The Woman Who Changed My Mind About Quitting Blogging


Not to sound melodramatic but I couldn't have stumbled upon Kübra Gümüşay's TEDx talk at a better time because for the past one week I've been at home - in quarantine - wallowing in self-pity as I caught the chickenpox. I know, who gets chickenpox in their twenties?! #StoryOfMyLife. But that isn't the only reason why I've been feeling jaded, confused, angry (at myself for being confused) and so darn fed up.

 
At the same time I also realised being sick and isolated was what I needed, and being isolated was exactly what I wanted for the longest time, but work made it impossible. I'm grateful I get to be at home, away from my stressful job, and close to my family and books. I finally have the time to read and reflect (in between working from home and trying to stop myself from scratching my pox). Most of all, I can now confront myself and ask why I've been feeling the way I have lately. 


Don't get me wrong. I am blessed and I know it, alhamdulillah. For the most part, life in Malaysia isn't too bad. I'm contented and comfortable but... I have never felt so disconnected from people in my entire life — and from myself too. I know the world has bigger problems than this so I'm going to stop now and let you watch this video of Kübra Gümüşay. Everything she spoke about reminded me of why I started blogging in the first place and why it's important to me. I guess she reminded me of... me, or the person that I was before I started feeling so yuch about everything. Like her, I also believe sharing stories is a powerful and life-changing form of activism, which is important to me as a Muslim woman and a person. Funny to think just today I was wondering if I should quit blogging after four years of being a blogger. So I take that this is a sign? 


Thank you for sharing your story Kübra. You have inspired me and many others too, I'm sure! 

Comments

Loved the video, thanks for sharing!
Priyanka Talwar said…
Aww this was so lovely Shahirah! Thanks for sharing :-) And you honestly are another lovely, genuine and warm blogger sharing stories just like Kubra :-)
Feda said…
This was so beautiful to listen to. Thank you for sharing as always :) and noooo don't leave me!! I love your stories!
Fida Islaih said…
Im going to have to watch this after reading what you said, thank you!
Noor Of My Life said…
Glad your not giving up blogging, I had chiken pox a couple of years ago and I was 23 it was a nightmare so painful I was covered im them but dont worry scars do disappear mine took a good 3 months odd before come back to my old skin.
Noor Of My Life said…
Love your blog dont stop writing, followed you for years. I know I dont write comments as often as I should but im a loyal reader ;-)
Anonymous said…
Salam Shahirah :o),

I enjoyed this video very much.
The best thing I've ever done was when I decided I'm going to discover more about Islam.Not only it opened my mind on so many subjects which were before just a mere information,but it also forced me to know better my cultural and religious background.In my personal case I ended up choosing Christianity,but I also will always cherish Islam as a very special part of my life.Like I'd do with a very special friend.I feel at a good place rihght now,but of course whenever you think this you soon discover that there's still a lot to be learned.I guess I'm just moving on with more security...
As far as blogging is concerned I believe part of it can also be stopping to write for a shorter or longer time.Or for always...
I don't know,it really depends on a writer and what his goals in regards to his blog are.

I send you a warm hug my dear :)...
Fatima said…
Indeed this video is very inspiring ! I recently started my own blog at http://caribbeanmuslima.blogspot.com/
Hoping that I inspire people with stories of my own..
Sun Cuisine said…
thank you for sharing this video i loved it ...will be using it for my studies... Needless to add I really enjoy your blog :)