Zaid Ismail's Blog, page 33

Are you really you?

We often speak of not letting go of our inner child. But, I always wonder why does it have to be something we hold within? Why can’t we embrace the innocence of our childish charms in everything that we do? Or did we take away that permission from ourselves when someone once said, “Act your […]

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Build your village

We’re bombarded every day with messages that try to convince us to put ourselves first. To protect ourselves from being taken for granted. To demand our rights. To claim our voice. To claim our space. And yes, all of that is important. But… What about what we’re required to contribute? Who reminds us of our […]

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Turning pain into beauty

Shortly after I published my novel, An Incomplete Love Story, I remember asking if I finally had permission to post romantic, or mushy stuff. The responses were entertaining and generally positive. The most common question I get is whether it is based on true life, or is it fiction. Suffice to say it’s a dumbed […]

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Mediocrity is the enemy of life

How often do you hold back so that you don’t ruffle feathers? Maybe you hold back because you don’t want to be the odd one out? Or perhaps you withhold what you’re capable of because you don’t want anyone to think that you are arrogant, or full of yourself, or trying to steal the limelight? […]

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Release the bitterness

I often wonder how much good is denied to the world when love stories remain incomplete? We often see quotes reminding us that the next great discovery could be in the mind of a child labourer stuck working in a field. Similarly, how much beauty is wasted when treasured bonds are abandoned for reasons other […]

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Are you in an abusive relationship…with you?

It’s women’s day in South Africa. A public holiday dedicated to recognising the value and contribution of women in society. My hope for this day is that we find the gentleness and nurturing spirit innate in women, and we give it an opportunity to thrive in our own lives, regardless of gender. Don’t be your […]

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The quick sand of my mind

The icy breaths that leave my mouth on a miserably cold morning is the only accurate reflection of the emotions that stir within. I see messages proclaiming that love is the answer to the world’s problems, but they don’t realise that most don’t know how to love. It’s the arrogance of the assumption that if […]

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Gratitude spawns respect

Disrespect is often followed by discipline, or some other form of consequence management. While there is a need to correct bad behaviour, we can either spend our lives correcting that behaviour, or we can recognise that it’s a symptom of something else. That something else is the absence of gratitude. No. Not gratitude for what […]

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Grow, from unexpected places

If you don’t like what someone has to say about you, make sure you’re not rejecting it because of who’s saying it. The truth about us is often spoken by our enemies, regardless of their motivation to do so. Growth is often experienced at the hands of those we hold in contempt. When you surround […]

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Be true about seeking truth

If you’re sincere about seeking the truth, you won’t be distracted by the source or tone through which it arrives. The truth is only harsh if you’re not willing to accept it. The harshness enters when we need to hear something more palatable or pleasant about ourselves because we need the validation that says that […]

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