MY 2020 IN REVIEW

Review: 2020 was an interesting year for all of us. So, If you are reading this blog post, I want to say a big congratulations to you for making it to 2021. I am thankful for your life, health, and opportunity to see another new year.

This post was inspired by Grace [My blogger friend]. So, I am hoping to make this a yearly tradition on the blog. I will be splitting my 2020 into 4 different categories: Relationship, Career, Creative Journey, and Personal.

My 2020 Review:

Relationship:

Finally seeing my fiancé after 8months was the highlight of my 2020. Although before that, it was a lot of tears, depression, frustration, and anger. The past 2 months have been the happiest of my 2020. I experienced so much peace, happiness, and joy.

Career:

Well, my job became very toxic and frustrating. I was ready to even resign before getting the travel authorization we applied for. I’ve been in the role for almost 2 years, I applied for a higher role which didn’t get through. There was another opportunity which I don’t believe I would get if I applied [I had my reasons]. So, I was ready to move into a career that will give me opportunities to progress. Luckily enough, after handing in my notice on a Friday, the opportunity to apply for an exemption letter was announced. I am thankful that I put my trust in God and made up my mind to quit because, after that decision, things start working out.

Creative Journey:

Although, I might have come across as consistent 2020 was a rollercoaster. It was a year of structure and prioritizing. I needed to ask myself some honest questions, especially regarding the results I am getting from all my effort. Finally, in 2020, I relaunched my blog which I shouldn’t have closed in the first place. This year, I am planning to stay consistent [So help me God].

Personal Life Review:

2020 was such an emotional year for everyone, including myself. I experienced a series of emotions such as uncertainty, loneliness, fear, etc but I am thankful for a year that made us all appreciate our families and friends more than ever.

I struggled with my ‘modesty-journey’ [ Social Media wasn’t helping matters either]. Although, this isn’t a topic I talk about a lot because I am just tired of talking about it, especially because of the hypocrisy of some Muslims online. They are so judgemental, biased, and unfair. Sometimes, I get hate comments for literally showing my ankle, like WTH? I talked more about it in my post here: Lifestyle: My Modesty Journey, Expectations, and Boundaries… if you are interested in hearing more.

But, in summary, this year, I have decided to be my true self, regardless. I have decided to take off the “Hijab/scarf/turban” (I am sure the ‘Social Media Police’ will be celebrating). The criticism can get a bit too much and there is only little some of us can take. I know I am not wearing it for anyone but it started affecting my mental health especially because it isn’t something I enjoy ranting about. My faith isn’t just about covering my hair. Although, I understand the importance. I will continue trying my best to be a better human in life and asking for God’s guidance.

If you’ve been around before I started covering my hair, you will know that my style has always been “modest-style” (Modest, in its general term, not religious). So, that will still stay and I hope I can continue inspiring both non-hijabis and hijabis with my style.

Maryam

(Expect new blog post every Sunday)

*MY NEW COURSE*