It’s been at the back of my mind that the first anniversary of my starting Book Nomad must be round about now. I remember starting it, then very quickly finding myself having to record in Ramadan and thinking, “hmm, maybe this wasn’t the best timing”. Alhamdu Lillah, the timing was perfect because it got me here.
It turns out it was 13th May 2018. One year (and a day) later, I’m still a bit bewildered by the fact that I run a podcast: I offer my thoughts, about complex issues, IN PUBLIC! And on top of that, I ask other people if they would join me to do it!
This is a good opportunity to stop and take a step back, so I thought I’d share a few reflections on my journey so far. I hope they might help you to think about your own journeys.
What I’m learning (it’s a learn-forget-relearn process):
- My particular experiences in life have given me something of value to offer and sharing that is a good thing;
- Other people’s experiences in life have given them something of value to offer and listening is a good thing;
- Finding the balance between the responsibility that comes with expressing ideas in public and learning through mistakes is really hard, but possible with humility;
- Only through turning to Allah can I succeed at this (or anything else);
- People are much more willing to collaborate, encourage and jump on board than my self-doubting voice wants me to think;
- Intention, intention, intention, intention (intention)!
What I’d like to work on:
- Bringing in more perspectives, book-wise and guest-wise, from outside Western frames of reference;
- Gaining further clarity on the most beneficial way to approach discussing books;
- Adding nuance and going deeper below the surface;
- Finding out more about what you want to hear on the podcast;
- Hosting an episode with TWO guests!
I also want to thank my guests so far who were generous with their time and enthusiasm, added so much value to the discussions and gave me a major boost of confidence in this project: Assia, Houda, Zakia and Sina.
Finally, I want to thank all of you who are so open in sharing ideas, kind when disagreeing and generally supportive. It’s a pleasure to share this space with you all. Please forgive me for anything I have or will say that is inaccurate or insensitively worded. I hope you will hold me accountable, in a kind and constructive manner, when this happens.
I look forward to continuing to grow and learn for another year, or as long as it is beneficial, in sha Allah.
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