Category: personal thoughts

personal thoughts

Flowers Again: Which One to Water?

nhpureandsimple

Here are two flowers.

One fake, and real

Which one to Water?

Really… what a question.

Why?

Because:

Fake flowers don’t know water,

don’t feel water,

don’t need water,

don’t love water.

Give them water.

And then, what?

Nothing changes.

They are still cold,

still dull,

still fake.

With no response,

no life.

But…

Real flowers know water,

feel water,

scream for water,

survive by water,

and love water.

They are warm,

they are soft,

they are beautiful.

They grow,

they bloom,

they lean—

they are full of life.

So … the question is out of the question.

It is unfair.

Whatever is fake can never be authentic, a whatever is authentic will never be fake—never a passing fancy! 

Can this paradox exist in writing?

Yes, even in writing.

They say:

If you’re stuck while writing, then you don’t like what you’re writing. 

Truth.

Force it, and your piece will be cold and dull—just like a fake flower.

And… they also say:

You may write for money, but don’t write just for money.

This makes great sense.

In the first case, your writing still pulses with life. 

You can stare at a rose on a tree, 

describe its rich, natural colours, 

breathe in its beautiful scent, 

watch a butterfly dancing around, 

and then,

 you write an authentic piece,

a real flower,

even if it was for money.

But, in the second case—

when writing is just for money, 

you seek only money in life. 

Then,

a fake flower will do,

a fake voice will do,

fake emotions will do. 

And, a bit later,

the harvest is just … a fake flower,

with no natural beauty, 

no life. 

Have you ever thought of what truly matters to a writer, an emerging writer like me? 

It’s not money,

It’s when talented writers read your piece, like it, and choose to follow you. 

Isn’t that more worthy than money? 

With hope and peace,

Nahla

personal thoughts

Pray For Flowers…

nhpureandsimple

…but don’t be surprised when the Almighty sends rain first.

Success, happiness, peace, health, wealth, and victory are all flowers of a beautiful harvest.

The hardworking, 

the innocent souls, 

the broken hearts, 

the poor victims, 

they all pray.

Day after day,

Month after month.

A year passed.

A second year too.

They wait,

and

wait,

and

wait.

Then, instead of flowers,

God sends rain,

Heavenly rain,

Blessed rain.

To wipe the tears of the mournful,

To relieve the pain of the suffering,

To quench the thirst of the tired,

To wash away ashes,

To nourish the land.

And let flowers blossom,

And Bloom,

again and again.

With hope and peace,

Nahla

personal thoughts

Who will you be?

nhpureandsimple

I came across an interesting question on Instagram, written in Arabic. So here I am, translating and sharing it with you.

When you’re alone and you start talking, who are you— the speaker or the listener? 

Interesting, isn’t it?

It happens quite often that I’m alone at home. My sons have already moved to other cities for work. They are not too far, and usually visit us on the weekends. So when my husband goes to work and my daughter to school, that’s when I am alone. 

But by alone, I don’t mean lonely for my hands are usually full with chores, studies, and other interests that make time pass in the blink of an eye. 

Now do you mind a bit of philosophy today? 

Great.

Here’s my own interpretation of the question. 

When you are alone, wherever you are, with no company but yourself, and you feel like breaking the silence around you, will you speak out loud to yourself or will you listen to it? 

Can you make yourself a case study? 

Imagine it’s all quiet around you as you begin writing your post. In that moment, are you speaking or are you listening? Which one are you doing right now?

But first, before the experiment, can you consider that it’s a bit strange to talk out loud to yourself, especially when you are alone. You might start to doubt your sanity! 

Funny how a memory just crossed my mind that fits with all of this.

Years ago, my father-in-law saw a man walking down the road, talking out loud with no one around. He felt sorry for him, thinking; oh poor man had lost his mind. He couldn’t stop laughing when he knew that the man was using headphones. 

Sometimes, out of anger, happiness, or disappointment, you might burst into a tantrum even when you’re alone. In those moments, speaking to yourself can actually be good for your sanity.

Now back to the question, and the case study.

In my case, before writing, I am the listener. But, as I write, I become the speaker. In other words, before I begin, I mainly listen to things around me, including my own thoughts. Then, when I sit down and decide to write, I break the silence and speak.

Why don’t you write your own interpretation? 

With hope and peace,

Nahla

Just writing, personal thoughts

Talk, so I Can See You

nhpureandsimple

This is one of the most special and poetic expressions in the Arabic language. 

Isn’t it beautiful?

And what a brilliant choice to use talk and see!

When you talk, you simply… talk, spontaneously, casually, using your voice, your feelings, your words. In other words, when you become you, the other can hear, see, and know the real you better. Whatever you are and whatever experience, profession, or talent you have, the other can’t see any of it until you talk. 

But things doesn’t rely only on the one who talks; listeners have their important share too. A listener’s good eyesight and hearing are not enough if they really want to see the one talking. To really see someone, is to use your heart. That’s why the blind and the deaf can see you as well as anyone else.

Not everyone who listens, truly listens. Have you heard of this saying before? May I make this tiny addition: Not everyone who listens, truly listens —or truly sees. 

Even when you read a story, you come to know the characters better through their dialogue. The more they talk, the more you see them, unless you’re not interested in the book at all.

By the way, don’t you agree that writing is one of the most creative and artistic ways of talking? 

I do—for some people, talk flows more in writing, and see deepens more in others’ writings. These are the same ones who believe talk lives in writing, and see broadens through others’ writings.

With hope and peace,

Nahla

personal thoughts

Do You Like Flowers?

nhpureandsimple

I believe we all do, but… perhaps some may say no, but of course they owe us some explanation or reason when they decide to shock us by their unexpected NO.

So, let’s remain with those who love flowers: 

some plant them,

some pick them, 

some sell them, 

some buy them,

some are offered them. 

And… some simply watch them.

Don’t you agree that the one who knows flowers best is the one who plants them? But who else can understand them so well?

And… don’t you agree that the one receiving flowers is someone so special? Do you remember that bouquet you get on Mother’s Day, your birthday, your engagement, or your wedding day? Flowers are for someone dear. Someone remembered. And someone loved. Right?

As for the picking, buying, and selling that’s all business with sufficient knowledge.

Have you ever dreamed of being a florist, owning your own flowers boutique? 

I had that dream years ago until the day I stepped into one of those nice shops. Since then, I changed my mind. Why? Because I found the place so humid and stuffed, and I can’t endure either. Besides… imagine a customer asking for a posh, sophisticated bouquet, and getting a simple bunch of roses instead. That’s how I would usually handle orders if I were a florist. 

Now what about those who simply watch the flowers? Aren’t they just like birdwatchers? They are the ones who appreciate things as they are, where they are, and when they are. The sight of colourful blooms on tall trees, in small pots, or scattering across meadows make them smile, sing, or even dream. This doesn’t mean that flowers look dull in vases, or add no beauty indoors. They do paint a beautiful and cheerful image in every room. But, the thing is flowers look more alive, vibrant, and real in nature —their vast, open home. 

There are some flowering branches beside a big tree in our front garden. Sometimes, I wonder whether they will grow into a tree of their own. They blossom in the spring with a few dark red roses. When I saw them, I want nothing more than to pick them and place them in a vase indoors. But then, I think … the branch won’t look the same every time I draw the curtain and gaze outside. The branch will look so plain, perhaps sad and lonely, without them. So I leave them happy outdoors, to keep me happy indoors. 

Good deal, right? 

There is nothing more beautiful than watching birds spread their wings and soar high in the sky, and seeing flowers bloom, sway, and breathe everywhere. 

With hope and peace,

Nahla

personal thoughts

And Then Everything Happens!

nhpureandsimple

Have you ever heard this quote: “Nothing happens, and nothing happens, and then everything happens.”  I came across it in one of my reading books, and I hope I’m quoting it right.

Don’t you like it? 

How many times have you been on the verge of giving up? Of letting despair and misery eat you up? Of bowing and kneeling before tyrants and demons? And why all that? Just because nothing happens. And nothing happens. 

But then, Hope arrives and knocks on your locked door. He doesn’t wait for you to open it for he knows you have been waiting, suffering, and tormented for so long. He seeps into your dark, wretched soul like a gentle, warm breeze filling a dark, damaged home in a freezing night. That’s when everything happens: Prayers are answered, dreams come true, wishes granted, problems solved, and victory attained. 

Isn’t that so beautiful, so encouraging—lifting the spirits of poor souls, awakening their self-respect, and strengthening their love for life?

There is a similar meaning in an Arabic poetry verse I once read.  It says: “Things grew tight, and tighter, and tighter until they reached their tightest peak. Then, they began to loosen, and relief came.“ (This is my own translation.)

Are you are still reading?

If you are, may I ask you to think of the english quote, or the Arabic verse, in a different way? 

Did anything come to your mind? 

Let me give you an example to help. 

Imagine, just imagine, you’ve been… God Forbid, a thief or a murderer or even a scammer your whole life. And nothing happens. And nothing happens. And, one day, you hear knockings at your door.

Hope is not the visitor this time. It’s Justice crowned with her royal, majestic halo. She’s the one who’s been waiting for so long. Finally, it’s time to make you pay. And then, things happen. But, instead of the gentle, warm breeze, it’s tsunami rushing to wipe you out, and reclaim everything that was never yours. 

The interpretation is the same in the Arabic verse, with a slight difference. This time, it’s the culprit who tightens things with every deed, inhumane ones, of course, chasing success, power, and protection. He climbed to the tightest peak of pride, power, and false security. Then things happen. Tight things burst, don’t they? But relief doesn’t come. Only torn pieces remain this time, bringing nothing but suffering, humiliation, and regret. 

With hope and peace,

Nahla

personal thoughts

Be Your Own Pioneer!

nhpureandsimple


Isn’t ”Pioneer” a great word filled with imagination, courage, and perseverance? Of course it is. A pioneer is a risk-taker, driven by promises of abundant profits. That’s all wonderful. Right?

By the way, I’ve just finished  O Pinoneers! novel by Willa Cather. The title is really intriguing and summarises all the story. If you want to know a bit about it, you’re more than welcome to check my post on my book review blog.

But not all pioneers are the same, wouldn’t you agree?

Some claim the title but not the honour.
Some deserve both the title and the honour, yet are, sometimes, denied them by the first category of pioneers who care more about status than substance.
And then… there are those quiet pioneers, living the pioneer life without even knowing they really are.

Confused?

But why?

That’s so obvious, especially when it comes to the first two categories. It’s not hard to find them. They are everywhere, bragging about their “great” achievements and unlimited wealth and power as if that’s what a pioneer should mean.

As for the third, those are the ones who mind their own business.
They are wise enough to change themselves before marching out loudly to change the world.
They watch the madness around the world, yet go on working, writing, and appreciating life.
And… they ask, quietly: what good comes of being a pioneer without self-respect, without inner peace, or without humane compassion?

In case no one’s told you this before: if your imagination, courage, and risk-loving spirit drive you away or back or forward, out of the madness and straight into a simple, quiet life then you are a special pioneer in this “chaotic” world.

With hope and peace,

Nahla

personal thoughts

This Is Not Real Kung Fu

nhpureandsimple


Isn’t The Karate Kid one of the most beautiful family movies?

I always remember Mr. Han’s powerful comment when he and Dre visited the most powerful Kung Fu youth academy in his town. After a few minutes, Mr. Han walked out and told Dre: “This is not real Kung Fu.”

If you’ve watched the movie, do you remember why Mr. Han was shocked and taken aback before giving that famous line?

Because real Kung Fu is mainly about self- defence with proper knowledge, clear rules, and, above all, a wise teacher. It can never be about bullying or humiliation.

And even if true Kung Fu loses a fight, it still earns a significant victory. Its defeat comes with clean hands, honourable values, and respected rules.

That’s why, as the movie shows, Kung Fu can be in everything we do, anything that nourishes peace and harmony, and helps prevent chaos and fights.

Isn’t the world today, unfortunately, witnessing the worst kind of Kung Fu— one that lacks knowledge, conscience, and respect to any rules? Ironically, it keeps proving to the world that this is not real Kung Fu.

Thank you, Mr Han, for teaching Dre, and us too, what real Kung Fu means, and for reminding us to pick it up and never say never.

With hope and peace,

Nahla

personal thoughts

Amity

nhpureandsimple


Amity is not just about friendship. Right?

Amity is about harmony, peace, and goodwill, wherever you find them. You might find it hidden between the lines of a book, or expressed as a simple thought in a post, or wrapped as a warm greeting in a text message.

But you know what? Amity is becoming rarer and rarer these days, but that’s not its fault. Noble qualities don’t go out of fashion. They don’t become extinct. They are just … not loud, not showy, and definitely not fake.

So, amity is one of those noble qualities that love to build, rebuild, and rebuild. In other words, if mistakes or wrongdoings break part of it, apologies and sincerity can mend it. It can wait, accept excuses, and even fix broken things, but not forever. It may lose its cheerfulness, its patience, but never its light.

And there’s something special about amity. It can melt lead, soften hearts, and overcome even the fiercest enmity.

Have you ever heard of the adage: “After enmity comes love?” By the way, it is well known in the Arabic world. But… honestly, I think this kind of transformation needs miracles. I believe in divine miracles. And, I believe only God knows which enmity can be softened into amity, and which heart is truly open to love?

Am I confusing you?

I hope not.



With hope and peace,

Nahla










personal thoughts

Blessed Are Those Who Know Their Own Limits

nhpureandsimple

I don’t really know if it is a saying or a quote, but I’m pretty sure I came across somewhere.

But don’t you agree?

Don’t you respect those who can say ‘yes’ or ‘no’? Those who can choose to go on, to pause, or to withdraw? Those who know that ‘better’doesn’t necessarily mean ‘perfect’? And those who believe that ‘to run for your life’ is the only excuse to exceed the limits.

And you know what? Even imagination knows its own limits because, in the end, it doesn’t deny the fact that everything it creates is imaginary.

Dreams are different because the more limitless they are, the more destructive and selfish they become.  People say, ‘Look ahead and follow your dreams.’ And some follow the advice as if it were a holy command. They look only ahead and follow one route — either straight or by taking shortcuts. Like competitive drivers, they floor the gas pedal, exceed speed limits, ignore traffic lights, overtake any priorities, and make every space as their own free parking zone.

To know and respect your own limits is not a weakness, not a sacrifice, and certainly not a defeat. It’s something like making a peace deal with yourself, a quiet agreement, not to overburden, torture, or destroy what’s already carrying enough.

Everything in life seems to have its own limits. Privacy, for example, is supposed to be all about knowing and respecting limits. There’s also genius, this rare, precious quality, which often understands the significance of limits better than anyone else. But, unfortunately, in some case, its main aim is to only challenge and destroy them.

The beauty of all this is that we have different limits, and they change even throughout our lives. Everyone can create their own heroic saga. What matters is crafting it within your own limits. And, if you choose to exceed the limits, don’t scapegoate others, don’t envy them, and don’t torture your poor soul anymore.

Now doesn’t “Blessed are those who know their own limits” make perfect sense?


With hope and peace,

Nahla