Self love

3

Chapter 3
Amina's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts the following morning. She couldn't stop thinking about the poetry submission. The invitation sat in her inbox, a reminder of the daunting yet exciting opportunity awaiting her decision. She felt an unusual blend of fear and excitement, a mixture she wasn't quite accustomed to.

At work, Amina found it hard to concentrate. Her thoughts kept drifting back to the poetry submission. The idea of sharing her innermost thoughts and feelings with strangers was terrifying, yet something about it also felt liberating. When lunchtime finally arrived, she joined Fatima and Zayd at their usual spot in the park.

Fatima noticed Amina's distraction almost immediately. "Amina, are you okay? You seem a bit out of it today."

Amina sighed, glancing at Zayd before responding. "I received an email from the local poetry society. They're inviting submissions for an upcoming event."

Fatima's eyes widened with excitement. "That's amazing! Are you going to submit something?"

Amina hesitated, her fingers toying with the edge of her lunch container. "I don't know. It feels so... personal. What if they don't like it?"

Zayd leaned forward, his expression encouraging. "It's natural to feel that way, Amina. But remember, this is about sharing your voice and connecting with others. It's not about validation; it's about expression."

Fatima nodded in agreement. "He's right. And besides, you never know what opportunities might come from putting yourself out there."

Amina felt a swell of gratitude for their support, though the fear still lingered. She knew that taking this step would be significant, but the uncertainty was overwhelming.

That evening, Amina sat at her desk, staring at the blank page in front of her. She had always written poetry for herself, never with the intention of sharing it with anyone else. But now, with Zayd's and Fatima's encouragement echoing in her mind, she began to sift through her collection, looking for a piece that resonated with her current journey.

Hours passed as she read through her poems, reliving the emotions and experiences that had inspired them. Finally, she found one that felt right. It was a poem about growth, about finding strength in vulnerability. With a deep breath, she began to type, editing and refining the words until they felt just right.

The next day, Amina felt a strange mix of anxiety and determination. She had made the decision to submit her poem, and although she was nervous, she also felt a sense of pride. This was a step toward embracing her true self, a small but significant leap of faith.

During lunch, she shared her decision with Fatima and Zayd. "I did it. I submitted my poem last night."

Fatima beamed with pride. "That's incredible, Amina! I'm so proud of you."

Zayd's smile was warm and genuine. "I'm proud of you too, Amina. This is a big step, and it takes a lot of courage."

Amina felt a blush creep up her cheeks, but she also felt a surge of confidence. Their support meant the world to her, and it made the whole process feel a little less daunting.

As the days passed, Amina threw herself into her work, trying to keep her mind off the upcoming poetry event. She took on new challenges, pushing herself to grow both professionally and personally. She found that the more she challenged herself, the more capable she felt.

One evening, as she was leaving the office, Zayd caught up with her. "Hey, Amina. Do you have a minute?"

Amina nodded, curious. "Of course. What's up?"

Zayd looked thoughtful. "I was wondering if you'd like to join me for a walk. There's a park nearby that I've been meaning to explore."

Amina felt a flutter of nervousness but agreed. "Sure, I'd like that."

They walked to the nearby park, a serene place with winding paths and blooming flowers. As they strolled, Zayd spoke about his experiences moving to Bunci State and how much he appreciated the city's culture and community. Amina found herself opening up as well, sharing stories from her own life and her thoughts on the poetry submission.

"You know," Zayd said as they paused by a small pond, "I'm really impressed by how much you've grown since we met. Taking steps like submitting your poetry is a big deal. It's a sign of self-love, even if it doesn't feel like it yet."

Amina looked out over the water, reflecting on his words. "It's still hard to believe sometimes. I feel like I'm just starting to understand what it means to truly value myself."

Zayd's expression softened as he looked at Amina. "Self-love is a journey, not a destination. It's about taking small steps every day, even when they seem insignificant. You've already taken some big steps, Amina. Be patient with yourself."

Amina nodded, feeling the weight of his words. "Thank you, Zayd. Your support means a lot to me."

They continued their walk in comfortable silence, the evening air filled with the sounds of nature. As they returned to the office building, Amina felt a sense of calm and clarity she hadn't experienced in a long time. Zayd's words stayed with her, offering a new perspective on her journey.

The next few weeks flew by, filled with work, poetry, and moments of self-discovery. Amina found herself growing more comfortable with setting boundaries and expressing her needs. She started to prioritize her well-being, even if it meant saying no to others sometimes. It was challenging, but with each step, she felt a little stronger.

One afternoon, an email notification interrupted her work. It was from the local poetry society. Her heart raced as she opened it, her eyes scanning the text quickly. They had accepted her poem for the upcoming event.

A wave of emotions washed over her—excitement, fear, pride. She couldn't believe it. She quickly shared the news with Fatima and Zayd during their lunch break.

"I got in!" Amina exclaimed, barely able to contain her excitement. "They accepted my poem for the event."

Fatima hugged her tightly. "That's fantastic, Amina! I'm so happy for you."

Zayd's eyes sparkled with pride. "I knew you could do it. This is just the beginning, Amina."

The poetry event was scheduled for the following week, giving Amina a mix of anticipation and nerves. She spent her evenings preparing, practicing her poem in front of the mirror, and trying to calm her racing heart.

The night of the event arrived, and Amina felt a surge of nerves as she entered the venue. The room was filled with people, their faces a blur of excitement and curiosity. She spotted Fatima and Zayd in the crowd, their supportive smiles giving her a boost of confidence.

When it was her turn to perform, Amina took a deep breath and stepped onto the stage. The lights were bright, and for a moment, she felt overwhelmed. But then she saw Zayd and Fatima, their presence grounding her. She began to recite her poem, her voice steady despite the tremor of nerves.

As she spoke, she felt a connection with the audience, their eyes focused on her, their expressions reflecting the emotions in her words. It was a vulnerable moment, but also a powerful one. She was sharing a piece of herself, and it felt liberating.

When she finished, the room erupted in applause. Amina felt a rush of joy and relief, her heart swelling with pride. She had done it. She had taken a leap of faith, and it had paid off.

After the event, Zayd and Fatima found her, their faces glowing with pride. "You were amazing, Amina," Zayd said, his eyes shining. "I'm so proud of you."

Fatima nodded enthusiastically. "You really were. Your poem was beautiful."

Amina felt a warmth spread through her. "Thank you both. Your support means everything to me."

As they left the venue, Amina felt a sense of accomplishment and a renewed sense of self-worth. This was just the beginning of her journey, but she felt ready to embrace whatever came next. With friends like Fatima and Zayd by her side, she knew she could face any challenge.

That night, as she lay in bed, Amina thought about the path that had led her here. It had been filled with uncertainty and fear, but also with growth and discovery. She realized that self-love was not about reaching a destination but about the journey itself—the small steps, the leaps of faith, and the moments of vulnerability and strength.

She smiled, feeling a sense of peace she hadn't known before. She was on the right path, and she was ready for whatever came next.