Why Words Matter Newsletter Jan '21

Happy new year!

Hope you’ve had a good festive break.

Last year was tough for lots of us (you know why) but we want to be optimistic and hope the new year brings great things to you and everyone around you.

Looking back, we were involved in some fantastic projects. We helped small businesses find their brand voice and get clarity around their offer and value. And designed content with national charities for people living with disabilities and affected by terminal illness.

In the spirit of reflection and optimism, we’re kicking off this year’s newsletter by looking back at some of the stories that inspired us in 2020.

Remember to let us know to stop receiving our emails, we’ll be sad to see you go but won’t take it personally.

1. How the WFH revolution can actually improve inclusion and emotional well-being - The Fast Company

It turns out there are more benefits to working from home than we think. It not only frees people from office politics but it also provides flexibility and removes barriers for people with caregiving duties or disabilities. It creates more comfortable and inclusive environments in general.

2. How a Long-Planned Pandemic Exhibit Adapted to COVID-19 - Atlas Obscura

It sounds like a film plot: an exhibition called Besmet! (“Contagious!”) was scheduled to open in the Netherlands in March 2020 as an immersive experience of a pandemic-ruled world. As the coronavirus situation unravelled and many countries entered their first lockdown, the exhibition became one of the first in modern history to document a global event as it happened.

3. 21 Silver Linings - Greenspace

Described as an ‘optimistic legacy project’, 21 Silver Linings is a roundup of 21 great things that happened in 2020. It includes children pressuring toy giant Lego to ditch the plastic packaging, Bong Joon-ho’s phenomenal film Parasite becoming the first non-English film to ever win the Oscar for best picture, and the decline of fossil fuels thanks to the pandemic.

4. It’s Never Too Late to Pursue a Dream - The New York Times

An uplifting story to start the year that may have slipped through your net. Born into poverty and having lived through World War II, Giuseppe Paternò fulfilled his lifelong aspiration and graduated from the University of Palermo justy six weeks before his 97th birthday. He teaches us that while life often gets in the way of our plans, it’s never too late to pursue a dream.

5. Stop, start, continue: creatives share their work/life resolutions for 2021 - It’s Nice That

Looking back at 2020, we’ve probably learnt a lot about ourselves: what works for us, what doesn’t, things we could improve. (And if you’re not sure, that’s fine as well.) Find yourself in need of inspiration? Check out what these top creatives say about their year in review and you may find some.

Did you find anything interesting you’d like to share or chat about? Just reply to this email and let us know!

Stay safe and have a great January!

Nia and Adrián

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