Everyone has a unique journey filled with personal challenges and triumphs, yet few choose to articulate their experiences through the profound medium of poetry.
Syeda Rabya, a talented female poet from Pakistan, is one such individual. She has recently published her poetry collection, “INEVITABLE CHANGES,” capturing the essence of her transformative journey from the age of 16 to 21.
The book delves into themes of acceptance, self-discovery, overcoming toxic influences, and embracing self-love. You can buy her book by visiting this link.
This week, we had the pleasure of speaking with Syeda Rabya about her inspiration, writing process, and the deeply personal experiences that shaped her poignant poetry.
Interview with Syeda Rabya
Question: What inspired you to write “INEVITABLE CHANGES”?
Answer: My inspiration stems from the profound changes I’ve experienced alone, as an introvert. I have never shared my struggles with anyone, keeping my battles private. However, I realized that others might be enduring similar challenges in silence. Driven by this understanding, I decided to become a beacon of hope for those who feel unheard. In my writing, I’ve captured my journey and experiences from the age of 16 to 21, hoping to resonate with and support those who need it most.
Question: Which poem in the book holds the most personal significance to you, and why?
Answer: Two poems hold deep personal significance for me. The first, “Winds Have Changed,” symbolizes life’s inevitable transformations, whether we acknowledge them or not. During this period, I felt the most liberated, breaking free from the cages of ego, pride, selfishness, and toxic influences around me.
The second poem, “A Silver Lining,” marks a moment of profound spiritual and universal change. At my lowest point, drained by toxic people and devoid of strength, I experienced a sudden rush of immense energy. From that moment, I felt the universe working in my favour, (back then I’ve always experienced bad luck throughout my life) revealing the results of my manifestations and guiding me toward a higher purpose. These were pivotal moments that led me to move beyond toxicity and embrace self-love and life more fully.
Question: Can you describe your writing process? Do you have any specific routines or rituals?
Answer: As an introvert, writing is my release. I don’t adhere to routines or rituals, much like many creative individuals. Instead, I immerse myself in writing, crafting poetry in the form of stories. Some pieces come to life in just five minutes, while others take days. At times, I confront writer’s block due to overwhelming emotions. Despite this, my determination and dedication to writing remain unwavering. I document everything I encounter in life, particularly how I navigate through changes. This steadfast commitment is the cornerstone of my creative process.
Question: What challenges did you face while writing this collection, and how did you overcome them?
Answer: I have faced many challenges. As someone with a fear of judgement and a tendency to avoid emotions, I often resorted to coping mechanisms like isolation. Yet, I have a deeply humanitarian and empathetic nature, always wanting to help and serve others. When I confronted groundbreaking changes, I felt an intense urge to write everything down.
Confronting my emotions and expressing them was a monumental challenge. I started small, posting my writings on Instagram to a modest audience. The support and appreciation from my followers made me more comfortable, and their encouragement was a breakthrough moment for me. Seeing my writing reach different countries and resonate with people around the world fueled my passion even more.
The second challenge was publishing my work. I never imagined I would become a writer, but I was inspired to make a larger impact. A friend who is a publisher encouraged me to compile and publish my work. It took me a year to believe in myself. I was afraid and scared of what people would think or take away from my stories, trying to mould them to avoid judgment. I was perplexed and unsure, but thanks to the people around me—my friends who kept urging me to go for it, and my followers who believed in me—I found the courage to lay down my emotions authentically. It was a collective effort of my followers, friends, and relatives that made me pursue this path, and I am deeply thankful to each one of them. I feel truly blessed.
Balancing my profession as a Pharm-D student with writing was another significant challenge. Juggling exams, research projects, and my passion for writing required dedication and determination. I faced conflicts between my external desire to become a doctor and my internal desire to write. Ultimately, I embraced both paths. Writing is my passion, while the pharmacy field stimulates my mind and allows me to serve people through new technologies and advancements. Balancing these two professions took time, but it became a fulfilling pursuit as I realised I could excel in both.
Question: How do you hope readers will connect with and benefit from your poems?
Answer: Readers will undoubtedly connect on a soul level with this book. It is filled with suspense and features four interconnected stories, each reflecting inevitable changes we all experience. Through a rollercoaster of emotions spanning five years, I share my journey, offering wisdom on navigating life’s challenges.
Everyone, at some point, feels trapped with no way out. While patience is crucial, sometimes standing up for ourselves is the key. How do you know which approach to take? This book holds the answers to these dilemmas. It will resonate deeply, especially with readers aged 12-30.
The intertwining stories capture the essence of feeling lost and finding a way through. They offer solace and guidance, showing that even in the darkest times, there is hope and a path forward. This authenticity, drawn from my own experiences, will inspire and uplift readers, making them feel understood and less alone in their struggles.
Question: Are there any particular cultural or literary influences from Pakistan that have shaped your work?
Answer: Not really, but living in Pakistan has given me a unique perspective. My work focuses on universal themes such as love, relationships, karma, spiritual growth, and self-love. While my cultural background subtly influenced my worldview, my writing is shaped more by personal experiences and the common human journey through these inevitable changes.
Question: Can you share any feedback or memorable responses you’ve received from readers so far?
Answer: I’ve received many responses, but the most meaningful one was, “You are the inspiration.” That’s what I always aspired to be. People not only loved the writing but also posted pictures of the artwork in my book. This elated me because those pictures are deeply connected to the writings, and they truly understand the interconnectedness. Seeing this resonance fills me with immense joy and gratitude.
Question: Are there any other genres or themes you would like to explore in your writing?
Answer: Of course. I am still a traveler and explorer. I want my unique perspectives to bring clarity that will be helpful for the audience. I am currently pondering upon the theme related to differences between soul connections, twin flames and soulmates. I think people lack clarity in all those departments. Above that, I will touch the spiritual side of human existence too.
Question: How do you envision your writing evolving over the next few years?
Answer: I envision my writing evolving significantly over the next few years. As I grow and evolve as a human being, my knowledge and understanding in both spiritual and worldly realms have deepened. This growth is reflected in my writing, which is now imbued with a richer tapestry of emotions. Rather than simply telling a story, I am delving into each emotion, capturing the complexities and nuances of the human experience. I aim to create more profound and emotionally resonant work, touching the hearts and souls of my readers with every piece I write.
Question: What books or authors have inspired you the most in your journey as a poet?
Answer: No specific writers have inspired me. Instead, it was my circumstances and my introverted nature that compelled me to write. Experiencing life’s challenges, I realized I couldn’t keep everything bottled up, as unspoken emotions can become toxic. With no friends or understanding people around me, writing became my outlet. I developed a love for philosophy along the way, but I haven’t read many books or been inspired by any particular poet. My work is driven by my personal journey and the need to express and understand my experiences.
Question: Is there anything else you would like to share with your readers and potential new fans?
Answer: I would like to tell them: “Always have huge dreams. Dreams give a purpose in life, and never stop believing in them”.
I have always wanted to share my stories with people, to be on stage, in the spotlight. But I never imagined it would happen this way, at my book launch event. It’s okay to not know the exact path, but if you have a vision for your dreams, you will ultimately get there.
The higher you aim, the more energy and drive you will have. Higher frequencies will attract abundance and prosperity into your life. Keep dreaming big, and let those dreams guide you to your highest potential.
