You're Speaking My 2022 Favorites

And with that, the 2022 season comes to an end... goodnight *cues music*

This is my blogger version of the latest TikTok trend we're seeing all over social media right now. I hope you enjoy my 2022 recap :)

It is officially 2023 and luckily for this writer, the New Year falls on a beautiful SML Sunday. Making it the perfect opportunity to release my first blog of the new year, share with you some favs I discovered this past year, and announce exciting blog updates.

I'll try to keep it brief.

Speaking My Fav: Memory

You wouldn't know because I have barely talked about this but I graduated this December! I am officially an alum of THE Ohio State University #gobucks. And while I plan to write another post about my college experience, my decision to take a gap year, and the advice I plan to pass on. This is not it.

My favorite 2022 memory has definitely been my study abroad in London. I mean, duh.

If you're not new, then you've probably already read about My Time Abroad or some protips for A Successful Study Abroad. *if not, check them out*

Studying and living in London was the best thing to happen to me this year. I made some great friends and traveled to places I had only dreamed of as a young girl.

Anywho, here is my favorite memory in a slideshow :)

Speaking My Fav: Book

The great thing about my gap semester (again, a post on that soon I promise) was that I had a lot of time to read. I've always been an avid reader and college kind of ruins leisure reading for you.

My favorite book from 2022 was Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. BOOK REVIEW TIME!!

Set in the California Gold Rush era, Francine Rivers takes readers through a fictional retelling of the story of Hosea from the Bible. Wrapped in personal convictions of self-worth, love, and spiritual redemption, we learn how our destinies are not defined by our past. Through the love, mercy, and patience of God, we can all truly be redeemed.

I absolutely loved the storytelling in this book! Rivers beautifully captured the rollercoaster-like journey Christians go through in their relationship with God. As a Christian, I can relate to relying on God's patience as I grow spiritually. However, this book is more than another Christian novel and details the importance of finding and forgiving yourself. It is definitely a must-read (can't say the same for the movie).

If you read it or have already read it, let me know what you think in the comments!

I am currently reading Michelle Obama's new book The Light We Carry. Would you like me to review that when I'm done as well?

Speaking My Fav: Movie

A lot of movies came out this year. And while most of them were great films, a few were quite disappointing.

Some notable mentions go out to Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Nope, and The Woman King.

My favorite movie from 2022, however, goes to Everything, Everywhere, All at Once starring Michelle Yeon and directed by the Daniels.

I'm a sucker for a movie with a broader societal context, and the one in this jam-packed action movie is riddled with them. A quick Google search will tell you that the movie's meaning is that "what makes life meaningful is the recognition that because there is no inherent meaning, all things and moments are equally meaningful" (read more).

Still, what made the movie stand out to me was how it reinforced that... nothing matters. It's an IYKYK kind of thing. In short, when I was in high school speech and debate, 'Nothing Matters' was my debate partner and I's team motto --- we even had stickers made. It taught us that lose or win, nothing matters more than having a good time. That saying is honestly what got me through the overtly competitive nature that is high school speech and debate.

Sometimes we take life and the little day-to-day moments in our lives too seriously. So much so, that we forget to live for what's meaningful, to treat others with kindness, and to be present with those around us.

Speaking My Fav: TV Show

Based on my past interactions this past month, Netflix historical records, and my own suspenseful entertainment, I think it's safe to say that Wednesday took home the award for best TV Show and easily landed in my 2022 favorites.

Jenna Ortega's Wednesday Addams is a must-watch if you have not already. She elevates our beloved smart, blunt, and a little dead-inside gothic Addams kid by showing us her multi-faceted personality. In my opinion, Jenna makes this show a hit and nailed the Wednesday Addams cold stare and creepy dance moves.

Some other great shows that were released this past year or new seasons include, in no specific order:

• Inventing Anna

• The Dropout

• Stranger Things Season 4

• Euphoria Season 2

Please feel free to let me know if I am missing any notable mentions in any of these categories or if you have any book, movie, or show recommendations for me ;).

In other news, SML is EXPANDING!!! We are starting a new Speaker Series where we invite authors from all backgrounds to share their views on healthcare, policy, or just to write plain ol' experiential journalism with us.

Here, at SML, we are all about engaging with a new crowd of thinkers. Be sure to subscribe to see their posts when they drop on Sundays throughout the year and read about them in their author bios. The first Speaker's blog drops soon...

Happy New Year! #2023