I thought of sharing the story behind designing my logo today. I’ve never shared this before and often wondered if my fans would be curious to know, so here goes.

The Amirah logo was born from my fascination with the 'Kayon', a symbol typically found in a traditional form of Indonesian shadow puppet art called 'Wayang Kulit'.

As some of you might know, I've always had a deep love for the sound of the Gamelan, (traditional ensemble music from Indonesia), and it's had a very deep influence on my music for a while now.

The 'Kayon' though, was particularly fascinating for me at first glance. For one, its resemblance with the letter 'A' (my first initial) turned upside down intrigued me immediately, and the intricate detail of the designs and the stories I later found out they represented felt very close to my heart. Incidentally, another name for the Kayon is 'Gunungan', which roughly translates to 'The Tree of Life'. So being the nature-lover that I am, this resonated deeply with me as well.

On further investigation, I discovered that the 'Kayon' plays a very specific significance in Indonesian puppet art.

Used at the very beginning and end of performances, it symbolizes cycles. For those who don’t know, Gamelan music is cyclical in nature, an aspect of this ancient form of art that is reflective of its belief that all of life is interconnected. Including beginnings and the ends. For such is the circle of life. I found this incredibly moving.

The overall symmetry and geometrical lines of the Kayon have a timeless look to it which, though rooted in ancient tradition, looks very futuristic. The contrast felt aptly representative of the duality I have always felt within me as a hybrid cultural being and the vision I’ve always had for my music. A uniquely progressive outline ornamented richly with timeless tradition and wisdom amalgamating both eastern and western worlds.

And so I started researching 'Kayon' designs online. Saving the ones I liked while I did (I've shared one or two below with you here as well). Then I tried some sketches on paper. I happen to be a more visual and kinesthetic person, so I like to animate and look at all angles, try out multiple combinations on paper, fine-tuning them, and then shortlist the ones I like the best.

Eventually, I took my ideas to a couple of graphic designers. The results were a little disappointing at first. Some would be too cute, some overtly feminine, and some just too 'corporate'. Needless to say, it isn't always easy to understand an artist’s vision when it comes to visual design. It's a little more complex than designing somewhat generic logos for commercial products like soda or toothpaste!

Full disclosure? At a certain point, I came close to giving up. Until someone advised me to try out 99 Designs. I dreaded the idea initially since their system is based on a contest and I’m not a huge fan of competitive approaches. But at the time I’d started to feel like I didn't really have a lot of other options.

Turns out that 99 designs ended up saving the day. And 300 daily messages for over a month later (!) I finally had my logo!

I have to admit, the sensory overload of the constant digital correspondence and the pressure to constantly respond with a deadline in mind was exhausting. But I guess it was worth it.

Here are some of the images I went through before settling on the final one.

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Interview by Charlotte Lucas

We chat with award-winning singer-songwriter Amirah who is on a mission to unite people through her music.

As an innovative artist, Amirah fuses traditional instruments and music with contemporary pop to create an East meets West sound she calls “Global Hybrid Music™”. One of Amirah’s greatest gifts is her ability to breathe new life into traditional music, making it sound vital and fresh to the ears of a younger generation.

Your latest singles ‘You Are My Land’ and ‘Tell Me’ represent very sophisticated cinematic pop. What influences you to create such inspiring music?

Growing up in Malaysia and being biracial really influenced my sound as a singer-songwriter. I was raised in Malaysia, which is a diverse melting pot of cultures and influences. In addition, I am biracial – my mother is Malay and my father is Indian, so I saw the beauty in both these cultures through music, fashion, celebrations, and foods. I also loved playing classical music on piano and cello and was greatly influenced by Yoyo-Ma, Debussy, and Rachmaninov. I also adored the Javanese gamelan. All of these influences are what inspired me to create a sound that combines these different worlds, the East and West, along with the dramatic sounds of cinematic music.

Your songs seem to include a lot of political references as you describe the situation in your homeland. Can you tell us a little bit about that?

My first single, ‘You Are My Land’ is about the devastation I felt for my country which was overcome by corruption. I was literally in tears when I composed this song on the piano. I can recall all my emotions and thoughts at that moment. I struggled to watch my homeland, the country I loved so much, crumbling right in front of me. I also thought about the heartbreaking effects on people who had to flee their countries and leave their loved ones behind. I thought to myself, at least I still had a place to call home, and am still able to be with my family, and how lucky I was to have that. I had to compose ‘You Are My Land’ to express the overwhelming emotions that I was feeling. I am so touched and humbled that so many people from around the world resonate and feel the same with their own experiences from their own countries.

‘Tell Me’ is my second single, which was originally composed in Malay and entitled ‘Katakanlah’. This was a song I composed during a conflict between religions in Malaysia. I felt I had to speak out and compose a song calling for unity. I asked questions in the lyrics about how we view and identify ourselves as people. Are we our name? Our face? Our religion? Our race? I feel sad when I see people hurt each other simply because of the color of their skin, or because they subscribe to a different religion. We are all the same, we are all one, and I think it is important that we remember that.

How do you find a balance between being a musician and an activist? Where is the border between those two activities?

Honestly, I do not find any separation between the two. I believe that it is important to write the truth, to write what people are not saying, to write what needs to be heard, and to write what can help make a change in the world. Whenever I go to the piano to compose, I always look deep within myself and simply compose what is truly in my heart and what I honestly want to say. This is usually related to unity because it affects me so much. Whether it is a song about interracial relationships, about being human, about my country, or about my mother, they are all songs that are meant to unite us as people.

Your music is based on many exotic and unusual instruments, what inspired you to do it?

Growing up in Malaysia and being surrounded by a juxtaposition of cultures greatly influenced my sound. At home, my father was always playing old Hindustani songs and my mom would often play Keroncong music. I had quite a few Chinese neighbors so I would often enjoy watching the Chinese Dragon dances. I also enjoyed watching the kompang performances at Malay weddings. I loved the exuberant music and colorful performances at my family’s Indian weddings as well. I enjoyed attending the Rainforest Festival in East Malaysia and was starstruck by the intricate sounds of the sape. I adored the sounds of the Javanese gamelan. I just loved the diverse celebrations around me. I thought about how these beautiful traditional instruments are often forgotten and not continued by the younger generations. If we don’t continue to learn them and incorporate them into our culture, who will? I didn’t want to see these elements of culture disappear and be forgotten, so it was natural for me to include them in my music.

2020 has been rough for all of us, how did it impact your music?

In terms of how the pandemic impacted my music, there was definitely a delay in the making of my album. We had to find new ways of working remotely to finish the two singles for release. It was also the first time that I had to record my vocals without my producer. We had to figure out how to overcome a lot of technical challenges. However, there were also many opportunities that came with it. More people are within reach or open to working remotely so it did not matter where one was located as much. People are more connected than ever and are consuming media, music, live streams, and entertainment more than ever before which is a positive thing in some ways. As an introvert, I found this new way of working beneficial to me.

2020 has taught us the importance of unity, especially with the social divisions and the political turmoil that we are facing right now. The message of unity could not wait any longer. If we cannot unite in the face of a global pandemic, how are we going to unite in facing other global challenges that may be coming our way?

Despite all the unknown that waits for us in 2021, what are you planning regarding your music? Any new releases?

I am really looking forward to releasing a few more singles this year which feature collaborations I have done with other East meets West artists. I often share behind-the-scenes updates and videos on my website amirah360.com and my socials Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube at @amirah360, so I encourage fellow listeners to check them out. I would love to connect with other people who are passionate about unity and multiculturalism.

Link to interview: http://www.indiemidlands.co.uk/interviews/interview-amirah/

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An Interview with Singer Songwriter Amirah

Sylvia: Hi Amirah. Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to interview with me. Please tell us about yourself and your business?

Amirah: Hi Sylvia. My name is Amirah and I am a singer-songwriter. I am originally from Malaysia and currently living in Los Angeles recording my debut album. I love incorporating an East meets West concept into my music and clothing designs. That is what gets me going. Musically, I love fusing traditional instruments into my modern cinematic songs. I enjoy experimenting with these concepts. I have always been passionate about unity, so I would say I am definitely a unity advocate, which is also expressed in my song lyrics.

Sylvia: Hmmm, how interesting. I took a few minutes to listen to one of your songs, “You Are My Land’ and the tempo and words were just beautiful. You are very talented. What does success mean to you?

Amirah: Thank you for taking time to listen. For me, being successful means that I am free to be my true self, without hiding any part of who I am, and at the same time, fulfilling my calling and mission in life. My calling and mission are to unite people through music. That is the most important thing to me.

Sylvia: How do you create work-life balance?

Amirah: I tend to hyperfocus when I am working, so, for example, I have to tell myself that before the sun goes down, it’s time to stop. The beautiful colors in the sky during the golden hour helps drag me away from work and go for a walk or hike. My morning routine of meditation, journaling, affirmations, and exercise is also very important. What also helps me is to unplug from all digital devices on the weekends and go for an immersive hike in nature.

Sylvia: I like that. I think it’s important to disconnect and unwind. I like to sit and be quiet often. It helps to clear my mind. In what way do you give back to your community?

Amirah: I give back to my community by inspiring unity through my music and voice. I am also an Autism Advocate as I was diagnosed with Asperger’s later in life. I am happy to share my gifts, talents, and challenges as an autistic, female, singer-songwriter, and to lead a bi-monthly Aspergers Group online.

Sylvia: What steps do you think are necessary for an entrepreneur who wants to move her business/success to the next level?

Amirah: It’s very important to have a clear vision, and have a really strong ”why”. Having a strong “why” will help pull you through the darkest and hardest times. It is also important to have an honest understanding of your strengths and weaknesses to avoid burnout.

Sylvia: I agree. Knowing your why is extremely important. It keeps you focused on what matters. What challenges and opportunities do you see in the present economic environment?

Amirah: Honestly, this has been one of the best times for me as an independent singer-songwriter. People are so much more open to working remotely, and this has allowed me to focus on my music and on performing digitally in a more affordable way. A huge benefit of this is that I don’t have to live in the city, which is a life-saver for me, especially since I am an introvert. This suits me perfectly and I am enjoying it!

Sylvia: How do you promote/market your work?

Amirah: I try to knock on all doors from social media, email, newsletters, interviews – anything and everything I can as long as it fits my vision and brand.

Sylvia: What books and resources would you recommend to other women in business?

Amirah: “Lean In” by Sheryl Sandberg, “The Seven Day Weekend” by Ricardo Semler, and “The Effective Executive” by Peter F. Drucker.

Sylvia: Yes, all of those are good books. What advice do you have for women who are just starting out?

Amirah: Have a clear and strong vision, dream big and focus on building one thing at a time.

Sylvia: How do you stay connected in mind, body, and spirit?

Amirah: My daily meditation routine is essential. Spending time alone and in silence is a necessity for me. If I don’t allow myself this time, I cannot think clearly and my senses are overstimulated.

Sylvia: What is your favorite quote to live by?

Amirah: “When love appears, religion disappears.” – Osho

Sylvia: What is your power word? Why this word?

Amirah: Unity. It is the reason I am here on this planet and it guides everything I do.

Sylvia: Share with us two industry or general business related tips that could help other women business owners.

Amirah: Be your original true self, don’t take no for an answer, and “there is no box”.

Sylvia: What is the most important lesson you learned after entering the music industry?

Amirah: I believe that we are meant to forge our own paths, in a way that works best for each of us. I learned this the hard way myself. Our destiny and path can be entirely new and different from anyone else before, and better than we could have imagined.

Sylvia: What advice would you give to beginning singers?

Amirah: Be who you are. Don’t try to sound like other artists. A skilled and experienced vocal coach is important because you do not want to damage your voice. They are not easy to find, but don’t give up because it’s worth the effort.

Sylvia: This has been awesome, so glad to meet you.

Amirah: Likewise, thanks again Sylvia

Link to original interview: https://sylviabrowder.com/successful-business-woman-amirah/

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Hello Amirah, welcome to ImPlurt! Can you introduce yourself to our readers?

Thank you for the warm welcome. I’m Amirah and I am a singer-songwriter from Malaysia. I live in Los Angeles now, where I am recording my album. I started as a songwriter, but at that time, I had no plans to sing my own songs. However, fate had other plans for me, and here I am, singing my own songs too. I deeply value unity and it’s something I’ve always been passionate about. I would definitely call myself a unity advocate.

Your sound is truly unique! You serve a blend of mainstream pop, and world music, what inspires you to create such original music?

I grew up in Malaysia, so I was surrounded by a melting pot of cultures. I also happen to be biracial, and because of this, I was exposed to various food, traditional clothing, music, and celebrations from different cultures since I was a child. At the same time, I also faced many issues regarding my identity. I wondered how I could embrace both my roots and modern culture at the same time. I genuinely enjoy both, and so, after giving it a lot of thought, I decided to mix them – and this decision influences my music. I like to fuse traditional instruments with modern, cinematic music. I also started designing clothing that truly represented who I am – I love east meets west fashion and my designs reflect my authentic self.

What does your creative process look like? Do you start by creating music or writing lyrics?

I am a very melodic based songwriter and so for me, that’s what it’s all about. I like to keep a recorder at my bedside because I’ve noticed that I tend to get melodic ideas just before I fall asleep or when I dream. Sometimes the lyrics and the melody come to me at the same time, but this is quite rare. I flesh out the song on the piano, record a demo, and then work on the lyrics. Melodies bring up emotions and visuals from my mind and I like to allow these to guide me toward the lyrics. Every song plays out like a movie in my mind.

Can you tell us a bit about your latest release ‘Tell Me’?

I think it’s important that we honestly question who we are as people. “Tell Me” asks this question. Living in a cultural melting pot was wonderful. But at the same time, there was some confusion in my mind. Are we our name? Are we defined by our faces? Do the traditions we are born into dictate who we are? I was deeply saddened when I saw the hatred people had for each other, simply because of the color of their skin or their religious beliefs. Composing “Tell Me” helped me get this off my chest. I believe we should be free to be our true selves. These differences that we have: race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, etc, are all unique and beautiful. I feel that differences should be celebrated, not hated.

Your previous single ‘My Land’ tells a very personal and emotional story. Did you write it about your own experiences?

It is very personal indeed and it is very much based on my own experiences. I was in tears when I composed this song. My country was going through difficult times because of corruption among our leaders, and I found this devastating. The nation was fighting for clean and fair elections, and I joined a peaceful protest. It is still so real to me, that I can hear and feel all of it, even now. I can still feel the emotions and hear my thoughts from that time. It was so difficult for me to watch my own homeland, the country I love so much, crumbling before my eyes. I couldn’t help but think about the people around the world who had to flee their country because of war and severe devastation. I was grateful that I still had a safe place to call my home.

What message do you want to send to your listeners?

Inspiring and spreading unity is needed more than ever before, and I invite all my listeners to join me.

It seems like your music is tightly connected to politics and social issues. What will you cover on your upcoming releases?

Themes about unity and equality drive me to compose songs because it profoundly affects me. It breaks my heart when I see two people who love each other unable to be together due to differences in race and religion. The album that I am recording speaks to the theme of unity such as the challenges of interracial and interreligious relationships, amongst others. I love cinematic sounds and fusing traditional instruments. I don’t want these beautiful traditional instruments to die off either, so I am passionate about including these elements in my album.

What’s coming next for Amirah?

I am excited to finish recording my debut album and releasing it at amirah360.com. I am also really looking forward to launching my East meets West clothing line online.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/amirah360

Facebook: https://facebook.com/amirah360Website: https://amirah360.com

Link to original interview: https://implurnt.com/interview-amirah-speaks-out-about-her-latest-releases-message-she-addresses%E2%80%8B-and-future-plans/

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My name is Amirah. I am a singer-songwriter on a mission to unite people through music.​

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My vision is to help create a global hybrid world where people accept each other's differences regardless of skin color, race, religion, gender and sexual orientation.​

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I have released my first 2 singles "Tell Me" and "You Are My Land". I'm now working on releasing my 11 song album, videos and beyond to inspire the message of unity globally.​

​

When you join the Amirah Supporter Family, you will receive:​

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1. A supporter badge next to your comments.​

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2. Advance Sneak Peeks​

- Advance sneak peeks of Amirah's music, photos, videos and behind the scenes footage.​

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3. Back Stage Access​

- Back stage access with Amirah in the music studio.​

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Let's inspire unity together!​

​

>>> Click the link below to join my Supporter Family <<<​

https://facebook.com/becomesupporter/amirah360/​

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Burnout and fatigue are getting more common today.

People are constantly connected (and distracted) by various digital devices, social media, and chat apps on their mobile phones, laptops, tablets....sometimes several tablets and several phones.

Remember landline telephones? If you wanted peace and quiet, to not be disturbed, you could simply unplug it. You could leave home, and be uncontactable and undisturbed.

Then comes the never-ending email inbox, the gift that keeps on giving.

And of course, the world of social media. Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube. Not to forget text messaging, WhatsApp, Telegram, and endless DM’s where anyone, from anywhere, can directly message you about anything (God save me).

Remember when people sent you letters and you would take your time to pour your heart out and mail it two weeks later, and wait another two weeks for a response, giving you plenty of downtime in between?

Just listing this has already drained 90% of my brain's energy... but I must finish this blog.

I used to wonder how anyone can keep up with checking and clearing up all these messages, everywhere, every single day? Just checking and responding once a day would already take the whole day. Forget about eating, exercising, sleeping, and doing real work.

In the city, lights are constantly on everywhere. Restaurants, bars, and stores are open till late. Television is now 24/7, including the news. People are sleeping less than ever, and that’s if they even wanted to sleep. It’s like the sun never sets.

There is also the endless noise surrounding us, especially if we live in the city. Traffic, crowds, blaring music, ambulance sirens, and background music in every building and parking lot. Even the beach and hiking trails are more frequently filled with Bluetooth speakers.

It’s no wonder we are so burnt out...

But there is another layer on top of all this.

As someone with Aspergers , we experience all our senses in high definition. Visuals, lights, sounds, smells, textures, temperature changes...and constant human communication, which we all tend to dislike. Too complicated, too confusing, too many feelings.

It is no surprise that experiencing burnout and fatigue is extremely common among autistics. It may not be commonly discussed, but that’s only because it has become a "way of life" for us.

I constantly try to "push myself through" this meeting or that schedule or some appointment. Gritting my teeth through small talk (thank God for face masks).

For autistics, this is a constant grind that we never seem to be able to escape from, and we wonder when it will ever end. This is why many of us need plenty of naps, cry uncontrollably, become fiercely upset, go through meltdowns, and choose to be a hermit.

Believe me, I have gone through it all, including overcoming adrenal insufficiency, which left me to be bedridden for several years.

The constant sensory overload, the need to mask, suffering through draining social interactions, all the things that are considered “normal” eventually become too much, and we break down. This is autistic burnout. Have you experienced this? It can go on for years and get progressively worse if we don’t make accommodations for our needs.

So here are some of my tips on coping with burnout and fatigue as an autistic:

1. Create a living environment that is suitable for your needs. Do not compromise on this. It will wear you out. If you need a quiet/silent place, a place where there are not many humans around, a place where you feel at peace, then give that to yourself.

2. Stop masking as much as possible. Only be around people who accept you as your autistic self. If you are unable to do this in certain situations right now, come up with a plan for how you can avoid this in the future.

3. Schedule quiet, alone time for yourself. Be clear with the people around you that you need this and communicate it directly and literally. For example, if you plan to go to the beach or hiking with your partner, let him/her know that you need some alone time and walk ahead/stay behind on your own if that’s what you need.

4. Streamline your communication process. I do not text, call, or use messaging apps. My phone is turned off all the time. My voicemail message tells people to email me. I forward all communication to email and only call/video call when a discussion or meeting is needed. Meeting in person is preferred for close friends as digital devices drain me. Do what works for you.

5. Set time aside to unplug completely at the end of the day and on weekends.

6. If you are sensitive to EMF, try your best to EMF proof your home as much as possible and stay away from cell towers/5G, etc. I turn off my Wi-Fi, microwave, phones, tablets, and digital devices each night before I go to bed. I can feel a huge difference in my energy when I wake up if these are not turned off.

7. Schedule your week in advance, based on your sensory needs. Make sure you have enough downtime and that things are spread out in batches as much as possible. For example, I do all my meetings on Monday mornings and phone calls during lunchtime.

Experiment and figure out what is best for you. When you can function at your best, you are better able to contribute to the world and everyone around you with your unique talents and gifts, rather than constantly feeling drained and fatigued by trying to fit into social norms.

You are here to contribute your talent to the fullest! Go do it!

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Being your true self as someone with Aspergers as myself is a catch-22 situation.

Most neurotypicals prefer us autistics to mask ourselves and act like neurotypicals too. They feel comfortable this way because we do not appear weird or awkward to them and we, in turn, feel “good” because we “feel” accepted and some sense of belonging. This is, however, all fake.

When we show our true selves, which can seem weird, and awkward to neurotypicals. We find ourselves excluded, ignored, bullied, and often ostracized. This is very detrimental to us Aspies/ Auties. Why? We feel hurt and excluded when this happens, not to mention, very confused. Should I be myself? Should I mask?

It is very confusing for us because although we feel comfortable and happy to act as ourselves, we are not usually accepted when we do. And when we mask, people like us and are happy to have us around.

Masking has very negative impacts on our mental health and self-esteem. It eats away inside of us every time we mask - every second that goes by.

So what should we do?

Everybody’s situation is unique. However, this is my own personal solution and humble opinion:

· Surround yourself with people who fully accept you as you are. So that you can be your full Aspie/ Autie self and not mask.

· Remove yourself from people who do not accept you as you are, and from situations where you cannot be your true self.

· There are certain situations where you may not be able to do this or where it is unsafe for you, for example, at work or a public event. If this is the case, let your colleagues and employers know about certain sensitivities and adjustments/needs you may have without disclosing that you are autistic. E.g. “Could I move to a quieter cubicle? I need to really focus on my work and find it distracting when people are talking around me”. Or, “Can I work from home 3 times a week? I find that I am able to be more productive with work that way and can get a lot more work done without wasting time with travel and distractions. I will show you my progress report so you can see the difference.” And then, start to find work environments and jobs that suit your Aspie/ Autie needs and talents better. More solitary jobs, jobs where you can work alone or from home, jobs where you do not need to communicate neurotypically, mingle, or engage in small talk to simply survive the work environment.

Be weird, be you.

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I believe that vulnerability is strength. For me, 2020 was all about putting this into practice.

In 2021, I want to practice overcoming my fears.

I have to constantly remind myself that overcoming one of my biggest fears is what actually sparked my singer-songwriter career. I started out as a songwriter, with no intention of ever being an artist myself. I would compose for other artists and worked behind-the-scenes on a variety of music projects. I was content doing just that, as I preferred to stay out of the spotlight.

But everything changed when I uploaded a video to YouTube of my song "Katakanlah," a song I wrote asking for tolerance and unity upon hearing about the desecration of churches and mosques in Malaysia's Klang Valley after clashes between Christians and Muslims.

I remember being afraid to upload the video because I'm a very private person, but the message was too important to me, so I took a risk and did it anyway. I asked myself, “If my songwriter career would be ruined by this action, would I do it anyway?” The answer was a resounding yes. Much to my surprise, people supported "Katakanlah" and started urging me to release my own songs.

So here’s to 2021, and overcoming my fears.

What are your fears and how do you think you can overcome them?

Sometimes, what you’re most afraid of doing is the very thing that will set you free.— ROBERT TEW

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I was born with brown skin. As a young girl, I didn’t think twice about my skin color. But as I grew older, I began to develop negative feelings about how I looked because fair skin is highly desired and considered more attractive. This was confusing and made me feel bad about something that was beyond my control. Why should I feel bad about the skin color I was born with? At school, friends would call me “hitam manis”, which means "sweet, dark-skinned,” and would hold up their arms next to mine and marvel at how much lighter their skin was. Feeling increasingly insecure about my appearance, I got to the point where I would rub baby powder into my skin.

In much of Asia, one sees Western beauty ideals promoted in movies and television, where all the popular actresses (and actors) are fair-skinned. The beauty marketers in these countries mostly push women to lighten their skin, not men, since it's women who are regularly judged on their looks and physical appearance.

Men with lighter skin also are seen as more attractive and desirable than their dark-skinned brothers by much of the female public. I can't help but wonder how many more women and girls would benefit from movies that feature females with dark skin. There are so many beautiful and talented dark-skinned women, so why don't we see more of them up on the screen? Embracing diversity and putting more dark-skinned women in films would go a long way toward changing antiquated views of what it means to be beautiful and desirable.⠀

We are beautiful just the way we are, regardless of our skin color.

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I am a feminist and have been since I was a child, by default. I questioned everything that I found unfair in terms of how I was treated, especially compared to boys.

Being unfairly treated due to my gender, damaged my self-esteem and for the longest time, I wished I could be a boy and receive fair treatment and the same freedoms.

I remember telling a relative that I wanted to be a doctor, only to be told that if I did, I would be too old to get married and no man would want me.

Some of my school teachers told me I was too dark-skinned, which was equated with being ugly in their minds, and they asked me to stay away from the sun. I was also taught to be shameful of my body as a woman.

It was very lonely not having anyone to discuss these topics with, and I never met anyone with a similar mindset as a child and teenager. I have now grown to love my beautiful skin color and my body.

I look up to Zainah Anwar, a Malaysian female activist. As a teenager, I loved reading her articles and held them close to my heart. They gave me a glimpse of hope that there were other people out there who think like me too.

I have always believed that men and women are equal and that they deserve equal rights, opportunities, and respect – at home, at work, and in their communities. Having the first female, African American, South Asian Vice President in America will help further this cause and inspire many females and young girls. It’s about time!

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I’ve always felt misunderstood. Not sometimes, but always, and for a long time, I didn’t know why. Growing up, I felt awkward.

I excelled at academics, but I didn’t like school. I didn’t like crowds or noise. I just didn’t fit in. I had a really tough time understanding people around me. I felt like an alien on another planet.

Books were my constant companion, blocking out noise, people, and confusion. Books accompanied me everywhere I went; they were with me at family gatherings, on trips to the store, at school, on car rides. With books, I could be myself.

When I finally found out I have Aspergers as an adult, it felt like God switched on the lights for me. I felt a huge sense of relief and was finally able to understand and know myself. Although, there were nights where I would cry uncontrollably at the thought that nobody would ever be able to understand me. I am blessed to have close friends, and am lucky to now have met new Aspie friends who do understand me. It has been a very long journey and finally, I have come to accept myself for who I am and love myself for me.
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"Be your unapologetically weird self." - Chris Sacca

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I've been experiencing many unexpected changes these past few months. As someone who has always made decisions based on a pros and cons list, logic, and intuition, it felt strange things were being decided for me despite all my efforts. I had to learn to accept my life not knowing what would happen next or where I would end up tomorrow. During these times, I would ask myself, "What's the worst that can happen? And if it does happen, what should I do? Okay, in the worst-case scenario, I can always do XYZ..." This kind of thinking always helped me get by.

In any case, I'm glad to say it's all behind me, at least for a while. Even though it was a difficult time, it was a good learning experience, and I'm grateful for that. Looking back, I realize the universe was just giving me exactly what I asked for - just a bit earlier than expected.

And now it's time to catch up on some much-needed sleep.

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Feeling one's emotions, fully and honestly, is becoming more and more uncommon nowadays. We self-medicate ourselves with distractions and addictions in order to not feel something we do not want to feel eg. loneliness, love, pain, loss and sadness.

Running away from our emotions can be detrimental to our mental health.

It is important to acknowledge and feel what we truly feel emotionally and find ways to express it in healthy ways. That way it does get bottled up and repressed. This can cause one to participate in unhealthy emotional expressions such as rage, violence and self-harm.

Emotions are meant to be felt. It is part of being human.

For the longest time, I was constantly running away from the feeling that "I was not good enough" and that "I was not successful enough". I would constantly keep myself busy by doing more work to "fix" this negative feeling of mine. However, it only got worse that way. It was only when I started to spend more time by loving myself, giving myself the rest I needed, time to focus on other aspects of my life other than work, setting boundaries to stop working, that I slowly started to feel more "successful" and happy with myself. I started to slowly feel that I am enough with all my imperfections and all the things that I have "not yet achieved."

a) What is one emotion that you constantly keep running away from? What is it that you do not want to feel?

b) How can you give yourself the feelings that you want to feel today? Eg. I want to feel loved so I will treat myself to my favourite drink and create a feeling of love for myself. Eg. I do not want to feel lonely so I will journal and attend a Zoom online Meetup to create the feeling of connection for myself.

Have a good weekend everyone.

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My name is Amirah and I come from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I am biracial; half Malay and half Indian.

I came to America a few years ago because I believed in the American dream. An America where people are equal, with equal rights and opportunities, regardless of race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. Where dreams are possible despite one’s background.

Where is that America now?

So many of us have taken America for granted. This is so sad. We thought that she will always be there for us.

That is not true.

America was built through long and difficult efforts. Because of that, we are able to have the democracy that exists today. Our ability to vote. Our access to freedom. Many people have left their homeland for a better life in America. This was not easy or automatic.

However, things have changed.

Despite the highest voting turnout this year, tens of millions of Americans who were eligible to vote did not vote this year. This is heartbreaking.

Have Americans taken America for granted?

We are behind voter turnouts in comparison to other countries such as Turkey, South Korea, Israel, Sweden, Iceland and New Zealand by over 40 million. And still, people tell me that it is their right to not vote, and that they don’t like either candidate. That their vote will not make a difference.

Well, that is what got us in this mess in the first place.

Maybe you may be lucky and have a roof over your head, and you don’t see the devastation around you because you live in a good neighborhood. Maybe you are lucky to have a job. Or someone to financially support you. Maybe you are part of the privileged white majority that has not experienced discrimination due to the color of your skin.

But please, that is not the case for millions of people out there. People are dying and struggling to live, with barely any food to eat every day in America. Can you believe that? In America, the land of dreams and abundance - this is happening right here. This is not a 3rd world country, but it is happening right here before your eyes. Maybe you don’t see it unless you turn on the news. But it doesn’t mean that it is not true or that it is not happening. Maybe you feel it is none of your business. You take care of yourself and that is all that matters to you. Maybe you feel that your life is not connected to them in any way. They are not you, your child, your friend, your relative, or your family member.

You may feel this way now, until it happens to you.

And you know what else? Many other countries globally are impacted by America. Badly. Many other countries are having their economies go through severe turmoil because of the current state of America.

Your vote affects the whole world. And the whole world is watching us.

It is extremely irresponsible as an American to not vote or care about the possibility of changing the course of these people’s lives - these people who are Americans and human too, who are dying and starving out there.

Look, I know we need to understand why people are not voting. Yes, we lack education on the importance of voting. Yes, they don’t make registration or voting easy. Yes, sometimes it takes hours in line. You may have to take a day off from work which is extremely inconvenient and troublesome. It’s tiring and frustrating dealing with the logistics. I get it. But what is the alternative? People dying and starving?

Please know that your vote counts. Each and every one of them.

As you have all witnessed, the margins in many states in the recent 2020 Presidential Election were so slim, so razor-thin, that each vote could literally swing a state and consequentially an entire election.

If you choose not to vote, please don’t complain about the state of the country. If you complain that neither of the candidates is good, please don’t complain unless you are running for office, or working with people on the ground to help solve these challenging issues. There are plenty of opportunities for that.

Everything is our responsibility. Everything is our fault. Everything is in our hands. Nobody else’s.

Did you think that America got to where it once was, where you can reap and enjoy her fruits of labor, other than on the backs of other Americans who fought and sowed before us?

We got here because they believed and visualized a better future. Because they took action. Because they took matters into their own hands and changed the way things were so we could have the America that we dreamed of. They led. They volunteered. They ran for office. They spoke to their children about it. They helped in their own small way.

Every small effort counts and becomes monumental when done collectively.

I believe that if one chooses to be an and remain an American citizen, and live in America, then it is their obligation and responsibility to vote. (And pay taxes!) You chose to live here because it provides so much freedom, opportunity and abundance to you. Otherwise, you can choose to live in other countries.

Many people have died and fought so that we can vote today - especially women and people of color. They gave their whole lives to that fight so that we can vote today. They died for us. How can we be so careless and ungrateful to not vote?

Please don’t take your vote for granted. And please don’t be surprised if you wake up one day to find that that right has been taken away from you right before your eyes.

To the American people, please don’t take America for granted ever again.

Amirah

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We reach out to social media when we feel lonely.

When we feel bored.

When we want to learn something new.

When we want to know what our friends are up to.

When we need to vent because we are angry.

When we need therapy.

We quickly search on Google when we have questions in life that we cannot find the answer for.

What does that say about us?

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Here are some quotes that I liked from Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman:

"We are all Malaysians. This is the bond that unites us. Let us always remember that unity is our fundamental strength as a people and as a nation."

"All talk on Islamic States is just an empty dream. No man in his right sense would accept a nation which bases its political administration on religion, and in a country like Malaysia with its multiracial and multireligious people, there is no room for an Islamic State."

"In the old days people never bothered about what others did, so long as they were free to do what they liked themselves. Today, one cannot sneeze without being corrected, let alone enjoy oneself. That's what politics have done to our society."

"We usually forget that apart from making a living on this earth, human beings live in societies and these societies have cultures. It is only through having cultures that mankind on this earth has an ordered and meaningful life. Music and drama are two of the many important manifestations of a culture. They are important because they represent the expressions emanating from the power of human artistic creativity."

It is my hope that all Malaysians will continue to act as one, regardless of his or her race, religion, social status, cultural identity, gender or sexual orientation. May this be the end of race-based politics and policies. Let us also push for the end of censorship in the arts and the end of banning of books, traditional art forms, music, concerts, and "controversial" speakers, artists, musicians, and authors.

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