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!