Whispers of the Soul by Nadia Nizam

Someone asked me how I’m holding myself and others after losing someone special . I said that someone who has been in your life for years becomes a part of your heart and mind. Just as a body relies on its main organs, when a part of those organs is lost, that’s how I feel. The fear of losing your heart and then witnessing that loss is one of the most heart-wrenching experiences. It feels as if an artery or vein connected to your heart is broken, and you bleed slowly. I lost my father recently, and now watching someone else slowly fade away day by day is killing me, day and night. Each day starts with thoughts of them and ends with my heart bleeding. I am no longer who I used to be. I would describe it as a rebirth after seeing the harsh realities of the world. I always envisioned myself living in a fort with a heart of gold, with open gates where no one leaves empty-handed. I used to seek out the sorrows and pains of others, ready to jump in and help everyone, taking care of those aro...

My father always taught us to be self-reliant and to never rely on anyone else's generosity. Visiting someone’s house frequently is equivalent to losing your self-worth. Perhaps because of his upbringing, I still make it a point to buy valuable gifts before visiting someone. Even a simple cup of tea at someone else's home feels like a burden to me. It seems like my father's voice follows me everywhere, reminding me of this lesson. Spending a night at anyone's house, aside from my parents, is the most uncomfortable thing for me. To this day, I haven’t been able to explain this to anyone. It feels like an intrinsic part of my nature. Meanwhile there’s a truth I’ve wrestled with, learned through more than a few bumps and bruises in life, and it’s this: opening your home to someone long-term (more than 2 weeks), no matter how much you love them, is a gamble you’ll almost always lose. I know the impulse well. That deep desire to help, to offer a safe haven to a friend in nee...

 Wise words from Anthony Hopkins: ′′Let go the people who are not prepared to love you. This is the hardest thing you will have to do in your life and it will also be the most important thing. Stop having hard conversations with people who don't want change. Stop showing up for people who have no interest in your presence. I know your instinct is to do everything to earn the appreciation of those around you, but it's a boost that steals your time, energy, mental and physical health. When you begin to fight for a life with joy, interest and commitment, not everyone will be ready to follow you in this place. This doesn't mean you need to change what you are, it means you should let go of the people who aren't ready to accompany you. If you are excluded, insulted, forgotten or ignored by the people you give your time to, you don't do yourself a favor by continuing to offer your energy and your life. The truth is that you are not for everyone and not everyone is for you...