
reflections
Apr 20, 2025Towards the end of a long weekend I find myself reflecting on how I spend time, the moments of rest, and the opportunities for personal growth that we often overlook in our busy lives.
It's a chance to pause and consider how far we’ve come, not just in the days of this weekend, but in the chapters of our own stories. It’s during these quiet moments that I realize how much my experiences have shaped me, and I’m reminded of the importance of embracing our journeys, however winding and complicated they might be.
At 37 years old, I found myself at a pivotal moment in my life. After some years in my role leading major regeneration projects in London I had a profound realization: it was time to do something new. What I did not know at that time. In 2010, I took a leap of faith and left my director level job embarking on a journey that would reshape my understanding of impact and purpose.
Just a year later, I retrained as a leadership advisor and coach. I’ve poured my heart into this transformative work ever since. While I spent seven years training to be an architect, honing my skills in design and space-planning, I haven't practiced as an architect for over two decades. Yet, the lessons I learned through the architectural training laid the groundwork for a different kind of space creation. Today, rather than focusing solely on the physical spaces we inhabit, I now dedicate my energy to fostering internal architectures—the landscapes of the mind and emotions.
My journey is a testament to how our past experiences inform our present work. My extensive background in architecture taught me to see how environments shape behaviors, emotions, and connections. Now, I leverage that insight to help individuals design their inner worlds, empowering them to tear down mental barriers and build supportive structures for their wellbeing taking them towards what they want to achieve in life at home and at work.
As I reflect on my evolution from designing physical spaces to crafting inner landscapes, I wonder: what if my own experiences—both in my career and personal life—are guiding me toward a deeper understanding of my purpose?
What if the skills I’ve developed, the challenges I’ve faced, and the wisdom I’ve gained are all pieces of a larger puzzle waiting to be connected?
Every part of my journey so far has served a purpose; they were all building blocks for what comes next.
I know many people discover their true calling later in life. Perhaps you, too, are on a path of unfolding. Your past is not a storage unit of wasted time; it’s a comprehensive toolkit filled with the resources needed for your unique journey.
Having read this you might be wondering how you find your own evolution?
Start by reflecting on your life experiences, recognizing the skills you have cultivated, and considering how they can be channeled into new endeavors. Identify those moments of clarity, the passions that ignite your spirit, and the desires that stir your heart. Embrace the idea that your journey is ongoing, and trust that every chapter has led you to this moment, preparing you for what’s to come.
If you’re ready to explore the wisdom contained in your own journey and discover what future chapters hold for you, I’m here to support you in unraveling your potential and navigating your next steps.
I thought I'd share some reflective questions for you to ponder on. Spend some time with these to help you consider how your past experiences serve you and what they offer to who you are today:
—What experiences from my past do I believe have shaped my current values and passions, and how can I learn from them as I move forward?
—What aspirations and dreams have I put on hold, and how can I begin to take actionable steps toward pursuing them again?
—What small steps can I take today to start aligning my inner landscape with my true purpose and aspirations?
Remember, every part of your journey so far has served a purpose; they were all building blocks for what comes next.
All my best,
Saiyyidah
Ā
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