She walks tentatively toward the mirror. She gasps at what she sees. Where she saw perfection before, was replaced by jagged scars and exposed tissue. People who pass her by take the opportunity to take a jab at her - without a second glance, without sympathy. She cannot ward them off. There are too many, they are too overwhelming.

- abstract from some random story

I realize what is more paralyzing than fear is the lack of hope. What happens when there is nothing to look forward to? What do you hope for this year? Or rather, where does your hope lie?