Nedra Nuggets

3 weeks ago | nedratawwab.substack.com | Nedra Tawwab

If you’ve been following me on social media for a while, you’ve probably come across a typo. That’s because I’m not a perfectionist. Sometimes, I don’t even proofread until after I post. I honestly believe the universe is the ultimate editor. The comma police will show up, followed closely by the “Did you mean to say this instead?” folks. Thanks for reading Nedra Nuggets! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. Writers are not editors.

1 month ago | nedratawwab.substack.com | Nedra Tawwab

When I lived alone and didn't have to cook for children, my dinners were completely random. I ate grilled cheese and French fries most nights. I might cook a meal once or twice a week, but I never pressured myself to do it every day. Sometimes, we take on things we don't need to. When we see parents cooking elaborate gourmet meals seven days a week, we have to ask: Do they really need to do that, or could their kids get by with a PB&J and some apple slices?

1 month ago | nedratawwab.substack.com | Nedra Tawwab

I’ve recently had several conversations where people shared that they don’t feel comfortable discussing certain aspects of their lives because they fear the public won’t be accepting. Many feel shame around:Being estranged from a family memberLosing a jobStruggling with infertilityWanting to end a marriage or partnershipSome experiences—whether related to our bodies, relationships, or personal lives—can feel so painful that we don’t want to share them with anyone.

1 month ago | nedratawwab.substack.com | Nedra Tawwab

"Keep in touch," people wrote in my high school memory book. What do we really mean when we say that? How do we keep in touch when we meet people in different phases or places? When I was moving away from Detroit, some people were really sad. They acted like it was the end of our relationship, but to me, it felt like a continuation. I wasn’t leaving the earth—I was just moving to a new city. But for some people, staying in touch happens only when you’re physically in the same space with them.

2 months ago | nedratawwab.substack.com | Nedra Tawwab

I led a six-week course centered around finding your voice and protecting your peace, and one recurring theme was discerning the difference between what we’re obligated to do and what we choose to do. When it comes to family relationships, in particular, there seems to be an unspoken contract that says because we are family, we are obligated to step in if:Thanks for reading Nedra Nuggets! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. Someone gets sick and needs care.