Juliana Souza
The end of the year is approaching and it is time to take stock of the achievements of the entire period. For the journalist Julianá Souza, who presents the Plural program, broadcast on TV Max Rio and on YouTube, the year 2022 was full of positive actions and proposals. With the resumption of activities after the coronavirus pandemic, personal and professional paths have expanded again and the bet is on a 2023 with more growth and love. For Juliana, in the last part of this year, the order is to focus on feelings of gratitude, building and faith, to walk on a path even more filled with good news.
How do you see the end of another cycle, in a year when the recovery was more intense after the pandemic?
After more than two years, after the start of the pandemic that brought challenges to people’s lives, there are many doubts that arise. In my opinion, the pandemic brought lessons from mistakes and successes in Brazil and around the world and warnings about financial situations. I think the end of another cycle is an opportunity to look back and put things into perspective. It was a very surprising and painful period. The impression is that we are exhausted by this boom of sensations. We experience a mixture of feelings, mourning for what is gone and at the same time gratitude and hope for what life still has for us. We must recharge ourselves, strengthen ourselves and not harden our hearts or let faith be forgotten in the face of life.
What feelings arise when this time of year comes?
The commemorative dates of Christmas and New Year usually affect me a lot. Reflection overwhelms me and many findings show realities that I often try not to believe. Then I do an emotional review of my year, a real “life review”. I create an imaginary ladder and despite the ups and downs, I always feel blessed and grateful for all that God has given me. It is a favorable time for love, for sharing what I have and most importantly for me: who I am. Time in time to give and receive forgiveness, an essential condition, in my opinion, for anyone who wants an easy and peaceful life.
What is Christmas and what do these holidays represent for you and your family? Do you think we were more sensitive back then?
Christmas is the holiday of life, a time to remember the birth of Jesus Christ, our savior. It is a time for love, empathy, generosity and prayer. The emotion and the crying come out of me. I wouldn’t trade the company of my parents, daughter and cousins for anything. Melancholy surrounds me even on that date, because every year I see how many people I love so much are no longer near me, like my youngest daughter, my paternal and maternal grandfather, my uncle. I try to focus on God’s gratitude and love for all that He offers me and, supported by the Father’s love, I manage to stay strong for the coming year. Giving thanks is the most noble and increasingly essential gesture in my life. God is present in everything. And how happy I am that he loves me and is guided by him. So it’s Christmas!!
Feelings of family togetherness, solidarity and good thoughts should be appreciated not only now, but throughout the year, right?
Of course, a family is not only formed by the blood relationship that the members have, but by the bonds of love, affection and respect for their differences that are created between them throughout the year. It is in the family that the first lessons come out and from there we get the examples for our behavior and attitudes throughout life. I feel very privileged. God chose and empowered parents who were very devoted and loving to me. I love them so much. They are my foundations, my safe havens, my friends, admirers and supporters. my babies!!!
After such a difficult period as the pandemic and all the losses, including human losses, what is more important to appreciate?
After a time of crisis, in which the randomness of life is experienced, the importance of valuing life emerges. In this search for the true meaning of life, the search for the religious element comes to the fore. Also, I see that we need to develop the ability to love and accept differences. And live the true love of God for each of us. “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39
Do you think we all somehow reinvent ourselves? Do you believe you have evolved spiritually?
Yes, I continue in the evolutionary process, through love and pain. For our spiritual life to bear good fruit, we must maintain a correct attitude in our daily devotions and practices. I always seek to understand and accept God’s plans, with love and resignation. And if we are not able to accept and appreciate ourselves, life will pass as a lost journey. Life is a gift that strengthens the soul.
What advice would you give to maintain calmness, poise and determination to overcome so many difficulties that we have been through lately?
Surrender your life with faith and trust in God’s hands; Get to know who you really are, whether through psychological or religious help or through an expansion of consciousness; Share love, knowledge, empathy, kindness, good practices and words. Love and take care of yourself, you are your own sacred temple. If you offer good thoughts, places that bring you peace and do whatever makes you happy. “Being happy without reason is the most authentic form of happiness,” Carlos Drummond de Andrade.
What are your faith mantras?
I made a combination with some blankets that I believe in and have learned through the act of being alive: “Having faith means signing a blank sheet of paper and letting God write whatever He wants on it. There will be days happy. difficult days, happy days and sad days, but with each new dawn I will mature my faith to live them all. I believe, I believe, I save them and I am extremely grateful, because what belongs to me me, he will never lose his way to me.”
