POV

How I see myself is incredibly important. Without a positive self-image, I can start believing that I'm not valuable.

So, here I am, pouring out my thoughts about myself so that I will always remember who I was.

- I have always viewed myself as a tall woman with a great body, a good personality, and a strong sense of honor. I believed I was a successful, elegant, and respectable lady.

- I also see myself as someone who is intelligent, and someone you don't want to mess with.

- I am someone who always gets what I want if I'm set to it, rich, has a stable job, and I am pretty, despite what everyone is trying to picture me as to bring me down.

- I like my coffee time, so every morning I drive my car and stop at ZUS to buy coffee. At lunch, I either order takeout, or I will just cook my own meal.

- I like running and sports. I'm fit, healthy, and have good stamina.

- I'm disciplined. I don't break character by engaging in bad behavior, such as cursing, backbiting, jealousy, arrogance, or thinking that I'm better than anyone else. I own my mistakes, and I'm brave enough to seek forgiveness when I am wrong. I'm unique in my own way, and I don't need others' validation to feel complete.

- In relationships, whether with friends or a lover, if you like me, then act like it. Love me for who I am, and don't take advantage of my kindness. As I have nothing to lose, I am happy being alone. I don't need anybody, but surely you need me. I have no desire to be like everyone else. I love deeply and will stay loyal. If you don't appreciate me, then I will be gone from your life.

- I love fashion, cute things, and both colorful, bright, and dark styles. I love beautiful things. I keep it minimalist because it's luxurious. I also like vintage and modest fashion.

- I love books. I want to be beauty with brains. And to make sure no one can take advantage of me with religion, I'm learning my own religion the correct way, as being stupid is harder than studying.

- I am committed to whatever I have in my life, whether it is my debts, my relationships, or my workouts. I feel content and happy with everything that I have, and I avoid being jealous of someone else's blessings.

- I know my boundaries when interacting with both women and men. Those who are close to me get to see the unique side of me. As for my enemies, they can continue to hate me if they choose to. Just don't show your face in front of me. Get lost. You're not worth my energy or my time.

- Overall, I'm happy with myself and by myself. I enjoy being alone, and I can have fun on my own.

We spend so much time looking at others that we sometimes forget to look within ourselves. This is my view of who I am.

What about you? If you had to describe yourself honestly and kindly, what would you say? What do you see in yourself that makes you unique?

Budget Skincare Battle: Did My Watsons Gems Actually Work? (7-Month Review on Wardah, Glad2Glow, and More!)

Assalamualaikum and hi, beauties!

Wehh, finally Part 2 dah sampai! Ini sambungan untuk skincare journey baru saya dengan budget-friendly gems – The Watsons Edition. Siapa yang miss haul awal-awal tu, klik sini cepat 👉 PART 1

Its been 7 months... dalam journey budget skincare baru versi Watsons ni. Gais, nak saya terus terang ke tak ni? Jawapannya... keep reading, hehe.

💛 Soft Skin Profile Disclaimer

Untuk yang baru join, kulit wajah saya acne-prone, jenis combine (oily dan dry skin) dan ada pimple scar sikit-sikit. Yelah, disclaimer awal-awal, setiap orang ada jenis kulit yang berbeza-beza. Ini journey saya untuk find back way to love own body and skin, okay?

---

🔎 The 7-Month Product Review: Boleh Jalan ke Tak?

Seven months pakai set ni, dah cukup lama untuk test sama ada produk ni power atau zero. Jom kita review satu-satu.

Product	Focus of Review	Rating	Verdict
Wardah Perfect Bright Face Wash	Dry Effect yang Kena Cepat. Dia gel face wash, wangi, tapi aduh, lepas pakai tu rasa tegang dan dry effect dia kuat. Kena cepat-cepat prep muka. Tak berapa sesuai untuk kulit saya.	3/10	REPLACE!
Wardah Lightening Face Toner	Just Nice, Tapi Slow. Dia buat kulit rasa smooth dan nampak cerah, tapi slowly lah. Toner ni takde buat acne rasa pedih ke apa, just nice.	5/10	REPLACE.
Glad2Glow Niacinamide Serum	Rasa Macam Air Gula. Seriouslah, serum felt like nothing. Bila apply kat tangan tu rasa macam melekit-lekit lepas pakai. Effect dekat acne pun tak nampak.	1/10	REPLACE.
Alia Salicylic Acid Moisturiser	Good for Night Only. Gel moisturizer ni memang sesuai untuk pakai waktu malam. Kalau pakai waktu pagi, dia buat muka saya semakin berpeluh. Lambat nak serap, yelah namanya pun gel.	4/10	REPLACE.
Wardah Aqua Fresh Sunscreen	Senang Tanggal Gila. Sunscreen dia sangat cair dan mudah tanggal. Sesuai kalau short term je. Kalau dah cuci muka atau berpeluh, memang kena reapply cepat-cepat. Tapi at least dia buat muka moisturized.	5/10	REPLACE.
Safi Youth Gold Retinol	Terpaksa Stop (TTC). Saya stop using it sebab tengah TTC. Dapat advice dari sister saya. Tapi so far masa saya pakai dulu takde negative effect apa-apa pun.	0/10	REPLACED.

Selama 7 bulan ni, saya dh buat ikut rutin, dan commited dgn pemakaian skin care, but sometime I skip some of product, when it triggers my acne. Yelah, kita kan ada monthly cycle of hormone, so itu juga bagi effect pada kulit saya.

The Kesimpulan: Harga Letak Tepi!

I decide to replace all of it because, it doesn’t enough to help my skin. I have purchased a new skincare product set name Cosmoderm. It's a bit pricey but still within my skincare budget.

The set came with face wash, toner, serum, and a moisturizer. For sunscreen, currently I'm using Skintific Matte Sunscreen SPF 50+.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, I have a new mind set, yang skincare product saya kena cukup untuk kulit saya dan bukan cukup ikut wallet saya. So I buy this new product with a thought, harga letak tepi.

InsyaAllah, for this new set of skincare product, I will come with Part 3, to review my skincare journey.

Love yourself devotedly so that no else can get to your own judgement about yourself. Don’t let people destroy you.

Standing in Solidarity: Wishing the Conscience Flotilla Sumud a Safe Passage to Gaza

In a world often overwhelmed by complex geopolitical issues, there are moments when simple acts of human compassion shine through as beacons of hope. One such moment is encapsulated in the mission of the Conscience Flotilla Sumud, a key part of the larger Global Sumud Flotilla. As they embark (or have embarked) on their journey, my heart, and undoubtedly the hearts of many, are with them, wishing for a safe sail and a secure arrival in Gaza.

Why This Mission Matters

For years, the people of Gaza have lived under a restrictive blockade, severely limiting their access to essential goods, medical supplies, and even the basic freedoms that many of us take for granted. This blockade has created a humanitarian crisis, impacting every aspect of daily life for over two million people.

The Conscience Flotilla Sumud is more than just a collection of boats carrying aid; it represents a powerful statement of global solidarity. It's a testament to the belief that access to humanitarian aid should never be politicized or denied. On board are brave activists, medical professionals, journalists, and advocates from around the world, all united by a common purpose: to deliver much-needed supplies and to peacefully challenge a blockade that continues to inflict immense suffering.

The Power of Hope and Action

While the journey is often fraught with challenges and potential obstacles, the resolve of those involved is unwavering. Their courage reminds us that even in the face of immense difficulties, hope and collective action can drive change. Each wave they cut through carries with it the hopes of countless individuals who believe in a more just and equitable world.

This flotilla is a physical manifestation of compassion, aiming to alleviate suffering and to bring global attention back to a situation that demands urgent resolution. It is a symbol that the world has not forgotten Gaza.

My Wish for a Safe Arrival

To all the incredible individuals sailing with the Conscience Flotilla Sumud, I extend my heartfelt wishes for a safe passage and a successful arrival. May your mission be unhindered, your cargo delivered, and your message of peace and justice heard loud and clear. May you return home safely, knowing you have made a profound difference.

Their journey is a reminder to all of us that we have a role to play in advocating for human rights and supporting those who champion humanitarian causes. Let us continue to raise our voices, share their story, and stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza.

#ConscienceFlotilla #GlobalSumudFlotilla #FreeGaza #HumanitarianAid #SolidarityWithGaza #SafePassage

From Sabotage to Self-Trust: The Remedy 💖

Recognizing the pattern of self-sabotage is the first step toward breaking it. If you see yourself in this story, understand that your behavior isn't malicious; it's a defense mechanism born from fear. The key to healing lies in shifting your focus from controlling your partner's actions to nurturing your own emotional safety. This begins with a powerful journey toward **self-trust**. (Read about the realization in Part 1: The Realization—When Pain Becomes a Comfort).

Here are some steps to begin your healing journey:

1. Acknowledge Your Triggers. 🤔 Start paying attention to the situations that make you want to create conflict. Is it when things are going too well? When you've made a mistake? Journaling can help you uncover these patterns and the underlying emotions.
2. Practice Radical Self-Trust. 💪🌸 When you feel the urge to seek validation or reassurance from your partner, pause. Ask yourself: "What do I need right now?" Can you provide that comfort for yourself? This practice shifts the power back to you. It's about being enough for yourself first, so you're not relying on your partner to fill a void that only you can fill.
3. Reclaim Your Emotional Safety. 🛡️🌺 Your safety shouldn't depend on someone else's behavior. This means learning to **say no** when you're uncomfortable, setting healthy boundaries based on self-respect, and prioritizing your own well-being. By taking care of your own needs and validating your own feelings, you'll naturally reduce your need for external proof. Your safety will come from within, not from your partner's actions.

The ultimate goal isn't just to stop the cycle of pain. It's to build a foundation of inner strength and **self-love** so solid that you can finally open yourself up to the possibility of a truly healthy and happy relationship. Breaking this cycle is not a sign of weakness; it's an act of immense courage. It's a journey of healing your past so you can finally receive the love you've always deserved. ✨❤️

Back to Part 1: The Realization ↩️

When Pain Becomes a Comfort: The Realization 💔

Have you ever found yourself in a relationship where, deep down, you're secretly wishing for your partner to treat you badly? It sounds strange and painful, but it's a real paradox: "Treat me badly so I don't feel bad." 😥

This isn't about craving hurt. It's about escaping the overwhelming weight of guilt and the terror of disappointment. It's an act of **self-sabotage**, where we provoke our own unhappiness to maintain a twisted sense of control. This pattern often stems from a deep-seated fear that we are fundamentally flawed and will inevitably let our partners down. The constant "what ifs" consume us: *What if I mess up? What if they see the real me and leave? What if I disappoint them?*

For people caught in this cycle, the internal anxiety of potential failure is unbearable. So, they decide to force the outcome. They act out, start arguments, or create conflict. When their partner reacts with frustration or hurt, it's a grim relief ⛓️. That pain becomes a form of twisted absolution—a self-inflicted punishment that temporarily silences the crushing guilt and fear. It confirms the internal narrative: "I knew I was bad, and here's the proof."

This is also where the **comfort of the familiar** comes in. If past relationships or childhood experiences were filled with conflict and emotional instability, a peaceful, healthy partnership can feel strange and threatening.

The pain of a strained relationship, while awful, is a known quantity. It confirms our deepest, most destructive beliefs about ourselves: that we are unworthy of unconditional love. By keeping the relationship in a state of turmoil, we avoid the terrifying vulnerability that comes with true happiness. We don't have to face the fear of being fully seen and still being loved. Instead, we retreat to the familiar emotional "home" of hurt.

Continue to Part 2: The Remedy 👉

The Power of Fullness: How to Love Without Losing Yourself

I love you, but I don’t beg for crumbs of your affection. I share my needs, but I won’t force you to change. I am whole on my own, and our marriage is a beautiful addition to my life—not the definition of it. This isn't about being emotionally distant; it's about loving from a place of strength, not desperation.

In a healthy marriage, both partners come from a place of emotional fullness.

The Cup Metaphor: Fullness vs. Emptiness

Imagine your heart is a cup. If your cup is empty, you'll constantly feel a nagging need for your husband to fill it. You’ll demand his time, attention, and affection, turning love into a source of pressure and anxiety.

Now, imagine your cup is already full. It's overflowing with faith, personal growth, meaningful connections, and self-care. When your husband pours into it, that love doesn't just fill you up—it overflows with joy. It becomes a shared happiness, not a demanded one.

This is what it means to take responsibility for your own contentment. You free your husband from the impossible burden of being your "source of life." His joy and freedom no longer feel like a threat because your own happiness is already grounded and steady.

---

Finding Your Fullness Through Faith

For a wife, this fullness comes from within. It’s nurtured by practices that ground the heart and soul:

• Ibadah: Our prayers, dua, and connection to the Quran fill us with an undeniable peace.

• Personal Growth: Investing in hobbies, learning new skills, and nurturing our creativity.

• Self-Care: Prioritizing rest, health, and emotional balance.

When a wife cultivates these things, she becomes a source of sakinah in her marriage.

What is Sakinah? It’s more than just calmness. The Quran describes it as a special tranquility from Allah that makes the heart steady, even during the most difficult trials.

"It is He who sent down tranquility (sakinah) into the hearts of the believers." (QS Al-Fath 48:4)

---

The Strength of the Believer

This internal strength is also what the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ spoke of when he said:

"The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, while there is good in both." (Sahih Muslim, Book 33, Hadith 2664)

This "strength" isn't just physical. It’s an inner resilience built on faith (tawakkul), patience, and emotional willpower. It’s the ability to find your peace in Allah first, so that your happiness isn't fully dependent on others.

So, when I say "seek his attention from fullness," I mean: "I already feel joy, peace, and worth. When you give me attention, it's a sweet addition. But even without it, I remain whole."

What does "fullness" look like in your life? Share your thoughts below.

This Is Love –それが愛だった– · kami xxvoice Japanese + English Lyrics Translation ( This Is Love - What Love Really Meant )

This Is Love –それが愛だった– by kami xxvoice

Original Japanese Lyrics

愛が何か分からなかった

優しくされても

何故か怖かった

でもあなたの目は

傷つくことを恐れず

ただ私をそっと見つめた

 

「大丈夫だよ」って

その言葉だけで

私の心の壁は

ゆっくりと溶けていった

 

This is love

もしもこれが愛ならば

辛くても美しいんだ

壊れそうな夜でも

ひとりじゃないんだと

掴んでくれた手が

今でも温かい

やっと分かった

これが愛なんだ

 

強くなりたいって言ってた

本当は誰より甘えたかった

あなたがくれた愛は

形はなかった

でも一番深くて、リアルで

ダイヤも言葉も

なくてもいいんだと

沈黙の温もりが

すべてだった

 

This is love

言葉なんかじゃ足りない

不器用でも本物なんだ

繋いでた手の記憶が

今でも生きてる

そばにいる気がする

過去も未来も越えて

やっと知った

これが愛なんだ

 

愛は完璧じゃない

それでも離れなかったね

失ってから気付くなんて酷だね

でもあの時は

嘘じゃなかった

あなたの心も、手も、痛みも

全部感じていた

戻れないけど願う、どこかで

あなたの今日が

温かいものでありますように

 

This is love

気付かされたんだ

誰かの幸せを祈れること

それが愛なんだと

たとえ離れても

あなたの名前がまだ胸にある

痛みの中で微笑む

だってこれが愛だった

そう、これが愛だった

 

English Translation

 

I didn't know what love was

When I was treated kindly

For some reason, I was scared

But your eyes

Weren't afraid to get hurt

You just looked at me softly

 

"Are you okay?"

With just those words

The wall around my heart

Slowly melted

 

This is love

If this is love

Even if it's painful, it's beautiful

Even on nights that feel like they're breaking

I'm not alone

The hands that held me

Are still warm now

I finally see

This is love

 

I always said I wanted to be strong

But the truth is, I wanted to be spoiled more than anyone

The love you gave me

Had no shape

But it was the deepest and most real

No diamond, no words

But that was enough

The warmth of silence

Was everything

 

This is love

Words aren't enough

Even if it's clumsy, it's real

The memory of our connected hands

Is still alive

I feel like you're by my side

Transcending the past and future

I finally know

This is love

 

Love ain't perfect

But we still didn't part

It's cruel to realize after losing it, isn't it?

But at that moment

It wasn't a lie

Your heart, your touch, your pain

I felt it all

I can't go back, but I wish, somewhere

That your today

Will be a warm one

 

This is love

I realized that

Being able to pray for someone else's happiness

Is love

Even if we part

Your name is still in my heart

And I smile through the pain

'Cause this was love

Yeah, this was love

 

Thanks for reading.