— metanoia
[ meh - ta - noy - ah ] • Greek
(n.) the journey of changing one’s mind, heart, self, or way of life
Hello friend! This publication is a digital diary, an experiment, a devotion, and in a way, my own metanoia.
What is the Lisa Simpson Syndrome?
I got my first diary in 2008 and it has become a dear habit of mine to write down all of my feelings, worries and experiences ever since. Words are important to me: I love the science of language, reading and, above all, writing. This newsletter is my attempt to share a passion & find a community as I navigate through adulthood while trying to stay sane. Absolutely not me procrastinating on essays and term papers.
My intention is for this to become a safe space for anyone willing to take on their own journey along with me. This newsletter covers topics that are ever-present in my daily life - healing, adulthood, queerness, feminism, pop culture, media, literature and lots and lots of feelings! My publications may appear in form of essays, cultural studies, analyses, critical thoughts and complaints or poems and musings! It’s for me to grow and learn, and for you, I hope a place of comfort and sincerity.
You are welcome to subscribe for free and get one to two newsletters a month in your inbox 💌
Behind the scenes
You can call me Maryam /ˈmɜːriəm/ (she/her), a name that both holds great meaning for me personally & protects my identity for now (I humbly ask you to respect my anonymity - I have nothing to hide from you, it’s just closeted immigrant child shenanigans, you know the drill). I am 21, struggle with the fact that I am, in fact, 21, and fought for my life to drop out of engineering to major in english & comp lit instead (immigrant child shenanigans pt.2). Art shapes my existence and I aspire to be an established writer and move away from a peripheral small city that makes me feel like a Lisa Simpson of her own.
Let’s connect!
This newsletter is a project that is meant to help me practice and improve my writing, share parts of myself which I withhold from my environment (what better place for honesty than the internet, right?) and establish a platform to take a step towards my dreams. Above all, I am extremely happy to build a community and become friends! Hi!
I might appear to be rather inactive on social media, but I’ve made accounts in order to connect with you! Feel free to message and follow me on Instagram.
I also publish a lot more optimistic and lot less messy essays and analyses on pop culture, literature & media on Medium!
I am immensely grateful for anyone interacting with me & my newsletter! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my writing and be myself. I truly appreciate your support, involvement and in all its simplicity, your presence here. Thank you.
XOXO, Gossip Girl.
Just kidding.
With love,
Maryam XOXO
On a sidenote, I am very open to criticism and advice about my writing! Anything to help me evolve. Thank you!
