There once was a girl who often dreamed she was destined for more than what her city had to offer.
Shy, quiet, lost in her thoughts, unaware of what life had in store for her. As she grew up, she lost faith in achieving what she had once dreamed. She gave it up to fit into the so-called norm and hoped to make her parents happy. Marriage was the only thing which her parents would be proud of. She often took the road less traveled, arguing about women’s rights. Whether it was religious, cultural, or just in her household. Interestingly enough, she was raised by a strong willed woman whom she adored. She knew if her mother could come to the US at age 20 and start from scratch, she too had it in her to do amazing things. Like everything else, life happened, and her dreams were put on the back burner. About a year ago she came to a crossroads – personal happiness and fulfillment or continuing trying to please others. This time she knew life was a one shot opportunity, so she chose herself. She was more mature, wiser, and had the support of her family and friends. Though she knew the road would be tough and sometimes bumpy, she said “what do I have to lose?” She stopped caring what others thought of her and put herself first. She knew, as long as her faith was strong and she worked tirelessly, anything was possible.
"Your past does not equal your future."
Today I am proud to call this person Sadaf, a version of myself I was afraid to expose. Criticism I was afraid to face. With the will of God and a great support system, anything is possible.
As 2020 is coming to an end, I’m looking forward to all of the possibilities the future holds. I’m optimistic, realistic and most of all ready to face the world.
In order to achieve what I want, I realized I still lacked the confidence and needed to stop having a knee jerk reaction to any negative response. In this highly stressful world, I find solace in knowing what is meant for me will always be for me. Strive for the best, hope for a better version of yourself, and watch how the universe turns in your favor.
With that being said my blog turned 1 this year! Grateful beyond measure, I feel blessed to have the most amazing people supporting me each step of the way.
Below are pictures from my Brunch celebrating “Being Sadaf”.
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November 1, 2022
Grief
Grief is the most intense emotion a human can feel. The trauma before and after is something that feels unbearable. Grief kills your soul, kills your will to be who you once thought you would become. I don’t see the “light at the end of the tunnel”, there is no such thing for me right now.
June 10, 2021
What is Change?
Change is exactly what the word means. Change is when you leave behind anything that is a regular part of your life.
October 1, 2020
Health Comes First
October is Breast Cancer Month. Never Delay a routine checkup! At the end of July, I went in for my annual Mammogram screening.
July 10, 2020
Growing Up Brown in the USA
When I was a child my father would tell me, he wanted to eventually move back to Pakistan. I used to be terrified and worried when this would happen because I was born in America, it’s home.
June 19, 2020
A Live With Maheen
People know her as a gorgeous face turned fashion designer, married into a high profiled family. She is also known as Pakistan’s fashion icon, and a trend setter. But, she is so much more than that.
June 19, 2020
Spike in Human Trafficking during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Interview with Jacquelyn Aluotto
The COVID-19 pandemic has shockingly led to more than “230,000 victims in Texas. I really had little understanding of how victims are targeted and how we can help them.
June 2, 2020
A Zoom Interview with Chau Nguyen: Domestic Abuse During Covid-19
Houston Area Women's Center (HAWC). Help is available during COVID-19. Visit hawc.org or call (713) 528-2121 to get 24/7/365 help.
May 5, 2020
A Time of Reflection
Life disrupted by this horrible virus? While others may be loving this time, I absolutely am having difficulty dealing with it. A personal test of resiliency and patience.
April 2, 2020
An Interview with Miss Houston, Blaine Ochoa
Blaine's determination, personality, and love of our city has proven she absolutely deserves that Crown of Miss Houston.
March 31, 2020
Are You Happy?
As I enter my birthday week it’s typical of me to sit back and analyze my life. Last week the realization that I still am not where I wish I would have been at age 42 hit me hard.
March 16, 2020
Social Distancing: A Good Time to Cut Away Toxic People
Time to detox yourself from toxic people. Who knew that we would be in a time and place where a virus would literally change the way we live our lives?
February 25, 2020
An Interview with Aisha Farooqui
I am honored to interview my special friend and official spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Pakistan, Aisha Farooqui. A born leader with a heart of gold and the mind to change the world.
December 6, 2019
Depression: Is it a choice?
As we approach the Holidays, we are exposed to different feelings. Some experience euphoria, excitement, sorrow, loss, and nostalgia are a big trigger for those feelings.
November 6, 2019
My Life as a Working Mom
I love reading blogs about mothers who talk about the incredibly tough job of staying home and raising their kids...
November 1, 2019
Mental Health Matters
Let's talk mental health. I’ve come to wonder why are we so afraid of other people’s negative comments? Do their comments define who we are as individuals or shape our future?