Riyan's POV

A brain dump episode

A catch up episode —I moved  again , started school, and somehow made friends in a town where I knew no one. But the heart of this episode is about being hyper-independent, dealing with friendship trauma, and learning how to actually let people in. Because making friends means giving people access—it means opening the gate a little. And that’s something I’ve really been learning lately. At some po...

not to toot my own horn but the art of being unbothered? mastered it. there’s so much freedom in not caring. life gets lighter when you stop performing.

A long overdue sit-down with my sister, Bahja Abdi. We talked about everything; moving out, sisterhood, adulting, med school, growing up, and just figuring life out as we go. It’s a Q&A, an advice session, and a little bit of a rant all in one.

This is the full pre-med debrief. From working in clinics, research labs, and volunteering to studying for the MCAT and everything in between — I’m walking you through exactly what I did, how I did it, and what each job actually looked like day-to-day. If you’re curious about what pre-med actually takes, this one’s for you. (I might do a part two!)

This episode is all about dropping the mask, letting go of the performance, and learning how to be real — even when it’s uncomfortable.

I got this question during a Q&A and realized it deserved a whole episode. The fear of being perceived is something we all struggle with, but once you learn to let go of it — everything changes. In this episode, I’m talking about what it really means to be seen, why it’s so scary, the science behind it, and how I rewired my mindset to show up as my full self.

In this episode, I reflect on everything my gap year taught me — from protecting my energy to redefining success and learning to live with intention. If you’re in a season of change, this one’s for you.

Transition periods aren’t always easy — in fact, they’re usually exhausting. I’m learning to trust myself to make the right decisions, and as someone who’s not quite an extrovert or an introvert, I’ve realized I need to stop overexerting myself because it takes me at least three days to recharge my social battery.

How I stopped trying to fit into an aesthetic and started becoming it — one outfit, one photo, one small moment at a time.

A lot of people think you can’t be confident and humble at the same time — but I completely disagree. In this episode, I talk about my own journey of rediscovering confidence by reconnecting with my self-worth and beliefs. Not the performative kind of confidence, but the kind that’s quiet, real, and rooted. I also get into how I’ve learned to actually like myself — without losing humility — and wh...

Finding yourself is a messy journey — but it’s one of the most important journeys you’ll ever take. In today’s episode, I’m talking about identity, feeling lost, chasing curiosity, and why it’s okay to not have it all figured out yet. You’re not behind. You’re just becoming.

I used perfection as an excuse and waited for permission so I wouldn’t have to take responsibility. It made me a shell of who I was — scared to mess up, scared to start. In this episode, I talk about how that mindset kept me stuck, and what happens when you finally let go of being perfect. Let life be messy. Forget perfect. Just be.

Talking about insecurity—not the surface stuff, but the kind that pushes you to grow. A reminder that you can be grateful for who you are and still want more for yourself.

This one’s for my shy girls, my introverts, and anyone who’s ever dealt with social anxiety. In this episode, I open up about my own experiences — from quiet, controlled routines to becoming more sociable, expressive, and stepping out of my comfort zone. Let’s talk about what it really takes to grow into the version of yourself that’s not afraid to take up space.

Even when life is messy, I still want to choose happiness. In this episode, I reflect on joy, ambition, and why we don’t need to wait for a “perfect moment” to feel good.

No one prepares you for how weird, awkward, and overthought adult friendships can be. This is my honest take on growing up and trying to find your people.

Are you just busy, or are you doing something that truly matters to you? There’s a difference between being busy and being passionate. A lot of the time, we think our purpose is to just be productive—but are we being intentional about how we spend our time? Is this something you’re truly passionate about, or just something to keep you occupied?

Maturity isn’t just about age—it’s about mindset. In this episode, I dive into what it really means to be mature, from self-control and accountability to letting go of ego and finding peace within yourself.

I used to force consistency, thinking it meant doing everything every day. But that only led to burnout. In this episode, I share how I redefined consistency and why doing things because you want to , not because you should , changes everything. 4o

Keeping my peace means protecting my energy, minding my business, and staying focused on myself. In this episode, I share how I prioritize myself, avoid negativity, and move through life with confidence.

Ever feel like you’re just going through the motions, barely present in your own life? Like you checked out for a moment, and suddenly, weeks—or even years—have slipped by? In this episode, I talk about what happens when we disconnect for too long, how life keeps moving whether we’re paying attention or not, and why being present matters. Because at the end of the day, the two biggest moments in l...

In this episode, I share my journey of letting go of a rigid career path and embracing versatility. I talk about shifting from a structured mindset to a more creative and open approach, finding freedom in exploring different interests, and learning that success isn’t always linear.

Today, I’m opening up about one of the toughest battles I’ve faced: forgiving the hardest person to forgive—myself. Anxiety had its grip on every corner of my life, dictating my thoughts, decisions, and even my sense of worth. It kept me stuck in an exhausting cycle of self-criticism, constantly second-guessing myself and questioning if I was ever enough. But through reflection and growth, I’ve le...

In this episode, we explore the toxic side of hustle culture and the romanticization of constant productivity. Join me as I share my take on achieving balance, why rest is essential for true success, and how to hustle smarter—not harder—on the journey to peace and fulfillment.