Amer — I absolutely love this. Thank you for bearing your soul, and the fact that I played a small role in helping you feel that this was the “right” place… is a true gift.
I resonate deeply with this — I, too, fell into a similar trap, and built a strangely-shaped ladder to get out of it. It feels so good to be part of the “slow creator” movement (I almost said “economy,” but caught myself)!
Thank you for giving thorough, eloquent voice to what many of us are feeling and experiencing. It’s an honor to share this space with you.
Hey! I saw your post pop up on my homepage and wanted to show some support. If you get a chance, I’d really appreciate a little love on my latest newsletter too always happy to boost each other!
I love how you highlighted how vanity metrics are hollow. I think the newer generation is tired of seeing clickbaits and ad from greedy corporations. We're increasingly craving connection and authenticity from people in this artificial world. Personal branding humanizes our skills and helps us connect with people who share values with us.
May Allah grant you immense success and barakah on this mission!!
Hey Leena, Thank you for putting it so greatly. You summarized the main message of this post so simply and clearly. I'm glad you connected with the values in this post. May God grant you with all blessings for your support.
I must admit, at first, I was skeptical about the idea that personal branding could help heal burnout or deeper mental struggles. But now I realize there's truth in the idea—especially in how we’re becoming increasingly passive in our digital lives. Starting a newsletter, or even just showing up online with intention, can be powerful in shaping our own voice and carving a path that feels true to us.
The actionable steps you shared are practical and encouraging for anyone wanting to begin now.
And I agree that grounding ourselves is the foundation of building something authentic and sustainable.
When I read that you wanted to build a brand not delineated by the hustle culture, I paused momentarily and reflected on your words. We tend to see engagement metrics as evidence of our success and competence in the virtual world. Most self-development leaders and marketers indirectly push us to compare ourselves with others, which mostly comes at the expense of our well-being and mental health. There is no healing whatsoever in a work culture that puts extra pressure on us to outperform others in a very toxic way.
I like the idea of diving in the blue ocean to discover new possibilities because you don't always have to compete with others in a stressful environment where everyone wants to catch attention. Thank you for this healing post that encourages us to take a different path.
Exactly Marwa! Reading your comment made me realize that many of us tend to forget that the system we were born in was designed to keep us on a hamster's wheel. And they packaged this exhausting lifestyle as success. I'm happy that my words could be a brief reminder to take it slowly and intentionally.
Now I have a question: What's your path for "The Levantine Expatriate"?
Thank you for asking this question. I think the path I am willing to take for my blog is the one aligned with Allah's commands and high values. This of course includes speaking up for the truth, bringing up important issues that our society ignores, and encouraging others to break free from the chains of our material and secular and inhumane world. I am sinless or perfect.
With this ground paved, I then strive to monetize my writing and start the journey of being a pro writer. Thus, I please Allah Almighty and do something I value. A win-win!
It's a win-win, indeed. Everyone agrees that it's best to start monetizing early on. What are you waiting for? Maybe we can discuss that in the community or DM? What do you think?
Hi Sam, it's always delightful to read your comments. I'd love to know more about your strangely-shaped ladder, maybe we can help others do the same?
Btw I'm open to any collaboration in the future. Thank you for the lovely comment.
Amer — I absolutely love this. Thank you for bearing your soul, and the fact that I played a small role in helping you feel that this was the “right” place… is a true gift.
I resonate deeply with this — I, too, fell into a similar trap, and built a strangely-shaped ladder to get out of it. It feels so good to be part of the “slow creator” movement (I almost said “economy,” but caught myself)!
Thank you for giving thorough, eloquent voice to what many of us are feeling and experiencing. It’s an honor to share this space with you.
Hey! I saw your post pop up on my homepage and wanted to show some support. If you get a chance, I’d really appreciate a little love on my latest newsletter too always happy to boost each other!
I love how you highlighted how vanity metrics are hollow. I think the newer generation is tired of seeing clickbaits and ad from greedy corporations. We're increasingly craving connection and authenticity from people in this artificial world. Personal branding humanizes our skills and helps us connect with people who share values with us.
May Allah grant you immense success and barakah on this mission!!
Hey Leena, Thank you for putting it so greatly. You summarized the main message of this post so simply and clearly. I'm glad you connected with the values in this post. May God grant you with all blessings for your support.
I must admit, at first, I was skeptical about the idea that personal branding could help heal burnout or deeper mental struggles. But now I realize there's truth in the idea—especially in how we’re becoming increasingly passive in our digital lives. Starting a newsletter, or even just showing up online with intention, can be powerful in shaping our own voice and carving a path that feels true to us.
The actionable steps you shared are practical and encouraging for anyone wanting to begin now.
And I agree that grounding ourselves is the foundation of building something authentic and sustainable.
If I could convince my wife to believe in the path, then I nailed it for the day ;)
When I read that you wanted to build a brand not delineated by the hustle culture, I paused momentarily and reflected on your words. We tend to see engagement metrics as evidence of our success and competence in the virtual world. Most self-development leaders and marketers indirectly push us to compare ourselves with others, which mostly comes at the expense of our well-being and mental health. There is no healing whatsoever in a work culture that puts extra pressure on us to outperform others in a very toxic way.
I like the idea of diving in the blue ocean to discover new possibilities because you don't always have to compete with others in a stressful environment where everyone wants to catch attention. Thank you for this healing post that encourages us to take a different path.
Exactly Marwa! Reading your comment made me realize that many of us tend to forget that the system we were born in was designed to keep us on a hamster's wheel. And they packaged this exhausting lifestyle as success. I'm happy that my words could be a brief reminder to take it slowly and intentionally.
Now I have a question: What's your path for "The Levantine Expatriate"?
Thank you for asking this question. I think the path I am willing to take for my blog is the one aligned with Allah's commands and high values. This of course includes speaking up for the truth, bringing up important issues that our society ignores, and encouraging others to break free from the chains of our material and secular and inhumane world. I am sinless or perfect.
With this ground paved, I then strive to monetize my writing and start the journey of being a pro writer. Thus, I please Allah Almighty and do something I value. A win-win!
It's a win-win, indeed. Everyone agrees that it's best to start monetizing early on. What are you waiting for? Maybe we can discuss that in the community or DM? What do you think?
Iam not sinless or perfect*_sorry!
Neither am I. :D