I know you’ve been holding a lot lately, not just in your hands, but in your heart. You care so deeply, and it shows in all the little ways you’re trying to help, to listen, to stay steady. I see how much thought you’re putting into what might ease someone else’s pain, how to show up not just with love, but with wisdom …
You may never have the perfect words or solutions, and that’s okay. It’s not about fixing everything. It’s about being there, consistently, quietly, with care. That kind of presence does matter. That kind of love is enough …
It’s also okay to feel tired sometimes. To question if you’re doing enough. To wonder if your efforts are really helping. Just remember: your intentions are rooted in love, and love is never wasted. Rest when you need to. Trust that showing up with honesty and patience is a healing act in itself …
Keep going gently. You’re doing better than you think …
Even on the days when your strength slips away and your heart feels too heavy to carry, know this, it’s okay to rest, to feel, to fall apart, because your worth was never measured by how well you pretend to be okay …
How many times I say It’s okay Even when I’m breaking inside …
How many times I say It’s okay While swallowing truths I cannot express …
How many times I say It’s okay And hide the tremble in my voice …
How many times I say It’s okay Though it was never really a choice …
How many times I say It’s okay Till I forget what peace feels like …
#roksanatales
On the path to reach ‘Arthur Seat’, Edinburgh
Saying ‘It’s okay’ can become an invisible shield we wear to protect others from our truth, but healing begins when we let our silence speak, and allow ourselves the grace to not always be okay
Even nature does not hide its hurt; the sky weeps, the trees shed, the earth cracks, and in doing so, it finds its way back to balance. In embracing its own cycles of pain and release, nature teaches us that healing is not found in silence, but in allowing ourselves to feel, break, and begin again. So must we …
How many times I say ‘It’s okay’ But know that it’s okay to be not okay …
After arriving in Malé, my son and I took a short ride across the water on a cheerful little troller and arrived at Villimalé, a quaint residential island just a breath away from the city, yet carrying a world of its own. We really loved it from our first glance
At Malahini Resort, we met quite a few Bangladeshi brothers. One of them was Anwar, from Cumilla. He would often talk to us and check in to see how we were doing. The day before we were to leave the resort, he found out that we’d be spending a day in the capital, Malé. That’s when he suggested, ‘You should visit Villimalé (Villingili). It’s really beautiful, peaceful beaches, and you’ll get a glimpse of how the locals live by the sea.’
My son and I decided to follow Anwar’s suggestion. And that’s how after arriving in Malé, we took a little time to check in and freshen up at the hotel and then set off for Villingili
Vilimalé greeted us like an old friend, quiet, colorful, and full of life in the most unassuming ways. We arrived in the afternoon, when the sun had begun to soften and the island was slowly waking up from its midday rest. We strolled along the beach, letting the rhythm of the waves guide us, and quickly realized that this wasn’t just a place, it was a gentle rhythm of living.
Everywhere we looked, there were tiny glimpses of humanity, sweet nothings, really, but the kind that make a place unforgettable. We saw two youngsters sitting on a swing, lost in deep conversation, as if the world around them had vanished. Just a little further down, two elderly citizens mirrored the same scene, also on a swing, equally absorbed in their own quiet exchange. It struck me how conversation, across generations, had found its sacred space here
The island had spaces carved out for everyone. Recreational areas were sprinkled thoughtfully across the land, inviting both the young and old to step out, breathe, and belong. As the sun began its descent, we saw more and more people emerging from their homes, children playing, families gathering near the shore, neighbors leaning against colorful walls exchanging daily stories. There was a profound simplicity in it all, a culture of connection, held together by time, tradition, and tide
One thing I adored was the palette of colors, houses in hues of blue, pink, and green added a joyful softness to the streets. Local buses trundled along quietly, connecting corners of the island, making life easier not just for tourists like us, but for the people who called this place home
At one point, I stopped by a humble juice stall and, with a bit of curiosity, asked the shopkeeper if he had any old coins to exchange for my Maldivian rufiyaa. To my surprise, he smiled warmly, searched through his collection, and found some for me. It wasn’t just a kind gesture, it felt like a small act of honor, a way of saying we see you, and we care. That exchange stayed with me; you know, respect can live in even the smallest interactions
Vilimalé may be a little island, but it left a great impression on us
True that beauty lives not just in landscapes or luxury, but in everyday warmth, in shared swings and sunset talks, and in the quiet magic of simply being present, with a place, and with someone you love
If you ever visit the Maldives, don’t forget to stop by the little island of Vilimalé. Whether you’re there for a stroll, a swim, or simply to slow down, Villimalé feels like a hidden corner of everyday island life
Light pours in like a gentle guest She stands where warmth meets wonder Paint in her hand, soft power in her stance The table glows with quiet intention Each colour catching a piece of the day …
Let Go, and Let Bloom Mindful Drawing Moments by Jian Bird Creates
It’s so satisfying to host sessions like Mindful Drawing Moments’ – what began on a quiet day with a simple act of curiosity. I invited a few willing souls to join me in the pattern artworks I usually create to calm my mind and return to myself. One participant became two, and slowly, word spread. That’s how ‘Mindful Drawing Moments’ was born: gently, organically, like something blooming in its own time …
Since then, these sessions have become spaces where self-help and creativity meet. Through themes like Kaizen, Kintsugi, Manifestation, Self-Love, and Mindfulness, each gathering offers more than just art, it becomes a mirror, a soft release, a shared breath …
Our recent sessions, themed ‘Let Go and Let Bloom,’ invited participants to reflect through drawing wildflowers, free, untamed, purposeful. Dried flowers from my mother’s garden were placed on the table, not just for beauty, but as a quiet symbol: that even after loss or struggle, something fragile and meaningful can still remain …
The way the participants picked up color, poured their thoughts into shapes, and shared reflections was deeply moving. There was no pressure to be an artist, only an invitation to be present …
We began with simple prompts, one that echoed was: ‘Never mind what they’. Almost all said: ‘think’. And so the letting go began …
From releasing judgment to choosing kindness, from holding space for others to forgiving ourselves, each voice in the circle added something honest and real. The drawings bloomed with color, but more importantly, so did the people …
The session closed with open hearts and softened edges. And with each event, Jian Bird Creates now offers a Certificate of Participation, a small reminder that showing up for yourself is something to honor …
Some things are worth waiting for Like the first drop of rain after a long dry day Or a flower opening when the sun feels just right … Love waits too, likethe moon behind a slow-moving cloud It doesn’t rush, doesn’t shout … But grows quietly, likeroots under the ground The heart keeps hoping, silently, day after day Like the sea touching the sand again and again Love returns when it’s ready And when it does, it feels like breathing again
Isn’t it something, how many words we’ve shared today? After all this time, I didn’t expect it, but I think, in my deepest heart, I was waiting for your letter, your voice between the lines …
Lately, my world has felt like a storm, emotionally, mentally, a whirlwind of moments and moods. But even within that, you drifted into my thoughts today. And with that thought came a soft realisation: I was still waiting to hear from you …
Perhaps that says something, not just about timing, or connection, but about how some souls hold a kind of gravity, silently, years after years. Even from a distance, they stay. They stir something gentle, something true. How they have a quiet way of returning, just when you need to hear from them!
I once read in ‘Married to Bhutan’ how being near a river can slow you down, how just standing beside water can make you feel calm and present. That thought stayed with me. And maybe that’s why your words today felt so familiar, like the sound of water flowing, unexpected yet comforting …
In quiet, love stays Unspoken, yet it echoes Through the silent space …
#roksanatales
.
.
.
Maybe it was one of those days when she missed someone in the middle of every chaos happening in her life, and she realised it wasn’t only emptiness, but it held love. Then she scribbled a few lines to express how the heart still keeps speaking to that significant someone …
She called it ‘Still Love’, because, love, when it’s true, doesn’t go away, it simply grows within …
Today, I poured watercolours onto the paper. I didn’t control the flow. I just let them move, soft, wild, honest …
It felt like life. Sometimes, it makes no sense. But still, I move with it. I let it run through me. I follow what feels true, even if no one else understands it …
Nothing made sense today. Nothing went as planned. But I chose to go anyway. Go right. Go forward. Go my way …
Because even when nothing goes right, I can still go right … In my own way …
The butterfly effect means small actions can lead to big changes. Like a butterfly flapping its wings and causing a distant storm, one quiet choice can shape our future. It shows how everything is connected, even simple moments can lead to powerful transformations over time …
Over the past year, I’ve seen this truth unfold in my own life. A single decision, to take a walk, go on a journey, or say yes to a trip, or to start painting, led to deeper healing and new strength …
There was the trip to the Maldives, a place that was never on my list. I hadn’t planned it, yet it turned out to be a gentle gift. I didn’t know I would need that much in my core, and I would love so much of the stillness of the sea, the crystal-clear color of the water, the softness of the days, it all felt like life was giving me something I didn’t know I needed …
Now, as I reflect, I see that letting myself explore the unknown began with small, quiet steps. Like the flutter of a butterfly’s wings, those moments created ripples I’m still feeling today …
#roksanatales
April, 2025, Maldives
And see, I’m learning to trust the small steps because they just might lead me somewhere beautiful …
Allow yourself to be as messy as you need. It doesn’t matter as much as you think, it doesn’t define you. What others or even you see as chaos doesn’t take away from your worth or who you truly are
And in this moment, an idea arrives gently, like a tide: Jian Bird Creates’s next Mindful Drawing Moments will be inspired by the Greek word Meraki, a beautiful reminder to create with soul, with love, and with heart, even when it’s messy
Unlearn the need to be perfect Learn to embrace imperfection
#roksanatales
Little Mermaid in Maldives, 17 April, 2025
I’m in the Maldives right now, and I never imagined I could fall so deeply in love with the blue, aquamarine shades of the ocean
This corner of the Indian Ocean is casting a strange kind of magic within me, washing away the noise, softening my thoughts, and filling me with a calm I didn’t know I needed
Sometimes, all it takes is water, sky, and silence to remember who we are beneath it
If you love the ocean, don’t miss the Maldives, its turquoise beauty will stay in your heart forever …
Those who perceive life in rigid extremes of black and white fail to recognize the subtle shades of grey that lie in between, the complexities, nuances, and depth that shape reality. And yet, they claim to be lovers of nature, forgetting that nature itself thrives in gradients, transitions, and balance
True wisdom lies in embracing the in-between, the moments of uncertainty, the contradictions, and the unexplored perspectives
Just as the sky does not shift abruptly from day to night but fades gently through twilight, life, too, is a spectrum of experiences
To truly appreciate nature is to understand that beauty exists not just in clarity, but also in the soft, uncertain edges of change
The art of being average in everything allows you to explore various areas of life without the pressure to excel. Being average doesn’t mean lacking ambition; it means finding joy in trying and learning. It teaches humility, patience, and the beauty of imperfection
By letting go of the need to stand out, you discover freedom in just being yourself. It’s a quiet reminder that life is about experiences, not perfection, and every step has its own value
Simply put it is liberating. It is embracing balance and simplicity of life
#roksanatales
♥️♥️ ♥️♥️
Do share what you think about it. I always look forward to hearing your thoughts on my musings …
Your absence hums like a violin string snapped mid-note A comet that vanished before its trail could unfold The eclipse of a lighthouse on a storm-battered coast …
Time crawls, a spider weaving webs of empty hours Memories linger like fireflies trapped in a jar Each one dimming, yet refusing to fade into stars …
Your voice was rain stitching needles through thirsty leaves Now silence looms like an unfinished symphony’s grief A mosaic missing its most vivid, sacred piece…
I search for you in the scent of forgotten gardens In waves that speak like poets lost to their stanzas In winds that carry secrets of unuttered mantras …
Truth is, I miss you like the moon misses its tides A ship adrift, no constellations to confide The ache of a heart where all its echoes reside
Sometimes life feels like it has no deeper meaning, just a series of ordinary days. Yet, in those moments, the dazzling sunlight dancing through the trees reminds us that even the simplest moments can shine with dazzling beauty …
Ah, my heart is full of love for you – By the lakeside, the wind whispers softly White swans glide silently, a harmony …. Their grace speaks of love without words As they move, side by side, in quiet understanding Ah, my heart is full of love for you –
Returning to the mountains of Nepal There I hear a quiet prayer … The air holds stories, and The peaks remind me of something higher, A kind of majestic, and mysterious power Something beyond words As devotion follows me ever since Through its valleys and winds …
#roksanatales
Lord Shiva before the Himalayas, a breathtaking view at the Pumdikot Shiva Statue (Pokhara, Nepal
I see myself as a simple soul. I find joy in the little things, waking up to a humble breakfast, like a cup of tea, honey, a handmade roti (tortilla), vegetables with chilli and mustard seeds, and then spending unhurried time with loved ones, talking about the weather, some chores or sewing clothes, or something as small as jotting a note on a postcard. I’m content to sit with a few old coins, letting them clink together, or to play a tune on the harmonium, untrained, yet somehow it’s music to those dear to me …
That’s who I’m, a simple person at heart. Some don’t understand why I’m drawn to the mountains and valleys, places where life flows quietly, unhurried and unadorned. The people there live differently from those in the city; they don’t complicate life or chase after recognition, wealth, or fame. They are content just as they are, in a way that’s extraordinary without needing to say so. For me, smelling a flower feels like magic, extraordinary in its simplicity. To most, it may seem ordinary, but to me and those mountain souls, it’s everything …
One day, I dream of living in the mountains, waking each morning to their towering presence all around. The sun would rise over them, its rays meeting my face, bathing me in a warm glow of golden light. I’d be shining in that bright yellow, wouldn’t I? Tell me …
Can I also live there with your name permanently? As going back to the mountains would feel like an act of devotion, a fulfillment of a promise, leaving me with a heart softened and at peace …
(NB: I wasn’t sure about the title of this post. So I felt to take the first word that it’s started. I hope it’s fine)
Ahh! That longing for a deep, meaningful friendship, where conversations flow effortlessly, and even silence over time raises concern. It’s a heartfelt desire for connection and the warmth of shared moments …
“I wish I could become your friend, Listening to your stories, Sharing the ones from my heart, Discussing over tea, Spending winter afternoons together … If there’s no talk for a few days, Even the family starts to question. I wish I could become your closest friend”
But is that kind of bond ever truly within reach?
Kaash!
.
.
.
.
Interestingly I was having tea while sharing this beautiful piece by one of my favourite blogger and as a person, she’s amazing, true, and kind. I love her blog and I adore the name of her blog
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 …
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?
.
.
.
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.
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 ….
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
.
.
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
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
.
.
.
.
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 …
I believe in being strong, A pillar amidst the chaos, unyielding and fierce …
#roksanatales
Frozen moments tell half-truths
Interestingly I was very heartbroken just before taking this picture but after all the tantrums and tears from being over emotional that I’m, I walked by the sea shore, picked up some seashells and talked with just some kids playing on the beach, and only after doing all these, my tantrums were over and I started to feel beautiful, and smiling again …
Oh! The trauma of watching me in tears is always a little scary thing to the people who love me because I’m ugly in tears. Some look still so beautiful in tears, don’t you think so?
However, in my case I feel it’s more important for me that everyone knows that I’m still so much more than all the emotional baggage I carry from time to time and more than all the bad things that I might have been facing myself … .
By the way, it was a very silly matter for which I was being emotional fiercely 🥷🏻
Feeling things fiercely is not a bad thing, right?
I have a fondness for breaking apart A fascination with the fragile The delicate dance of hearts Walking unsteadily on the edge … In love …
I have a fondness for breaking apart At times it seems Love’s other name is Broken hearts … An echo of longing … A symphony of cracks …
I have a fondness for breaking apart In love, I find A beauty in the fracture, In the spaces … Where light seeps through the wounds Where the raw and the real collide In a blaze of truth and tenderness …
I have a fondness for breaking apart It’s a mosaic of Shattered dreams Pieced together with hope … A courage of feeling The audacity of connection …
I have a fondness For the breaking … For the way love demands vulnerability … For the way it strips us bare … For the way all its flaws are revealed I have a fondness For my unguarded heart Breaking apart …
For in the breaking, We find the depth of love The resilience of the beautiful soul … The beauty of a heart That dares to love Even knowing it might break … That’s how I have a fondness For breaking apart …
Roksana Tales 