Is it just me, or is the world getting weirder by the day? Algorithms have morphed into these judgmental divas, and keeping up with the speed of content creation feels like trying to navigate through Vancouver traffic during rush hour - exhausting doesn’t even cover it. How did we even end up here? When did every ounce of my creativity become a commodity, and when did creating for the sheer joy of it turn into the boogeyman lurking in the shadows?
Ah, the boogeyman of imposter syndrome, a figment of our overactive imaginations. All this time, thinking I wasn’t consistent in my creativity, I’ve realized it’s a complete hoax. I am a creative being, and the cadence of my social media posts does not define me. I’ve been using these platforms as a playground since the dawn of their existence, a portfolio to showcase my marketing skills which has helped in the growth of my career in sales, a place to share my soul at my own pace, and an expression to figure myself out. But let’s be real, the algorithm has thrown a wrench in our creative gears, making us believe our lives and professional pursuits are only valid online. We've become digital addicts, chasing likes, comments, and new streams of revenue like a fashionista hunting for designer labels during a Holt Renfrew sale.
But, you know what? I’m reclaiming my power this June, rewriting my story, and I hope it inspires you to slow down and do the same.
Repeat after me: “I don't need to operate at warp speed to feel worthy.”
To all of you who’ve loved my tutorials, reels, and pushed me to keep creating, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your support means the world to me, but let’s be real, it’s a struggle to keep up. The endless hours of production, the constant pressure to outdo myself, and the emotional rollercoaster of engagement rates. It's enough to drive anyone bananas.
So, what’s a digital creative soul to do? How do you balance serving others with staying true to your own path? How do you outshine AI and algorithms without losing your authenticity?
You slow down.
Remember, that every spiritual practice and piece of wisdom you’ve ever read tells you to let things happen organically. Create from a place that nourishes your soul and trust that it will find the right people at the right time. I’ll be honest, keeping up with my own lofty creative goals has been draining. It’s why I’ve sometimes felt disconnected from my work. Sure, I’ve been rolling deep in the beauty biz for two decades, and I live for fashion and style—they’re part of my DNA. But beyond the glitz, it’s about how we treat ourselves.
We’re overworked, overlooked, disconnected yet way too internet connected, and quite frankly we’re over this whole perfection game. It’s time we give ourselves the grace to be our beautiful, non-performative, naturally attractive selves. When do we stop living through screens and start embracing the here and now? Why can’t we revel in our own beauty and the richness of life without feeling like we have to monetize every hobby?
Maybe it’s time to say, “Screw it,” and consider going analog—phones and cameras altogether. Too much? Maybe, but you get the gist.
Fashion friends, I hereby shamelessly declare that my plate is full. I’m a 38-year-old woman who’s been through the wringer in relationships. I found my dream career in the midst of chaos. I spend a lot of time offline enhancing my faith, being there for friends and family, chasing my career and personal dreams, and just kicking back in my cute lil apartment binge-watching "Sex and the City" and Loic Prigent YouTube documentaries. I’m just like you, figuring out how to navigate the grocery store's overpriced produce aisle, plotting my solo trips around the world, dreaming of owning real estate in Vancouver BC, and dodging questions about my love life. When I walked away from a past life, I didn’t know choosing independence would be scrutinized, that I'd go through a mid-life crisis, decide to become a single mother, then decide I didn’t want to go about it alone, and then reconsider having kids altogether. But I’ve come to accept that I can flow with life, let the universe work its magic in its own time, without caving to societal pressures. Protecting my inner peace is non-negotiable. It wasn’t easy watching others move forward while my life seemed to stand still, but I made it through. The solitude I sought, the charade of dating—all led me to embrace my singleness and unique perspectives. It’s okay to be different, to march to your own beat, to want a partnership without the confines of signing a marriage contract, and to accept that life may or may not have kids in it. Our modern world allows for that. I refuse to be defined by my relationship or online status; I’m simply Ayesha, on her journey, just like we all are, regardless of who we share our space with.
My life is as stunning as a Jacquemus design. Chic, minimalistic, yet whimsical in style. It may not compare to the grandeur of Cartier and Van Cleef in others' lives, but it’s still chic, it’s fresh, it’s innovative, playful, and enough for me. I am enough, exactly where I am, and it’s ok to want a life lived more offline than on, and it’s ok to believe that what’s meant for me will truly come knocking at my door.
So, without further ado, what have I learned from all this?
The algorithms can kiss my caboose.
I’m exactly where I need to be, and what’s meant for me won’t pass me by.
I’ll create at my own pace, online and off.
I’ll live life without expectations, extend grace to myself and others, and stop taking things personally.
Life’s a beautiful mess, a masterpiece of playful sophistication. It takes a complex soul to understand and embrace the beauty of engaging with aesthetics while remembering that not everything that shines is gold.
Always remember, you’re exactly where you need to be, deserving of all luxuries and desires without desperation, without struggling against the current. Let life flow downstream effortlessly, its natural course.
I know it’s mid-month, but here’s to wishing you a slow & soulful June. May the rest of this month give you the grace to accept yourself at your own pace, not at the speed dictated by the world and technology around you. You are in control.
With love and style,
Ayesha
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