Beloved,

It’s 2 in the morning, and despite my best effort, I am unable to sleep. This is not strange to me as I sometimes spend the whole night counting sheep and hoping sleep will come. I’ve decided to use this time to write you since it’s been a long time. My last issue garnered so many responses and engagement than I expected, and I am still at a loss as to how to reply to the endearing emails I got. It is so wild because I didn’t share it anywhere yet it is my most read piece. Thank you so much, Beloved, for reading and sharing. If you missed it, you can read it here.

So, to you who sent a reply and offered comfort with your words, I am sorry it has taken me this long to acknowledge your mail. Please know that I read each of the mails (sometimes within 15 mins after it was delivered because I often obsessively check my mails within that interval). I genuinely didn’t know the right words to convey my gratitude at all the good vibes and fellowship pouring in my inbox. My breath hitched many times, and I was teary-eyed at some points lol. An amusing thing is that in some of the replies, I was referred back to my own previous issues as a guide in trying to cope with this setback. I am very grateful for you and very pleased at you taking the time and effort to comfort me. So so chuffed. And so many thanks, Beloved.

I am doing much better now and I’m home right now. It is no coincidence to me that I’m writing this at home just like the previous piece. I seem to be drawn towards this whenever I’m home.

I hope to resume regular programming with this newsletter from now on out. That is, writing you on the 5th and 20th of every month. My schedule is a bit erratic, sometimes very jammed and sometimes kinda free, but I hope to be able to offer you the consistency that I once devoted to writing this.

Eid Mubarak, if you’re Muslim. I hope you had a wonderful day yesterday. May the blessings and joy of the day continue to envelop you, and may it count as Ibadah for you.

Share The Urge to Shalaye

Can’t wait to tell you what I have been up to, share my thoughts, and exchange emails with you.

Until then,

xoxo Beloved.