Liebster Award

I would like to start off by saying that I am completely blown away and honored to be nominated for the Liebster award. The sweet and very talented Nia nominated me. Nia’s blog titled ‘Reflections and Life Lessons’ sheds light on various topics, which Nia explores in depth. She uses anecdotes from her own life to teach the reader a moral. My favorite part of her posts are the ‘Time to Focus on You’ sections, in which she allows her readers to analyze and assess their own views on the topic.

In order to accept this nomination, I must answer 10 questions that Nia has put together and then follow the rules that are listed below.

Nia’s 10 Questions for Me:

1) What caused you to start writing?
I started writing poetry during my first year of college. It might sound crazy, but it was as if a voice in my head was speaking the words that I was meant to write. I would get in these random moods when I just wanted to be left alone with my journal and pen. Overtime, writing became a bonding time with myself.

2) What does writing/having a blog mean to you?
Writing is extremely special to me. In the past, writing was very personal and private, however, after a few years of writing, I felt more comfortable sharing it. After hearing a handful of people tell me that my writing was meant to be heard, I decided to do just that. My blog is way to share personal pieces of myself with strangers. It allows me to be vulnerable, which is something that I struggled with in the past.

3) How does the different parts of your identity (i.e cultural, gender identity, occupation, etc) influence your writing?
My identity as a young, ethnic, driven woman has definitely influenced my writing. A lot of my poems talk about my experiences growing up, as a woman, trying to find meaning beyond my role as a daughter, girlfriend, sister, etc. I feel that writing on dark topics outside of the norm (such as depression) has broken that mold and allowed me to be my own strong voice.

4) What caused you to start a blog?
I used to only write in my journal. I started my blog as another, more public outlet of my work. I view my blog as a memoir. It is something that I will look back on years from now, read and cherish.

5) What do you do in your free time?
I am currently studying for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). This takes up most of my free time. Becoming a doctor is something that I’ve wanted ever since I was a child so devoting my time to that is an investment for my future. I am also a private tutor for kids and teenagers. Learning and teaching are both things that I enjoy, along with writing and cooking.

6) Do you have a favorite theme/subject to write about? If so, what is it? Why is it your favorite?
If you’ve read my blogs, you know that I’m a sucker for love. Love is definitely my favorite subject to write about, because it is the root of all of our happiness and all of our troubles. Love begins with growth and ends with loss. It is very much like life. I believe this is why it is my favorite.

7) What are some things that you would like to do in your free time?
I would like to spend more time meditating and practicing yoga. I would also love to travel the world and delve into different cultures and lands.

8) What are some places you would like to travel to and visit?
Portugal, Philippines, Netherlands, Bulgaria, Australia, Maldives, Brazil, Malaysia, Lebanon, Japan, Iceland, Italy, France, Fiji, Colombia, Belize, Greece, Thailand, Switzerland, Spain, Singapore, and many more!!!

9) How would you describe yourself?
I would describe myself as a loving, vivacious, charismatic, bold, adventurous, sensitive, loyal, and ambitious soul. I am constantly growing and reflecting, as I feel that there is always room for improvement.

10) What are the top 3 best compliments you ever received?
This is hard! But most likely:
“You bring out the best in me”
“I could love you with my eyes closed”
“I am proud of you”

Rules:

• Create a new post thanking the person who nominated you, provide a link to their blog.
• Include award graphic.
• Answer the questions provided.
• Make a new set of 10 questions for your nominees to answer.
• Nominate 10 recently followed bloggers and share your post with them so they see it.

10 Questions for My Nominees to Answer:

1) What/Who inspired you to start writing and how long have you been writing for?
2) Do you have other creative hobbies besides writing? (painting, playing musical instruments, cooking, etc.)
3) What do you do for work?
4) What do you do for fun?
5) Is there a certain place or time when most of your writing ideas come about?
6) Do you write in a journal, diary, etc. or only on your blog?
7) Any future goals or plans related to writing?
8) Are there any pieces of your work that you have never shared with another individual?
9) Do you like to read as much as you like to write?
10) What is a random fact about you that not many people know about?

My 10 Nominations:

My Valiant Soul
Roth Poetry
Ricardo Sexton
She’s A Seeker
Percolating Poetry
Moonlight Scrivener
Grumpy Gorman
Dr. Perry
Fortunately Human
Frank Solanki

And a special thank you to everyone on WordPress who has inspired me or acknowledged me!

© 2017 Rulla Alani All Rights Reserved