Whispers of the Soul by Nadia Nizam

In our homes and communities in Pakistan, a pervasive issue plagues us: the relentless pursuit of control. It's as if a psychological knot binds us, compelling everyone to manipulate and dominate one another. We all harbor a desire for others to dance to our tune, to live life as we dictate. While we may not always live our own lives to the fullest, we often seek to dictate the lives of those around us, making their existence unbearable. Parents want to control their children, expecting them to follow their every command. Husbands seek to dominate their wives, while wives, in turn, scheme to control their husbands. Sisters demand that their wishes prevail, and daughters-in-law strive to seize control of the household. It is rare to witness a son, guided by Islamic principles, gathering his sisters and mother to discuss their father's inheritance and urging them to claim their rightful shares promptly, easing the burden on their deceased father who will be questioned by God. Thi...

 The way people perceive you is a complex tapestry woven from their personal experiences, beliefs, and backgrounds. Often, I reflect on the various roles I inhabit in the narratives of others, realizing that to some, I am a villain, while to others, I am a savior. This dichotomy highlights a fundamental truth: their perceptions are largely shaped by their own histories and biases, rather than an accurate reflection of my true self. For instance,  My vibrant personality might be seen as charming by some, yet perceived as overwhelming by others. Similarly, the emotional openness that some find comforting can be viewed by others as a sign of weakness. Even my self-confidence, which I see as a source of pride, can be interpreted as arrogance in the eyes of a different observer.  This inconsistency underscores a critical lesson: I have no control over how others interpret my actions or character. Therefore, it’s essential to focus on self-acceptance and authenticity rather tha...

Do you know who is the most threatening woman to our society?   The one who truly knows herself and value her worth. A woman with self-esteem can be recognized by her personal boundaries. She is a woman who firmly says "no" and distances herself from any place or relationship that does not acknowledge her worth or essence without hesitation. A woman who values herself never begs for respect! She naturally establishes this in her relationships because she respects herself. In her life, no man acts disrespectfully, no friend speaks rudely, and no relative behaves inappropriately that she would tolerate. She removes all of them from her life. Her life is characterized by a sense of royalty, not based on wealth, but on her dignity, respect, and standards, which align with her true value. A woman with self-esteem never uses her emotions, needs, or desire for support as an excuse to remain in toxic or deceitful relationships. She easily distances herself from anything unworthy of h...

Today, my daughter overheard someone on the phone using harsh language and a ruthless tone. She couldn’t believe that I was laughing loudly and enjoying the whole situation. She asked, "Mama, was he drunk while talking?" I laughed for a long time, imagining that guy with a double shot of vodka in one hand and texting with the other. My daughter said, "Mama, you didn’t mind it at all." I replied, "My dear, on a serious note, I actually enjoy people like that. When someone is disrespectful, it shows nothing but immaturity and arrogance. Try not to take it personally; it’s not really about you, but rather a reflection of their own character. Only those who are unhappy with themselves are mean to others. When someone is trying to hide something and gets caught, they often react like shallow cowards to mask their insecurities.  Every unsuccessful person shares the same story: they showcase fake power by shouting, disrespecting others, and displaying arrogance. That’...

You don't just lose someone once. You lose them over and over, sometimes many times a day. When the loss, momentarily forgotten, creeps up and attacks you from behind, fresh waves of grief wash over you as the realization hits home—they are gone, again. You don't just lose someone once. You lose them every time you open your eyes to a new dawn. As you awaken, so does your memory, along with the jolting bolt of lightning that rips into your heart—they are gone, again. Losing someone is a journey, not a one-off event. There is no end to the loss; there is only a learned skill of staying afloat when it washes over you. Be kind to those who are sailing this stormy sea. They have a journey ahead of them, and every day brings a shock to their system as they realize— they are gone, again. You don't just lose someone once. You lose them every day, for a lifetime. It takes a village.

Many Pakistanis dream of settling abroad, believing it offers better opportunities and a higher quality of life. However, this decision to leave one's homeland is often bittersweet.  When a young Pakistani crosses that metaphorical gate to pursue their fortunes overseas, the place they once called home no longer feels like their true home. There is a sense of finality to this decision - no longer can they simply return as they once did. Their room, their family home, becomes a place preserved more in memory than in daily life. As they board the plane and watch Pakistan fade into the distance, a profound realization sets in. The life they once knew has been left behind, and they must now start afresh in a foreign land. They are no longer just a common person, but an expatriate navigating the challenges of adapting to a new culture and environment. The distance from family and friends becomes a constant source of pain and guilt. The family back home may initially mourn the absence of...

Women, it's important to remember that you don't have to take on everything and strive to be a supermom, a super housewife, a super professional, or a superwoman. Because when your body demands attention and care, only a few will remember that you tried to juggle all these roles. So, it's crucial to step out of the house and explore the world, take walks, engage in workouts, visit parks or gyms, indulge in foods that bring you joy, take time to groom yourself, prioritize adequate rest, wear clothes that make you feel good, be true to yourself, prioritize self-care, love yourself, learn to say no when necessary, and do all of this exclusively for your own well-being. Remember, children grow up and eventually leave the nest, husbands may not always be present, work can easily find replacements, and the house will inevitably become messy again. However, your emotional health is equally important, and opportunities for a second chance may be rare.