Phenomenal Woman

By Maya Angelou

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies

I'm not cute or built to suit a model's fashion size

But when I start to tell them
They think I'm telling lies.

I say

It's in the reach of my arms

The span of my hips

The stride of my steps

The curl of my lips.

I'm a women

Phenomenally

Phenomenal woman

That's me.

I walk into a room

Just as cool as you please

And to a man

The fellows stand or

Fall down on their knees

Then they swarm around me

A hive of honey bees.

I say

It's the fire in my eyes

And the flash of my teeth

The swing of my waist

And the joy in my feet.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally

Phenomenal woman

That's me.

Now you understand

Just why my head's not bowed

I don't shout or jump about

Or have to talk real loud

When you see me passing

It ought to make you proud.

I say

It's in the click of my heels

The bend of my hair

The palm of my hand

The need for my care.

'Cause I'm a woman

Phenomenally

Phenomenal woman

That's me.

-I dedicate this poem to every woman who embraces being a woman. A woman who does not need others to tell her what she is worth, or how beautiful she is, and what she brings to the world.

-JB

The words of Ayn Rand

*Learn to value yourself, which means: to fight for your happiness.*

*I need no warrant for being, and no word of sanction upon my being. I am the warrant and the sanction.*

*I swear by my life and my love of it that I will never live for the sake of another man, nor ask another man to live for mine.*

*Pride is the recognition of then fact that you are your own highest value and, like all of man's values, it has to be earned.*

*Rationality is the recognition of the fact that nothing can alter the truth and nothing can take precedence over the act of perceiving it.*

*That which you call your soul or spirit is your consciousness, and that which you call 'free will' is your mind's freedom to think or not, the only will you have, your only freedom, the choice that controls all the choices you make and determines your life and your character.*

I read an article online - '30 things to do before you turn 30'. Interestingly enough, 'Read books' such as "The Fountainhead" and "Atlas Shrugged" was listed in the top five things to do before you turn 30! Why am I not surprised... The writings of Ayn Rand project a way of life and how to justify the life you lead. To feel at peace with your choices. If you haven't read Rand yet, I recommend you do so NOW- doesn't matter if you're over three decades! ;)

-JB

Abstractions

Logic seems like a foreign country.

My acts are all repercussions of what I am feeling. My sins are all crimes of passion. My thoughts are all clearly bright as I stare in to the sun. They are fluid like water, burning my mind like fire, yet contain an innocence of a baby's toothless smile.

I am flying because I am controlling my own reality.

I am not running. But sometimes, I feel I may be hiding. I prefer not to deal in lies. My pride is never foolish. I see it more as a virtue than as a vice. It is my weapon of choice. Death nor dishonour are not any options.

I get what is meant for me. Life is not based on circumstances, but on my choices. I always justify my love. I know my limits, and the lines I can not cross. I denounce society if it tries to cage me. I like who I am. No, I love who I am. I am not preturbed when people do not understand me.

Where I am today has been a walk through Hell. I am still going through it, but I have learnt to walk through it faster, confident that it will change sooner than later. What I envision as my future today, is not a mere dream of Heaven on Earth- but a belief; it is a reality- like a drop of honey that I can taste in my mouth long after I have swallowed it.

I feel loved sometimes, but I prefer not to love too much. I may attach things to myself, but I will never combine them with me. I trip many times, but I try my hardest not to fall when I do. I can fix myself when I am broken, but I do not like to be shattered. I do not like pain. But I understand how pain can empower one in spirit and in mind. I like to speak of my strength and my courage, not my past. I am highly reliable, and I have learned that it is not wise to rely on others, not even one's closest friends. I accept- I have stopped expecting.

Almost anything I do will be insignificant; but it is important that I do it.

"I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I'm out of control, and at times hard to handle. But, if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best."

_ Marilyn Monroe

-JB

The Soulmate Theory

Oddly enough, discussing the concept of the 'soulmate' was never on any of my 'things to do' lists... But then one day, I felt I needed to probe the theory. Let's just say to get a better perspective on Love, and 'matches made in Heaven'... It's revoltingly interesting- the soulmate theory, not love. As far as my encounter with 'Love' goes... I'll write another day! For now, read on...

The Soulmate Theory has captivated the world since long ago. Movies like 'Titanic', 'Serendipity', 'Point Break', and many television shows and song lyrics have presented circumstances where soulmates exist in a variety of contexts- as friends, as lovers, and as companions, with an unbreakable bond.

Classically speaking, with specific reference to Greek mythology, originally humans were combined of four arms, four legs, and a single head made of two faces; but Zeus feared their 'double' power and split them all in half, condemning them to spending their lives searching for the other half to complete them.

(I'm sure that the majority of people will be unable to digest this!)

On a spiritual level, the concept of the Soulmate exists within 'reincarnation' and 'karma'- leading to the idea that soulmates have in fact shared previous lifetimes together. Suggesting, that the 'karmic' soulmate has a special influence on one's life. A companion with whom a special, 'beyond-this-world' connection is made.

The concept of the soulmate is primarily a romantic belief that there is only one true soul that completes and shares the other to become 'one', 'whole' soul. This is called the 'Twin Flame'.

Although popularly used in a romantic way, the concept of the soulmate is not reserved just for Love, but in fact also for the deep bond of friendship; Where the 'Twin' soulmates are the best of friends with the strongest of bonds.

Well, in this Age of Science, some theorists have come up with a formula that IF a relationship can be judged as per one's internal happiness, then one can possibly calculate which person in their life would be their 'soulmate'. Accordingly this, one person should, scientifically speaking, make you absolutely euphoric, and chances are you will not be content existing with any other person in life, except the 'one'.

Ultimately the consequence of the soulmate theory is the terrifying reality that soulmates often possess the ability to inflict serious emotional and spiritual injury unto their twin flame, greater than any other person on Earth could. Most people are destined for the eternal search of their soulmate. Few are lucky enough to actually find the 'one'.

According to staunch believers of the soulmate theory- "the initial encounter is often analogous to the collision of matter and antimatter, a violent explosive reaction will occur, but if held through to completion only pure energy, and thus harmony, will result."

I feel that it is then fair to say that if one does find his/ her soulmate, and the match is not acceptable as per the rules of society we live in, and are judged by, the encounter will leave us with a lifetime of profound sadness and depression as there is no possibility of resolution.

So tell me my dear reader, what would you do if you found the 'one', your soulmate, the one person on this Earth who possesses the inborn potentials that accurately match and complete your own?

It is believed also, that your soulmate is joined eternally to your actual soul, by a signature in your heart at the dimension of your spirit.

Will you ever believe?
I do.

-JB

Karachi, 12-05-2007

Independence is the most underrated possession in the world.

Karachi is once again bearing the brunt of the bloody rivalry between various political parties and government conspirers. In a matter of three hours, a 'rally' has been transformed into a 'bloody day'. There is an air of fear, shock and confusion:
- Innocent people are being killed, shot, and terrorized.
- Injured people are unable to be taken to the hospitals owing to the roads being blocked.
- A petrol station has been set to fire.
- More than 15 vehicles have been torched.

I am sad and pained to see innocent blood shed this way. I am sad that I am a Pakistani. I am sad that such an illiterate and irresponsible country is my homeland. The painful stories of those who gave up all to create this country for us, make me wonder what they would feel had they been alive today to watch us kill our own innocent brothers instead of our enemies...

-JB

Music to my ears ;)

Hey people!!

Hmmm.... Lots of songs playing in my head these past few days.... Mostly from the 80's, primarily reminding me of those brilliant 'limsical' moments that have gone by.

Music is a healer, you know. It keeps us in a bubble. Helps to soothe the nerves, and to calm our soul. Helps us ponder, and wonder- what lies in the mysterious future, what could have been different in our personal histories.

Well, incase you're in an intense mood like me :)
...Do listen to:

Brothers in Arms by Dire Straits

It'll hit the spot, I tell ya!
If not the lyrics, then the soulful twanging of the guitar...

Cheers!

-JB

Hi fellow humans!

Hmmm... I read the most interesting quote a few days ago. I don't remember who it's by, or if it's from a book, but it's stuck in my head and makes total sense from all angles...

It goes-

" You can have anything you want in life, just as long as you give up everything else. "

I have reflected on my life quite deeply after reading this, and I fully agree. All is within reach. All is possible. You can have that one thing you want most, but forget about all other things. It's like a thin line being drawn in my head. One that defines two parallels- One is Wisdom, and the other is Madness. And have we all not at one point chosen one above the other?

Reflect, please.

-JB

Learning to Love

Hello,

Its been a while since I last typed anything here... I did have a lot to say, but life has become so busy and complicated that I really never got the chance. Its mid-October 2006... another two months and the next year will begin. Sigh! This year literally flew by. I've learnt many things these past few months, but the most important lesson I recently learnt is that one must learn to love oneself above all. That is the only way one can be truly happy throughout life.

Sounds quite self-centred and selfish, but it is really true!
Try it ;)

Keep loving, and learning always!

-JB

The Worst Teacher

I happened to read my horoscope a few days ago, and it said- "This year will be the hardest year of your entire life"! Well, not that I'm a firm believer in the Zodiac, but things have been quite testing lately, and life does seem to be getting more and more challenging with each new dawn! Yes, fate had a bit to do with the whole scenario, but mostly it was the choices I made in the last few months.

Ah, yes... choices... How do you know if your choices are good ones, right ones? Or what the outcomes of your choices will be? I believe that is the biggest challenge of life itself- the choices you have to make and then live with.

As a wise man once said, "Experience is the worst teacher; It gives the lesson after the test."
How true.

-JB

Erase and Rewind...?

I read the most interesting quote today by some guy called Robert Quillen. It goes:

"Character is defined by what you stand for. Reputation by what you fall for."

Is that true, or what?!

Throughout our lives after the age of thirteen, I guess, we evolve on a daily basis into whom we are to the world, to the people who know us or know of us. Our outlooks, perceptions, ideas, likes, dislikes, all become defined with the passage of time depending on our absorbtion and interaction with our world. How true then to say that our characters are defined by what we stand for and believe in, while at the same time our reputations develop with our falls and poor choices in life.

Be strong always,

-JB

2006... here i come!

Hello people!!!

Gosh... i've totally neglected my blog, haven't I?!

The truth be told, wrapping up 2005 was a hard and tedious process.

Life took me through many twists and turns, and there were moments when i feared the worst, and prayed for the best outcomes... but all's well that ends well, right?

Well, 2006 is here with a BANG! and although there were tons of 'downs' that were down in the dumps... I noticed that the few 'ups' that I found along the way were beautifully invigorating and rejuvenating. There were simple moments, small things which made me feel so lucky to be alive and well.

And this is my message to you today: Enjoy life as it comes.
It's never going to be perfect, so why burn your blood trying to make it perfect?!

-JB

Just Like A Prayer

Hi,

Haven't written much lately... I was suffering from some new and improved version of 'writer's block', in which the symptoms happened to be that while I searched for words to read ( as in, books), but avoided to write any(not even one decent paragraph!)!

Adding to this state of mental procrastination was the tragic earthquake that hit and very literally shook the foundations of my beloved Pakistan. The news updates on the victims and the survivors were shocking. I was moved, pained, and at the same time guided towards the deeper meaning of it all in my mind.

It could have been me, I thought. It could have been my loved ones! The very thought of any harm coming to my two little bundles of joy can transform me into a madwoman... and yet women survived the quake only to find they had lost their sons and husbands, and siblings. A sad reality. Makes you realize all at once, that life really is not in our control; that there is a higher power controlling our fates, our futures.

While many say that the earthquake is a punishment from our Creator; I believe that it is infact a test, with a warning hidden in it. The test: face whatever comes your way; fight it to the best of your abilities laced with an iron-clad faith. The warning: you are a mere mortal, don't play God!

I pray for those who died, and those who lost their people in the devastating quake that hit some parts of Asia. May their souls rest in peace. Amen!

Don't take life for granted. Ever.
Take care, my dears....

-JB

.......

We learn new things everyday. We learn from our mistakes the most. And sadly enough we make the same mistakes over and over again. Life is not about living anymore, it's all about the survival of it. The existence we have depends on so many things, we are infact just a part of our own existence.

This has dawned on me today. I dont know why exactly, but it's there in my head swirling round and round in the nothingness that is my brain....

hmmm.... food for thought from a me to you,

-JaneBravo

Incomplete

"I go on pretending like I never knew you...
I'm awake, but my world is half asleep..."

-Incomplete
Performed by the Backstreet Boys

Yet another lovely touching ballad by the suave-looking backstreet boys. Ofcourse, they are anything but a 'boy' gang from your run of the mill 'backstreet'...!

I am in love with this song people!!!!! Actually the poetry is boootiful... a must-listen in dreamy summer rain kind of weather :) when you're driving around feeling a little loved, a little lost and a little lonely!

Check it out, please!

-JaneBravo

Let the Monsoons begin

Hi people...
...it rained today; beautiful, lovely rain! All the greenery became greener, the birds looked happier and the hot and dry, parched earth absorbed as much cool water into itself as it possibly could. As I sat on the steps of my mother's kitchen back entrance, I smelled the fresh breeze as it touched my face, making me feel alive... and happy to be alive!

On the ghastly (down) side, however... later on the seven o'clock news I heard that six people died in the brutal arrival on monsoon, and it also left thirteen people badly injured! Ufffffff! Also, roads all over Lahore, including the really really posh localities were badly flooded and were inaccesible to most people. This made me quite depressed.

What am I trying to tell you? Something like: One man's trash is another man's treasure!? Ummm, not exactly... Think.

I wish the government would make our country a cleaner, safer place to live in. I mean if we can't cope with the monsoon rains, how can we begin to talk about nuclear peace and national security? Scary thought, truly.

Wake up, people... the rain didn't make the grass greener on the other side.

-JaneBravo

Un Bon Serviteur

I may be different than you,
but that doesn't make me bad.
When you tease and make fun of me,
it makes me very sad.
I may not be as smart,
or as attractive as you.
But I am still human,
and my heart can break in two.
I have special things about me,
I think you would agree,
If instead of laughing,
you would take the time to see.

I really loved this poem when I read it. Just sharing...

-JaneBravo

How bad can a goodbye be???

There's something about goodbyes that scares the hell out of me! They seem so permanent, and so irreversible! Yes, yes, I know people say things like: Absence makes the heart grow fonder... but then what about: Out of sight, out of mind?? Interesting.

How does one say goodbye to one they share a bond with, a history with? Tears arent a very good idea. Too dramatic! They seem to add to the tension and sadness. Hugs are nice, I guess, but not too clingy! Its always nice to say goodbye with a parting gift, sort of a forget-me-not kind of thing...

But its still going to be excrutiating... all this business of saying goodbye.

Anyway dear readers, let your loved ones know you love them when they are with you; dont wait for the goodbye moment! Take care you all...

-JaneBravo

Judging Jane

I judged too much today. When I pointed a finger at my friend, I pointed three back at myself. I realised too late the hurt I had initiated. I regret it to this minute. Experience is the worst teacher, it gives the lesson after the test!

-JaneBravo

Fight Club

My message for today is:

"A small cut is better than a deep wound"

Just think about it. Fight the fights that are worth fighting. Motivate yourself to win. And dont worry about the small cuts you may have to bear. These will heal sooner or later.

-JaneBravo

Culture Club

Hello Readers,

I have no profound truths and thoughts to share with you today! I would instead like to introduce to you a very interesting pakistan-based website. I personally feel this website caters to a variety of tastes. I also think that the rewaj.com forum helps the younger generation exchange their views values. If you have ten minutes to kill, do check it out(Click on the title to access the mentioned site).

-JaneBravo