Issue 003: A New Game and Journaling Prompts

Audio version of this post:

– Thoughts Worth Sharing –

In this letter: I’m playing a new game, my desk is a mess, and journaling prompts

Assalam o Alaikum friend,

In a few short days, we all will wave goodbye to 2021 and enter into a new year. I know that Islamically there is no significance to this occasion but there is this contagious excitement in the air. I don’t know about you but I have less-than-savory flashbacks every time I think about a similar event back in 2020. It was in Barnes and Nobles, a bookstore, and I was making small talk with the cashier as he rung my items at the register. He was a young man and while ringing the items, there are always a few awkward moments which feel so much better if they are filled with some light conversation. We were a few short days away from New Years, just like now, and I remember saying “I have a good feeling about 2020. It has a nice ring to it!” We chuckled and I walked out of the door. Oh but if we knew! So for this year, I have been holding back my excitement with caution and I think that is a lesson to remember.

• 01 // A Couple’s Game

Literally, a game for couple (lovers, friends, roommates, etc). I am not much of a gamer but I can be found playing on the Xbox once or twice a year. Growing up, I had just two games that sporadically took my time: Half Life and Halo. Yes, they are first-person shooter games. Don’t judge me. If you are judging me, however (how could you), I’ll have you know that I’ve ventured into the healthy games category! Just a few days ago, my husband bought “It Takes Two,” a game in which two people have to work together. It’s an interesting concept and I was surprised to find myself really enjoying it even though it is an entirely different type of a game than I’m used to! It is about a couple wanting to divorce and their distraught daughter makes a wish on a book to help improve their marriage. The book turns them into two puppets and starts them on this puzzling journey where, I’m assuming, their love for each other will rekindle as they both get through difficult tasks together. Needless to say, any one can play this game – no marriage necessary – as long as they are two players at a time. I think it’s a great way to spend time together over long holidays. if you’re interested for yourself or for someone else, it is available on different consoles.

• 02 // Controlling the Clutter

I got really into journaling this year. I started my journey off with a bang and the momentum just kept building from there. Before I used to prefer minimal planning only but now I have too many journals and all the frilly things to go with it. It was an unexpected evolution that I’m really loving. Recently, I purchased a few more stamps which finally led me to tackle the desk organization. My make-shift, reused boxes are no longer able to contain the things I need. I find myself using less of the things I have since I can’t find all the others! So I’ve made the following purchases: Wall Grid Panel set (for this wall panel I purchased a few years ago), Desk Storage Box with 6 drawers, and the large version of 4 Grid Desktop Pen Storage Rack. I want to be able to see everything in single layers and I feel these will be great additions to my current setup. I’m looking forward to organizing my desk! I’ll definitely be sharing that journey on instagram, insha’Allah.

• 03 // New Year Reflection + Prompts

At the end of the year, I always do a reflective post with yearly lessons to share with everyone. I did one for 2021 that you can read here. Were we friends a few years when I shared a yearly reflection ebook? It was a list of questions to ponder while going through the months to help think about the lessons we learned, difficult things we went through, victories and everything that made that year what it was. There’s something beautiful about thinking about what happened in a span of 365 days. If you spend some time journaling and reflecting over those 12 months, you will find strength in your own resilience and capability in addition to feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the lessons and wisdom you gained this year. Here are some prompts should you need a friendly guide to do yours this year:

Issue 003: A New Game and Journaling Prompts

Thank you for spending time with me today. I know things can get a little hectic during holidays so I am grateful for your company. I hope you have a wonderful beginning of 2022, insha’Allah!

With love,

-S

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