Belva Mälik

Hello and welcome. I’m Aisha, a writer, poet, creative, and Cybersecurity Analyst, sharing my journey as I navigate the beauty of life. I’m so happy you’re here in this little corner of the internet where I get to be my authentic self. I have two amazing kids, and I live in Texas. I’ve also written under the pen name Tola Belva and go by Mrs. Jay in some circles.

As a millennial, I’ve always felt a special connection to simpler times, to the nostalgia of a world that felt a bit slower and more deliberate. I grew up reading personal blogs, which felt like getting a letter from a close friend. The kind of letter where they shared their life’s little moments, big dreams, and everything in between. There was something so pure about it, like you were entering someone’s world and having a direct conversation with them. Now, everything has shifted to social platforms like Instagram, YouTube, X formerly Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook, but I still find myself missing the intimacy of those old-school blogs. They weren’t about impressing anyone. They were about sharing real stories, real thoughts, and real connections. You could feel the heart of the writer in every post. I think that’s what I miss most.

Magazines and newspapers were also a big part of my childhood. The smell of fresh print and the crinkling sound of flipping through pages created an experience the digital world can never quite replicate. I’ll never forget those moments as a kid, walking into offices and finding magazines casually laid out on tables. It felt like a treasure chest waiting to be explored. There were always topics that fascinated me, from health tips to the latest fashion trends. I’d sift through those pages, dreaming of a world full of possibilities. One of the biggest moments was discovering Reese Witherspoon in a magazine for the first time. Her story sparked something in me that still lingers today, a curiosity about her life, her journey, and the idea that anyone can build their dream life with enough passion. Learning that she is also a strong advocate for books and reading made her even more inspiring to me as someone who believes deeply in the power of stories.

There was also a time when I pictured myself as a fashion icon. I immersed myself in fashion magazines, reading about designers like Vera Wang, Valentino, and Chanel, imagining myself in that world. I would cut out paper dress designs and pass them on to my aunties, asking them to bring my ideas to life. It was more than a hobby. It felt like an extension of who I was, a dreamer, an artist, someone who found beauty in every detail. Looking back now, I see how those moments of creativity shaped who I am today, and how that fascination with fashion and design never truly left me.

And of course, who could forget the luxury perfume samples tucked between the pages of magazines. I remember how rubbing the sample on your skin or clothes made the fragrance last for hours. There was a sense of glamour in those little, unexpected moments. The scents were sweet, floral, and elegant. Even now, certain fragrances take me right back to those carefree days.

Those really were simpler times. There were no adult responsibilities, no bills, no deadlines, no rush. We lived fully in the moment. I remember climbing trees with my friends, running through the neighborhood, and plucking fruit from trees as if time was endless. We laughed and played for hours with no screens to distract us and no constant pull for our attention. The world felt full of magic and possibility.

Evenings spent outdoors by moonlight, listening to older generations tell stories, hold a special place in my heart. Those stories carried wisdom that shaped how I see the world today. Lessons of resilience, love, and the importance of family were passed down in ways that stayed with me long after the night ended.

As a child, I was introverted and found comfort in words. Writing became my safe space and my way of expressing things I could not always say out loud. I kept diaries where I documented everything, my first heartbreak, my dreams, my passions, and my sadness. Those journals remain some of my most cherished possessions. They were where I first learned the power of writing to heal, reflect, and connect. I also had a deep love for English and literature throughout school, always drawn to how words could create worlds and bring ideas to life.

I grew up in the era of Barney and Friends, and the song “I love you, you love me” still brings back memories of childhood simplicity. I spent hours watching Pinky and the Brain, captivated by their ambitious plans and humor. I was also pulled into the emotional world of soap operas and telenovelas like Days of Our Lives and When You Are Mine, where characters like Paloma and Diego made every story feel intense and personal. Passions, with its unforgettable theme song by Jane French, kept me glued to the screen, as did A Different World, which shaped my ideas of resilience and friendship. Kids Say the Darndest Things always reminded me of how honest and insightful children can be. And of course, Teletubbies, especially the swirl dance by Tinky Winky, brought simple joy and laughter.

My love for nature and flowers has always been central to my life. There is something about a blooming flower that reflects both grace and strength, and it resonates deeply with me. I find peace in nature, whether I am watching butterflies or walking through a garden. Butterflies, in particular, symbolize transformation and freedom for me, a reminder of growth and becoming.

I am also a passionate book collector. My shelves are filled with classics and contemporary reads, each holding a special place in my heart. I love the vibrant colors of book covers and how each one tells a story before the first page is even turned. Books are an escape for me, a way to explore new ideas, travel through imagination, and find comfort and reflection.

While creativity has always lived at the center of my heart, my journey took an unexpected turn when I stepped into the world of cybersecurity. As a Cybersecurity Analyst, I work to protect systems and data from threats, ensuring that both personal and professional stories remain secure in an increasingly connected world. For me, it is not just about solving problems. It is about protecting spaces where innovation, creativity, and self expression can exist safely. The same curiosity that once led me through magazines and books now fuels my work in cybersecurity.

I’ve also always had a deep love for libraries. Walking through rows of books, discovering new worlds, and breathing in the scent of pages old and new is something I treasure deeply. In a world that lives online, the library still feels sacred to me. It is where I go to research, to escape, and to keep feeding my curiosity.

And then there is music, especially from the 90s. The rhythm and culture take me back to a time filled with raw energy and emotion. From Destiny’s Child, Ne Yo, Sisqo, Missy Elliott, J Lo, Ja Rule, and DMX to so many others, that era gave us anthems that still live on. I am a proud fan of Beyoncé and always will be. The smooth sounds of Joe, the harmonies of Westlife, the hits of Backstreet Boys, and the soulful voice of Craig David all shaped the soundtrack of my life. Those songs still inspire me today.

Every detail, the fashion dreams, the love for books, the carefree days of childhood, and even the perfume-scented pages of magazines, has shaped who I am. I have always found beauty in simple things. A moment with a book, a handwritten note, or a familiar scent can hold so much meaning.

I’ve always kept my circle small. I have never been one to seek out crowds. There is power in surrounding yourself with people who truly understand you and support your growth. For me, it is about creating spaces through writing, art, and meaningful connections where I can explore, express, and grow.

Thank you for being here and sharing this space with me. Whether you found this blog by chance or intention, I hope it brings you peace, inspiration, and a sense of connection. Life moves fast, but there is beauty in pausing, reflecting, and creating something meaningful. Together, let’s create something beautiful.

With love and light,

Aisha Belva Mälik