Do You Host Blame-Shame Parties?

Photo by Igor Starkov

Throughout these months, I've realized that I feel more in tune with my intuition than I did a year ago. I trust in it more and it feels like we're more partners than simple friends we were before. We've grown through mistakes and lots of crying, but I'm glad we're at this place where we're almost one.

Our trip to Europe was an adventure but, I do regret a few things. One of which was being too scared to really follow my gut to go out on my own because I didn't know the language. Being out with the group was hard enough but with their support and translating, I was able to get by. But my image of staying in a cafe, reading, writing, practising calligraphy didn't come to life because I was too fearful of making a fool out of myself in my pronunciations and if I'm honest with myself I do regret that part. 

The instant feeling of regret is blame but there is no one or nothing to blame at all. Why do we always want someone or something to blame? To feel better about ourselves? That never really works out, does it? It always brings up arguments and you'll fight back to make yourself feel superior to the other party. 

"Damn it, fear! Why do you always get in the way?"

Although you genuinely are superior to fear, by putting the blame to it, you're bringing yourself down alongside it. You'll feel awful and sulk in that blame-shame party for a bit and when something else gets your attention, you'll feel great! But when you think about that regret, dan dan dan, that blame-shame party starts again, like a cycle. 

0

My Reasons for Feeling Uncomfortable with my Religion

Photo by Ryan Holloway 

Ramadan. It's the ninth month of the Hijri Calendar (Islamic Calendar) where Muslims around the world observe the practice of fasting from sunrise to sunset. It was believed that it was during this month that the Holy book, Qur'an was revealed to the final Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him). A form of charity, compassion, empathy is doubled more so if acted upon this month because it is also believed to be one of the holiest months of the year.

It's the last week of Ramadan this week and I — am just going to say it without judgement — have only fasted once in my 24 years on this earth. That's right. I'm one of those "Chicken Nugget" Muslims who don't fast. And the reasons why? Well, let me break it down for you.

Disclaimer: This is my own honest truth, so it doesn't mean that it's the same for those who don't practice. Their reasons could be completely different. These reasons are my own. If at any point you feel anger or uncomfortable with this post, you're most welcome to close this page. No judgement from my end. 

Where it all started

When I was growing up, I was taught the Islamic religion. As a child, I used to pray at least weekly when my cousins would come over for some bonding, and we would pray together. It was a sort of bonding that is a distant memory that I only remember through flashing scenes and photographs from the past. But I think it was just a month or a few months in, and I stopped praying altogether.

0

Meditate Peace

I was reading Gabby Bernstein's book last night; trying to catch up to my Goodreads Reading Challenge. And I got to the chapter where she mentioned Maharashi Maheshi Yogi's prophecy. 

Maharashi theorized that when groups of people meditate together with shared intentions of peace, their alpha brain waves become synchronized. The coherence of brain waves then causes people who are not meditating to receive the same properties in their subconscious minds. – Gabrielle Bernstein, The Universe Has My Back

As I was meditating today, I recalled what Gabby had written and I began to picture that I was with a group of people. We were sitting and meditating peace. I could feel the energy oozing and goosebumps started to grow. I could feel something lit up inside me, no idea what it was but it felt great. I feel like it's one of those spiritual experiences that sort of stick with you, you know?

0

Fuck It and Get Out There!

I’ve always been the kind of person to run away from my problems; the kind to always hide whenever I get the sense that something in my life is about to drastically change. I would lock myself in my room, turn off my phone, hide under the covers and wait for it all to go away. Once I snap myself out of it, I would fall into a state of depression and complain that my life sucked. Along with that, I began to hate myself for acting like such a coward. I knew that I needed to get out and do something. Heck, I really wanted to, but I never got the courage to just fuck it and get out there. It all seemed too scary for me.

When a guy would show interest in me, I would run away, stop replying to his texts and block him out of my life for months, sometimes even forever. When a job opportunity would come up, I would over think so far into the future that I would end up running away and telling them no.

0

Is The Universe Really Against You?

One of my favorite motivational sites The Indie Chicks has decided to shut down. When I received the email my heart broke a bit, but I realized that I'm more grateful for that they have given me than sad to see them go. They helped bring my 2015 to life with my first ever proper article published online and with so many other motivating, inspiring, and badass women out there who contributed to the website. They got me excited and gave me a space to write my heart out and help others. I will forever be grateful for the ladies who made The Indie Chicks happen; Julie, Chiara, and Chrystal, and for literally making me a better person.

Since they will be shutting down their website and magazine. All the articles on that website will be deleted. So I've decided to repost my articles on here for everyone to view once again whenever they need a boost of motivation.

You’re 20 minutes late for work, so you rush and drop your phone in the process. There is a little dent, but not a crack. As you’re almost to the office, someone bumps into you, and spills their coffee all over that new blouse you decided to wear today. On top of it all, you think you stepped on gum, your phone keeps buzzing with emails, and the guy who spilled coffee on you now blames you for the situation. Is the Universe really against you?

We all have our good days and our bad days. But there are times when our good days would turn into bad ones, and rare moments when our bad days would turn to good ones.

Do you remember those few times when your day completely turned around and from waking up with a bad stiff neck and panda eyes, you fall asleep with a smile, and maybe still have a little bit of a stiff neck, but you felt good about the day nonetheless?

Sometimes, it seems pretty easy to turn a good day into a bad one. Just one negative thought or action can drastically change your entire day. Perhaps you stubbed your toe at the end of a table and you start to swear and groan in pain. While hopping around on one foot, you knock over your coffee mug and a stack of paperwork that you spent hours working on, so you end up in pain both physically and emotionally because your favorite coffee mug is now shattered and you can’t buy a new one now because you’ll have to clean up the mess and redo the paperwork that is now soaked in coffee.

Here is a virtual hug for all of you who have gone through a situation like this. It’s okay, everything will be fine.

Now how does a bad day turn into a good one? Well, that’s all up to you. As your day goes, everything that happens is all up to you. Whether you go to your favorite restaurant or try that new one across the street, the decision is all yours. But here are a few things that may help you along your way to a great day.

Have Faith

They say that hope is faith’s sorry cousin, which is true. Hope implies wishes and dreams, while faith implies action, goals and certainty. Wake up every morning, know and have faith that today and everyday of your life will be filled with great opportunities, excitement, and overwhelming feelings of joy. Sit in bed for a bit and repeat the words out loud or in your head, “Today is going to be a good day. Today is going to be a great day” and let those words sink in for a bit before you get up.

Smile & Be Grateful

Smiling is the best kind of make up. When you smile, the certain muscles on your face gets stretched and relaxes, and can instantly brighten your features. People tend to forget what you’re wearing or how your hair looks when you give them a bright smile. Start smiling and thanking others for even the smallest gesture as opening a door or holding the elevator. Thanking others with a smile may turn the other persons day around, and by knowing that it may even brighten your day.

Indulge in Something Great

Focus on things that calm us down like, knitting, reading, meditating, eating, or watching your favorite TV show. Sometimes we need that little something to help us boost our days. Now I’m not saying skip work to spend your entire day eating a tub of your Ben & Jerry’s and watching Netflix. I’m saying you should make time to indulge in the good things in your life. Read a chapter of your favorite book during your lunch break, or go to your favorite coffee shop and indulge, and savor every word and every sip. There is something about letting your senses take over that relaxes a person.

Don’t Forget to Breathe

When all of the above seems to slip away and your good day meter has gotten a little cray cray. It’s always good to breathe. Take a deep, deep, deep breath through your nose letting all that air fill your lungs and abdomen, hold that breath in for a few seconds, then breathe out slowly through your mouth.Repeat this a few times and focus on your inhales and exhales. Breathing deeply can relax your body mind, and allow you to think clearly. The slower you breathe and observe your breathe the more breathes you’ll take in your life.

The decision to having a good day is in your hands. It’s all you. The only way the universe will go against you, is when hell breaks loose. So don’t fret, have faith that the rest of your day will be a great one, smile, be thankful, indulge in the things you enjoy, and breaaaathe.

Have a wonderful day everyone, and good luck!!




Image Credit: Shutterstock and The Indie Chicks

0

Taking the Reins

The past few weeks or days; I can't even keep track anymore, have flown by so quickly. I swear, I still think it's Monday last week. Even my hours don't seem right. I would spend my mornings until lunch working, then by the time I get home, it would feel like my morning happened a few days ago instead of just a few hours ago.

Life has a way of taking over ones, how do you say, life goals? dreams? aspirations? The social life, the deadlines, the meetings, classes, and even more deadlines – this of life usually gets in the way of the good food, echoing laughter, amazing clothes, and breathtaking scenery.

Despite my busy schedule and life just happening, I seem to have found somewhat of a balance between work, toastmasters, yoga, writing, alone time, and a sufficient social life. I have to say that I do get exhausted and pass out at the end of the day, but it's all worth it because I see progress, I see results in terms of both work and relationships. In spite of it all, I always find ways to make time for myself, and for the people I love and adore.

I began making schedules that include meeting dates and deadlines, but also include meet-ups, hangouts, and dinner dates. This gives me the a clear view from the drivers seat of my life, and it's a beautiful sight!

And just because this outfit was shot during the first weekend of September, which was greeted with a gust of wind, I thought my chiffon kimono would be a perfect for a windy day. Let it flow, let it flow, let it flow. 

I paired it with one of my all time favorite summer black dress that has a fuschia pink belt, which I tied around my waist. Strapping on my sandals, picking up my burgundy bag, and letting my hair down, we have a to-go summer outfit. 

Look at how your days are going. Sit back and just look at it. If it's getting too out of control then start taking the reins. It's time to take control and start doing. Sit, plan, and do! 

Drive that beauty! 

Stay amazing, darlings! 

 

0

The Appearance of our Inspiration

"How did that happen? Where did all that time go?" – are questions I've been asking myself for the past few days as I reminisced on the nights that have gone by. It's September and we officially have about four months until the year ends, does that freak out you yet? I think I'm more shocked that I want, no, need more months in the year than the year actually ending. A new acquaintance of mine says to me, as we head to one of our meetings, "I can't wait for this year to end already!". And for the first time, I don't agree with her. If someone told me this two or three years ago I would've agreed with that statement, but now it just feels wrong to want a year to end when you've got so much ahead of you. 

For today's post, let's talk about the appearance of inspirations to get us through the rest of the year gracefully. These past nine months I've discovered my inspirations and lost them. It sometimes hits me on the head, and I sometimes stumble and fall upon it unexpectedly. Haha, inspiration sounds dangerous.

It comes out of nowhere. When you're sitting idle as someone babbles on about something you're half listening to, then BAM! It hits you right on the head, and when it does, amazing things can happen. 

Just like when I was at a toastmaster meeting one night, half listening to the speaker speaking – which really isn't proper ediquette in toastmasters, but sometimes a person can't help but get distracted. So I was looking out the window at the city lights and the cars passing by, and that's when it hit me. I had a sudden realization that came with an intense feeling of inspiration. My eyes widened and heart raced with an idea that I cannot remember right now, but I do recall that it was a brilliant idea that made a difference that day.

Or when I lay down in shavasana (corpse pose) after my yoga routine. I lay there and focus on my breathing, when yet another intense feeling of inspiration strikes and brilliant idea rose up from the ashes. That idea would usually be a blog post idea, outfit idea, or an article idea.

It amazes me to see how something with no relevance in physical shape or size, can bring in an intense feeling of motivation that ignites the creativity and perseverance in an individual. Inspiration can strike you anywhere, anytime, and any place. It's beautiful like that. 

What's inspiring you these days? Make a list. Make a loooong list, and read it out loud a few times. Trust me, it'll either make you smile or bring light into that already vibrant aura of yours.

Stay true, my darlings.

 

0

Feel the Power and Be Free

You know that feeling you get after a long and very productive day? You get out of the office and look up for a bit then breathe in that most probably polluted air, and think "Freedom". It's one of the best feelings in the world – other than love, that is. It feels so good, so you walk down the street to either hale a cab, or get to your car, and your head is shuffling a million things that you could do within the next couple of hours before you have to turn in for the night. The adhrenaline is still flowing in your veins and you have this urge to do something despite the long day you've had. 

So, go and be free. Get away from that stress, that anxiety, that drama, and be free. Take a stroll down a beach or a park. Run a mile, or two. Appreciate the scenery. Take a sip of a cold summer drink. Wear your favorite outfit. Smile your biggest smile. Hug someone so tight you the air comes right out. 

Go, my feisty reader. Go and be great. Go and become the bravest and strongest of them all. Go and enjoy. Go and feel that good energy flowing, and that power running through your veins. Feel the power to become great, badass, and free, because that's what you are. Great, badass, and free to do absolutely anything. Tap into that badass, ambitious inner being of yours that is dying to come out, and unleash it from its cage. Let it roam free to live, and to love. 

Go and be free, my darlings.

0

This Fire is Burning Out

Photo credits: Anastasia Amour

I read a lovely article over at Gala Darling, Feeling Burned Out? Ask Yourself this one Simple Question... and this article couldn't have shown up in my emails at the most perfect time than now.

Two breakdowns, fifty replays of Brave Honest Beautiful, and ten total minutes of ugly crying later, I'm tired, I feel rotten and even more burned out than I was last week. I'd like to believe this is my life changing but after weeks I feel my fire burning out even when I don't want it to. I want to do more, I want to feel excited and energetic, and I want to change, but why am I feeling so burned out?

My passion for the things I love is dialing itself down, my eagerness to learn more has become sloppy, my drive to put on a layer of make up has been forever forgetten. And it felt impossible for me to get back to usual happy-go-lucky-I-don't-give-a-damn attitude, until I read Gala's article.

That one simple question that I should ask myself, that we should all ask ourselves when our candle seems to be burning at both ends is what is it about my work that I'm resenting?

I know right!! Such a straightforward question, why didn't we ask ourselves this in the first place!?

  So what is it that about what you're that you're resenting? Ask yourself this question, make a whole list, and from that list begin changing what you resent from something negative like, "I resent the fact that they expect me to do so much in a short amount of time" to something positive like "I'll do it all and when it's done, I know I'll feel this heavy feeling of accomplishment at the end *high five*"

If you can’t answer it, you’ll keep leaking energy, and you’ll keep burning out, over and over again. – Gala Darling

I made that list and came up with eight things I resented in my life right now, and my resolution for this month and maybe the next few months as well, is to change what I can from that list from resenting it to loving it.

Some of us may be burned out right now and I know, all you want to do is sit and do nothing but you can't because you feel like still have a whole lot of work to do. It's okay. It's all going to be okay. You're not going to feel this way forever. Trust me.

When you get out of this feeling you'll feel and be stronger and even more ready to take on the world than you ever were. Soon, you'll be able to light your flame again and turn it into a bonfire. *dances around it*

Go ahead and read Gala's article and perhaps scroll through her website while you're at it, she has a lot of good stuff to say. It may inspire you out of your slumpy days.  

 

0

Get Back in The Game with Green Plaid

These things happen all the time, don't they. One day we get things going and they go on so smoothly for a while, but there is that one thing that just turns things to complete shit. And it's not just that one thing, it could be two or more things, or it could be nothing at all. There are times when you just feel like absolute shit and you don't even know why. And it's all the matter strength and perseverance of the person to pull through and get back in the game. 

And that's what I've been trying to do. Get back in the game. In the game of blogging, in the game of writing, in the game of art and yoga, and in the game of life. All I've been doing for the past week is working on keeping myself busy. Why am I doing this to myself, I don't really know. It just happened. And I feel like I haven't had a proper night's sleep and proper lunch in a month. Is this what it's like being an adult? Busy? Restless? Exhausted? Drained? 

On the day I wore this outfit, I felt fabulous. That day I sat by the sea with my cousin for about an hour in the noon time; it's a miracle we didn't get sunkissed, and that was the day we randomly decided to buy flowers.

"Do you want to get flowers?" "Sure, let's get some flowers" That was basically how it went down. It's rare for us both to randomly do things impulsively together, and when we do come around to doing something impulsive, it feels amazing. It makes us – or me – feel alive and free. Perhaps buying those flowers were our way to get back in the game of life by watching it grow from a tiny bud to a gorgeous yellow flower.

| Plaid, Boots, & Bag - Forever 21 | Dress - New Look | 

| Earrings - Thirfted | Sun Glasses - H&M | 

Photo Creds: Sawsan Abdulla

I came to realize that it's okay to get off the horse once in a while. We all need to go into little slumps and feel like crap every now and then. I like to take it as a form of recharging. 

And once our batteries are full, it's time to get back in the game – with or without some plaid.

Y'all got this!

0

Vision Board of the Year

I spent the entire night trying to figure what today's post is going to be about. Since I've gotten the hang of writing four hundred to six hundred word articles, my drive to go out and take outfit photos – on my roof top that is – have diminished quite a bit. In the end, I finally found that one thing that's always been staring at me in the face. My Vision Board.

A Vision Board, for those of you unfamiliar with it, is a board compiled with your goals and dreams. From getting job opportunities and going to your favorite places to getting to your ideal weight and finding out who you are. I like to think of vision boards as a glimpse into our future. When we stare at it, we being to imagine our goals and dreams in action, and if that's not a glimpse into the future, then I don't know what is – unless you're a gypsy, then that's a whole different story.

I've redone my vision board about three or four times last year, and did this vision board help me to achieve my goals for 2014? I don't think anything happened. Honestly I don't remember if I achieved anything in 2014...sad I know, but that doesn't stop me from believing. Don't STOP Be-lie-ving. 

Unsure of the reasons why my belief for vision boards never actually vanished since I realized that nothing happened after it was up for more than 6 months, perhaps it was my drive to keep going, or perhaps it was the amount of hope and faith that maybe one day, one day, I'll get what I've always wanted and what I deserve.

My vision board is placed in a section of my room that I always look at when I'm thinking. It's by my desk so whenever I would look up, deep in thought trying to find the words to express my emotions, it was there. While practicing yoga and morphing my body into the tree pose or dancer pose, my drishti – which is when one focuses on a particular point for concentration and balance – would always be on a pin of my vision board.







If you don't have the budget to buy a pin board and print out photos or cut out images from magazines, you could always use Pinterest.com. It can work as vision board and it makes things a lot easier since Pinterest has everything from beautiful scenery to inspiring words.

What do you think of vision boards?

Have you all ever made one of your own? 

What does it look like?

So many questions, and so many free space to answer them on the comments below!

Or you could always tweet me. :) 

Have a FABULOUS day everyone! 

Stay inspired!

0

6 Quotes to Boost You Up

Photo source: Bigstock

There was a time when I would constantly go on Pinterest for the quotes. Yes, it wasn't always about the fashion or the food. Every morning, while I have my breakfast I would pin quote after quote after quote onto my Quotes and Words board. I know that I've over-pinned when my sister tells me that her feed is flooded with quotes.

Here are a few quotes to make you feel FABULOUS and get through the week!

• "You have to do what's right for yourself, nobody else is walking in your shoes.

• "All you need is love and a good cup of coffee (or tea)"

• "One of the happiest moments in life is when you find the courage to let go of what you can't change. Start each day with a positive thought (Like laughing babies)"

• "Being deeply loved gives you strength; loving deeply gives you courage." – Lao Tzu 

• "When you have a bad day, a really bad day, treat the world better than it treated you – Patrick Stump (Lead singer of Fall Out Boy)" 

• "It takes as much energy to wish as does to plan – Eleanor Roosevelt"

Keep these quotes with you throughout the days, weeks, months, and years. Remember them as you take a plunge to take on a challenge. Remember them as you relax and be thankful. And remember them as you go out into the world and thrive to become the you no one expects you to be. 

Surprise them. *wink* 

0

Let your light shine | Blogmas

Blogmas Day 16

Quote of the Day

Let your light shine and sparkle

When you feel lost, unworthy, or filled with whatever negative energy that surrounds you, take what's left of the energy that supplies your negativity and use it on letting your inner light shine so bright that it blinds and burns the eyes of the people looking at you. Burn baby burn. Keep your eye on the prize until you shine as bright as the sun and you feel all that sparkling butterflies of excitement and accomplishment inside.

Oh but don't burst though, no one wants to see guts and blood flying around. That escalated quickly.

Virtual hugs for all of you!

0

Just You: Arpitha Sylvester

Just You, is a little project where a bunch of my favorite people with awesome styles get featured on this platform of mine. This is a week long project that will go on until Friday, 21st November.
The awesome people being featured were asked to style an outfit that makes them feel good and confident about being themselves, and in their own skin. They are to style an outfit that screams out THEM!

Arpitha from Break Free Girl – a blog that has all kind of tips, tricks, and fun articles on fashion, beauty, health and lifestyle. I love how Arpitha's look is so comfy and free in this photo, plus I adore the scarf and the teal top. 

Please make way for Arpitha!

| Tunic - Custom made | Denim Skinnies -  ShopBop | 

| Scarf - Nordstrom | Flipflops - HAVAIANAS | 
Photos by: D. Scott Clark

I love tunics and scarfs and in India that is the most common style of dressing you will see. I chose this outfit because it just screams me. I feel super comfortable in this outfit. This has always been my go to outfit when I am confused. This is something my readers do not know about me. I am that kind that has to be comfortable in my clothes at least in my everyday life and I believe that being happy and free is the way to live no matter what others think!

She's right. Being happy and free is the way to live. It will definitely get you through hard times. 

Do you all agree?

Don't forget to check out Break Free Girl for awesome tip and tricks, and fun articles on fashion, beauty and more! 

Have a wonderful day everyone!

More Just You posts
Yasmeen Abdulla - Bold & Elegant
Najla Qamber - Modest & Comfy
Shabana Feroze (The Silver Kick Diaries) - Bold & Bright
Sarah Barcelona - Flowy & Floral
Anitha Sylvester (Break Free Girl) - Comfy & Free
Sawsan Abdulla - Grungy & Comfy

0