Issue #21
Hi Page Turners,
I got my results from uni this week and all those weeks back when I was anticipating them I thought I would feel elated and over filled with joy instead I felt a numbness and I didn't quite know what do to with myself. Have you ever felt like that? I guess now I had some time to process it I feel like my numbness had come from the fact of the build up and the anticipation of what was awaiting me, I knew what I worked towards, it was my goal and I achieved it. It was a great feeling and alhamdullilah my hard work paid off. Ultimately it was just a grade on a piece of paper, it didn't encapsulate the hard work I had put in, the stresses the sweat and tears the sleepless nights and always having uni/reading/essay/deadlines on my mind. Now that grade determines that I passed and can move on from all of that- is that numbness also an acknowledgment of moving on from something that has become a part of life and routine. Well here's to moving on, celebrating your achievements and the dreaded but exciting next steps. 🎉😍
Reply back to this email or comment below on when you felt like this and what you did next!
Books 📚
I read a great book this week! It feels weird saying it because I haven't said that in a while but I devoured Best of Friends by Kamila Shamsie. My review here- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5704004078
It follows two best friends from childhood (Karachi) to adulthood (London) with political influencing personal it was a real compelling read would highly recommend.
I also finished a non-fic earlier in the week by Kieran Yates called All the Houses I've Ever Lived In. A memoir highlighting the UK's failing housing system. Prevalent and an important read everyone should pick it up. Review here- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5689944440
Opinion piece📰
The Islamic new year started and I actually need to block some time out where I review my yearly goals/vision board and write up some new intentions. And of course by turning back to my faith as well.
How do you start your new year? Any traditions or certain things you come back to during a start to the new year.
One of my goals this year was learning how to knit. So I brought knitting needles and yarn trawled through YouTube to find a easy to follow beginners guide to how to knit. I am proud to say I have learnt how to cast on (yes that is knitting lingo). It amazes me how quick muscle memory develops. I think knitting is also such a good lesson in never giving up and that it may take some time but you will eventually get there. (I say this because I couldn't seem to do a slip knot until I watched the video ten times and went oh that's how easy it is 😀😀)
What's one of your yearly goals? Have you started or completed it? Let me know how your goals are going!
Further reading 📑
https://twitter.com/fiz_reads/status/1680607908730470401?s=20
In her post match interview Ons said she is never going to give up and intends to win Wimbledon one day. I can't wait for it and will be really interested for her journey to the US Open (if she is taking part into it). It also amazes me how such a brutal loss like this they have to bounce back so quick because they have matches to play so soon.
💭 My 3 am thoughts 🕒
Are people to quick to give up nowadays because of immediate gratification?
Quote of the week ✏
'To be nobody-but-yourself-in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make everybody else-means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting. - E. E. Cummings, A Poet's Advice to Students.
Thank you for reading this week's issue. Share this page with the button below and connect with me on my other socials. I hope you look forward to next week's newsletter. 💌
Link to socials-
With Love and Dua's
Fiz@
You know what? I felt the same. I was in a bit of a funk when I got the result. It was what I wanted but ultimately that was a kind of anti climax. Which is weird. Maybe my life isn’t defined by my degree grade. Maybe I’m growing and becoming a man or a human. Maybe......