Bloom 360

New Year, New You: Realistic Resolutions for a Positive Change

As the year is coming to an end, many of us find ourselves contemplating New Year's resolutions—a tradition of setting goals to improve our lives. Whether it's adopting healthier habits, pursuing personal growth, or making positive lifestyle changes, resolutions offer a chance for reflection and renewal.

One key to successful resolutions is setting realistic and attainable goals. Instead of aiming for drastic transformations, consider gradual changes that align with your values and aspirations. This might involve breaking down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps, making the journey more achievable.

Sharing your goals with friends or family can provide support and encouragement along the way. Consider finding a resolution buddy to embark on the journey together, turning the pursuit of self-improvement into a shared experience.

Flexibility is vital; life changes, and challenges may arise. Being adaptable helps you navigate setbacks without giving up on your resolutions.

Celebrate the small victories. Acknowledge and appreciate the progress you make toward your resolutions. Recognizing these achievements, no matter how small, helps build momentum and keeps you motivated throughout the year.

Finally, as the year unfolds, remember that each day is a new chance to move closer to the best version of yourself.

BUSINESS ETIQUETTE | Please Respond to Your Email

In the fast-paced world of business communication, the simple act of acknowledging received emails stands as a foundation of good etiquette. It is a powerful tool for encouraging professionalism, courtesy, and effective communication in the workplace.

Acknowledging emails, first and foremost, provides confirmation to the sender that their message has been received and is not lost in cyberspace. It also reflects professionalism and courtesy, showing that you value and respect the sender's effort and time in reaching out to you.

Acknowledging emails helps in clarifying any potential misunderstandings. If there are specific instructions or requests in the email, acknowledging them ensures that both parties are on the same page. If a response is needed, acknowledging the email lets the sender know that you are aware and will be addressing it shortly.

Acknowledging received emails is a simple yet important aspect of professional communication that helps maintain clarity, professionalism and effective communication.

So, the next time you hear the ping of a new email arriving, remember that a thoughtful acknowledgment goes a long way in shaping a positive and collaborative work environment.

The BBC has revealed its list of 100 inspiring and influential women from around the world for 2023.

Among them are attorney and former US First Lady Michelle Obama, human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, Ballon d'Or-winning footballer Aitana Bonmatí, AI expert Timnit Gebru, feminist icon Gloria Steinem, Hollywood star America Ferrera and beauty mogul Huda Kattan.

Check full list here: BBC

Nine exceptional Egyptian women secure their places on the prestigious Forbes Middle East’s ’30 Under 30′ list. These trailblazing women have shattered barriers, defied norms, and emerged as formidable forces in their respective fields. Let's celebrate their journeys. | WoEN

Three of the world's most influential women have told BBC News they want to end child marriage within a generation.

After announcing their collaboration to combat child marriage last year, Michelle Obama, Amal Clooney and Melinda French Gates visited Malawi and South Africa together to amplify the work of grassroots organizations focusing on the issue, and to meet girls and women whose lives have been affected. BBC

Meet Hala Wahba, Founder and CEO of For Impact Group PR and digital innovation | With over two decades of strategic management, Hala Wahba leads For Impact Group (FIG), blending traditional PR with digital innovation. Her diverse experience includes leadership roles at CC Plus and Narrative PR Summit, expanding global clientele. At FIG, she leverages this expertise for exceptional outcomes.

Prior, Wahba excelled in banking, notably at Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, crafting transformative communication strategies and leading landmark initiatives. Her educational journey spans English Literature, Marketing, and a Master’s in Global Business. Exclusive Interview with WOEN

Colombian pop star Shakira on Monday reached a settlement to avoid a trial in Barcelona over charges she failed to pay 14.5 million euros ($15.7 million) in Spanish income tax between 2012 and 2014, arguing it was triggered by personal reasons.

As part of the deal, she accepted the charges and a fine of half the amount owed, more than 7.3 million euros.

Miss Nicaragua Sheynnis Palacios won the Miss Universe competition late Saturday night in El Salvador, the first to wear the crown from her country. Palacios is a 23-year-old communicologist, who said she wants to work to promote mental health after suffering debilitating bouts of anxiety herself. Al-Arabia News

South Korea Court Orders Japan to Compensate Wartime 'Comfort Women'. The 16 who were kept as sex slaves for Japanese soldiers, previously had their case dismissed. The 16 victims filed the suit in 2016, seeking ($155,000) each in compensation. But the Seoul Central District Court dismissed the case in 2021.

The Seoul High Court have now overturned the ruling.

Lee Yong-soo, a 95-year-old activist and victim was emotional as she thanked the court for the ruling. (in photo). It's estimated that more than 200,000 women and girls were forced into prostitution to serve Japanese soldiers in WWII. Reuters

ART | Saudi contemporary artist Manal Al-Dowayan is set to represent the Kingdom at the 60th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, taking place from April 20-Nov. 24, 2024.  Arab News

Ghosted: Why it Happens and How to Cope with the Rejection?

In today's dating scene, ghosting is a puzzling phenomenon where someone suddenly vanishes without a trace. It happens when a person you're dating or getting to know abruptly stops all communication without explanation, leaving you confused and without closure.

Ghosting can be hurtful and frustrating, as it often leaves the person who's been ghosted wondering about the reasons behind the sudden silence.

People may choose to ghost for various reasons. It could be due to a lack of interest, avoidance of confrontation, fear of hurting feelings, or simply a desire for an easy way out of a situation. Some individuals may find it challenging to communicate their feelings directly, so they resort to avoiding contact altogether. While the reasons vary, ghosting is generally considered an insensitive way of ending a relationship or connection.

If you have been ghosted, it's okay to reach out one more time if you feel the need for closure or clarification. Keep your message polite and express your feelings without being confrontational. However, if there's still no response, it's important to prioritize your own well-being and consider moving forward. Continuously trying to contact someone who is avoiding communication may not be productive for your emotional health.

MOVIE: "Holy Spider" is a Persian-language crime thriller film released in 2022. Directed by Ali Abbasi, starring Mehdi Bajestani and Zar Amir Ebrahimi, the movie is inspired by the true story of Saeed Hanaei, a serial killer who preyed on street prostitutes, committing 16 murders from 2000 to 2001 in Mashhad, Iran.

The film follows the story of Tehran-based journalist Arezoo Rahimi arrives in the Iranian holy city of Mashhad to investigate a serial killer targeting local street prostitutes addicted to drugs, dubbed the "Spider Killer" by the media. The killer follows a pattern of picking up women on his motorcycle, taking them to an apartment and strangling them with their headscarves, before ultimately disposing of their corpses in desolate areas on the city's outskirts.

Rahimi teams up with Sharifi, the editor of a local newspaper, to discover the killer's identity.

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