1. I grew up convinced I was going to climb the corporate ladder all the way to the top. I even took that route for 5 years until I realized that fancy tailored pant suit and designer eye glasses that make me look much wiser are not going to make up for the fact that I was dying a slow death trying reach indicators with cut-throat competition at an organization that couldn’t care less about me as long as I delivered. So I quit. With no plan in sight or job lined up. I just served my notice packed my box and went home. It turned out to be the best decision I ever made in my life.
2. On my recent trip to Dubai this weekend, an obnoxious girl yelled out “how does it feel like to still live in a third world country.” She had a silly smirk on her face as she said it as though I should be embarrassed. Oh but I’m not. You see I was born in the UAE and lived in Toronto for six years. Lebanon was the last piece of the puzzle for me, the uncharted territory I always wanted to experience as home and did in 2009. Yes, it’s more unstable than a hormonal teenager, and yes every year the country collectively goes through an existential crisis where we wonder if we’re going to be able to remain a country, but would I trade that in for anything in the world? No I wouldn’t. I LOVE Lebanon every underdeveloped third word inch of it and I can ski and swim in the same day. Beat that bitch.
3. For me, food is happiness. In my gluttonous mind people who don’t allow themselves to enjoy it are miserable deep down. I’ve gotten my fair share of scornful looks as I ordered a burger and fries while thinner girls were having brown bread and salads. Sure, I could have been more careful and as a result gotten a sizable gap thigh. I didn’t. Because my body was not meant to look like Kendal Jenner’s, its allowed to go through some changes and I’ve let it. It doesn’t mean I’m unhealthy it means I’m happy and more importantly, full.
4. I used to have relationships with people who I’m not sure liked me or that I liked. Still for some reason we were hanging out of habit. They would throw some shade and I would hear about it and wouldn’t be bothered to confront them. I finally made the effort to cut them out of my life. It was so freeing. I no longer felt guilty for not liking them all that much and we rid each other from negative vibes. It’s a win win.
5. I always wanted to cut my hair super short but would chicken out every time. In 2011, I chopped off my locks which almost reached my elbows. It looked great for five minutes after the blow-out and then it was a hot mess. I couldn’t style it at home myself and the growing out phase was gruesome. It took two years to grow back but I can safely say I no longer try on short wigs every time I come across one. I’m over it.
6. I got married at 25. I know parents did it at 21 but for my generation, that’s young. Was I scared? Of course. Was he scared? You bet. For many marriage seemed like an end, a very “serious” commitment and there was always the fear of missing out. The responsibility of running an actual household on our own while a part of us still wanted to drink ourselves silly until the wee hours of the morning seemed like a paradox. It’s not any of that. It’s synergetic. I’ve never had more fun in my life. My only advice- marry someone who can make you laugh till your guts hurt.
7. Text book recommendations dictate a certain protocol about how we should conduct ourselves. For example, when you get interviewed you usually wait until you get the call because calling in for a follow-up may make you come off as desperate. My pride and fear of rejection would at times get in the way of accounts/opportunities I really wanted. Scrap that. 2 years ago I took the decision to be proactive about all my goals and put myself out there. Does it work? You have my word. Finders are keepers. You want it, GO GET IT.
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Thank you for this. I can really identify with several points, and will share this on social media. I think more women should pursue self-employment & put themselves first. I just wish someone at school/uni had told me that was possible instead of me burning out at work (big U.S. corporation) & figuring it out the hard way. Actually, scrap that. I’m glad I figured it out the hard way, because now my success as a freelancer is that little bit sweeter 😉
I simply love it! Behind these honest words, It’s no other than Dana writing <3
I first got to know your blog because of a research project I was doing on Exotica. And ever since then I fell in love with the way you try to empower women. I try doing the same in the classroom. It’s so good to see an Arab female figure who is so inspirational. Keep up the good work!