tw/trigger warning: this thought talks about weight, body image, PCOS, self-esteem issues, and eating disorders. Please be cautious and take care of yourself.

The election has brought on some very powerful womxn to the forefront. Although some shout-outs may be obvious, this poem is not about specific individuals. The term "she" is also meant to include womxn change-makers in our past, present, and future.

I know this week has been tough due to American politics. So I decided to make sense of my feelings as an American & Indian Muslim by imagining a different life.

Indian politics is comparable to what is happening in America. Instead of white nationalists, there are Hindu nationalists. Many of them want Muslims dead or in Pakistan. The Hindu/Muslim conflict has always been a problem. However, the current Prime Minister, Modi, has made it much worse.

Modi is like Trump. And Trump is like Modi. Promoting fear and violence. Blaming the “other.”

America & India, which I hold dear to my heart, seem to hate my religion. A religion that has allowed me to evolve and grow.

These thoughts are coming back because of a book that I recently read called “Azadi,” which means “Freedom.”

Arundhati Roy tackles Hindu nationalism, as well as other topics, in this collection of essays.

Her words reminded me of the complexity of identity. And this poem is simply a fragment of what I have thought about over the years.

No really. Have you lived? It’s something that’s always on my mind. Making my moments on Earth count and enjoying them as well.

In times like these, it’s hard to enjoy life.

People have many definitions of what it means to live. However, Henry David Thoreau seems to be onto something, and it’s pandemic friendly.

Being in nature for an extended time, without the distractions of everyday life, can allow us to sit with our feelings and make sense of this thing that we call life.

My time at Walden Pond inspired something, and I hope you enjoy it.

People have this annoying habit of making you not feel good enough. It happens to all of us. Here is a piece that tackles these complex emotions.

There are gaps in my thinking, and I have been taking steps to lessen these gaps. Some may call it a disaster, while others may think I have outdone myself. Regardless, it’s progress and growth.

The air has officially become crisp and I really want to write about fall :)

Photo from Unsplash by Charles Deluvio

This week, I have been listening to podcasts and reading about the idea of control. It’s such a complex notion. Losing it, gaining it, simply feeling like we can never get it - makes us feel many different emotions.

Photo from Unsplash by S O C I A L . C U T

Weaving a good story has been on my mind lately. In school, we have been learning that perception is reality. In a sense, that is true. A person’s perception of a particular event makes it reality for that specific individual.

Recently, someone pushed me to recall details in order to improve a project of mine. Show, not tell. It’s always a difficult task. You have to trust that the reader will understand the point you are making.

Photo from Unsplash by Stan B

This week has been full of happiness. One thing that has brought me immense joy is service.

Photo from Unsplash by Julien DI MAJO

It’s been 19 years since September 11, 2001. Every year, this day reminds us to cherish life because everything we have ever known can be changed instantly.

Photo from Unsplash by fotografierende

I have been taking time to relax before classes start up again. One way that I have been doing this is through reading.

Photo from Unsplash by Vincent Foret

As of lately, I have been feeling all the aches. It's almost like everything is cracking and breaking right in front of me. Not a great feeling.

Lying down in the grass is one way that I have been decompressing. However, once I feel bugs, I get up rather quickly!

When I’m laying down, I often notice little patterns in nature and can feel Earth’s heart beating. It’s a soothing experience.

As humans, we like organization and patterns. Mother Nature seems to know this and brings patterns into many aspects of our lives.

Photo from Unsplash by Yeshi Kangrang

Have you had moments where you have been absolutely captivated? Almost like you are in a trance and can focus on that one thing? I think we have all been there.

Photo from Unsplash by Hello I'm Nik

When I was younger, being an architect was definitely on the list of careers that I should pursue. Although that has not happened, I still admire architectural achievements.

The ways in which a building can be designed or re-imagined is quite astonishing. I am always in awe of those who are creative enough to think outside of the box. However, architecture goes beyond creating a physical form. It helps sustain a community and their way of life.

Photo from Unsplash by Aron Visuals

I have been thinking a lot about sacrifices that people make. I like to think that I am a generous person who thinks beyond herself. I try to sacrifice time and money to help others as much as I can. But sacrificing is hard.

Yesterday was the start of Leo season aka the best season.

Just kidding but very Leo of me.

This year has brought so many challenges. Many of us thought this year was going to be full of excitement. Instead, it made us extremely grateful and determined to create change. And I am full of hope.

It’s no surprise that the news cycle has been very negative lately. But, what can we do? This is our new reality. I need to stay informed, but taking care of my mental health simultaneously seems next to impossible.

It is possible though.

I have been actively listening to my body even when my mind reminds me of all my tasks that I have to do or what is going on the news.

Photo from Unsplash by Steve Johnson

Too many things are happening in the world and usually, I can find a way to communicate a certain theme through poetry.

But this week’s poem will be different. My head is not in the right space.

I am sure many of us have felt like we could not express what we wanted to express. So to combat my writer’s block, I am writing about writer’s block :)