Letter from the Editor / the struggle is real when another year is over
I can’t believe another year is over!
They say that time flies when you’re having fun, but time also flies when you reach the ripe old age of 30 (I’m kidding guys, 30 isn’t old). 🙃🙃🙃
So much has happened in 2024. For me personally, I’ve had many changes in my life; I turned 30, a long-term relationship ended and then a new one began, I was a bridesmaid for an incredible best friend, I got a new job, I visited new countries (Japan, Romania, Croatia, Ireland), saw new music (Blossoms, Courteeners, Wombats) and met amazing new people while growing existing friendships.
I also can’t believe that I’m writing this to over 1,000 of you! I’m so grateful for all your support of the magazine over the past year. We celebrated our first birthday since the magazine launch and added countless new contributors to our community, sharing a unique range of artwork, poetry, and perspectives. I always feel truly honoured to share the work of writers, poets, and artists, and to have had the opportunity to interview such talented individuals on their creative works.
Every follow, like, comment and message truly does mean the world to me, because that’s a person that I’m reaching out to with the content, who is resonating with the same feelings that myself and our other contributors have.
2024 was not without its hardships - many of us experienced loss in different ways, from heartbreak to people passing away, struggling with the increasing cost of living, the political climate and the raging epidemic of violence against women and girls. As with each and every year, I walk hand in hand with my grief, anxiety and depression, celebrating with them on some calendar months more than others.
But I believe that 2025 is a year for hope - for new beginnings, for renewed passions, for blossoming love, and for positive change.
ICYMI, my 2025 New Year’s Resolutions are:
Stop caring so much what other people think.
Learn BSL for my deaf boyfriend.
Go on more mental health walks.
Invest time in a proper skincare routine.
Prioritise quality time with loved ones.
Get a new tattoo (or 10).
Make time to write for enjoyment.
Travel to a new country (Sri Lanka is next!)
See new live music.
Continue to share on TMSM and connect with the community about mental health, grief, and imperfect lives.
PSA - don’t worry if you didn’t achieve your 2024 resolutions, or if you don’t make them at all, I always think they are more of a suggestion for enjoyment rather than a strict regimen for self-improvement. You made it through the year, and that’s the most important thing.
For once I am looking forward to the year with a creative optimism at the thought of collaborating with you all again during 2025.
There’s soooo much more I want to do with this channel and space, but it’s all about finding the time with my new job and other priorities also at the forefront of my mind. But don’t fear, I am planning to make sure that TMSM continues to thrive this year and that we add more people to our community than ever before, to unite in this shared space of struggles!
I’m sure 2025 will bring its own host of modern struggles, so watch this space, send in your submissions, and continue supporting each other. 💚💚💚
Sending lots of love to all my fellow strugglers this January!
Ally xxx
Written by Ally McLaren
Editor
Hi, I’m Ally, Editor of This Modern Struggle Magazine.
You may have seen my writing in Mouthy Magazine or Darling Magazine. I currently work in Marketing and PR and do freelance copywriting on the side. I also have experience in journalism and feature writing for women’s magazines and national press.
When I’m not writing you can find me eating pizza, stroking my cat and watching true crime documentaries.
I started this magazine for all the fellow strugglers who feel the same way that I do; like everyone else has it all figured out and you just don’t know what you’re doing in life.