As a First-Generation Muslim Gambian-American, Oldest Daughter, and professional overthinker, I can’t forget my number one specialty. Writing has always been a part of me. There are times when I slack off and go into the “I don’t feel like writing” phase, and I somehow find myself running to it. Life has been giving me lemons, lots and lots of lemons, and for some reason, when I try to make lemonade, it just doesn’t taste right. So here I am picking up my notebook and pen, and unpacking everything to get this recipe in order before it rots away. Writing is the place where I can write freely without unnecessary interruptions; it’s where I can put my culture, my humor, my questions, and my healing in place, free of judgment. So while you’re here in the middle of the night scrolling on ye old internet, I hope you find something in our blocc that resonates with you.

New Journey

Have you ever spaced out thinking about fake scenarios, and all of a sudden, you’re teary-eyed about your imaginary cat running away, lost in the wild, and wants to return home. Still, it can’t be because it’s somewhere in Antarctica? Welcome to my world, where daydreaming is a part-time profession, where chaos meets wisdom and delusion. As someone who’s constantly living in their head, writing gives me a sense of peace, letting me channel all that energy into my notebook. It’s where I fantasize, be weird, and sometimes come up with solutions on how to attain a peaceful world. All in the comfort of my cozy bed. Anything is possible, right?

Every Voice Matters, and Every Story Counts.
And if I am unable to say it with my chest? I’ll just grab my handy-dandy notebook.

At some point in my life. I lowkey gave up writing. Work-life balance wasn’t a straight line; some of my relationships were chaotic, my overthinking got the best of me, and I felt like I was all alone in this big ol’ world. The more I pushed myself away from writing, the more I thought about grabbing my journal and just go crazy.

So here we are at Jay’s Blocc. Would anyone care to read what I have to write? Would this be one of those misplaced socks that would disappear like it never was a pair? But eventually one sock does get paired with another, right? And that’s why, no matter what, I won’t give up writing, not just yet. There are stories inside all of us that don’t go away. Some truths need to be told, and some people might need to hear them. And that right there, my friend, is reason enough to keep me going.

Jay’s Blocc is a safe space for anyone balancing cultures like a full-time job. For the first-gens navigating life and translating everything, including emotions. For the Muslims trying to live as Halal as possible as a millennial. And for the young men and women growing up, following a prewritten script. A space for honest and real conversations; faith, culture, and a sprinkle of humor and dialogues that are mostly shared amongst friend groups.

Writing is an outlet that connects individuals. It creates this magic between us that helps us heal, grow, and expose ourselves, and sometimes lovingly drags us. Writing reminds us that we are all beings in this world, making something of ourselves as we figure life out. It bridges generations and cultures, allowing us to focus on our similarities and accept our differences. My expressions are my offerings to myself, my community, and to anybody out there who comes across this blog seeking guidance with a hint of wit. If any of my writings make you chuckle, shed a tear or two, feel, or even mention it to someone else? I’ve succeeded in the mission.

If you’ve made it this far, then you should know by now that Jay’s Blocc is all about being authentic and staying true to yourself, no matter what. I am not here to be perfect, and if you are looking for honesty, reflection, culture, humor, and a dash of chaos. Well, congratulations because you’ve found it! As you sit, stand, or lie there scrolling, let’s grab our fave drink and snack and stay awhile as we discuss life and laugh at the ludicrousness of being human. We’ll grow through the mess and the loveliness of it all

Welcome to Jay’s Blocc – 
My Life. My Lens. My Blocc.