By JEMILA ABDULAI In his book “The Alchemist”, Paulo Coelho writes that when a person really desires something, the entire universe conspires to help that person achieve their goals and follow their dreams follow his or her dream. My journey thus far is testament to those words. It all…
It reads like fiction. Young girl turns 13 – the makings of a celebration. Yet what is being “celebrated” is not so much the envious title of “finally a teenager”, but rather, an unwilling marriage to a man who – in many cases – is at least twice her age.…
I’m currently reading Elif Shafak’s “The Forty Rules of Love” which imagines the meeting between poet Rumi and his companion, the dervish, mystical Shams. I love so much about it, but this really stuck out to me – the first time the two met face to face. I think it…
Some people think mentorship is important, others, not so much. In my opinion, we may not always think we need mentors, but in one way or the other, we already have one. The person I came to call my first real mentor had the title of ‘boss’ and it wasn’t…
A little over a month ago, I decided I’d practice conscientious gratitude; taking a moment at the end of each day to think and write about things I was grateful for that day. At the very minimum, I was to think and write about one thing – even if it…
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. The man who best embodies the ideals and principles we cherish; the ideals and principles worth pursuing. Passion. Courage. Perseverance. Forgiveness. Conviction. Love. Humility. Purpose. Faith. Vision. The list is endless. What a soul. He was from us, but not of us. Unlike many, he understood the…
I once contemplated suicide. I was confused. I felt alone, misunderstood. I (thought I) had nobody to talk to really. I mean, really talk to. I caved inward, became more reserved. Faked it to the hilt. Damn being authentic. Outwardly, I was smiling, brave, nonchalant. Inside, I was…
Dear Ladies, So yesterday at the bus station, I asked a young lady whether I could borrow her phone. She lent me her phone and after my call, she asked: “Can I ask you for some advice?” and then proceeded to tell me how many people in her life -…
By JEMILA ABDULAI This morning, while doing my daily inspiration rounds, I felt an urge to dig back into my blogging past – the archives of this website – and read something from a younger me. I do that sometimes. It’s not just fascinating, but also inspiring to see…