A Walk Into The Gardens Of My Mind

Self respect goes a long way, it is the basis on which people draw their conclusions about you and is the epitome of what you experience as an individual. As a Muslim woman, it is instilled in us by our religion to have self respect by being modest in our clothing and actions. Although I do not wear the Hijab or any other specific Islamic garments, I am very keen on appearing as a woman rather than *insert a body part that is often looked at, because I am to shy to state it* . I want to be seen for me as a person with dignity, not be admired for my body, but for my mind and character. For as long as I can remember, myself and the opposite gender whom have been close friends, associates and colleagues'have commended me for the self respect I display and my humble nature as ironic as it may sound. (You're probably chuckling to yourself or holding in a giggle at this precise moment, and if you're not, you've just wasted your time reading this added comment) . Personally,...

Jaja Soze : "That's What I Think Every Kid Needs, Plant That Seed, Water It And It Will Grow." Former South-London notorious gang member Jaja Soze is a role model to young people who come from deprived backgrounds. He is a prime example of making something out of nothing, and although far from the usual rags to riches story, Soze has become a successful creative entrepreneur that is on a mission to change the world he lives in. Suffering a traumatic past, having been caught up in drugs, guns and crime, to serving long jail sentences, you'd have to own a pretty cold heart not to commend this man for his efforts, in bettering not only himself, but the community around him. I walked into the PDC studio, completeley in awe and admiration of the innovative and slick design of this entity that Jaja had created. I sat down on a sofa, filled with graffiti scribbles and writing,which really captured the creative and edgy feel of the art and culture of the area .'Wh...

Rachel Kelly : "A privileged life does not mean a privileged health." Rachel Kelly was a woman most would want to be - she had an excellent career on the go, a loving family and she was hosting the best parties. However, things got on top and depression dropped onto her like a bomb, and it was through the power of poetry and prayers, that she healed herself. As I anxiously awaited Rachel Kelly's arrival in a French cafe called Le Pain Quotidien in Notting Hill, I skimmed my notes on her, burning to ask her the questions I'm sure no one else has asked before. Kelly was a former Times journalist, who had everything going for her - but after facing depression, she hit rock bottom. Not for too long however, as this inspiring woman has utilised her pain and grief to produce positive endeavours as she embarks the journey on being living proof that you can fight depression and become better. She arrives,ambling up the spiral staircase, her warm smile lighting up t...

American Civil Rights Activist Rachel Dolezal, 37,who is the daughter of two White parents, has caused much controversy and debate after claiming that she is 'Black.' Picture from The Independent From what little word history I can recall on, during times of segregation and injustice in parts of the world like America, many people went through what would be described as 'racial passing' . This usually entailed people of mixed heritage posing as being White, in order to avoid racism or undue punishment of some sort. Fast forward into the 20th century, we now have a White woman posing to be Black, and her reason for doing so is far from trying to avoid racism. Although I disbelieve that Dolezal has a brain chemistry imbalance which has affected her mental health, associate professor of counselling psychology, Anita Thomas , from Loyola University came up with a plausible conclusion. The Guardian reports her saying, "For White [American] youth, who are disc...

Women are made to be mothers, you can argue this point all day long, however with the countless responsibilities and sacrifices that entails motherhood, it can and should be considered a full-time career or job. If you are paid for your efforts outside in the world of work, why is there no overarching authority paying mothers and housewives for fulfilling such a necessary role that maintains human civilization? My amazing mother has given birth to not one, but six children (including myself) a nd I'd be fooling myself if I said I can repay her for less than half of what she has done for me. And it is for this reason alone and also on speaking behalf of women all over the globe, a mother's life should be made as comfortable and smooth-sailing as those agencies in control can get it to be. Child- benefit is something that UK citizens should feel very privileged about, since at least some contribution is made by the government in supporting the living costs of bringing up c...

I moved side to side, my heart pounding, my eyes filled with tears. Tears rolling down my cheeks, I tasted my tears fearlessly, the weird taste of one's own tears irritated me. Rolling over my king-size bed, I felt huge discomfort and agony, in a place I should have felt nothing short of real comfort. I could feel my brain cells almost evaporating into thin air, into another universe, another galaxy other than the milky way (if you're brushed up on your knowledge of the solar system, you'll know what I mean) . There was a knock at the door. Mum had sent one of my younger sisters up with a packet of Oreos and a glass half full with strawberry-flavoured milk. I gave her the usual nod and she walked off obediently. I have a funny relationship with my sister you see, I can communicate to her what I want or give her an instruction without opening my mouth. The severity of what I am saying needs no verbal echoing, but a gesture seems to do the trick. Now that she's grow...

Let me start of by saying I love myself, I love how I look and I love how I am as a person. I am self -critical of my actions at times, but for the most part I love what I do and how I do it. You might have smelt an air of confidence whilst reading the first two sentences of this post, however you will only know of my full confidence if you appeared in my proximity. Pretty much everyone I come in contact with notices my confidence and 8 times out of 10, commends me for it. See the thing is, men love my confidence. I always get told by men that more women should be like me - willing to work hard like me, to be able to turn heads without wearing any make up like me, to get the respect I get single handedly. Getting compliments like this and feeling good on the inside, has contributed to my abundance of confidence. I walk as if my shit don't stink, but deep down I know it does - and so therefore, I am confident, but humble too. And that's another thing men seem to pic...

Social entrepreneur, Sebastian Thiel aims to inspire people through his entertainment company Upshot. Sebastian Thiel is an award- winning social entrepreneur and film director, who has a wealth of knowledge and experience in production,editing,writing and camera operation.The Evening Standard listed Thiel as one of the 1000 most influential people, under 25.  In his late teens, he created an entertainment production and online broadcasting company, named ‘Upshot’ .  ‘ Upshot ’ contains a variety of content, from short films, music videos, documentaries and promotional videos. The YouTube channel currently has 5.8 million views. Thiel claims that he has had a wide range of influences growing up, who have ultimately shaped the person he is today. “I have lots of different people that inspire me for different reasons, for example, I am inspired by Tupac, in how outspoken and real he was as a person." Growing up, Thiel always dreamt of becoming a basket...

London is where things happen, its where people make serious money, have a good time and come to live when things are unfortunate. It is a modern hub bursting with innovation, excitement and opportunity. However, this is the point I'm going to make, its the extent to how much these things are true and for whom, that is often disregarded. Just because there's a label on the front of a tin, it does not mean that the contents within the tin will be in accordance with the label. The same goes for London. Yes, it's a fantastic place to live, but its hard living here. I am lucky enough and privileged enough to say I live in a beautiful 7-bedroom house in a very good area. Not everyone can make this claim or boast about it - and there lies the root of the problem - not that everyone isn't living in a spacious 7-bedroom house - but that people don't even have their own room, or let alone a house. Yesterday, I visited one of my female friends, who is 23 years of age and h...

David Cameron  is facing a lot of anxiety and distress at the thought of Labour and the SNP taking charge. He claims to have 'mended the economy'. whilst Labour have 'ruined it'. Although he emphasises that the economy is a pivotal aspect to this election, he has other worries on his mind too. With Nicola Sturgeon adamant to kick Cameron out of No.10 Downing Street, as well as initiating that she is willing to put  Ed Miliband in power, politics has faced a revolutionary structural change. Cameron and George Osborne warned that mortgage rates will rise for millions of Londoners, if the Labour and SNP c ome to exist in alliance. However, Labour is working to combat this by building social housing that is far more affordable, so that the younger generation can enjoy having realistic aspirations to own and buy their own houses. As much as I was quite confident in opting to vote for Labour , I am now facing a dilemma as to who I should elect into a trusted pos...

I really don't understand why there is still so much stigma attached to mental health illnesses and those who are victim to them. With the added pressures modern society is undergoing, mental health is deteriorating and more and more people are being affected and it is no wonder. Modern society is a juxtaposition of complex rooted stresses alongside taken for granted eases. Someone whom I have known for now about a year and a about 4 months, has seriously concerned me. Since I have know him, I have witnessed what most people would run a million miles from, apart from the small minority of people who empathise with 'mad' or 'different' people. At first, he appeared normal .. we had normal conversations. But then one day everything just changed. We had a minor disagreement, and he called me the Shaytaan (Arabic word for Satan), and no not in a humorous way, his every word was oozing with anger and suspicion. I couldn't believe my ears. I remember thinking ...

With just about 6 weeks till the General Election in May, much anxiety if filling the hearts of British politically conscious people.  As a young person, I never really cared about politics, as it was spoon- fed to me, that all politicians are liars and scum-bags anyway. With that in mind, and not much understanding of how policies for health and education were directly affecting my life .. I was disengaged and uninterested in politics. Growing older and experiencing many difficulties financially, I realised how significant the roles of politicians are, in ensuring equal and fair opportunities for all. I started to familiarise myself with the main political parties and their leaders (I believe I learnt this whilst in secondary school, in my citizenship class, but I was too busy being the class clown - mind you,despite this, I done considerably well in my GCSEs). After watching the UK Election Leader's debate , though I am adamant that I will be voting for Labour on the 7...

The first time I was introduced to the phrase 'the male gaze' was in my A-Level Media studies class, a few years back. Laura Mulvey , a feminist theorist, coined this term to highlight the indecent nature of objectifying women in cinema. Though we studied her a lot, 'the male gaze' did not really speak to me and it didn't resonate. I was too naive at that point, that understand the impact a certain stare can have on one's honour and dignity. I mean I was used to seeing women dressed semi-naked in everything from food product adverts to car adverts, it was nothing new. Being a 21 year-old attractive woman ( if I do say so myself) , I am now concerned at the way 'the male gaze' has been appropriated, not just in film, but in real life. From the time I step outside my house, I am literally approached by men, every minute or so. No exaggeration intended. Now, I'm not being vain, or saying that my face is covered in glitter, nor do I wear revealing i...

I can literally feel every muscle of my heart aching, for the most part, I know why I'm feeling like this, but then again I don't. I'm confused,hurt and broken. I am sick and tired of trying to suppress my insane behaviour and appearing to be what would be classed as 'normal'. I don't want anyone to think I want them to feel sorry for me either, which is why I have bottled up my feelings for so long. I have had depression for a couple of months now, and as a result of previously being diagnosed as having depression, I am quite familiar with the symptoms and effects in behaviour and mind. This time round, I decided I wouldn't go to the doctors, as I was adamant I didn't want to be reliant on pills and that I could get through it by myself. Lately I've been feeling so low, I fail to find words to communicate the severity of my pain and grief. When I pluck up some self-worth and concern, and stop putting others before myself, I guess I will book a...

Being a second-generation citizen from a Bangladeshi family and living in London, I have an abundant wealth of life experiences and combined cultural ways of living. With so much western influence being injected into my bloodstream, I do try my best to ensure I take time to appreciate and understand my ethnic cultural roots. Spending good quality time with my parents is something that I am still struggling to get to grips with. By the time I get home most days, I just about have time to eat my dinner ( though I don't really have my dinner these days) , shower, probably squeeze in a little telly marathon or read a few pages of one of my several books and then go to sleep. On the odd occasions that I do come home a little earlier than normal, or I'm feeling exceptionally warming, I go downstairs and watch Bengali dramas or comedies on the telly with my parents. This is my way of connecting to them, through having conversations about the topics raised in the programmes as we...