“I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.”– Carl Jung Dear Fellow Warrior, The ideation of jumping in front of the train returned to me again today. I don’t get out much and take the train often these days, but when I do, that’s the first thing that comes…
well-being
The Art of Survival: A “Prisoner of Conscience” Speaks
Dear Fellow Warrior, The featured painting, called “Prisoner of Conscience,” connects to my poem (Prisoner of Conscience: An Ode to Solitude) that I wrote earlier this year and recently published in The Memoirist on Medium. The painting is actually also inspired by the original feature photo I chose for that poem. I’ve always preferred using…
Rising Unapologetically Muslim – An Islamic New Year Reflection
“Oh Allah, bring this year upon us with security, faith and safety, Islam, acceptance by the Most Merciful and protection from Shaytan.” (Mu’jam al-Awsat of at-Tabarani). Dear Fellow Warrior, This Friday marked the beginning of the Islamic New Year, 1447 AH, the blessed month of Muharram, which the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) called “the Month of…
To Those Who Only Show Up When I’m Thriving
“Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our greatest measure of courage.” Dr. Brene Brown Dear Fellow Warrior, Another statement I had to make at the close of Mental Health Awareness Month this year was something that had to be said, based on the idea that I am keenly aware dozens of people I know are watching…
To the Muslim Friends Who Punished Me for Surviving
Dear Fellow Warrior, As we closed out Mental Health Awareness Month, I made this statement on Facebook… to my Muslim brothers and sisters, to my family, and to anyone who once called me a friend and has followed my journey online. You’ve witnessed my voice… always active, always striving… across these platforms. Your silence has…
When You Know They Want You to Die
“Try not to resist the changes that come your way. Instead, let life live through you.” – Rumi “To be alive is the most radical act of all.” – Andrea Gibson Dear Fellow Warrior, Sometimes it feels as if my entire world is giving me every reason to kill myself. Not directly, perhaps. But the…
The Underdog Rises: A WOC’s Academic Comeback, Reckoning, & Reclamation
Reflections on My Three-Year Graduation Anniversary, for my Academic Journey, and as a Woman of Color in Academia… “Great spirits always encounter violent opposition from mediocre minds.” – Albert Einstein Dear Fellow Warrior, I write this for Me, myself, and I. And all those who felt invisible in Academia, and deserved better. Three years after…
Allah is Sufficient
“When the world pushes you to your knees, you’re in the perfect position to pray.” – Rumi “Sometimes Allah breaks your heart to save your soul.”– Anonymous Dear Fellow Warrior, The featured photo is another Arabic calligraphy piece I completed a few weeks ago. I really like this one too. This piece came to me…