This week has been one of literal and metaphoric rain. I’ve gotten my first cold and in summer, no less. The warm weather just hasn’t stuck around this year. Then again, everything but covid has seemed to say “bye, see you later!’ so, really, It’s a big mood. I wouldn’t call it a terrible week or a write off as such- I find rainy days to be cosy and the perfect opportunity for endless hot coffees, naps and netflix episodes, for a start. I even managed a scrumptious dinner and dessert out with my family this weekend. Yesterday, we headed into a Chinese restaurant at burwood and had dumplings, a spicy chicken dish and egg fried rice. All were scrumptious apart from the chicken that had been overly spiced! My dad on the other hand, being a native Pakistani, quite enjoyed the flavours my brother and I couldn’t handle. Afterwards, we visited a profiterole cafe in Strathfield. It was quite the busy, bustling place, especially for the time of evening. We ordered pancakes with belgian chocolate, a scoop of french vanilla and strawberries. The pancake serving wasn’t quite the stack we imagined it to be but was enjoyed immensely nonetheless. I’m more of a savoury gal so rarely order pancakes, waffles or sweet brunch and dessert items! At this point we needed something a little more. After looking at the many treats and delights in the front window, we chose a slice of red velvet cake and got a chai latte, hot chocolate and mocha to go with.
Onto the more serious part of my week.. my main issue these last few days has been in communication. There has been a definite trend of struggle in this particular area. I’ve replied to messages and comments on the later side, written out my blog posts last minute, struggled to explain to a depop seller why she should ship my order in a timely fashion, wrote an impatient message to a brand who I felt ignored by and let many an instagram message fall into the abyss. I’ve ended up chalking these many miscommunications down to being a symptom of a bigger problem- my penchant for overthinking. Whenever I feel weighed down by my circumstances, I resort to certain patterns of behaviour that are quite typical for me. Instead of sorting through the mental clutter by prioritising tasks and coming up with a gameplan, I spend all my energy working on a solve for the small fry stuff. In my mind it makes perfect sense. If I can’t work towards fixing the bigger problems anytime soon, why not mull over smaller dilemmas while I wait? Surely, if I dedicate enough mental energy and focus my thoughts solely on these matters, all will work out and I’ll instantly feel boosted.
Instead, I had just let myself feel down. I didn’t stop to acknowledge the significant wins this week had been marked and defined by. To start with, I was invited to be a part of the Alya Skin launch team for their new product, the Vitamin C Supercharged Serum. They are a fabulous skincare and wellness brand you’ve no doubt heard me rave about. I’ve collaborated with them in the past and feel so fortunate to be afforded this opportunity yet again. This news left me feeling so overjoyed and really affirmed my progress as an evolving content creator. It feels good to be wanted and needed for a job. With this newfound confidence, I went on to reach out to another two brands. A clothing boutique and cult favourite skincare brand. The status of the two are now as follows- the clothing boutique received my message, read it and put me on the back burner for a few days. I took this to mean I wasn’t worth a response and sent a somewhat hasty message. The contents of it were nothing bad and may have actually been warranted had I waited longer and still received no reply. It’s safe to say that my success with that brand is now very much up in the air. I doubt I will hear from them again. Oh well, you live and learn. As for the skincare brand, real-u, I’m maintaining hope. I had initially sent them a message through instagram before being redirected to their social media team. So far, It’s been a couple of days with radio silence. I plan to follow up with them over the phone first thing tomorrow morning as I’ve had little luck emailing and want to gauge the situation in real time. Wish me luck!
My second big win was related to a person in my past who I’ve been hurt by. I spent many days mulling over a decision as to whether or not I should open a court case against him. I found many reasons why I shouldn’t- it would interfere with my fresh start next year, may have a negative impact on my schooling, could be exorbitantly costly, might leave me held up in court for extended periods of time, would be a smear on my name both socially and culturally speaking- the list is endless. When I feel disheartened however, I remember the big pro. I will be working towards taking a perpetrator off the streets and exposing the truth of what happened that fateful day last year. No other girl or woman will have to feel as unsafe and devalued I did. I am responsible only for telling my story and shining a light on all the darkness he counted on me keeping hidden. While he will be found guilty of sexual assault, the only crime I will be recognised as having committed is not loving him back. My hopes for the perpetrator is that he will find his way to reform and be a person others can love and care for again. The scales have well and truly tipped and time is of the essence. I will now move forward armed with evidence and the will to not just merely survive but thrive in the face of great adversity.
sounds like a very interesting week but i hope next week has a couple more positives! that food sounded incredible! have a fab week gal Xx
Ah yes, interesting does sum it up, haha! Thank you for reading and your kind words Mills. How are you doing gal? What are your plans for the rest of this week? 🙂
Pancakes on a rainy day reminds me of home 🙂
I have the same problem when it comes to overthinking – just today it had me sitting on the couch being mega unproductive for the best part of the afternoon! Thank goodness for the small wins, they really help us to keep going, don’t they? May next week be less of a whirlwind <3
Oh, how lovely. Such a comfort food, hey?
Thank you for reading and your kind words Nadia! This week has seen a lot of situations progress and some have come to a natural fix. I’m very grateful for the rest and reprieve that comes with that. This new week is certainly busy but minus a lot of the uncertainty from last week!
I definitely hear you on those unproductive days. Sometimes you’ve just got to lean into the feeling and acknowledgement that as long as it sticks around, your energy is best going towards where you intuitively feel it should. There’s nothing worse than going against the flow and scattering yourself here and there when you want to rest x
How are you doing now? ❤️ What are your plans for the rest of the week?
I’m finally settled in at the apartment I just moved to – it’s been a bit of a crazy month with work getting busier and personal life being truned upside down (on top of how ridiculous this year has been so far lol). I’m very much looking forward to a day at the salon tomorrow – as you said, lean into the moment 😉 I’m glad this week was better for you! How about you, have you got any plans for the weekend?
Oh, I couldn’t have said it better Nadia! This year has really thrown me. I’ve been home the whole week sick and just been trying to get through my to do list. I’ve managed to keep up with assignments and personal deadlines when it comes to blogging and brand work, but that’s about it. My down time is either spent watching Netflix, Stan or sleeping for an ungodly amount of hours. I have found some good shows though, so I don’t mind the extra screen time too much. I’m currently watching You Me Her on Netflix and Better Call Saul on Stan. Hopefully you can get your work sorted out soon. I know how much of a mental weight it can be.
A salon trip sounds exciting! I’m booked in for the end of the year. Just going to get a balayage, same as last year. New hair, new year. That’s kind of the vibe I’m going for 😅 what are you having done? x
My plans for this weekend are brunch tomorrow and a trip to Sydney Art Gallery in the city with my family. There’s a Van Gogh exhibition on that is meant to be superb 🙂 What are your plans?
New hair new year are words to live by! I’ll do the same, would like to cut my hair shoulder length (I tend to do this every few years yet everyone’s so surprised everytime lol) but for now I just got my nails done and since Corona hit I’ve basically been growing a beard so took care of that! Sounds like you’ve had a lovely weekend, I’m sure Van Gogh didn’t disappoint!? I just spent some time with friends and still sorting a few things out at the new flat – hoping to get WiFi sorted soon so I can be a little more active on WP. Anyway I hope you have a great week of ticking boxes off your to do list. Good thing you have Netflix and Stan to save you in between PS. Never heard of Stan, is it Australian?
Couldn’t have said it better honestly! I feel like an absolute boss and so much more confident when I have a new hairdo. I haven’t cut my hair in quite a while but at some point will have to. I usually just stick to a trim! Wouldn’t want it to get too overgrown though, haha. I definitely hear you on the body hair front. I’ve practically been hibernating with corona and sickness.. some things have been left to slide 🤣 not for too long though, lol. Van Gogh was definitely a work of artist! It made me think about the whole struggling artist concept. I hadn’t realised how many of his famous works were created when he felt so low mentally!
Glad you had a great time with friends. New flat sounds very exciting! You’ve got all the fresh starts going on. What’s the new area like? 😊
Thanks for your kind words as always! Hope you’ve had a great start to your week.
Hmm.. I didn’t know Stan wasn’t an international thing! As it turns out, Stan is Australian. Funny! You learn something new every day 🙌🏼
I’m glad your weekend was refreshing and inspiring, I hope you’ve fully recovered from your illness – was it a bad flu? That can be so draining! I had a mild cold about a month ago and am still struggeling with a lingering cough (which basically makes me look like a free-walking criminal, you know, with Covid going around). It’s annoying, but “luckily” lots of people struggle with seasonal allergies this time of year so I’ve noticed that I’m not the only one! About the move, I’m still in the same area but in a much better apartment. I’m so pleased with it that I decided to buy a plant to try and keep alive – a project I’ve failed at many a times, but I feel motivated now so decided to give it another shot haha!
It sounds like you had an eventful week, Maryam! Wishing you the best for this week and hoping that it turns out great! Loved the daily quotes and this post as usual 💗
Eventful does indeed sum it up, haha! This new week has seen a lot of things sort themselves out. There has been a natural progression and definitely some fixes that have applied themselves to different situations so I’m grateful for that.
Thank you for reading and I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed the post! How are you feeling this week? 🙂
I’ve been feeling alright! Tired as we’re finishing things up for this quarter. Final exams have been cancelled although I have an assessment for Math on Tuesday, so I’ve got lots of studying and finishing assignments this week! How are you doing this week?? 😁
What’s your school system like? This changes drastically from place to place, I’ve noticed!
I’ve also been finishing up assignments, doing brand work and writing up blog posts. I have a resume that I need to submit for the college I want to attend. Not sure where to begin with that but it’s a definite priority! Then I need to find a driving instructor. In one month I’ll be eligible to get my P plates but won’t be able to as I’ve only driven 17 hours or so. Not nearly as much as is needed!
Sounds like you had an interesting week. And how are you so BEAUTIFUL like huh??? 😍 You are absolutely stunning! 😍
Those quotes are so inspiring and beautiful! I loved this post, Maryam 😊
What a sweetheart! You are too kind, thank you Jasmine! This comment made me smile big 🥺❤️
So glad you enjoyed the inspiration! How are you doing this week? x
Thank you for posting the way you do! So real and raw. Loved reading this. Yay for pancakes 😍 all the best for the decisions you have to make, nonetheless take care of you 😊 fingers crossed you hear back from the other brand! That’s awesome 🤩 xx
I did indeed hear back from the other brand! More updates coming in my next post, haha 🙂
Thank you for your kind, heartfelt words and the well wishes. I just want my community to know that I am like anybody else. There should be no question of what my life is like as it’s simply a mix of the usual stuff. The crazy, the beautiful, the messy, the profound, the unbelievable and so much more! The ups and downs are what give life meaning, purpose and character. Our unique struggles build us.
How are you feeling this week? What are your wins? ❤️
How exciting!! Will keep an eye out for your updates 🤩 congrats!
Love this – so very true. Still trying to find my niche here but aim to just be me and transparent.
This weeks been pretty good, quiet but good. Wins would have to be… finishing a book, starting up some exercise again, doing a good declutter and starting Christmas shopping 😍 lots of creative vibes happening – even picked up my camera again so exploring a few ideas. Happy Thursday girl! Enjoy xx
Oh, sweet! That sounds like a great week full of inspiration and creativity. Decluttering is great fun, honestly. It really helps you discover your passions and reconnect with what matters to you. I really want to start a book again. Of late I’ve only been reading magazines and while this is something, I miss the feeling of an actual chapter book! I don’t read the trashy magazines and always gain something from Frankie or Teen Breathe but it’s not quite the same.
Christmas shopping! Yes, it’s certainly that time of year again. We have a little tree that is quite fitting as we live in an apartment. I can’t wait to bring it out this year! Might put it up mid November! That’s reasonable, right?
Enjoy your weekend lovely! Tomorrow’s plans are brunch and a trip to Sydney Art Gallery. There’s a Van Gogh exhibition my family and I have tickets for and it’s meant to be superb 🙂
Yup I agree! Always something special you find that you once loved but had completely forgotten about.
Those magazines are so nice! That’s a great idea actually to take a break from chapter books. Having pictures are always good to look at too.
Mid November is perfect👌🏼 we actually need to buy one as it’s our first year in our place! What about your Christmas music? Haha seems like such a controversial topic.
Thanks so much – looking forward to a chill shopping day tomorrow. Big fan of branching! Enjoy 😍 so cool you’re able to go as a family to the exhibition – look forward to seeing a post or photos of it if you decide to share 😊 take care xx
Thanks so much for asking too! 😊
Thank you for being so vulnerable and open! ❤️ I love your writing style. Next week will definitely be better because it’s obvious you are putting in the time and effort to grow 🌸💕
You are such a sweetheart! Thank you lovely. It’s not a problem at all. If there’s anything at all I wish for my community to take away, it’s the knowledge that I’m just like anybody else. Too many people put others on a pedestal through this limited and controlled view of life they are shown through pictures, videos and blog posts. Real life is messy, beautiful, crazy, unreal, shocking and incredible all at the same time. I know my life is. It wouldn’t be complete without the twists and turns, the ups and downs. In fact, I wouldn’t know myself or have any testament to my strength and resilience without them.
How are you doing this week? What are your wins? 🙂
SO TRUE! The messiness of life is what makes it REAL life. I’m doing good this week! The temperature has dropped here in Oregon but I’m still getting out for my morning walks! Sometimes I’m lucky enough to spot a crane by a pond or even deer eating a morning snack. Moments in nature like that put life into perspective ❤️
Oh, how beautiful. That does sound like bliss! I’m not a morning person and definitely miss moments like that but I imagine I could change my ways if I saw deer or crane every so often! Nature is astounding. You are so right ❤️
What are your plans this weekend? My family and I got tickets to a Van Gogh exhibition at Sydney Art Gallery. I’m very excited. It’s meant to be superb!
Right! I just put some photos on my blog of a male deer 🦌 his antlers are huge!
This weekend is supposed to be sunny-ish so we will probably get out for a walk and try out a new restaurant 😋
Wow that’s so awesome you and your family get to tour the Van Gogh exhibit!!! Let me know how it goes, I’m sure it’s going to be amazingly inspiring!! ❤️💕
Rough week!! Don’t worry, next week will be much better!!
Yes indeed! I’m feeling much more on top of things. It was definitely a mixed week but plenty of things have resolved themselves already! Crazy how that is ❤️
I’m happy to know it!! 🙂
interesting week. that pancakes looks yummy. i’m happy for you because you made this collaborations, and i wish you luck on court!!
Interesting week hey? Haha, that pretty much sums it up!
Sending you lots of love Adda! Thank you for your well wishes and kind words. How are you doing today? 🙂
thank you for asking, I’m doing really great atm!
That’s wonderful to hear! 😘
We all have one of these weeks. Keep your chin up! At least there is always nice food to be had, right? How are you feeling now? Also congratulations on your wins – definitely things to smile big about.
Thank you Markus and Micah! I am feeling much more on top of things this week 🙂 How are you both doing?
There are definitely always wins to be celebrated. They are scattered throughout our days and some are more subtle in appearance but they are all successes that speak to our resilience and commitment to push through x
Glad to hear, the strength of your character shines. We are well, some storm last week but weather has now improved. Agree with your thoughts, too. It is all about how we put one foot in front of the other. Breathing slow and deep always helps!
Beautifully said! I do agree. This has certainly been a time of reflection but the sun will always come out. We just need to ground ourselves in the moment and reconnect with the essence of our true selves x
More strength to you – hope you go through with making sure that the person doesn’t get away scot free. The world needs strong women to step up to make sure such things aren’t taken lightly. <3
PS: The pancakes look amazing!
Thank you so much for the love and acknowledgement! Never was a truer word spoken. I am so thankful for this newfound evidence as I can finally progress with my case. I’ve been building it for over a year now, slowly but steadily. I just want my community to know that I am committed to sharing the truth of my life- the beautiful, the messy, the crazy, the unreal, the heartfelt. Life is a big mix of all that after all x
And yes, the pancakes! Ah, they were lush. Such a good treat every now and then! The Belgian chocolate made all the difference. So decadent!
Hope you are well x
Love the picture! So cute! And when I saw the word profiteroles, I started craving one, they are amazinggg! Also, I didn’t know your dad is Pakistani, that’s very cool! I’m Indian, so I do know how great the culture is 😊
Also, more power to you, Maryam. I was brokenhearted to read that last paragraph, but I am so proud of you to hear that you’ll speak up. I hope the perpetrator is held accountable for their actions, but I think it’s incredible how you hope that they will become a better person. I hope so, too. Lots of love x
Thank you beautiful girl! So much love. So good, hey? My mum’s side are Maltese and they have profiteroles all the time. Such a classic dessert honestly!
I had no idea you were Indian! That’s awesome. Our culture is quite similar then. I still can’t believe our respective countries were once one with each other! Such a pity all that’s happened in history but I think our younger generation is doing so well in mending bonds and treating everyone with the love and respect they deserve ❤️
Thank you so much for your kind words and acknowledgment. It truly means a lot! I like to share the whole truth of what my life looks like because that’s what I’m inspired by online. I just want to be seen as a real person with a life that is beautiful but also completely messy at times! That really does sum it up. There is definitely heartbreak but I am certain I can celebrate this newfound evidence as a win. I just want progress and the freedom to move forward- this is a great step towards that!
That’s so awesome! I’ve always wondered what it’s like to be mixed and it sounds very cool to be both Pakistani and Maltese! And I completely agree, this generation focuses more on equality and how we’re all human, which brings us all together, and I appreciate that!
Yes, that’s so true, sometimes in the blogger world we forget that we’re all real humans, imperfect but still wonderful nonetheless. It definitely is a win, and I wish you all the best Maryam! 🤗🌹
Wishing the same to you Wardah! Beautifully put. I get a lot of interesting comments when I mention my nationality! People never can guess where I’m from! Being a mixed bag really confuses them. I commonly get guessed of middle eastern or arabic because of my name and looks but it’s a little off, haha! x
Hi my friend … I’ve nominated you for the ‘Black Cat Blue Sea Award’. It’d be great if you participate in it. I hope you’ll like it..
https://introvertbags.wordpress.com/2020/10/27/the-black-cat-blue-sea-award-i/
Thank you so much Pavritha! I really appreciate the nomination. I’m pretty sure I’ve checked your post out already! x
I’m so sorry that that happened to you last year. It’s incredible that you want to make a difference by speaking up though.You are stronger than I can even concieve to go through with it. Thank you for being brave enough to talk about your assault with us all as well.
Thank you for your kindness and acknowledgement Denise! Many people tend to skip around the facts when I talk about these things but I want to normalise the conversation. I want it to be known that I’ve got both good and bad things going on. I’m just a real person out there trying to show others that wins are possible. Not every day will be a positive one but there is always something to celebrate. For me, that’s moving forward and finally having what I need to bring justice to my life x
Sending you so much love and light ❤️
Yes, that definitely comes across in your writing, and you really are making a difference. I’m so glad that we stumbled upon each other’s blogs, whenever I recieve a notification that you’ve just posted, it always feels me with such joy and happiness.
How beautiful! Thank you for your sweet words Denise. Likewise! Your posts are so well written and a great way to spend one’s time. I feel like we connect so well with each other 🙂