Tag: plans

Just writing

Reading Challenge: From Plan to Result

nhpureandsimple

I haven’t finished it yet, and I have only myself to blame. 

Do you know why? 

Imagine you decide to join a marathon even though you know you’re more of a walker. You’re not slow, but you simply like to take your time, enjoying the scenery and your surroundings. 

So I began my 2025 reading marathon with a plan to finish 60 books.

Of course, at the start line, I was full of enthusiasm, energy, and dedication, but things always happen.

A few months later, the target began to feel unrealistic, especially as doubt started whispering logic into my head, equipped with sensible calculations and reasons. 

I dropped my challenge to 50 books, and slowed down running.

Halfway through the year, a few complicated books challenged my target, and made me feel as if I were running up a steep hill. And don’t forget, I’m not really a runner. So, I changed to jogging instead, and dropped my challenge to 40 books.

Now, it’s almost the end of the year, and I have no plan to drop the number again.

My score is so far 33 books.

If I make it, I make it.

If not, I’ll make a sensible plan for 2026.

At least that’s what inspired me to write this post.

With hope and peace,

Nahla

P.S.S

Please don’t be disappointed or discouraged by this post. I hope as much that you will read it as I hope you will fulfil your own reading challenge target. 

Just writing

Knock knock

nhpureandsimple

Who’s knocking?

‘It’s me, the New Year,’ your visitor says.

You open the door and there is your visitor, having travelled a long journey, about 365 days, to visit you just before sunrise when it’s all quiet. Your visitor is smiling, arms open wide, eyes sparkling, in neat, elegant clothing, and smelling of a fresh, morning breeze perfume that wafts through the door and fillles you, and your place.

You seized the – once – in – a year encounter, and prattled about lots of things: the fire works celebrations, the – once – in – a life time trip to celebrate the New Year on the Caribbean or the moon, the special romantic night, the list of your last year’s fulfilled resolutions, the list of complaints about your misfortunes and bad luck, and the list of your sheer luck achievements. (Please feel free to add the things most of us usually think at each and every new year.)

‘Have you changed? The newcomer asks after listening patiently to all that details.

Struck by the question, you stammer, thinking for a minute or two and then say; ‘Of course, with all those details and things I have changed. I should have changed. Everything changed, and is changing. Just wait and see how the New Year celebrations will look next year.” You said the words, full of confidence, gazing at your visitor who looks the same as ever.

Your visitor smiles, seeming to read your mind. ‘Changes don’t have to be mainly physical. And, thanks for the celebrations.’

‘What’s piece of advice are you giving me this year?’ You ask.

‘A new year is a new chapter. Editing your writing font colours and styles makes no significant change to your chapter. It’s the content that does. What you write, what you say, and what you feel is what making your chapter worth reading, and celebrating. Besides, as long as you live, there’ll always be a new chapter to live, to write, and to celebrate whether it’s January or any other month of the year.

‘Oh, I will think about that. Do you want to know my new plans for this year?’ You ask.

‘Does anyone have to read your chapter before it’s done? I’m sure you’ll share it next year,’ the visitor says and leaves.



With all the best wishes,

Nahla







daily prompt

Why rush?

nhpureandsimple

How often do you say “no” to things that would interfere with your goals?

Does this “no” truly depend on your goals? Or, does it merely depend on satifying your inner desire to refuse whatsoever interrupt your plans. In other words, making yourself a priority before anyone or anything else. I believe, in most cases it’s the latter.

How often do we say or receive “no” without considering saying “yes” instead.

In Arabic culture, there’s a common saying that suggests; the word Yes is soothing. Does saying “yes” imply you are weak, submissive, or aimless. Of course not, as long as you keep on track to fulfil your plans or goals.

To make my point clear: imagine you’re going on holiday with your friends. The trip was planned but money has not been paid, yet. Then your mother came into your room. You told her about your plans, but then she asked you to make a slight change of dates.

Before even asking for the reason. ‘No,’ you say. ‘I’ve already made my plans,’ you add. ‘But you haven’t even asked why?’ Your mother say. ‘I am not going to change my plans, but okay why? You ask, reluctantly, and then your mother explains her reasons.

Would the world had fallen apart if your “Yes” came before your “No”? If you put aside your priorities and think for a minute or so until you know the reason. Would things be better if you say; ‘Yes, mum, I haven’t paid for it yet. I will see what my friends think, but if we couldn’t make changes, I promise to do that before or after the trip.

The scenario could be different with the  mother playing the son. But, the underlying point remains the same. Why rush to say “No”, if it can say “Yes” first. 

With all the best wishes,

Nahla