Universe Between Us

I wanted to talk with you
To tell you everything, and my life
What happens in a day …
Only it fills my heart with joy
To share all that I hold inside …

I don’t share much with others,
It’s only you who stirs this feeling

I wanted to talk with you
To know you as well
To ask how your days go by,
What happens in your world?
What books do you read?
What movie do you love to watch?
What dress do you wear when you run in the morning?
What food do you eat?
How do you sleep?
Do you snore?
Do you like your job, or do you dream of another life? Do you love flowers? Do you love fruits? – I do
But I don’t know anything about you …

But I wanted to know
Do you prefer yellow or white?
Do you sneeze in the dust,
Or catch colds often? Just like me!
Do you breathe in the stillness of nature,
Or find peace in the city’s noise? – Oh, no!

I love nature, you know?
I’m a child of the earth, through and through
I wanted to share this with you
And so much more – quite vulnerable, right?

But you see, I don’t share much with others
It’s only you who draws this from me
But you wouldn’t believe me, would you?
It pains me to be this honest
But it’s alright, I suppose
How could you believe me
When you hardly know me
And I haven’t truly known you either?

Isn’t it a tragedy of the universe
That if it understood the misery
Of your absence from my life
It might never have placed us
On separate lands?

And how can we ever know one another like this?
Still, I wanted to share my whole universe with you
Do you ever want the same? Or you want the universe between us?

#roksanatales

Poo Avizhum Pozhudhil

Do I look like a South Indian in any way? A long time ago, when I was in university, some Indian classmates mentioned that I had the features of a South Indian woman. Sometimes I used to wear sarees back then, and maybe that added to the perception. I’m not entirely sure what specific features they were referring to, but I do know that sarees are one of my favourite attires, I feel so liberated when I wear one and as it’s said ‘The saree’s grace, like the South Indian woman’s poise, flows in waves, boundless, timeless.” – I feel like draped in six yards of pure elegance

Now, to my WordPress Indian friends, what do you think? Do I resemble someone from South India?

In any case, I so much love South Indian food, such as, Masala dosa, Sambar, Upma etc, and recently I’ve fallen in love with a South Indian song, listening to it repeatedly, specially during my walks. There’s something about certain songs that feels addictive. I don’t understand the language, and I haven’t tried to find the meaning either. But the melody, the voice, the music, it’s captivating. The song is in Tamil, called ‘Poo Avizhum Pozhudhil.’

I’m not going to search for the meaning myself; instead, I’d love it if any of my Indian, South Indian, or Tamil-speaking friends could share the meaning with me. Here are the lyrics –

Poo Avizhum Pozhudhil in Enakkul Oruvan

Poo Avizhum Pozhudhil

Singer : Pradeep Kumar
Music by : Santhosh Narayanan

Poo avizhum pozhudhil
Orr aayiram kanaa
Orr kanavin vazhiyil
Adhae nila

Paal sirippaal
Oli poo thelithaal
Dhegam megam aagum
Orr nilaiyae
Megam koodum neram
Poo mazhaiyae

En moochu kuzhalilae
Un paadal thavazhudhae
Undaana isaiyilae
Ul nenjam nanaiyudhae

Vaan veli meedhae
Venmathi thondrum
Aanveli melae
Aval udhithaalae

Ven siragetraal
En viral korthaal
Kangalai maraithae
Kanavukkul izhuthaal

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Another question 🙋‍♀️
Have you ever loved a song so much that it made you want to learn the language? That’s what happened to me with this song ♥️ Do you wish to share your any such favourite song with me?

Thank you for your time, kindness and precious presence in my life!

It’s Hyde Park. I took a walk there yesterday, and for the first time, I walked for miles in a saree, it felt quite refreshing. The weather was a mix of light sunshine, clouds, and occasional rain, but it only added to the charm of the park in the fall. I was glad to be there, soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying every moment, ‘My Happy Me Time’
♥️♥️

An Invisible Ache

Life’s a symphony
With colors that dance and winds that hum
And you, a note that never fades ….

Forgetting you
Is like trying to recall the shape of wind
An invisible ache that lingers –
What part of me will you leave behind?

#roksanatales

Sana’s LittlePainting at ‘The Regent’s Park’, one of the Royal Parks of London

Sometimes it happens in life that despite the effort to forget someone, their impact has left a lasting imprint on our mind and certain relationships or memories change us, leaving behind a part of the person in our thoughts, emotions, or identity, even after they’re gone

What do you think?

A Tale of Time

Time is a beautiful feeling
Like the quiet touch of a hand in yours …
Love doesn’t rush; it learns the art of waiting
Do we know how to cherish what grows slowly?

#roksanatales

I’ve always wanted to paint Big Ben right in front of the famous structure itself, but I could only do so from indoors since it was too chilly outside at that time!

Sometimes, you plan for things, and other times you don’t dream of them at all, yet something occurs, beautifully or unexpectedly; this is often how life unfolds, as we aren’t the ultimate planners, but rather guided by a greater force, The One. Outside, the silhouette of Big Ben looms against the sky, a reminder that time keeps moving, regardless of our own intentions. As you keep following your passions at your own pace, what surprises do you think might come your way?

For me, everyday brings a lot of surprises and excitement to me. Well, it was another solo adventure, strolling across Westminster Bridge, taking in the view of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye. Tourists buzzed around, snapping pictures and chatting excitedly in different languages, while street performers played music that drifted through the air. I loved watching families and friends gather, pointing at landmarks and sharing stories as they walked. The highlight was jumping in front of the London Eye, its massive wheel turning slowly above me, capturing the thrill of the moment in a photo. There was something magnetic about the Thames River too, its steady flow calming me as I leaned over the bridge, feeling connected to the history and rhythm of the city

As the day drew to a close, I wandered into a riverside garden, where the vibrant flowers stood in serene contrast to the bustle of the city, offering a quiet balm to my eyes. The chilly air nipped at my skin, but a warm cup of coconut-flavored mocha melted the cold away, its rich sweetness a perfect comfort. It wasn’t just a drink; it was a remedy, calming me from the inside out. With the Thames whispering nearby, I found solace in my painting, each brushstroke a therapy of its own. The moment felt like a quiet triumph, a celebration of solitude and creativity

Time is a beautiful feeling and I hope to hold on to this season with one of my LittlePainting, here and now …

Now, tell me what you think about
‘Time’ as Now and Here ….

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I want you now

Another of my favorite songs to walk with is “I Want You Now” by Loving Caliber. It conveys a deep longing for someone, with gentle vocals and a smooth rhythm that evoke a sense of closeness and warmth

Song of Solitude

Progress is still progress
No matter the pace
The road is tough
Filled with moments of doubt …
But growth begins in the smallest ways,
Needing time and tender care
Yes, surely!

When it feels slow, remember
Quitting won’t help
Nah nah, never!
Stay steady, sweet child
Appreciate where you are
For you’ve learned, and you’ve grown
Believe in the power of small beginnings;
Don’t fret about reaching the big things …

Collect the fragments of this world
Hear the joy of distant voices carried on the breeze
Drift and dive, and
Be foolish in your whims
But don’t you worry, beautiful soul
Stand tall, content in who you are ….

#roksanatales

Sana singing

Yesterday, once again, I set out on a solo adventure, walking extensively and embracing the challenge of a marathon for myself. I loved it, without a doubt

Stepping off the London Underground into the vibrant heart of Paddington, I wandered through an area where historic charm dances with modern development, lively streets, and iconic architecture. Inside the bustling Paddington Train Station, alive with its constant hum of activity, I felt the energy swirling around me; it was contagious. Now, whether my energy fuels the station or the station fuels me, that’s the question

After that, I stepped outside, clutching my Google map like a compass, ready to chart my course through the bustling streets. I set my sights on the serene beauty of the Italian Gardens and the expansive embrace of Kensington Gardens.

And so, my journey began.

The air was sharp with a biting wind, the sky heavy with clouds. Yet, I discovered a certain beauty in the way the dry leaves twirled like dancers in the swirling wind, crafting their own brittle symphony beneath my feet. I wandered for miles, from the elegance of the Italian Gardens to the heart of Kensington, eventually finding myself standing by the Round Pond. There, I felt urge to paint something, anything, and I scattered color across my blank cold-pressed watercolor paper, watching as the hues bled and merged into mesmerizing patterns. It was a sight that captivated the mind, the way the colors flowed like thoughts unfolding. As Picasso once said, ‘Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.’ I felt that childlike joy, watching the colors breathe life into the paper. I always do feel like this

As the day slipped into dusk, swans paused in their graceful drifting, while the water, stirred by the wind, shivered with restless ripples, in this vast space, tinged with a hint of melancholy, my thoughts turned to success. I realized that success means something different to everyone. For me, it’s simply being present in this moment. Others may reach for the world, always consciously in race for this or that, I find no desire for that. Thoreau wisely noted, ‘What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lives within us.’ My contentment springs not from possessions but from the quiet joy of simply existing now and here

This journey is beautiful
Don’t you think so?

এই পৃথিবীর গান

I’ve been listening to this song for the past two days, and it has become my faithful walking companion. It’s a Bangla song. I adore its tune, lyrics, and gentle melody. This is one of the Bangla songs I listen to on repeat, filled with a deep affection that resonates within me. As I planned to paint by the pond, I envisioned singing this song while creating my artwork. So, I jotted down the lyrics in my little notebook and then sang the song aloud. I know my handwriting is charming, I love it ☺️ and I sing beautifully for my soul too! Do you love it?

Thank you for appreciating it! 

I just wish you find the success that you want from life, and I pray for your good health, happiness, and joy as you travel in your life. Be happy always

I♥️

The Most Beautiful Feelings

The most beautiful feelings can’t be expressed in words; they can only be felt.

One day I went on a ‘Date with Sister’ to different places. We walked around London city a lot. Lastly we end our date at this beautiful Regent’s Park …

Our date wouldn’t have been complete without Little Painting under the open sky, surrounded by nature and water at this Park, a natural surroundings where we feel alive the most. It’s our special breathing space, where time pauses, and we dive deep into our hearts. Painting there together was a blessing beyond words …

It’s one of those feelings where, no matter how much you try to put it into words, you can never fully capture it. As Anaïs Nin once said, ‘We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect,’ but some emotions are too profound for even words to contain …

#roksanatales

Can you guess which one is my painting?

What Do You Reach for Then

Umbrella for the rain,
A shield against what falls
Sunglasses for the trend,
A gesture of fitting in

But when the storm is within,
What do you reach for then?

#roksanatales

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Someone once called me a poet, and I loved that. Being a poet feels like holding up a mirror to my thoughts, as if no other umbrella could shield me. I know I might bore others with this at times, but what can I do? I am who I am. If you love me, you must love my poetic voice, or not love me at all. If that sounds dramatic, so be it

For me, the act of creating is what truly matters. It’s the deepest part of who I am

Do you love me? Or not? Tell me

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The picture was taken in front of South Kensington Station, London on 22nd September. It was kind of a solo-explorer day. I went to visit Natural History Museum and the Kensington Gardens.

How

How do you shatter my heart like fragile glass, while your calm presence remains unshaken? How can you stay serene amidst the fragments you’ve left behind?

How do you drown my soul like a sinking ship,
while you sail smoothly on calm waters?
How can you drift so peacefully, leaving me lost beneath the waves?

#roksanatales

How is it that some people remain so calm, while the other person feels every possible emotion so deeply?

Which of these two categories do you fall into?

Quiet Peace

An evening walk, the air softly warm
Bathed in the gentle glow of moonlight …
Each step feels weightless, the world at ease
Do you ever feel such quiet peace?

#roksanatales

Chigwell, London

One question: Have you ever been in a situation where you can’t stop thinking about someone, even though you know there’s little chance of ever meeting them? Has that ever happened to you?

I love asking questions!
And someone might respond, ‘And, I love not answering them…’

Hmm 😊

Let Me Have a Friend

Let me have a friend
Like a mirror reflecting my true self
Without hesitation or pretense …

Let me have a friend
Who understands my sorrow
As the ocean comprehends each wave’s crest and fall …

Let me have a friend
With whom I can journey to the stars and back
In a bond as deep as the sea …

Let me have a friend
Like a lighthouse guiding ships through turbulent seas
And offering calm and strength in every storm

Let me have a friend
Who grasps my every need
Like a gardener tending to each unique flower

Let me have a friend
Not merely a cherry blossom’s fleeting bloom
But a steadfast bamboo, bending yet unbroken 

Let me have a friend
Like a serene rock in a Zen garden
Grounded and unwavering, amidst all change 

Let me have a friend
Like a forest that shelters and steadies
Providing refuge and resilience through the fiercest winds …

Let me have a friend
Like a tranquil meditation that clears the mind
Guiding me with peace and clarity through life’s ups and downs …

Let me have a friend
To whom I am never just a fleeting shadow or afterthought …

Let me have a friend
To whom my heart can freely speak
Finding solace and understanding as naturally as a river finds its course …

Let me have a friend
To whom I can confide
A patient listener whose presence is a quiet sanctuary
Where my words find a refuge and my thoughts are truly heard …

Let me have a friend
Who will embrace me without judgment
As a canvas welcomes every brushstroke without critique …

Let me have a friend
As a flame nurtured by kindling eventually warms the whole hearth …

Let me have a friend
To whom I can share my deepest secrets …

And lastly,

Let me have a bosom friend
Who says, “Let’s embrace the day,”
And never utters “Goodbye” to me …

#roksanatales

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I’ve been in London for over 22 days now. A few old school friends live here and reached out to me. At first, I was caught up in other things, but after two weeks, I’ve finally settled into a slower rhythm of life. Since I live in a peaceful, almost countryside area, I don’t feel the pull to venture into the city often. My friends would like me to come out, reconnect, and spend time wandering the city, but here’s the truth: I can’t seem to muster the interest …

It might seem harsh, but that’s just how I am. I know them well, and their materialistic nature makes me feel stifled. While I’d rather talk about nature, travel, art, books, poetry, love, philosophy, human nature, yoga, meditation, and similar topics, they tend to focus on things I do not know about or I don’t seem to internalise them. So, I keep my distance from most of the so-called friends …

Many might assume I’m extroverted, but to their surprise, I’m deeply introverted. So much so that they haven’t even realized how I navigate social interactions. A friend gave me her contact number, but I felt so down that I didn’t want to reach out. I worried that talking to her might be overwhelming, and I wasn’t sure what we’d discuss or if it would make me anxious. So I’m just taking time. I’m not sure if this is a problem on just how I am, but it’s been the way it is so far, and honestly though, I never want to upset or disappoint them, but for my own set of mind, I often find myself retreating and taking space …

I didn’t reach out to them when I arrived because I wanted some distance, to just be away for a while. Now that they’ve found out I’m here and have been asking to meet up since last week, I feel like retreating even more, like hiding away to avoid the gathering. Some days, meeting people feels exhausting, and I find myself constantly seeking excuses to evade it. These are those kinds of days …

Moreover I often feel drained by the idea of one-on-one interactions with just anyone, even that’s a friend for name’s sake. There I may start to overthink: What will we talk about? How will the time pass? All of these worries pile up, leaving me reluctant to engage. In group settings, it’s easier- there I don’t feel the same pressure to carry the conversation. (Do you ever feel this way?) They can do that within themselves and I can be just a listener. But then meeting just one person feels like a task I need energy for, which I often don’t have … and I can only give that precious time and energy only to my bestie, and my special one … not to anyone else!

Even with old school or work friends, I need to feel an inner pull, a desire, to meet them. I’m more than willing to be there when they need me, but when it comes to my own connections, I’m very selective. I only truly open up with a rare few- a close friend and other person with whom I can share anything, knowing they’ll always wish the best for me … With my besties, I can truly be myself (though my true self might be a bit annoying and wild, witty and weird to them, but I don’t mind being silly to them) …

I care for my besties deeply, wishing them happiness and ease in life. Even from miles away, it’s as if they are a constant star in my sky—always present in my thoughts. I reach out to share everything happening here, as if sending them messages across the distance to keep them close … yes, I want to remain close, somehow …

I recently came across a reflection on friendship that resonated with me:

“The only trick of friendship is to find people who are better than you are—not smarter, not cooler, but kinder, and more generous, and more forgiving—and then to appreciate them for what they can teach you, and to try to listen to them when they tell you something about yourself, no matter how bad—or good—it might be, and to trust them, which is the hardest thing of all. But the best, as well.”
~ Hanya Yanagihara, A Little Life

I love my friend who is a better human than I am. I know they always want the best for me, whether we’re together or apart …

I miss my bestie so much!

When I show you my affection, it means you are my chosen best friend …

I’ve a childhood story to tell about it … some other day, I may share! I wonder if you would wish to hear that story! Someday! One day, may be!

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A question- what is friendship to you? 

Another question—do you think long-distance friendships can endure, even if the friends haven’t met in person yet?

Please, Please, Please

Don’t be the devil to me
Love me instead 
Don’t close your heart, sweetheart
Let tenderness spread …

Love me in fragments
If you can’t love me whole 
But don’t vanish, my darling
Leaving scars on my soul …

#roksanatales

Sana walking

I’m truly enjoying the area I’m living in—Chigwell, a suburban town in Essex. As someone once said, “Home is not a place, it’s a feeling,” and this place has captured that sentiment perfectly for me. It’s this perfect blend of town and country, with charming Georgian houses and picturesque weather-boarded cottages that make every walk feel like a step back in time. And I think I can walk here for hours ….

Walking is healing to me; it’s my savior, my way of life. Certainly I can walk for hours, especially with music playing. Sometimes I even find myself talking as I walk, or certain words pop into my mind, and I jot them down. Later, I write based on what I felt when I made those notes. It happens every time …

I’d love to share the songs I’ve been listening to lately while walking. Though my taste in music keeps evolving, these tracks have really stuck with me …

Ever wonder how music can change the rhythm of your thoughts?

Please, Please, Please

A Ride

I wonder what an amazing ride does to you;
For it moves me more than I ever knew …
Also it heals my heart and lifts life’s gray …
Does it stir your heart and change your view?

#roksanatales

Can I join you on a fast-paced bike ride?
Tell me!

Lately, I’ve been really into this song (included in the video). When I go for a walk, I listen to it along with some other tracks, and sometimes I can’t help but want to dance to every beat… and honestly, I do find myself moving a bit like I’m dancing while I walk …

This morning, I went to a mall in the city and we took a different route, via fast-paced Uber ride. It made me think of bike rides… if you ride a bike, do they ever get that fast?
I found myself wondering, I don’t know why!

I Wonder

Forest Fans

A dense forest lies before me
Let’s venture deep within ….

#roksanatales

It was my birthday, 2nd September. I’m currently visiting London. On my birthday, we decided to head into the Epping forest to enjoy the scenery and take a long walk deep inside. I am drawn to these kinds of natural settings and often find myself immersed in them, savoring the tranquility and spaciousness of such an enchanting landscape.

I miss you here and everywhere ….

The Epping Forest District, rich in history and character, offers beautiful green spaces perfect for a short getaway. It’s a surprising gem near London with plenty of places to eat, drink, and enjoy local events. The area serves as a scenic link between London and Essex, delighting visitors with its many attractions. With every visit, you’ll find more than you expected.

So, why not explore it for yourself, just a short journey from the city?

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A birthday cake thrown by my littlest nephew. He calls me Amy Aunty

P.S. Is anyone from my WordPress friends living in London right now? I’ll be here till October 18th.

Her Favourite Flower

Who knew her heart could awaken once more,
after years of quiet silence,
When she believed love was a season past,
a chapter closed?

Yet here it was, blooming again like spring after a long winter …

On their third meeting, wandering through a flower shop,
His words bloomed around her,
“What is your favorite flower? I want to buy it for you!”

Her eyes widened, a breath caught in surprise
Someone cared to ask about such a small,
unimportant matter like a favorite flower!

In that moment,
The petals of her heart unfurled,
As if touched by the morning sun’s first gentle rays …
She felt
The warmth of being truly seen
The sweetness of being loved and
The softness of being deeply cared for …

She is blooming once again having her favourite flower from her beloved after a long winter of her little life …

#roksanatales

This is certainly not a small, unimportant matter at all! 

What do you think?

Perspective

John Lennon once said, “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” Right at this moment, the love that you receive, the moment that you cherish, the joy that you find, – all of these may change in the blink of an eye. Instead of taking things for granted, value what you have right now and make the most of every moment …

It’s okay to feel lost or not be okay at times. You don’t owe anything to your younger self, but you do owe everything to who you are now. I do believe that true wealth comes from new experiences, not from material possessions.

The most beautiful things in life are found in nature, laughter, kindness, love, and in embracing your imperfections and freedom. If you don’t take the time to reflect and listen, you might miss the world’s subtle hints about who you truly are.

Gratitude has a way of transforming your perspective. The more grateful you are, the more beauty you notice around you, and the more generous and fulfilling life becomes.

How often do you take a moment to truly appreciate the simple, beautiful things around you?

Tell me!

#roksanatales

Hamnafs

No matter how often I gaze at you
I’m never fully quenched …
You bloom like dawn’s first light
While I glimmer like a lone star in the night …
I’ll beg the heavens to soften your glow
For these days, your presence leaves me breathless …

#roksanatales

Hamnafs/ persian/ urdu
(n.) the person having closeness to your breath; your soulmate

Musings

I know I’m hurting myself.

This is the finger I injured four months ago, now wearing a ring on it again after so long. This finger was fractured in an accident. I can’t bend it properly or grip well anymore.

I’ve followed the doctor’s instructions and even undergoing physiotherapy, which is still ongoing.

It’s a bit swollen (still swollen while writing) but otherwise fine. As the swelling persists, the finger is becoming increasingly stiff and challenging to move.

Initially I was heartbroken because I couldn’t take it that I can never bend my finger like before. I used to cry for this. I had mental trauma from my pain. I used to hurt myself trying to bend it in different ways and was so hard on myself that it would hurt more later on. I was patient in taking the medication and physiotherapy that included the wax therapy also.

Lately, I often feel unsettled. when I can’t grip the handlebar of my cycle with my left hand and I would become too sentimental about this unfortunate incident.

Well, I had had two major operation in my life so far. Always I hated operation and I had to face those nightmares. Even I experienced terrible car accident. But I survived by the grace of Almighty and didn’t fractured any parts of my body. But never ever I felt so helpless now that I see my stiff ring finger just like this without motion, without emotion, with only a rough feeling.

Just reflecting that sometimes accidents happen beyond our control, and even after we take care of the injury, the pain may persist for long or never goes away for a long long time …

And when your heart breaks, then you may not get back your whole heart again. It already has lots of holes from the breaking. Can we repair our hearts with the Japanese method of Kintsugi by giving us a new heart with gold?

Just asking!

#roksanatales

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Kintsugi, also known as kintsukuroi, is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending the areas of breakage with urushi lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. The method is similar to the maki-e technique. (Wikipedia)

As you know Kintsugi inspires us to embrace our flaws and accept them as a part of life.

I’m also accepting it as a part of my life with grace and love. Also these days I’m feeling that my Almighty had a plan for this happenings, so that I experienced something unusual out of this accident of fractured finger. Now I’m preparing for doing Kintsugi on it to make it flawsome.

Tell me, how do you take care of the pain that’s unavoidable, uncontrollable, and untreatable?

What I know Now

My Dear R,

I hope this letter finds you well. As Aristotle once said, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” With that in mind, I wanted to share some important reminders—lessons I’ve learned and wisdom I’ve gathered over time …

First, remember that happiness isn’t just a destination; it’s the journey itself. Think of each moment as a precious gem to be savored. Immerse yourself in what you love, whether it’s painting a vivid canvas, losing yourself in a good book, tending to your garden, or enjoying the company of friends. Don’t hold back. Learn the practice of “wabi-sabi.” While wabi-sabi primarily focuses on finding beauty in imperfection and the transient nature of life, it also emphasizes appreciating simple, everyday moments. Appreciate more of your self-care and personal expression. Dress in your favorite outfits, experiment with makeup, or enjoy a pampering session as a way to celebrate yourself and find joy in small, delightful ways. Embrace and cherish the present moment …

Don’t overthink. Eliminate self-doubt and self-criticism. Don’t ever think you’re not enough; you are enough, just as you are. As Eleanor Roosevelt said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Don’t let negative thoughts take root in your mind. Instead, focus on starting a skincare routine, eating healthy meals, maintaining regular exercise or yoga, and taking care of your personal hygiene. Remember, your brain and body are closely linked; when one suffers, the other often does too …

My dear, do you laugh often? Laughter is a reflection of our inner state of being, so let it flow freely. Find that spark that lights up your eyes. Be passionate about something—whether it’s a hobby, a project, playing an instrument, exploring nature, or even just a ride all on your own …

Seek connection and company. Share your joys, sorrows, and daily happenings with the right people. Building and nurturing these relationships is essential for your well-being. The support and understanding of others can provide strength and perspective in difficult times. But also never ever let anyone tell you otherwise or bring you down …

Read as many books as you can, starting from a young age. As George R.R. Martin said, “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies . . . The man who never reads lives only one.” Reading will enrich your life and make the most of your time in the best possible ways …

Please darling don’t forget to walk daily, move, run, or dance, for ‘to keep the body in good health is a duty… otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.'” – Buddha

You have the power to create a beautiful life for yourself. Embrace every opportunity to grow, learn, and love. You’ve got this. The time is now to be bold about who you are. Hold no regrets. Try more things. Cross some lines. It won’t matter to anyone. Love yourself as you are. And remember, you are always beautiful, kind, and worthy of being loved, cared for, and respected.

Consider Oprah Winfrey’s journey. Despite facing significant challenges and adversities in her early life, she embraced every opportunity for growth and learning, ultimately becoming one of the most influential and successful figures in the world. Her story is a testament to the power of self-love, resilience, and the pursuit of one’s true self. As she often says, “The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.”

You’ll discover a unique happiness that comes from simply living and enjoying everyday, mundane pleasures. Imagine a painter who, after years of searching for inspiration in grand landscapes, finally finds true joy in capturing the simple beauty of a sunlit kitchen, a blooming garden, or the quiet streets of their neighborhood. Their art reflects the contentment found in everyday moments, illustrating how the ordinary can bring profound happiness.

Love deeply and passionately. Someone unique will come into your life. He won’t possess the conventional markers of success you once thought were essential in a partner. On your first date, he might give you a ride home on the handlebars of his bike because he doesn’t have a car and can’t afford to rent one. But don’t worry about these. Rather you may find that he’s incredibly funny, intelligent, and has remarkable integrity.

And lastly, be funny, kind, empathetic, caring, and respectful. Be vulnerable. Wouldn’t you agree that these qualities make life richer and more fulfilling?

You warm my heart,
Roksana

#roksanatales

A letter to the younger self

The few coloring, drawings, paintings that I enjoyed doing in this July

However, no matter how old you are, there’s always something to learn from any moment or from anyone who is an integral part of your life right now. Learn what you can from those you admire and most importantly from the walk of your own life and apply it in real sense as much as possible ….

What do you think?

In My Dreams

In my dreams, I glimpsed you,
A shadow calling my name
From a distant place …
I walked far ahead
In a sea of chaos
Surrounded by countless faces
I turned around
Aware of your voice
Yet you remained unseen …

In my dreams, I found you
Amidst a chaotic storm
You searched for me
Worried if I get lost
Where would you find me?
You sent your words to me
And I replied with mine
But it was never quite enough
Everything remained hazy in the dreams …

In my dreams, I glimpsed you on a distant path
While I wandered through your city
A stranger to its streets
Unaware of my arrival
You found my words and raced to me
By your trusted companion
Eager for me to join your ride …

In my dreams, I saw you there
With your handsome looks, so debonair
While my long black hair did shine
We glided on the lake so fine …
It led us to a grand palace; there
We roamed like King and Queen
While you remained in silence deep
I felt a restlessness for your voice … 

I cannot tell
How long I’ll dream of you
But for now, it brings me joy
To find you in my dreams …
Though you seem distant
I long for the dreams each night
Waking at dawn’s first light
Renewed, beginning
My day with you in my heart …

#roksanatales

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Do you see dreams?

What makes you dream about a certain person?

What if you never met someone and still you see them in your dreams!

I think it’s such a poignant acceptance of the joy found in the dreams of someone dear, even as they remain a transient part of the dreams, offering solace and renewal as the day begins …

Ya’ Aburnee

She used to be calm,
But now she’s even calmer …

She walked slowly,
But now she walks even slower …

She talked freely with the right person,
But now
She barely talks at all …

She mingled happily with her best friend,
But now
She avoids everyone …

She expressed herself openly,
But now
She keeps everything inside …

She used to dream of the stars
But now
She barely looks at the sky …

She used to dance in the rain
But now
She stays inside, dry …

She used to laugh with abandon
But now
Her smiles are rare and shy …

She used to sing her heart out
But now
Her voice is just a whisper …

She used to chase after adventures
But now
She hesitates to even try …

She used to believe in magic
But now
Her wonder seems to die …

She lost her beloved, her heart’s anchor,
Now she drifts, untethered and forlorn …

Grief has woven shadows in her days,
And joy, once bright, feels tattered and torn …

#roksanatales

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Ya’ Aburnee/ arabic
(n.) lit. ‘may you bury me’
a declaration of one’s hope that they’ll die before another person because of how unbearable it would be to live without them

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Have you ever felt like these for anyone?

All About Nothing

all about nothing of sounds, spoken softly or loudly, with passion or anger …
all about nothing of jealousies, forgiveness, tears and fears …
all about nothing of the secrets whispering through the wind and the joy within …

all about nothing of opening hearts and minds headed in the magnificent magic of colors around …
all about nothing of music of the breeze, windmill, piano, and hidden in paintings …
all about nothing of gems, precious gold, silver, fruit and bushes of colorful hues …
all about nothing of writing with grace and unwritten words with day dreaming state …
all about nothing of a promise that is meant to be and not meant to be …
all about nothing of relief from each itching and holding on to a belief …
all about nothing of the reasons in wonderment and in ecstasy …
all about nothing of never to be heard and of never to be seen …
all about nothing of an angel kiss, as calming as the stars …
all about nothing of longing to be nourished and cherished …
all about nothing of reaching high and climbing mountains …
all about nothing of connection, attachments and non-attachments …
all about nothing of love and a sense of belonging …

all about nothing of a new gravity and definition …
all about nothing of fine vine yards and forest 
all about nothing of desired and undesired …
all about nothing of noise and quietness …
all about nothing of facts and mystery …
all about nothing of prose and poetry …

all about nothing of cause and cure …
all about nothing of time and space …
all about nothing of weak and odds …
all about nothing of lost and found …
all about nothing of earth and sea …
all about nothing of far and near …
all about nothing of something and everything 
that my breaths care as a poet all the while …
that there is all about something for everything
as becoming you, as becoming me …

As there’s no clue…
When we never knew if it were true …
We come and go, we stare and it’s comfortably warm …
And we just have nothing- it makes and remakes us whole,
When it’s all about nothing, it’s the everything

#roksanatales

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I’m sorry if your head is exploding reading ‘all about nothing’ here!

Sometimes, things that seem meaningless or nonsensical still occur. In this world, it appears that nothing is impossible, and this has been proven time and again …

What do you think?

Devoted

You say
‘I’m overwhelming’;
I don’t know
How to untangle this web of feelings …

You say,
‘Don’t be so hard on yourself;
I don’t know
How long these ache linger in my mind …

You say,
‘Deep breaths. Relax’;
I don’t know
Why my breath is fleeting and
My calm turns to fear and agony …

You say
‘Rein in your heart’;
I don’t know
What walls to build around my soul …

You say
‘Pain is inevitable’;
I don’t know
When these wounds will mend …

You say
‘I’m leaving soon;
I don’t know
Will our eyes meet ever! …

I only know
Amidst the shadows of doubt
This love remains pure …
Sanctifying me
Like a deity in devotion …

#roksanatales

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A deep and unwavering love may persists despite uncertainty or doubt. Even when surrounded by ‘shadows of doubt’, love remain untainted and pure. Love is both a source of strength and a spiritual experience with a sense of purity and sanctity …

What do you say about it?
Have you ever experienced such love?

Let’s Dance

I was calm and then you’ve come
And the storm is dwelling inside me
Ever since …

I was a tranquil sea, still and serene
Whispering lullabies to the shore
Then your presence
Like a fierce wind
Unsettles the depths ….
See! What you’ve done to me!

Gentle ripples
Morph into crashing waves,
My heart, once a quiet harbor
Now a tempest’s playground ….

Lightning thoughts
Thundering pulses
A tempest’s eye
Restless and wild
OMG!

You’ve come,
And the calm is no more
Only the storm,
Dwelling inside me …

What should we do now?
Together
Let’s dance 💃🕺
Shall we?

#roksanatales

It was raining so much yesterday! It makes me romantic, I think. What does rain do to you?