • Isabella Leal
    I believe all of us have been affected in one way or another regarding uncertainty through the pandemic, but as you state, it's all about the little things and priorities in our life. May you and your family have good health in and through this year so…
    See more
    • 24w
  • Cristina Venâncio
    Happy New Year, Malala, Family and Friends. You are a model to all the childrens and people, in general. D'ont give up your dream, Education to All and All Genders. Thank You!🙏🤗🥰♥️🍀
    • 25w
  • Judy Kennedy Carrino
    Happy New Year, Malala, you are indeed an inspiration to so many people.
    • 25w
  • Yvette Nieto
    Happy New Year...you are such an inspiritation.Knowing that I am with good company in these challenging times, well....how wonderful!
    Yvette Nieto Lamarche
    • 25w
  • Cherye Melamed
    You are truly an inspiration for all. Happy New Year.
    • 24w
  • Mohsin Rehman Khan
    Happ new year from Pakistan!
    • 24w
  • Cadet Saint Louis
    I really enjoy reading you.
    Keep up the good work
    And happy New Year
    • 21w
  • Akhila Anil
    Happy new year 🥰
    • 24w
View 6 more comments
Share quoteSelect how you’d like to share below
Share on Facebook
Share to Twitter
Send in Whatsapp
Share on Linkedin
Privacy  ·  Terms  ·  Cookies
© Meta 2022
Discover fresh voices. Tune into new conversations. Browse all publications