Welcome to Reema Ayub's Writings

Social media, although an imaginary realm in many ways, is deeply rooted in our real-world experiences. Consider a study where 20 participants are observed: 10 playing cricket live on a field, and 10 engaging in the same activity through a 3D virtual reality device from their beds. Interestingly, the MRI or fMRI results from both groups would likely show similar brain activity, as for the brain, both experiences are equally real. Our brain processes all experiences—real or imagined—as if they are happening in the present moment. Whether we are living life authentically or imagining it behind a screen, we are still engaging with our surroundings in a meaningful way. In this sense, we are our imaginations, and we are also our real selves. Research on social media presents its own set of challenges. People often base their judgments and assumptions on what has been said or done by others at a specific time. In this context, it’s easy for individuals to taunt, criticize, or even try to und...

In cold, quiet nights, when the weight of feeling unloved, unappreciated, and unreciprocated settles in, the realization of loneliness can be a heavy burden. These moments often force us to confront our sense of isolation, but they can also be transformative opportunities for self-reflection and growth. As a schoolchild, I often felt alone, both at home and in the classroom. My inability to meet everyone’s expectations made solitude my constant companion. However, as time passed, I came to an essential realization: “I might be wrong somewhere.” This sparked a journey of self-discovery. I identified my mistakes, worked on improving myself, and gradually began attracting positive, meaningful relationships into my life. The Role of Self-Awareness in Connection Psychological studies highlight the importance of self-awareness in fostering healthy relationships. When we identify and address our shortcomings, we develop emotional intelligence, which allows us to form deeper and more authentic...

Suicide is a complex issue, deeply intertwined with socio-psychological, economic, and physical factors. While I am not a perfect psychologist with exhaustive knowledge, I’ve observed that when individuals feel helpless, hopeless, ashamed, guilty, or consumed by self-hatred, life can become unbearable. They may start to despise themselves, lose their sense of purpose, and disengage from the joys and realities of life. This numbness and negativity can make them question the very essence of existence. Life is undeniably difficult; no one escapes its challenges. However, for someone in distress, the weight of their struggles often feels insurmountable. Their inner turmoil can amplify self-blame, creating a vicious cycle that pushes them toward self-destruction. Understanding the key factors that contribute to suicidal ideation can help us play a role in prevention. 1. Economic Factors For many, financial instability is a significant trigger. Economic challenges like unemployment, debt, or...

I have had the privilege of sharing meaningful experiences with people of various beliefs and religions. From my perspective, atheists often emerge as a product of historical awareness and scientific exploration. When individuals deeply explore the origins, evolution, and context of their parents’ religion, they may find themselves questioning or even rejecting it. Interestingly, I’ve observed that most history enthusiasts I’ve encountered do not adhere to a specific religion. However, they exhibit exemplary manners and respect for others, a quality that resonates with ethical teachings found in educational materials, such as the "Books of Ethics" provided by the Government of Pakistan for grades 5 to 12. Atheists, in my observation, are largely respectful of individual beliefs. They do not impose their views or ridicule religious practices, offering space and dignity to those engaged in prayer, worship, or rituals. Their focus often leans toward humanity and coexistence rath...

We are not always right, nor do we always make the best decisions for ourselves. At times, we act out of hyperactivity, impulsivity, or even passive-aggressive anger when emotions overwhelm us. Making mistakes is a natural part of life and not inherently a problem. However, repeating the same mistake over and over is where the real issue lies. Consider Miss BS, for example—a family-oriented individual who places unwavering trust in her family. Yet, despite her trust, she often ends up feeling isolated. Trusting one’s family isn’t the mistake here; the problem arises when she doesn’t learn from the repeated emotional harm. When we continue to repeat a mistake, it stops being an error and becomes a choice. It’s then that we find ourselves questioning, "Why do I always end up with these situations despite being a good person?" Identifying our mistakes is not always easy. Often, we become so accustomed to our routines and behaviors that they feel inseparable from who we are. But ...

Unspoken words are not always as profound or appealing as they might seem. Silence, at times, can inadvertently neglect the psychological, social, and economic needs of others. Reflecting on my experience at Avicenna Medical College and Hospital on Bedian Road, Lahore, I recall facing a challenging situation. Madam Gulfreen Zareen hesitated to issue my recruitment letter, primarily because she wanted to reserve the position for her niece, who was pursuing a degree in psychology. Throughout the recruitment process, I observed clear instances of favoritism, gaslighting, and undue pressure. While I could recognize and feel these injustices, I could not confront her directly. We all possess an inner intuition—a kind of psychic bell—that guides our feelings. These feelings often stem from honesty but do not always represent the objective truth. For instance, to someone dealing with anxiety, this very reflection could be overwhelming or counterproductive, as anxiety often disconnects thought...

The year 2023 left a significant imprint on my heart, with October standing out as an especially overwhelming time. It felt as though the weight of my past mistakes loomed large, demanding my attention and introspection. I found myself journaling, learning from those errors, and striving for personal growth. Often, we feel disheartened by actions we know we should avoid, but our expectations make it harder to cope. These hopes, however, are born from sincerity. Whenever you place faith in something or someone, it reflects your genuine intentions. To claim that you have no expectations is, in essence, to deny your own truth. Expectations and sincerity are deeply intertwined. It’s important to remember that it’s okay to not always feel okay. Learn from the past, but don’t dwell on it. Life is too short to mourn over minor setbacks or to harbor grudges. The world desperately needs more love, understanding, and kindness. Forgive yourself—for choosing people who didn’t choose you, for spend...