Week 8! That means we have officially reached two months of Aisha’s Insights!
Whether you've been enjoying my weekly rambles, joining me for my thoughts and advice, or you're simply here for the funny moments where I somehow manage to find myself in questionable situations, I truly appreciate you being part of this journey.
I hope that this blog can continue to become a little space where I can share my experiences, lessons, and reflections, while hopefully helping or inspiring others along the way.
This week has been filled with amazing wedding celebrations, lots of happy moments, and, of course, plenty of outfit changes (because apparently one outfit is never enough for a wedding!). But nothing could stop our weekly blog, so without further ado, let's get started.
More Than a Game: The Beauty of Sport
Now, I am not afraid to admit that I am an F1 girlie, a football fanatic, and someone who can happily enjoy a good cricket match. And no, this isn't just because of their appearances (although I will admit that is a small bonus!), but because there is something genuinely exciting about sport that brings people together.
There is a unique feeling that comes with every sport. With motorsport, it is the anticipation before a race begins, the adrenaline of every overtake, and the excitement of watching history unfold right in front of you. Even simply turning on the TV during race week can bring a sense of excitement and joy.
Football brings its own kind of thrill, from the tension of every pass, the strategy behind each tactic, and the way every team has its own unique style depending on its players, history, and country. Then there is cricket, where the excitement comes from the perfect balance of patience, skill, and those incredible moments of speed and precision that can completely change the outcome of a game.
And no, I will not be revealing my favourite teams because I would like to avoid starting a debate in the comments!
But the real purpose of this section is not about which team is the best or who wins the trophy. It is about exploring something much bigger: how sports, even simply watching them, can have such a powerful impact on our emotions, communities, and everyday lives.
Sports are well known for their physical and mental health benefits. The physical advantages are often the most obvious, including improved heart health, more stable blood pressure, and better control of body weight.
However, the mental benefits of sport are equally fascinating. Participating in sports can help improve mood, increase happiness, enhance focus, and build valuable social connections. Interestingly, these benefits can also apply to simply watching sport.
Whether it is celebrating a team's victory, experiencing the excitement of a close competition, sharing the moment with friends and family, or feeling connected to a wider community of supporters, watching sport can create feelings of joy, belonging, and connection.
Now, taking part in sports can sometimes feel challenging, especially when starting something new or trying to fit it into a busy routine. However, enjoying sport does not always mean you have to participate yourself.
For some people, the joy comes from playing, while for others, it comes from watching and supporting their favourite teams or athletes. Whether you are on the pitch, behind the wheel, or cheering from the comfort of your sofa, sport has the ability to bring excitement, connection, and happiness into our lives.
So my advice this week is simple: find a sport that brings you joy. Whether that means picking up a new hobby, joining a team, or simply finding a sport, athlete, or competition that you enjoy following, the most important thing is finding something that makes you smile.
The Final University Review: What I'd Do Again and What I'd Change
Okay, this will be my final university talk and advice section before we enter a new chapter in September. Soon, we will be moving away from the familiar (and sometimes chaotic) world of undergraduate student life and stepping into the exciting journey of postgraduate study.
It has been an amazing experience sharing my university advice, lessons, and personal stories, but now it is time to close this chapter and begin a new one filled with fresh challenges, opportunities, and experiences as a postgraduate student.
So, having now finished university, one of the most common questions I get asked is, 'How does it feel?' followed by, 'Which university did you go to?'
But I want to explore a much deeper question: did I truly enjoy the university experience?
Beyond the degree, the graduation photos, and the memories made along the way, did I make the most of those years? Did I experience everything university had to offer? And is there anything I look back on and wish I had done differently?
Overall, I can confidently say that I do not regret my university journey, and I never felt like I chose the wrong course. I have genuinely loved studying psychology and exploring such a wide range of topics, from clinical and forensic psychology to biological psychology (and honestly, the list does not end!). Of course, there were some areas I enjoyed more than others, but the course exceeded my expectations and taught me so much, not just academically but also about myself.
My university campus was nothing short of extraordinary. From the beautiful lakes and peaceful pathways to the unexpected moments of seeing ducks while rushing between lectures, it truly had its own charm. As someone who has always been more of a small-town person, I never imagined myself loving a busy city environment. Instead, I found a place that felt welcoming, calm, and like a second home.
Looking back, those little moments became some of the memories I appreciated the most.
Of course, like any journey, university was not perfect, and there are definitely things I look back on and wish I had done differently.
One of my biggest regrets is that I did not always take every opportunity that came my way. Whether it was getting involved in more activities, working with different people, or simply stepping outside of my comfort zone, there were moments where I could have challenged myself more and embraced new experiences.
However, one of the biggest lessons came from my second year, which I would definitely describe as my 'second-year slump.' Looking back, I know I could have pushed myself further, been more confident in my abilities, and taken more time to focus on my own growth.
But at the same time, I think those moments were important because they taught me something valuable: university is not about having a perfect experience. It is about learning, adapting, and recognising the areas where you can grow.
While I may not have done everything I could have, I still walked away with amazing memories, valuable lessons, and a better understanding of myself.
The Design Column and My Design Tea: The Heart of Great Design
Creating a design is not for the faint-hearted. It takes time, patience, creativity, technical skills, and most importantly, the right software to bring an idea to life.
However, there is no single piece of software that can do everything. Different projects require different tools, and choosing the right programme can make a huge difference to the final outcome.
The strongest designs are not just successful because they look visually appealing; they are successful because the designer has used the right tools to communicate a message effectively, meet the expectations of the audience, and bring their creative vision to life.
Some of the most popular design programmes include Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, which provide powerful tools to help designers create and transform their ideas into reality. Additionally, one of my personal favourite tools for graphic design is Canva. Its versatility, user-friendly features, and wide range of design options make it a fantastic resource for creating something truly unique and impactful.
But what do you do if you don't know how to use these programmes? Well, the answer is actually quite simple: tutorials.
Learning design software can feel overwhelming at first, especially when you open a programme and see countless tools, buttons, and features that you have no idea how to use. However, there are so many resources available, from online tutorials and courses to step-by-step guides, that can help you build your skills over time.
The key is not expecting to master everything instantly. Like any skill, design takes practice, patience, and a willingness to learn. Even the most experienced designers started by learning the basics one tool at a time.
For me, it took time to become comfortable creating designs that I was genuinely proud of. At the beginning, using design software felt overwhelming, and I had to spend time experimenting, making mistakes, and learning how each tool worked.
But with patience, practice, and plenty of tutorials, I slowly built my confidence and started creating designs that reflected my own style and creativity.
Weekly Funny Moment Of The Week: My Love Of Good Food and an Uber
So, this week I had an unexpected errand that turned into a full mission of running around, getting things done, and trying to keep everything on schedule.
In the middle of all the chaos, I suddenly realised I had completely forgotten to have lunch (which, honestly, is a dangerous situation for anyone who loves food!). So, naturally, I had to fix this problem and grabbed a quick takeaway, a delicious chicken katsu curry with chips.
With my food secured, I rushed like a mad woman to catch an Uber and make sure I didn't miss my train. I finally sat down, feeling relieved that I was on my way, when my driver suddenly said, 'Something smells really nice.'
At first, I was completely confused. Then it hit me: my lovely chicken katsu curry had been sitting beside me, spreading its amazing aroma throughout the car!
So, the lesson of this week's funny moment? Always remember to eat lunch, and maybe warn your Uber driver when you are carrying food that smells too good to ignore!
Aisha's Tiny but Mighty Weekly Advice: The Power Of Forgiveness
I think this is one of the most difficult skills we can develop as human beings: the ability to forgive someone who has hurt us.
When someone causes us pain, whether through their words, actions, or choices, forgiveness can often feel like the last thing we want to give. It is natural to hold onto those feelings because the hurt we experience is real.
However, forgiving someone is not about ignoring what happened or pretending that the pain did not exist. Instead, it is about choosing to release the weight that those negative emotions can have on us. It is about finding peace, healing, and allowing ourselves to move forward.
Not forgiving someone can have a bigger impact on us than we may realise. Holding onto anger, disappointment, or resentment can become emotionally exhausting and can affect our own happiness, relationships, and ability to move forward.
The process of being able to forgive someone is not easy either. Forgiveness is not something that happens instantly; it often takes time, reflection, and a willingness to work through difficult emotions.
Everyone's journey with forgiveness is different. Some situations may take longer to heal from than others, and that is completely normal. The important thing is recognising that forgiveness is a process, and it begins when we choose to focus on healing rather than allowing the hurt to continue controlling us.
The true reason behind forgiveness is not always about the other person; it is often about finding peace within yourself.
So, do try your best to let go, even if it takes time. Forgiveness is not always easy, especially when the person who hurt you was someone close to you or someone you deeply cared about.
Healing does not happen overnight, and it is completely normal to need time to process your feelings. The important thing is to be patient with yourself and remember that letting go is not about forgetting what happened; it is about allowing yourself the chance to find peace and move forward.
End Of Blog Sign-Off:
No more F1 until the summer break, but hey, I am looking forward to my own personal break next week after this wedding is over. Just sitting in bed watching a good movie or in my favourite cafe. So I spread this message to relax and rest too!
Until Next Week
Aisha.