Nawal El Saadawi

Answering “Impossible” with Practice and Resolve

Rather than answering with rage or theatrics, El Saadawi points to repetition: the ordinary discipline of showing up again and again. Steady practice turns distant goals into daily actions, replacing the intimidation of a huge barrier with the manageable question of what can be done today. In this way, practice becomes a form of evidence. Each attempt—even imperfect—adds to a record that contradicts the world’s claim. Over time, the “impossible” starts to look less like a wall and more like a skill not yet mastered, a door not yet tried, or a system not yet forced to adapt. [...]

Tomorrow Belongs to Those Who Show Up

The same dynamic governs the humbler corridors of democracy. Robert Putnam’s Bowling Alone (2000) charted how declining attendance—at clubs, councils, and polls—erodes social capital and weakens collective problem-solving. Conversely, when people show up, agendas shift. In the United States, CIRCLE reported that turnout among 18–29-year-olds rose from roughly 20% (2014) to about 36% (2018), a surge linked to higher salience for climate and education on campaign platforms. Attendance is not merely counted; it is felt in budgets and laws. [...]

Building Tomorrow by Showing Up Today

Beyond the public square, the same logic governs creative and scientific work. Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species (1859) emerged from decades of daily note-taking, specimen cataloging, and methodical walks—a choreography of showing up that compounded into theory. Writers echo this discipline: Maya Angelou described renting a bare hotel room and writing each morning to keep her appointment with the page. Even a folk practice like Jerry Seinfeld’s don’t-break-the-chain routine captures the mechanism at play. While inspiration is intermittent, presence is programmable; over time, it turns effort into expertise. [...]

Discovering Courage by Following the Heart’s True North

Nawal El Saadawi’s evocative phrase invites us to consider ‘true north’ as our innermost values and guiding purpose. Just as a compass needle points steadfastly to the geographic north, our hearts possess an intrinsic orientation—one that directs us towards authenticity and fulfillment. This metaphor resonates through many cultures, signifying unwavering integrity and moral direction. [...]

Navigating Beyond Fear: Discovering the Heart’s True North

Ultimately, El Saadawi’s insight invites us to re-examine how we approach decision-making and self-discovery. Instead of allowing fear to dictate the boundaries of our lives, we can recalibrate our internal compass towards honesty and fulfillment. By choosing to venture beyond comfort zones and resist external pressures, we find that our heart’s true north—our most genuine self and direction—awaits just on the other side of fear. [...]

Discomfort as the Origin of Transformative Change

Ultimately, El Saadawi’s words encourage us to reframe our relationship with discomfort. Instead of retreating from challenging circumstances, we can view them as opportunities for growth and renewal. By recognizing discomfort as the fertile ground in which seeds of change are sown, individuals and communities alike can become more resilient, courageous, and open to transformation. [...]

The Canvas of Life Is Shaped by Our Choices - Nawal El Saadawi

This quote emphasizes that our lives are the result of the choices we make. Every decision contributes to shaping the path we follow, much like how an artist creates a painting with deliberate strokes. [...]