Making a comeback
on unlearning and finding yourself in the world
Hey there, 🥺👋🏾
How are you doing? (really)
At this point, I feel like I should apologize for my unannounced absence. No goodbyes, no words, I just went away - it sucks, I know. I'm sorry and I should do better.
I haven't written to you because I didn't think I had anything to say anymore. And this is not because I feel like an imposter or fraud, I just didn't think my words mattered anymore in your inbox.
Offline, I've been doing a couple of stuff like:
1. Trying to learn how to ride a bike. I still haven't gotten over the fear of falling.
2. Writing my research project.
3. Finally got some books to read.
4. Learning to slow down.
Playing Saturday Nights: Khalid
It's a holiday today (Happy Eid Mubarak) and it's been raining since 6 am. I've decided to take rest seriously so I'm reading a book, "Unorthodox". It's a lovely read, I saw the mini series on Netflix and I loved it. It tells a story of a young Jewish girl who is finding herself in the world without shoving feminist ideas down my throat.
I love how honest and vulnerable it is told; it feels like you're getting a front-row seat into someone's life and their journey to self-discovery. It feels intimate even. You watch her unlearn ideas and culture. Watch her learn to take off her wig, wear her hair out, and explore wearing jeans, big t-shirts, and shirts that expose her shoulders. It's mostly set in Germany and if you like slow-paced films, you can give it a watch.
Her story feels personal and though I haven't experienced it, I have watched it play out in someone's life. I've been lucky to grow up in a family that afforded me the freedom to explore life in my own way. At 16, when I was depressed, I grew tired of home and left to stay with my sisters. Leaving helped me to learn and unlearn ideas. I discovered what I liked and didn't, both sexually and in general.
Tbh, finding your place in the world is a continuous process, you keep figuring stuff out. But having the freedom to try out stuff first helped me to build a good sense of judgment. Sheltering and putting kids in 'cages' can turn them into pushover adults who don't even know how they are.
Really, what I'm saying is to decide how you want to experience life and go ahead and experience it. Not to sound motivational but there's a whole big world out there waiting for you and death is....final.
What I liked this week
1. This web page allows you to virtually drive through cities around the world and listen to their local radio. My favorite city is Paris.🤩
2. Jcole teased us with a song from his new album. Excited for May 14th for the full album.
Have an awesome week!