"Opening our eyes takes more than remaining ignorant." SO. TRUE. My first time finding your substack, I'm very grateful for the words you put out into the world.
It's definitely good to look at others and be inspired but we should know that everyone has a different potential. So, others might be able to do things that we'll never be able to do. In the end, we should try our best and work hard for what we believe in. As we do so, our potential may expand and we may succeed. Also, I think we should be very careful and not envy others. By the way, I really enjoy reading yoir posts!
This has been something that I’ve been ruminating about a lot these days and yet somehow, there’s something very comforting about those two words. Thank you for making me look and feel different about it all…even if it’s fleeting🖤
While I've had to come to grips with my body's changes in recent years, I know from my wife's journey that the challenges we face are different. I hate that our patriarchal society compounds those challenges but I'm grateful if these words gave you a bit of solace, if only for a moment 🙏🏽
I loved your poem about the songbird. It felt particularly apt to me somehow, as I’m visiting my parents for the summer. I think when kids grow up hearing so much praise of other people’s talents and accomplishments, but not so much about their own, it can leave them feeling like they don’t have much to offer the world themselves. I think exposure to others’ talent can then sometimes feel like a reminder of the potential they believe is lacking within them, a reminder of their deficiencies. That’s not how it should be - other peoples’ talents should inspire us - but I think sometimes that’s just how it is.
I already commented this once on your notes, but your style of writing, especially your image aesthetic with quotes is beautiful. Your Substack is very unique in that way. Thanks for sharing this, Jamal.
I'm so grateful to have discovered your Substack, Jamal! So much to love about it!❤️🙏🕊️
and regarding your question: "How has your perception of your potential been influenced by your exposure to the courage and gifts of others?" completely and utterly! Art brightens the connections between us; we all inspire each other!
"Opening our eyes takes more than remaining ignorant." SO. TRUE. My first time finding your substack, I'm very grateful for the words you put out into the world.
Thanks Camilla! I'm grateful you stopped by 🥰
It's definitely good to look at others and be inspired but we should know that everyone has a different potential. So, others might be able to do things that we'll never be able to do. In the end, we should try our best and work hard for what we believe in. As we do so, our potential may expand and we may succeed. Also, I think we should be very careful and not envy others. By the way, I really enjoy reading yoir posts!
Definitely valid point and many thanks 😊
Bodies change.
This has been something that I’ve been ruminating about a lot these days and yet somehow, there’s something very comforting about those two words. Thank you for making me look and feel different about it all…even if it’s fleeting🖤
While I've had to come to grips with my body's changes in recent years, I know from my wife's journey that the challenges we face are different. I hate that our patriarchal society compounds those challenges but I'm grateful if these words gave you a bit of solace, if only for a moment 🙏🏽
I hate it too, but hopefully more days of acceptance are on the way…for all of us. I appreciate you Jamal💜
🙏🏽🖤
I hate it too but hopefully more days of acceptance will come. For all of us. 💜
And thank you for sharing me in your space!
You’re very welcome! Thankful to have come across such powerful words 🙏🏽
“or would it chirp
like the other birds
thinking it was just
another bird too?”
Wow..
🥰
I loved your poem about the songbird. It felt particularly apt to me somehow, as I’m visiting my parents for the summer. I think when kids grow up hearing so much praise of other people’s talents and accomplishments, but not so much about their own, it can leave them feeling like they don’t have much to offer the world themselves. I think exposure to others’ talent can then sometimes feel like a reminder of the potential they believe is lacking within them, a reminder of their deficiencies. That’s not how it should be - other peoples’ talents should inspire us - but I think sometimes that’s just how it is.
Wow!
Thank you for this thoughtful reflection Nida. Your words are always beautiful but I really appreciate how often you broaden my perspective 🙏🏽
I already commented this once on your notes, but your style of writing, especially your image aesthetic with quotes is beautiful. Your Substack is very unique in that way. Thanks for sharing this, Jamal.
I appreciate these kind words just as much as the first time you shared them 🙏🏽 😊
“BECOMING A PAID SUBSCRIBER
WON'T MAGICALLY MAKE YOU A BETTER PERSON. UNLESS YOU BELIEVE IN MAGIC. THEN IT MIGHT.”
there’s goes the copywriting, you genius!
I want to use that last section to infuse a bit of my humor lol.
Glad you caught it 🤣
you bet! 😂🫵🏽🫵🏽
I'm so grateful to have discovered your Substack, Jamal! So much to love about it!❤️🙏🕊️
and regarding your question: "How has your perception of your potential been influenced by your exposure to the courage and gifts of others?" completely and utterly! Art brightens the connections between us; we all inspire each other!
Thank you Camilla!!!
I really appreciate these kind words and completely agree with your reflection 🥰
I second Shivani. And I’m enjoying reading more of your own prose and original poetry as well—A poem about gifts is quite lovely.
I appreciate that Kert! 🙏🏽❤️
I truly look forward to these dropping in my inbox all the time :) I love how you see the world, my friend :)
I appreciate that Shivani!
These words mean a lot 🥲🙏🏽
Thank you A'ishah 🥲🙏🏽