When Nasima Z. assembled her wealth of writing and personal reflections for her new book, In My Silent Moments, it was exciting to realize that there was truly something for everyone, and for all of life’s seasons.

Despite what most of us would consider significant limitations due to the challenges of past surgeries to remove two brain tumours, not to mention the onset of MS, Nasima maintains a refreshing attitude and sense of humour that allows her to always seek the sunshine through the clouds.

The insights she shares during times of joy, celebration, extremes of crisis, and loss and illness are captivating—quickly drawing you into her world and reassuring you that you’re not alone in yours.

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Without further ado, let’s get to my interview with Nasima.

What inspired you to write this book?  

My inspiration came from a combination of events and the abiding influence of my parents. My dad had an amazing sense of humour. When asked a question, he would respond with a quote followed by a funny anecdote.

As for my mom, whom I’ve dedicated this book to; she loves to tell stories about when she was a little girl. At age 92, she still carries on, and now her grandchildren are enthralled by the riddles and entertaining tales that flow from her amazing repertoire—so much so that I’ve decided to record all that she shares with me while I can.

What do you want others to gain from your book? 

It’s important to express yourself in a way that makes you feel at ease. In the process, if what you are doing is an inspiration to someone else, then what you have accomplished is incredible. Dreams have a way of fading from our memory, so always keep your dreams and desires at the forefront. Never give up, keeping in mind that “wanting” something and having the “passion” for something are two entirely different things. I am very fortunate and extremely thankful to have met many individuals over the years that encouraged me to express myself, but to do so with kindness and integrity. I believe that many of the teachers and guides who magically appeared in my life were there because I needed them at that particular moment. Belief in oneself is critical, and can also be very powerful; bearing in mind that the opportunity to share one’s passion comes with a responsibility to do so with humility, respect for yourself and others. Then there is nothing to stop your dreams from coming to fruition. There was this very kind older lady in the office where I once worked. One day after one of our many lengthy conversations, she told me to follow my dreams and not to forget this Charles Reade quote, “Sow a thought, and you reap an act; Sow an act, and you reap a habit; Sow a habit, and you reap a character;Sow a character, and you reap a destiny.”Great advice. I love it!

What was your creative process for this project? 

I would have to say I opened myself to the universe, with all its possibilities, and it has certainly given me quite a few subjects to write about. Those who know me will know that I love to spread my wings of thought and fly across the ocean of time. I am a thinker; my thoughts are always on overdrive in a good and positive way.

Why did you choose the story-telling format you used?

Okay, I must admit, I am a serial story-teller!Writing the way I do is my way of capturing the many magical moments of life and storing them in a glass jar. Then I can let them out whenever I feel the need to.

Each reflection is intended to paint a mental picture. Sharing them in the order we did in In My Silent Moments, I believe offers light and encouragement to the reader supporting them exactly where they’re at any given moment

What’s next for you as an author? 

Nasima Z. photo.2013 - CopyI am hoping to continue my writing about all things beautiful, mysterious, and ethereal . . . certainly anythingthat would enhance the flavour of who I am.

In closing, perhaps Nasima Z’s brief reflection “My Dream At Last” is the most poignant and fitting way to summarize her gift to her readers:

“A quiet exit to the dawn of a new entrance, I can hear the sound of my dreams ringing its way into a brand new experience for me. Its arrival will soon be here, and I am all dressed and waiting, with arms wide open, a twinkle in my eyes, a smile on my face. My destiny with life, my answered prayer, my dream at last . . .”

We can only anticipate that this dawning, In My Silent Moments, will flourish and expand into more delightful, insightful offerings in the not too distant future, as Nasima continues to share her artistic endeavours with us.

As always, we invite you to keep in touch via our social media channels, and share your thoughts and questions in our comments sections below.

‘Wishing you the courage and commitment to write if it stirs within you too,

Sheri

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