Life in Small Things: Siham's Daily Routine
As she spent time reflecting on her personal goals during the IMAGINE workshop, Siham experienced a profound shift in her perspective.
A Shift in Perspective
Siham, a participant in an IMAGINE workshop, was emotionally exhausted, but she wasn't sure why. Through a guided exercise in an IMAGINE workshop, she was able to identify and process her current situation, her challenges, and her goals. In one activity, facilitators ask the women to close their eyes and imagine walking through various rooms in a mental house. As they imagine these rooms, they draw what they see and discuss the concept together. Siham imagined herself entering the “room of love” and could clearly picture herself there with her parents and siblings. Although Siham shared that she loved her husband and children, she rarely saw her family and deeply missed them. Cultural norms that prevented Siham from traveling alone combined with her husband’s busy schedule resulted in her rarely seeing her parents and siblings despite their close proximity.
Siham also felt emotionally exhausted by the household routine of meals. Since her marriage, Siham had served everyone separately and ate alone after everyone else was served. Although this routine did not foster a healthy family dynamic, Siham had never considered the possibility of changing the routine. As the facilitator of the workshop asked questions, Siham was invited to think about other possibilities for these two situations. As she imagined herself eating with her family around the lunch table, her eyes sparkled with joy. She left the workshop with a new resolve: to take action toward her goals by gathering her family for a daily meal together, and by working toward ways to see her parents and siblings despite the challenges.
Siham’s IMAGINE experience allowed her to overcome the barrier of self-imposed restrictions and move toward a healthier lifestyle for herself and her family.
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