Sappho - Translation from Anne Carson’s “If not, Winter”
I went to the market to buy some blood. I told the owner, ‘show me your finest blood’. He pointed me in the direction of the blood that was most fresh, that of London and Paris and Manchester. ‘It is exquisite’, I told him, ‘but it is not what I am looking for’ Then he showed me the blood of Germany and Orlando and Brussels, blood that had been healing months after it had been split. ‘It is extraordinarily’, I told him, as I watched it tend to it’s wounds, ‘but it is still not what I am looking for.’ 'Is there nothing finer?’ I asked. He shook his head and replied 'sorry ma'am, that is all I have’. And with a heavy heart I turned away, ready to walk. But out of the corner of my eye, I saw a river of magnificence and magnitude, enriched with something I could not recognise. 'What is that?’ I asked, turning to them once more. 'That?’ He replied, 'It is nothing.’ 'No!’ I cried, 'tell me!’ 'That’, he said, 'is the blood that is worthless. No one wants this blood ma'am. It is discarded blood and disowned by the rest of the world’ 'Who’s is it?’ I cried. 'Well’, he said, 'where do I begin?’ And with a deep breath he said; 'It is the blood of Palestine, Infused with the cries of Syria, And the grief of Afghanistan. It is the screams of Burma, Mulled with the tears of Iraq, And the suffering of Somalia. It is the sorrows of Yemen, Alongside the weeping of Sudan, And the sweat of Pakistan.
diaryofaniqaabi // pray for the world (via diaryofaniqaabi)
“Bear patiently, my heart — for you have suffered heavier things.”
- Homer, Odyssey
“And tire yourself out, because it makes life worth living! I have seen that water stagnates when it stands still, yet when it runs it is sweet and pure.”
— Imam Shafi (rahimahullah)
"أدرّب نفسي على الصمت، تحديدًا في الأوقات التي أعرف فيها مدى حدّة الكلام الذي سيخرج مني."
Abul ‘Āliyyah [may Allāh have mercy on him] said:
“A time will come upon the people wherein there hearts will be devoid and derelict of the Qur’ān.
They will find neither sweetness nor acquire any delight by its recitation.
If they fall short of performing what they have been commanded to do, they will say: ‘Certainly, Allāh is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’
If they commit that which they have been forbidden from doing, they will say: ‘We shall be forgiven, we have not associated any partners unto Allāh.’
Their affairs will be based on covetousness [and false hope], possessing no truth [and no sincerity].”
Kitāb az-Zuhd, 1714 | Al-Imām Ahmad bin Hanbal [may Allāh have mercy on him]
How To Become A Brand New Person ✨✨
Self Reflect:
Journal daily.
Think about past decisions and how they impacted your life.
Meditate regularly.
Create a vision board to visualize your goals.
Review your strengths and weaknesses.
Identify your core values and beliefs.
Figure out your passions and interests.
Think about your childhood dreams and aspirations.
Evaluate your current state of happiness and fulfillment.
Set Clear Goals:
Define specific career goals, like "Get promoted within two years."
Set health goals, like "Lose 20 pounds in six months."
Create financial goals such as "Save $10,000 for a vacation."
Establish personal development goals, like "Read 24 books in a year."
Set relationship goals, such as "Improve communication with my partner."
Define education goals, like "Complete a master's degree in three years."
Set travel goals, like "Visit five new countries in the next two years."
Create hobbies and interests goals, such as "Learn to play a musical instrument."
Set community or volunteer goals, like "Volunteer 100 hours this year."
Establish mindfulness or self-care goals, such as "Practice meditation daily."
Self Care:
Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day.
Follow a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Prioritize getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
Practice in relaxation techniques like deep breathing or yoga.
Take regular breaks at work to avoid burnout.
Schedule "me time" for activities you enjoy.
Limit exposure to stressors and toxic people.
Practice regular skincare and grooming routines.
Seek regular medical check-ups and screenings.
Stay hydrated by drinking enough water daily.
Personal Development:
Read a book every month from various genres.
Attend workshops or seminars on topics of interest.
Learn a new language or musical instrument.
Take online courses to acquire new skills.
Set aside time for daily reflection and self improvement.
Seek a mentor in your field for guidance.
Attend conferences and networking events.
Start a side project or hobby to expand your abilities.
Practice public speaking or communication skills.
Do creative activities like painting, writing, or photography.
Create a Support System:
Build a close knit group of friends who uplift and inspire you.
Join clubs or organizations aligned with your interests.
Connect with a mentor or life coach.
Attend family gatherings to maintain bonds.
Be open and honest in your communication with loved ones.
Seek advice from trusted colleagues or supervisors.
Attend support groups for specific challenges (e.g., addiction recovery).
Cultivate online connections through social media.
Find a therapist or counselor for emotional support.
Participate in community or volunteer activities to meet like minded people.
Change Habits:
Cut back on sugary or processed foods.
Reduce screen time and increase physical activity.
Practice gratitude by keeping a daily journal.
Manage stress through mindfulness meditation.
Limit procrastination by setting specific deadlines.
Reduce negative self-talk by practicing self-compassion.
Establish a regular exercise routine.
Create a budget and stick to it.
Develop a morning and evening routine for consistency.
Overcome Fear and Self Doubt:
Face a specific fear head-on (example: public speaking).
Challenge your negative thoughts with positive affirmations.
Seek therapy to address underlying fears or traumas.
Take small, calculated risks to build confidence.
Visualize success in challenging situations.
Surround yourself with supportive and encouraging people.
Journal about your fears and doubts to gain clarity.
Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small.
Focus on your strengths and accomplishments.
Embrace failure as a valuable learning experience.
Embrace Change:
Relocate to a new city or country.
Switch careers or industries to pursue your passion.
Take on leadership roles in your workplace.
Volunteer for projects outside your comfort zone.
Embrace new technologies and digital tools.
Travel to unfamiliar destinations.
Start a new hobby or creative endeavor.
Change your daily routine to add variety.
Adjust your mindset to see change as an opportunity.
Seek out diverse perspectives and viewpoints.
Practice Gratitude:
Write down three things you're grateful for each day.
Express gratitude to loved ones regularly.
Create a gratitude jar and add notes of appreciation.
Reflect on the positive aspects of challenging situations.
Show gratitude by volunteering or helping others in need.
Send thank-you notes or messages to people who've helped you.
Keep a gratitude journal and review it regularly.
Share your gratitude openly during family meals or gatherings.
Focus on the present moment and appreciate the little things.
Practice gratitude even in times of adversity.
Be Patient:
Set realistic expectations for your progress.
Accept that personal growth takes time.
Focus on the journey rather than the destination.
Learn from setbacks and view them as opportunities to improve.
Celebrate small milestones along the way.
Practice self-compassion during challenging times.
Stay committed to your goals, even when progress is slow.
Keep a journal to track your personal growth.
Recognize that patience is a valuable skill in personal transformation.
Celebrate Small Wins:
Treat yourself to your favorite meal or dessert.
Reward yourself with a spa day or self-care activity.
Share your achievements with friends and loved ones.
Create a vision board to visualize your successes.
Acknowledge and congratulate yourself in a journal.
Give yourself permission to take a break and relax.
Display reminders of your accomplishments in your workspace.
Take a day off to celebrate a major milestone.
Host a small gathering to mark your achievements.
Set aside time to reflect on how far you've come.
Maintain Balance:
Set clear boundaries in your personal and work life.
Prioritize self care activities in your daily routine.
Schedule regular breaks and downtime.
Learn to say "no" when necessary to avoid overcommitment.
Evaluate your work life balance regularly.
Seek support from friends and family to avoid burnout.
Be kind to yourself and accept imperfections.
Practice mindfulness to stay present and grounded.
Revisit your priorities and adjust them as needed.
Embrace self love and self acceptance as part of your daily life.
the universe knew I'd be too powerful if I had the capacity to carry on conversations