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        <title><![CDATA[Stories by heiamatif on Medium]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[Stories by heiamatif on Medium]]></description>
        <link>https://medium.com/@atifidrisi121?source=rss-301fc19877ad------2</link>
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            <title>Stories by heiamatif on Medium</title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@atifidrisi121?source=rss-301fc19877ad------2</link>
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            <title><![CDATA[these are my notes after learning quantum physics]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@atifidrisi121/these-are-my-notes-after-learning-quantum-physics-af442fded356?source=rss-301fc19877ad------2</link>
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            <category><![CDATA[space]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[quantum-physics]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[science]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[quantum-computing]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[quantum-mechanics]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[heiamatif]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Fri, 10 Jul 2026 11:01:19 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2026-07-10T11:02:02.699Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A beginner’s journey into the strange and fascinating world of quantum physics.<br> Introduction<br>Recently, I started learning about quantum physics. Before this, I had only heard that it was one of the most complex and mysterious areas of science. As I began exploring it, I discovered ideas that completely changed the way I think about time, space, matter, and even reality itself.<br>I am not an expert. Everything in this article is based on what I have learned so far during the beginning of my journey. These are my notes, thoughts, and observations as I try to understand the quantum world.<br>How Is Time Defined?<br>One of the first things I learned is that time is defined using the Cesium-133 atom.<br>A second is not just an arbitrary unit. It is officially defined as the time taken for a Cesium-133 atom to make 9,192,631,770 oscillations between two energy levels.<br>I found it fascinating that something as important as time is connected to the behavior of atoms.<br>Time Is More Interesting Than I Thought<br>As I learned more, I realized that time is not simply something shown on a clock.<br>Time plays an important role in modern physics, and understanding it is essential for understanding the universe.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/0*n-9MjNUT4lmpEoqK" /><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@jeremythomasphoto?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Jeremy Thomas</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><blockquote>Black Holes and Quantum Physics<br>Another topic that caught my attention was black holes.<br>Black holes are incredibly massive objects that affect space and time around them. They are studied mainly through gravity, but they are also important when scientists try to connect gravity with quantum physics.</blockquote><figure><img alt="Illustration of an Isolated Black Hole Caption: This is an illustration of a close-up look at a black hole drifting through our Milky Way galaxy. Credits: Image - FECYT, IAC" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/0*m10SJF54g9GBW0RD" /><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@hubblespacetelescope?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">NASA Hubble Space Telescope</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><p>Is Empty Space Really Empty?<br>At first, I thought empty space meant absolutely nothing was there.<br>However, I learned that according to Quantum Field Theory, empty space is not truly empty. Even in a vacuum, quantum fields and tiny fluctuations still exist.<br>This was one of the most surprising ideas I came across.<br>Why Is Quantum Physics Unpredictable?<br>One thing that makes quantum physics unique is that it is fundamentally unpredictable.<br>Unlike many things in everyday life, quantum particles do not always behave in ways that can be predicted with complete certainty.<br>This unpredictability is one of the reasons quantum physics is so fascinating.<br>Gravity and the Flow of Time<br>I also learned that gravity bends spacetime.<br>The stronger the gravitational field, the more spacetime bends.<br>This means gravity can actually affect the passage of time.<br>Time Near a Black Hole<br>A famous example of this idea appears in the movie Interstellar.<br>In the movie, people visit a planet near a black hole, and time moves much more slowly for them than for people farther away.<br>What amazed me is that this concept is based on real physics. Near very massive objects, time actually passes more slowly compared to regions with weaker gravity.<br>Quantum Entanglement<br>One of the strangest concepts I encountered was quantum entanglement.<br>Quantum entanglement happens when two or more particles become connected through a shared quantum state, often called a wave function.<br>Even when these particles are separated by very large distances, they can still show connected behavior.<br>Imagine having one particle on Earth and another on the Moon. Even though they are extremely far apart, they remain linked in a special quantum way.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/0*jhzfiY0RkKrNDPIR" /><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@marpicek?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Marek Pavlík</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><p>What Is a Qubit?<br>I also learned about qubits, which are used in quantum computers.<br>A normal computer bit can only be either 0 or 1.<br>A qubit is different because it can exist in both states at the same time according to the laws of quantum mechanics.<br>To imagine this, I think of a person somehow standing at both the North Pole and the South Pole at the same time.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/0*pvUlVB4ZLNE2CBk9" /><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@brechtcorbeel?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Brecht Corbeel</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><p>Quantum Computers<br>The devices we use every day, such as phones and computers, process information using binary code made of 0s and 1s.<br>Quantum computers use qubits instead of ordinary bits.<br>Because qubits can represent multiple possibilities at once, quantum computers have the potential to solve certain problems much faster than classical computers.<br>Example of binary code:<br>0101010101</p><figure><img alt="Quantum Computer" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/0*hCWTrGXy6MrvZopU" /><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@planetvolumes?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Planet Volumes</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><p>Final Thoughts<br>The more I learn about quantum physics, the more mysterious it becomes.<br>What started as simple curiosity has already introduced me to ideas that challenge my understanding of reality. From atomic clocks and black holes to quantum entanglement and qubits, every new concept makes me want to learn more.<br>This is only the beginning of my journey, and I look forward to discovering what else the quantum world has to teach.</p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=af442fded356" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[THE BLACK COFFEE THEORY]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@atifidrisi121/the-black-coffee-theory-e53a71cfe9b0?source=rss-301fc19877ad------2</link>
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            <category><![CDATA[mental-health]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[love]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[philosophy-of-life]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[life]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[writing]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[heiamatif]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2026 12:41:35 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2026-06-30T12:41:35.325Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Most of us are afraid of something. We all don’t want something in life, and that’s the thing we give the most attention to.</p><p>I recently read an article about a theory called &quot;Black Coffee Theory,&quot; and I think it makes pretty much sense. So, here’s how it goes:</p><p>You go to a coffee shop because you want a normal milk coffee.<br>You reach the counter, and the guy at the counter asks,<br>&quot;So, what can I get you today?&quot;<br>You say,<br>&quot;Not a black coffee.&quot;<br>The guy looks confused and says,<br>&quot;Umm, I understand, but what else do you want?&quot;<br>You reply,<br>&quot;I don’t know, but not a black coffee.&quot;<br>So he says, &quot;Okay.&quot;<br>You sit at a table. The guy has a busy day, so he goes on completing other orders.<br>When he finally comes to take your order, he only remembers &quot;black coffee&quot; because you kept repeating it.<br>So, by the time your order arrives at your table, it is a black coffee.</p><p>This is how most of us live our lives.<br>We keep telling the universe what we don’t want.<br>What we fear.<br>What we don’t like.<br>What we hate.<br>And all the universe hears is those things, so it gives us those things.<br>If you keep repeating what you do not want in life, be prepared to receive it the most.<br>To win, you need to be super specific.<br>&quot;I want a normal milk coffee.&quot;<br>That’s all.</p><figure><img alt="coffee time" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/0*ntxAwLmadA4EcxxH" /><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@alin_luna?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Alin Luna</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=e53a71cfe9b0" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[Child Labour: A Global Challenge That Still Affects Millions]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@atifidrisi121/child-labour-a-global-challenge-that-still-affects-millions-252ff36ca945?source=rss-301fc19877ad------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/252ff36ca945</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[education]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[child-labour]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[writing]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[psychology]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[children]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[heiamatif]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2026 05:18:07 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2026-06-02T05:18:07.290Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Child Labour: A Global Challenge That Still Affects Millions</p><p>Introduction</p><p>Childhood is meant to be a time for learning, growth, and happiness. Every child deserves access to education, healthcare, and opportunities to develop their talents. Unfortunately, millions of children around the world are denied these basic rights because they are forced to work at an early age. This issue, known as child labour, remains one of the most serious social and economic problems of our time.</p><p>Child labour refers to work that deprives children of their childhood, education, dignity, and healthy development. While some forms of light work may help children learn skills and responsibility, child labour involves activities that are harmful, exploitative, or interfere with schooling.</p><p>The Scale of the Problem</p><p>Despite significant progress over the past few decades, child labour continues to affect millions of children worldwide. According to recent estimates by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNICEF, approximately 138 million children between the ages of 5 and 17 were engaged in child labour in 2024. Among them, millions were involved in hazardous work that exposed them to dangerous environments, heavy machinery, toxic chemicals, and other serious risks.</p><p>Child labour is most common in developing countries, where poverty and limited educational opportunities force families to depend on children&#39;s earnings for survival.</p><figure><img alt="We were on our medical mission trip in Sitio Linyama, Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines when I saw this family arrive to the place where they dump all the bananas they have collected from the mountains. They sell these for P20.00 ($0.40) per bundle of bananas. They will use the money to buy rice to feed their stomachs for the day. What stirs me in this photo is how happy they still look after a long day of hard work. That just melts my heart." src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/0*fghs9zG5Fw7cdyyd" /><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@zeynafuang?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Zeyn Afuang</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><p>Causes of Child Labour</p><p>1. Poverty</p><p>Poverty is the leading cause of child labour. Many families struggle to meet their basic needs, such as food, clothing, and shelter. As a result, children are often sent to work to contribute to the household income.</p><p>2. Lack of Education</p><p>In many regions, access to quality education is limited or expensive. When schools are unavailable or unaffordable, children are more likely to enter the workforce at a young age.</p><p>3. Unemployment and Low Wages</p><p>When parents cannot find stable employment or earn enough money, children may be forced to work to support their families.</p><p>4. Social and Cultural Factors</p><p>In some communities, child labour has become a traditional practice. Families may believe that children should work from an early age rather than continue their education.</p><p>5. Economic Crises and Emergencies</p><p>Events such as natural disasters, conflicts, and the COVID-19 pandemic have increased financial pressure on many families, causing more children to enter the workforce.</p><p>Areas Where Child Labour Exists</p><p>Child labour occurs in various sectors of the economy.</p><p>Agriculture</p><p>Agriculture accounts for the largest share of child labour worldwide. Children often work on farms, plantations, and livestock operations, where they may be exposed to dangerous tools, pesticides, and harsh weather conditions.</p><p>Manufacturing and Factories</p><p>Many children work in factories producing textiles, garments, carpets, and other goods. They often work long hours for extremely low wages.</p><p>Mining</p><p>In some countries, children work in mines extracting minerals and precious stones. Mining is one of the most hazardous forms of child labour due to the risk of accidents, injuries, and exposure to harmful substances.</p><p>Domestic Work</p><p>Some children work as domestic helpers in private homes. They may face long working hours, poor treatment, and isolation from their families.</p><p>Street Work</p><p>Many children earn money by selling goods, collecting waste, washing vehicles, or performing other tasks on the streets.</p><p>Consequences of Child Labour</p><p>Impact on Education</p><p>Children engaged in labour often miss school or drop out completely. Without education, they face limited opportunities for better employment in the future.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/0*QY3v2b3NEhgdG4Ai" /><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@swastikarora?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Swastik Arora</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><p>Physical Health Problems</p><p>Child labour can lead to injuries, exhaustion, malnutrition, and long-term health issues. Hazardous work environments increase the risk of serious accidents and illnesses.</p><p>Psychological Effects</p><p>Many working children experience stress, anxiety, fear, and emotional trauma. Some are subjected to exploitation, abuse, and discrimination.</p><p>Cycle of Poverty</p><p>Child labour perpetuates poverty. When children miss educational opportunities, they are more likely to remain in low-paying jobs as adults, continuing the cycle for future generations.</p><p>Efforts to Eliminate Child Labour</p><p>Governments, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations are working to combat child labour.</p><p>The International Labour Organization launched the International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour (IPEC) to help countries reduce and eventually eliminate child labour. The United Nations has also included the elimination of child labour as part of its Sustainable Development Goals.</p><p>Many countries have introduced laws that set minimum working ages, prohibit hazardous work for children, and promote compulsory education.</p><p>The Way Forward</p><p>Eliminating child labour requires a comprehensive approach. Governments must strengthen education systems, enforce labour laws, and provide social protection for vulnerable families. Communities should raise awareness about children&#39;s rights, while businesses must ensure that their supply chains do not rely on child labour.</p><p>Most importantly, efforts to reduce poverty can help remove the primary factor that drives children into work.</p><p>Conclusion</p><p>Child labour is not merely an economic issue; it is a violation of children&#39;s rights and human dignity. Every child deserves a safe childhood, quality education, and the opportunity to build a better future. Although progress has been made, millions of children continue to work under difficult and dangerous conditions. Through collective action by governments, organizations, communities, and individuals, the world can move closer to eliminating child labour and ensuring a brighter future for every child.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/0*TC7jk3QPj373jpfw" /><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@jeffrey_jpeg?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Jeffrey Riley</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=252ff36ca945" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[ Before & After Reading Before the Coffee Gets Cold
Before Reading
Before I started this book, I…]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@atifidrisi121/before-after-reading-before-the-coffee-gets-cold-before-reading-before-i-started-this-book-i-23fad14fce14?source=rss-301fc19877ad------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/23fad14fce14</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[life]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[literature]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[books]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[book-review]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[writing]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[heiamatif]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 06:03:24 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2026-04-28T06:10:13.643Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>📖 Before &amp; After Reading Before the Coffee Gets Cold<br>Before Reading<br>Before I started this book, I thought it looked interesting enough to read without hesitation. The idea of going back to the past felt fascinating and emotional at the same time.<br>The concept itself seemed mature—something deeper than just a simple story. I expected it to be meaningful, maybe even life-changing.<br>To be honest, this was my first time writing a “before reading” thought about a book, and I was excited to see how my perspective would change after finishing it.</p><p>After Reading<br>After finishing the book, I can say—it truly is a mature and meaningful story.<br>This book doesn’t just tell a story. It quietly teaches you how to live.<br>It shows how people deal with regret, sorrow, and the things they wish they could change. But the most powerful lesson is this:<br>You cannot change the past.<br>But you can accept it.<br>The story reflects the emotional reality of life—how we hold on to moments, how we wish for second chances, and how we eventually learn to move forward.<br>For me, this book is about acceptance and emotional growth.<br>It made me think about life in a deeper way. Not everything can be fixed, but everything can be understood.<br>I genuinely loved this book, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to read something simple yet meaningful.<br>A Question for You<br>If you had a chance to go back in time…</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/736/1*atqRB7bRXvsjow_xBSYP1Q.jpeg" /><figcaption>Before the coffee gets cold</figcaption></figure><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=23fad14fce14" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[What Do I Want to Be ?]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@atifidrisi121/what-do-i-want-to-be-e1c20fc3cb84?source=rss-301fc19877ad------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/e1c20fc3cb84</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[philosophy]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[philosophy-of-life]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[literature]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[mental-health]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[writing]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[heiamatif]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 14:24:58 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2026-04-19T14:27:12.667Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>What Do I Want to Be ?<br>This is a question my parents asked me.<br>It’s also a question society keeps asking again and again.<br>But what about me?<br>Do I really know what I want to be?<br>I think every human in this world is searching for an identity.<br>We all want to become something. But sometimes, we don’t even know what that “something” is.<br>I am 17, and honestly—I don’t know.<br>I don’t feel the need to rush. I don’t want to choose something just because others expect it.<br>I don’t want to write a story that isn’t mine.<br>Yes, I could say I want to be successful.<br>I could say I want money, a big life, a known identity.<br>But what if that’s not truly me?<br>There are many identities in this world.<br>And sometimes, we try to live someone else’s life instead of our own.<br>I don’t want that.<br>I want to live a life that feels real to me.<br>Not perfect. Not famous. Just real.<br>Maybe I will find my path later.<br>Maybe I won’t.<br>But one thing I know—<br>I don’t want to live a life without meaning.<br>I don’t want to be just another name in a crowd.<br>And most importantly,<br>I don’t want to lose myself while trying to become someone else.<br>So for now,<br>I am not chasing a title.<br>I am trying to understand myself.<br>Because maybe,<br>who I am matters more than what I become.<br>— Thank you</p><figure><img alt="Never give up. It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light. And it will light the way.." src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/0*VjBJdhex3emH4tUD" /><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@sashafreemind?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Sasha Freemind</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=e1c20fc3cb84" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[I am writing this for no particular reason.]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@atifidrisi121/i-am-writing-this-for-no-particular-reason-0eba8dfeafcf?source=rss-301fc19877ad------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/0eba8dfeafcf</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[writing]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[philosophy]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[mental-space]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[existentialism]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[life]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[heiamatif]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 06:20:03 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2026-01-24T14:37:47.745Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I am writing this for no particular reason.<br>Right now, I don’t know where I am—not in place, not in feeling. I am simply alive.<br>I am neither happy nor depressed. I am just… alive.<br>I have no strong desires, no urgent needs, no loud dreams calling my name. I don’t feel love the way people describe it, and if you looked into my eyes, you would probably see someone who exists—but does not react.<br>I don’t feel another person’s sorrow, nor the peace of someone who feels fulfilled. I am only here, breathing, observing.<br>Maybe I’m writing this to see what my mind and heart are doing when nothing is happening. Maybe this is my way of searching for my inner self—without a reason.<br>I don’t care if someone reads this or likes it. Even if no one does, I will still exist.<br>Sometimes I imagine the world like the Matrix—where opening my eyes reveals forces that want to control or consume me. And then I stop, because I don’t want to complete that thought.<br>I like being unfinished.<br>I thought I would end this writing, but I didn’t.<br>I am still here.<br>Still alive.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/0*tMmuh2UbxXgQAoUP" /><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@matreding?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Mathias Reding</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=0eba8dfeafcf" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[Book Review: A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
I don’t know where to begin while talking…]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@atifidrisi121/book-review-a-thousand-splendid-suns-by-khaled-hosseini-i-dont-know-where-to-begin-while-talking-d778ca640e9f?source=rss-301fc19877ad------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/d778ca640e9f</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[khaled-hosseini]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[literature]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[women]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[book-review]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[books]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[heiamatif]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 10:50:27 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2026-01-24T14:38:21.610Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Book Review: A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini<br>I don’t know where to begin while talking about this book.<br>All I can say is that A Thousand Splendid Suns is filled with heartbreak, faith in God, sacrifice, and the many painful realities of life.<br>The story mainly revolves around Mariam and Laila, and how their lives become deeply connected. What I felt most strongly is that Mariam was never truly a harami—she was only made to believe she was one by society. She was a woman who carried pain silently and loved selflessly.<br>Mariam loses trust after Jalil’s betrayal, but later she finds something even stronger in Laila. The bond between Mariam and Laila feels like the bond between body and soul—inspirable, pure, and deeply human.<br>(Spoiler alert): Eventually, the soul must leave the body. That is the cycle the universe chooses, and it is heartbreaking.<br>At the end, Mariam tells everyone who she really is—not what society labeled her as. That moment stays with you long after you close the book.<br>For me, this was an extraordinary book for a first read. It helped me understand women’s lives—their pain, anxiety, sacrifices, and quiet strength. It made me realize how often society fails them.<br>All I want to say in the end is this:<br>Mariam was never a harami. Society was.<br>Thank you.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/736/1*OQNsR9_Ay_XjtSGSrBXvfQ.jpeg" /></figure><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=d778ca640e9f" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[My Smallest Step Felt Like Mount Everest  Today, I went out alone to buy something.]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@atifidrisi121/my-smallest-step-felt-like-mount-everest-today-i-went-out-alone-to-buy-something-fb2c93ed8561?source=rss-301fc19877ad------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/fb2c93ed8561</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[philosophy-of-life]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[personal-growth]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[growth]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[mental-health]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[life]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[heiamatif]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 16:31:42 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2026-01-19T10:52:12.797Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Today, I went out alone to buy something.<br>It may sound normal to many people, but for me, it felt like climbing Mount Everest.<br>I am someone who used to be afraid of going out alone, afraid of doing simple things that others do without thinking. Watching a movie in a theatre or visiting a café alone felt impossible to me.<br>Today, I took my first step. And I felt happy — genuinely happy — because I proved something to myself.<br>This experience taught me that growth doesn’t always come from big achievements. Sometimes, it comes from choosing faith over fear.<br>Both faith and fear ask us to believe in something we cannot see. We choose.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/736/1*0vbfChvcBqyrMGECUMrMmA.jpeg" /></figure><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=fb2c93ed8561" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[When Imagination Stops Being Just Imagination: A Personal Reflection on an Overactive Mind l’m…]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/@atifidrisi121/when-imagination-stops-being-just-imagination-a-personal-reflection-on-an-overactive-mind-lm-4e75a4b06f69?source=rss-301fc19877ad------2</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/4e75a4b06f69</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[self-reflection]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[mental-health]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[personal-growth]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[psychology]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[imagination]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[heiamatif]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Thu, 25 Dec 2025 14:52:39 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2026-01-19T10:52:54.941Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I’m writing this not as a diagnosis, but as an honest attempt to understand my own mind — and maybe find others who relate.<br>I don’t exactly remember when it started. At first, it felt harmless, even comforting. I would create scenarios in my mind — conversations with someone I loved, situations where I could control what was said, how the other person reacted, how the story flowed. It felt safe. It felt calming. Sometimes, it even helped me fall asleep.<br>In those moments, my imagination felt like a private space where everything made sense.<br>Over time, though, something changed.<br>The same mental scenarios that once felt voluntary began to appear on their own. I didn’t always choose them anymore. When my mind was free — during silence, before sleep, or when I was emotionally relaxed — these imagined conversations would start automatically. I could try to stop them, but they often continued anyway.<br>What’s important is this:<br>I always know they are imagined.<br>I don’t confuse them with reality. I don’t hear voices outside my head. I don’t believe these scenarios are actually happening.<br>Still, the intensity has increased recently, and that’s what made me pause and reflect.<br>Interestingly, this does not happen when I’m reading, writing, or studying. When my mind is actively engaged, focused on something structured, these thoughts disappear completely. It’s only when my mind is idle that they return.<br>Another detail that might matter: I can think, imagine, and do tasks at the same time. My mind feels fast — sometimes too fast — but not disorganized.<br>After trying to understand this pattern, I came across the idea of maladaptive daydreaming or intense mind-wandering, where imagination becomes a coping mechanism rather than just creativity. I’m not claiming this label fits me perfectly, but parts of it resonate.<br>I don’t see this as a mental illness — at least not in the traditional sense. I see it more as a habit my mind learned, probably during emotional attachment, loneliness, stress, or a need for control and comfort. What once helped me relax may now be overused.<br>I’m sharing this here because:<br>I want to understand it better<br>I want to hear from people who’ve experienced something similar<br>I want psychological insight, not fear-based assumptions<br>If you’ve studied psychology, experienced something like this, or found healthy ways to manage an overactive imagination, I’d really appreciate your perspective.<br>This isn’t a cry for diagnosis — it’s a search for understanding.</p><figure><img alt="Everything is going on in the head." src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/0*jk4bBIu1f6lfzi1l" /><figcaption>Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@dodji_djibom?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">DODJI DJIBOM</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/?utm_source=medium&amp;utm_medium=referral">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=4e75a4b06f69" width="1" height="1" alt="">]]></content:encoded>
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