Hello, I’m Ayesha!
Hello and welcome! I’m so glad that you’re here!
I find writing introductions to be a bit challenging at times. It’s not that I don’t know who I am but rather that defining myself in a few sentences feels too simple for something that is so layered and nuanced. I tend to feel a bit apprehensive putting labels out there because really, what is a label?
If I told you I was from Bangladesh, what would that mean to you? What images, associations, or expectations would that bring up in your mind? I find it interesting to also consider, how does what it means to you relate to what it means to me?
If I told you I was born in Kuwait, how would that help you understand who I am, what values I have, and what I’m all about? Would it give you insight into the intersections of culture, identity, belonging, and displacement that live quietly beneath those simple words?
As an educator and academic with a background in applied linguistics and now a psychotherapist who focuses on culturally-sensitive therapy, I find the words we use to be fascinating. It’s not just the words we use to describe ourselves but also the words we use to describe our experiences, make sense of the world around us, and build connections with other people.
This is just a small glimpse into the thoughts that often swirl through my mind. I am fascinated by the concepts of identity, belonging, and language. I am curious about the impact of power structures and cultural contexts on our understanding of self. I wonder about our emotions, behaviors, and how our life experiences have an impact on how we see ourselves and how we see the world.
These are some of the topics that I hope to explore in my upcoming blog posts and I hope you’ll join me in that exploration. From simple musings to more thoughtful reflections to helpful tips and more, I want this space, Forged by Fire, to help bridge all the worlds I work in: psychology, empowerment, self-defense, and reflection.
Thank you for being here.
Warmly and fiercely,
Ayesha
Where gentle light becomes fierce fire
