Week 17: Its A Wobble Way Of Life

Honestly, it has been quite a week, so much so that I am questioning the universe as to why these past few days have been nothing but pure madness and chaos from every direction. You know what though, I cannot completely say I have not enjoyed being busy again. While I love summer, getting my brain working once more feels good, and I cannot wait to see what comes out of it. Now, with the pleasantries out of the way, let us get started!

It’s Okay not to be Okay:

I believe that transparency and honesty are foundations of a healthy society. One idea we could make more room for is a simple one: not every day is going to be perfect. We all have good days and difficult ones, and it’s completely okay to admit when we’re not feeling our best.

Having a low day doesn’t make you weak. It makes you human. Being honest with yourself about how you feel can also help you build genuine trust with the people around you. When we stop pretending that everything is fine, we make it easier for others to be open, too. We create space for compassion and support without judgment, pressure, or the expectation that anyone has to put on a brave face.

Acknowledging a difficult moment doesn’t mean you’re failing. Sometimes, it’s a sign that you’re paying attention to what you need. Setbacks and challenges can take time to work through, and progress rarely happens all at once. You may need rest, a change of plans, a kind conversation, or simply a little patience with yourself. Give yourself permission to take things one step at a time. With time and support, you can find your footing again and continue growing in both body and mind.

It can help to remember that you don’t have to solve everything today. You can focus on what feels manageable: getting outside for a few minutes, making a cup of tea, sending a message to someone you trust, or taking a proper break. Small acts of care don’t erase the hard parts, but they can make the day feel a little easier to carry.

The same gentleness matters in our friendships. One of the truest signs of closeness isn’t only how much fun you have together when life is exciting. It’s how comfortable you feel sitting quietly with someone when things are tough. You don’t always need the right words or a quick fix for each other. Sometimes it’s enough to share a room, a cup of tea, and the reassurance that neither of you has to pretend to be happy.

We all have days when we feel lighter and days when everything seems harder. Neither kind of day defines us. Making room for honest feelings helps us care for ourselves and each other more fully. We don’t have to pretend to be okay to deserve support. Sometimes, simply being honest and staying close is enough.

To conclude, as a society, we also need to be careful not to judge people who may be struggling. It can be easy to make assumptions about someone’s mood, choices, or circumstances without knowing what they’re carrying. Those assumptions can lead us to say or do things that make a situation even harder. A little patience can make a huge difference: listen before you judge and remember that everyone’s struggles look different. A kind response may not solve everything, but it can help someone feel less alone.

NEW THIS MONTH! Post Graduating: Becoming Older

I know this isn’t an excuse for a late blog post, but if I need one, this is the best I can offer: I’ve officially started my postgraduate journey. I’m beginning a Master’s by Research in Psychological Research, and I’m excited to share what this next chapter brings.

You might be wondering, 'Why choose to stay in education after finishing a degree?' The answer is simple: I love what I do. Studying psychology was a dream come true, and when I completed my degree, I didn’t feel ready for that journey to end.

So, here we go again. I’m looking forward to learning more, taking on new challenges, and discovering where this path leads. I’m sure there will be plenty to share along the way, and I can’t wait to talk about it with you.

So, why did I choose to do an MRes specifically? The answer is a little more complicated.

When I started my second year, I was feeling quite low. Around that time, my university offered me the opportunity to work as a research intern, assisting an amazing professor with a project. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but somewhere along the way, I got hooked.

I found a passion for research that I hadn’t felt since high school. I enjoyed exploring ideas, and being part of the process of discovering something new. I also began to realise that research was something I could do well and, more importantly, something I genuinely enjoyed.

That feeling continued into my third year. My dissertation was challenging, but it excited me. There were difficult moments, of course, but working through them felt rewarding. I found the whole process fun and fulfilling, and by the end, I knew I’d discovered something I wanted to keep pursuing.

That’s what led me to an MRes. I wanted the chance to develop my research skills further, explore the questions that interest me, and see this passion lead to my ultimate goal of becoming a professor.

And yes, this is a long journey, one in which I’ll keep growing older and, hopefully, a little wiser along the way. I’m grateful for the opportunity to take this next step, and excited to share the experience with you all.

NEW THIS MONTH! Advice For Kids Growing Up

This month, I’m starting a new section exploring the tips and lessons that can help us through life’s different milestones. Each stage brings its own questions, challenges, and discoveries, so I’m looking forward to sharing ideas that might make the journey a little easier.

We’ll begin at the very start: childhood. According to BetterHelp (2026), childhood can be divided into three broad stages: early childhood, middle childhood, and adolescence. Each stage brings its own changes and opportunities for growth, as children develop physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively.

Childhood is a formative stage of life. The experiences we have and the relationships we build can influence how we see ourselves, relate to others, and understand the world around us. These early influences may shape some of our thoughts and behaviours, while our personalities continue to develop throughout life.

As a community, it’s important that we help children feel safe, supported, and free to grow at their own pace. We can do this by offering positive guidance, teaching new skills patiently, and making space for them to learn through practice and mistakes. Just as importantly, we should avoid placing too much pressure on children or comparing them with others. Every child develops in their own way, and encouragement can help them build confidence in who they are.

It’s also important to give young people happy, meaningful experiences they can look back on and treasure. Children remember many things, both good and difficult, and those experiences can influence how they understand themselves and the world around them. That doesn’t mean every moment has to be perfect. What matters is helping children feel cared for, listened to, and valued.

This idea also brings to mind the film Inside Out, which explores how different emotions and memories help shape a person’s inner world.

As we grow up in an increasingly technology-filled world, it’s worth thinking about how screen time fits into children’s lives. Digital devices can be useful and enjoyable, but children also need plenty of opportunities to play, talk, imagine, move, and explore. These everyday experiences help them practise skills such as problem-solving, communication, and creativity.

Does that mean I believe that children should never use a tablet. Like many things, it’s about balance. You probably wouldn’t eat 20 chocolate bars in one day because too much of anything can leave you feeling unwell. In the same way, it’s helpful to make room for screen-free activities, too.

Toys and books still have a lot to offer. Building with blocks, playing make-believe, drawing, and reading together can encourage curiosity and give children space to learn at their own pace.

Finally, this message is for the kids, and my biggest piece of advice is simple: enjoy this stage of life.

I often hear young people say, 'I can’t wait until I’m older.' I can see excitement of looking ahead, but growing up also brings new responsibilities and challenges. So try to enjoy the time you have now. Make memories, spend time with people you care about, try new things, and let yourself be young.

Weekly Funny Moment Of The Week: My New Shoe Swap and a Car

This is a story I meant to share sooner, but I think I was too embarrassed to bring it up at the time.

It started just before I was about to leave for my summer break. I usually buy myself a new pair of shoes for the year, and because I’m not a big fan of change, I tend to stick to the same style: platform trainers with no laces. I still haven’t quite got over my childhood dislike of tying shoelaces.

I’d worn platform trainers for driving lessons before. They weren’t usually very high, so I didn’t think they’d cause a problem. I went to my lesson as normal, but for some reason, everything suddenly felt much harder than usual.

The worst part was trying to press the clutch. My instructor pointed out, 'Yes, these shoes are definitely not ideal for driving,' and I had to agree. I ended up switching back to my old, ripped shoes and, they worked much better. I could feel the pedals properly and drive the car like I normally could.

It was a small lesson, but a useful one: sometimes the shoes that look best or feel familiar aren’t the best choice for every activity.

Aisha's Tiny But Mighty Weekly Advice Section: The Choices We Make in Life

We live in a society where we have the freedom to make decisions: what to eat, where to go, and who to spend time with. But what does that freedom really mean?

Today, I want to explore the choices we make and how they can shape our lives. Some decisions may seem small in the moment, while others can have a lasting effect on our wellbeing, relationships, and future. By taking a little time to think about our choices, we can better understand what matters to us and the kind of life we want to build.

A choice is the act of selecting one option from a range of possibilities. I want to connect that idea to something I hear people talk about often: freedom of speech, and how we understand it.

People should be able to express their views, but saying something doesn’t mean we can decide how everyone else will respond. Our words affect others, and people are free to disagree, ask questions, or explain how those words made them feel. Freedom of speech gives us room to speak; it doesn’t guarantee freedom from other people’s reactions.

That brings us back to choices. We may be free to make our own decisions, but each choice can have consequences whether that's good or bad.

Sometimes the consequences are easy to see. As someone with stomach issues, I know that certain foods tend to agree with me, while others can leave me feeling unwell. I may still choose to eat the foods I know don’t suit me, but I also know there could be a price to pay afterwards. It’s a small, everyday example of how our choices can affect us, even when we’re free to make them.

However, some choices are harder to undo than others, and some can have a permeant effect on our lives. That’s why it’s worth spending time to think carefully before making an important decision: What matters to me? What might happen next? Who else could be affected?

Of course, making a choice is easier said than done. We don’t always have all the information, and sometimes there’s is no great option. We can still do our best by taking our time where possible, asking for advice from people we trust, and remembering that uncertainty is a normal part of decision-making.

The choices we make can shape our character and influence the direction our lives take. Sometimes a decision changes our plans in ways we never expected. We don't always know where a choice will lead, but we can make it with care and stay open to what we learn along the way.

To conclude, I’d like to share my high school yearbook quote and one of my favourite pieces of life advice, from Harry Potter: 'It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.'

End Of Blog Sign Off:

A huge apology for the recent late blog posts. I’m still settling into my new schedule, but once I have it in place, I hope to get back to posting on time.

In the meantime, welcome to October! I hope this month brings you happiness, success, and plenty of good moments as we slowly make our way through the final months of 2026.

Until Next Week.

Aisha.