Celebrate Yourself!
Salaam alaykum warahmatullah,
I truly hope this meets you well. How have you been? How have you been holding up? I want to know. This mail is long overdue. I remember trying to write to you in the first week of December but I couldn't find the right words to express myself. Also, I had so many deadlines to meet and that made me too anxious to think.
It's that time of the year where everyone slows down to catch their breath and look back. How's that going for you? Have you had the time to sit by yourself and review your actions and inactions? I hope you have. And if you haven't, I hope you'll be gentle with yourself when you do.
The year started off with me just trying to breathe and take each day as it came. I didn't have much planned out but I knew I wanted to be consistent with whatever I chose to do.
In my journal, I wrote:
This year, I want to know myself better. I want to create happy moments for myself. I want to become a better friend. I want to become a better sister and daughter. I want to fall in love with myself. I want to be happy. I want to sit with my sadness and hold space for myself.
Looking back now, I think I did just that. This year has been the type of year that gave me answers. Answers to questions I've always had and answers to questions I didn't even ask. And that gave me some level of confidence. Over the course of the year, I've had a lot of people walk up to me to ask me what changed. I am pleased with who I am becoming and that reflects in the way I carry myself.
This year taught me to be open about my struggles, to be open with the right set of people. That really helped keep my overthinking in check. I also learnt to let people in, to have honest and non-judgemental conversations. I made a lot of friends in the community. Met a lot of beautiful souls who helped me one way or the other. People who send me random messages and share opportunities, I'm extremely grateful to y'all.
I know reviews can stir up different emotions. For some people, it comes easy to point out their wins but for some, that can be hard to do. Take some time out to look through your phone gallery or your mail. Ask a close friend to pinpoint your growth. Read through your journal, check your calendar to relive different moments. You've done so much for yourself and you deserve to celebrate. I am proud of you and the efforts you put into becoming who you are.
Cheering you on with so much love,
Umaynah