After a tough week, it feels wonderful to have one where everything seems to be looking up. It’s a reminder that difficult times don’t last forever, and brighter days can come along. I’m grateful to have had such a positive and successful week, and I hope you’re all doing well, too. We are officially rolling into winter so be sure to keep all bundled up in a nice warm coat and of course a nice hot beverage.
Now, let’s get rocking and rolling with this week’s blog!
What is Our Purpose?
Many people see this as a deeply philosophical question, but it’s one many of us ask at some point in life: Why are we here?
There may not be one answer that fits everyone. For some, meaning comes from relationships; for others, it comes from learning, creating, helping people, or following a passion. And our answers can change as we grow and experience new things. Sometimes, exploring the question is just as valuable as finding an answer.
As I grow, I find myself returning to this question. I may not know every part of my purpose, but one thing feels clear to me: I want to help people.
There’s a special feeling I get from as simple as making someone smile everyday. It reminds me of the kindness and beauty people can share with one another, even through small gestures. Sometimes it can be found in the everyday moments when we make someone feel cared for, understood, or a little less alone.
There are times when hardship makes us ask difficult questions: Why am I going through this? What is my purpose if life can hurt so much? Those questions deserve compassion. Suffering isn’t something anyone has to earn or deserve, and it doesn’t always come with a clear explanation.
One thing I’ve learned is that life will never be perfect, and difficult experiences can remind us how much care and understanding matter. I believe our actions have consequences: when we hurt someone, it can cause real harm and affect lots of elements of our life. That’s why I try to treat others with kindness and take responsibility when I get things wrong. And when we’re the ones hurting, we deserve kindness and support, too.
Finding your purpose is a story that can unfold over time. Some people feel they know what matters to them from an early age, while others find it gradually, through new experiences and changing priorities. There’s no single map to follow. It’s okay if your sense of purpose shifts as you grow each chapter can teach you something about what feels meaningful to you.
It’s also okay for your sense of purpose to change. That can happen at any stage of life, as your experiences, interests, relationships, or circumstances shift. Changing this doesn’t make your earlier choices meaningless, it may simply reflect what matters to you now. I know certainly over the years myself I have changed and I am certainly still evolving.
Overall, the message I want to share is that life has meaning, even when we’re still figuring out what that meaning is. Our actions matter, whether they’re small gestures or big decisions, because they can affect the people around us.
Post Graduating: My Future
Since starting my postgraduate journey, I’ve been asked a lot about what I plan to do in the future and what my ultimate goal is. And then there are those four slightly terrifying words: 'What’s your five-year plan?'
It’s a fair question, but it can feel like a lot of pressure when you’re still learning, growing, and working out what comes next. A plan can be helpful and it's always good to try to think what comes next.
For me, working out what I wanted to do has been a real rollercoaster. When I finished primary school, I imagined becoming an artist. By the end of high school, I was thinking about a career in nursing. Then, at college, I finally found psychology, a subject that changed my life.
Now I’m broadening my interests further by exploring psychological research as I know this is what I am good at and I love. It took time, and my plans changed along the way, but each step helped me discover something new about what I enjoy. Looking back, I’m glad I gave myself room to explore.
Now I’m starting to picture a future where I become a university lecturer. I’ve loved teaching since I was young, and I’ve always enjoyed breaking ideas down and explaining them in a way people can understand.
I began teaching at 17, and even though it was challenging, I loved the experience. It made me feel fulfilled and confirmed how much I enjoy helping others learn. Becoming a lecturer is a goal I’m excited to work towards and I know it is certainly a tough career to be going into at the moment.
I’m passionate about working towards this dream, but I also know I can’t predict exactly where life will take me. For now, I want to give myself time and let the next steps unfold.
I’ve spent a lot of energy putting pressure on myself to make decisions and plan everything in advance. I’m ready to ease up, stay open to new opportunities, and trust myself to find my way as things change. I can hold onto my hopes without needing to have every detail figured out today.
I want to keep working hard while staying open to different possibilities. That doesn’t mean I’m giving up on my dream or doubting that I can succeed. It means I’m giving myself the space to learn, gain clarity, and breathe as I work out what comes next.
That’s what I want to share today, the future is an open door. We can’t always plan exactly what comes next, but we can keep working hard, stay open to new possibilities, and give ourselves time to find our way.
Advice for the Elderly:
I think this is a stage of life we can’t fully prepare for. Growing older brings new experiences and changes, and everyone’s journey is different. Reaching old age is a meaningful milestone, one that reflects a lifetime of learning, relationships, and memories. It deserves to be met with respect and care.
As we get caught up in daily life, it can be easy to forget that many of us will grow older too. Older people are known to be at risk of abuse and neglect, which makes awareness and protection especially important. According to the World Health Organization (2024), around one in six people aged 60 and over experience some form of abuse in community settings. This is a huge wake up call that we need to become more aware of older people among us and protect them.
I’ve always believed that older people carry a great deal of wisdom. Decades of life experience can give them valuable knowledge and perspectives. I often find that talking with my older relatives helps me look at things differently, whether I’m working through a problem or simply trying to understand a situation from another point of view. Their stories and advice remind me how much we can learn from one another.
One piece of advice I often share, especially with older people, is to recognise the value of staying connected. Some older people may feel isolated, particularly when opportunities for social interaction are limited. As a community, we can help by making time to check in, listen, and include one another.
Community groups and local activities can also offer opportunities to meet people and build connections. Even a friendly conversation or a regular visit can help someone feel remembered and valued. Small gestures can make a meaningful difference.
Looking after your physical wellbeing matters at every stage of life, including older age. Gentle, suitable exercise can support mobility and overall health, and it can also benefit mental wellbeing. The right activities will vary, so it’s important to choose movement that feel manageable. Even small steps, such as a short walk, stretching, or joining a suitable group activity, can be a great way to stay active.
Finally, one helpful reminder at this stage of life is to make room for the present. Taking a deep breath, sharing a conversation, or enjoying a good meal may seem like small things, but they can bring real pleasure. Pausing to notice and appreciate these everyday moments can help us feel more connected to life as it is now.
Weekly Funny Moment Of The Week: Aisha and Online Meetings
I know this is a debated topic, but I’m ready to give my verdict: I hate online meetings. Hate is a strong word, but in this case, it feels just right!
Online meetings became much more common during the COVID-19 pandemic, when meeting virtually was often a safer and more practical way to stay connected. They existed before then, of course, but for many of us, the pandemic made them part of everyday life.
I first experienced online meetings towards the end of high school, and I found them difficult. Logging on early, trying to read people’s emotions through a screen, and finding the confidence to speak or ask questions all made me anxious and I couldn't be myself.
That brings me to a more recent experience. I study at a university that’s a long way from home, so travelling in isn’t always practical.
I usually find in-person meetings work best for me and plan according to this, but sometimes I can't avoid online meetings. I had scheduled one as I had to address a concern I was having and I was already feeling anxious when I logged on and then, on the very day I needed it, I couldn’t get my screen sharing to work. I tried several times before giving up. Technology always fails you at the wrong time doesn't it. So I just ended up talking through what I wanted to show.
But it was funny afterwards as I just kept telling myself it's fine and it was my laptop's fault (bad laptop).
Aisha's Tiny But Mighty Weekly Advice Section: Looking Out For One Another
When we think more closely about what it means to look out for one another, it doesn’t mean following someone around or watching their every move. It means paying attention and being considerate of the people around us their needs, feelings, and actions.
Sometimes, looking out for someone is as simple as noticing they seem quieter than usual, asking how they’re doing, or offering help when they need it. It’s about showing care while still respecting their space.
It’s easy to get caught up in work and everyday responsibilities and retreat into our own little bubbles. Even so, it’s worth making time for the people in our lives, our family, friends, and acquaintances. A quick message, a catch-up, or a thoughtful check-in can help us stay connected and show others that we care.
Looking out for people doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Those connections matter to our own wellbeing and help build a more caring, supportive community.
Building this habit takes time. I sometimes forget to check in with people, and it’s never intentional. Helping show someone that they are cared for and important. We don’t have to get it perfect, what matters is making an effort and reconnecting when we can.
And that’s my short message for this week: each of us can help someone feel a little better. A kind word, a listening ear, or a simple smile can brighten someone’s day. We all have the power to share a little happiness and, as the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility.
End Of Blog Sign - Off:
This week’s blog is shorter than usual because I wanted to keep things short and sweet.
I’m also happy to be getting back into my football obsession. I’ve started watching matches again, and the excitement is back!
I hope you all have a fun weekend. Keep warm and cosy, winter is officially here!
Until Next Week
Aisha.