​

Just the other day, I opened my Instagram App to find a simple yet puzzling DM.

​

“ What do you mean?” it read.

​

Normally I'd brush off such messages.

​

But this one was from someone I hold in high esteem - my mentor, my teacher and my guide.

This moment felt like navigating through an emotional traffic jam.

My initial response was to react quickly, honking my horn with a ton of messages to show my mentor what I meant.

​

But, I chose a different route.

​

I decided to “Zoom Out.”
​

To “Zoom Out” was a choice to take a detour.

Distancing me from the chaotic traffic of my thoughts.

It allowed me to step back.

​

And to view the situation from a bird’s eye view, seeing the bigger picture beyond the immediate rush of worry and confusion.

With a calmer mind, I revisited the conversation.

I realized my mentor might have misunderstood a part of a comment chain of one of the visuals I’d posted on Instagram.

​

After composing a thoughtful reply to clarify, I received a kind response from him, acknowledging his initial confusion.
​

This experience taught me a few lessons.

​

• The Weight of Words: When we deeply respect someone, their words can carry immense weight, impacting our emotions significantly.
• The Power of Misunderstanding: Even those we look up to can misunderstand us. It’s essential to remember that we give ourselves (and them) the chance to clarify and understand the situation.
• The Need for Self-Awareness: Misunderstandings can show up like fog on a busy road, but self-awareness is like the set of fog lights in front of our cars. They cut through the mist and improve visibility to help us move forward with ease.

​

Now, this week I invite you to reflect on a recent interaction that may have left you unsettled.

Consider the energy within you and around you, created out of misunderstanding.

Similarly, notice the role of self-awareness in navigating an overwhelming situation.

​

And ask yourself:

1. How was I feeling then?
2. How did those feelings affect me?
3. What would have been the best route to take in that situation?

​

Feel free to share your insights with me.
​

It’s about choosing to take a detour and respond with calmness and intention.

It’s not about reacting on autopilot and honking the horn in distress.

Let’s embrace the journey of navigating our emotions with mindfulness and care.
​

Wishing you a week of smooth travels and meaningful connections.

​

Khatija

​

P.S. Have you had an opportunity to “Zoom Out” recently to distance yourself from your emotional traffic jam? I’d love to hear about your experience and how it helped you. Let’s share our journeys and learn from each other's routes.

​
​