Today we’d like to introduce you to Rashida Basaria.
Hi Rashida, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Born and raised in Miami, FL, I began writing as a teenager in middle school and was inspired to publish my poems to give others hope and comfort in knowing they are not alone in life’s trials and tribulations. Working with my publisher, Molding Messengers, I put together several works and released my book in March 2022. My book, “Sabotage & Silhouettes,” is filled with love, sacrifice, healing, and traumas based on my life experiences. In July 2015, I lost my younger brother, and then in September 2019, I lost my mom, both from suicide. At 31, I went back to school to finish my bachelor’s program at Florida International University, and in the first week of my very last semester, my mom passed. I was determined to keep moving forward for my son and graduated in December 2019. In 2020, I moved from Miami to Orlando, hoping to find healing and a new community. I wanted to be closer to my older brother and needed a fresh start. I am currently working on my next project, which will be a spoken word album. My book is available at Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Target, Walmart, iBooks, and everywhere books are sold. My main goal is to inspire and give others hope that they are not alone.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. I reference many of my struggles in my book, including losses in love, experiencing a stillbirth, the death of my mom, and the sacrifices I’ve made to get here. Losing my brother triggered extreme anxiety and depression, and then losing my mother because she couldn’t cope with the loss of her child; it’s a miracle that I am still standing. But I have a fantastic son to whom I am fully dedicated, and my resilience has allowed me to keep moving forward. Therapy, a robust support system, and the love of my friends and family keep me grounded and inspired. I believe we go through things in life not for us but so that we can help others who go through the same thing. So, although life has not always been easy, and the journey has come with many bumps in the road, I know that my purpose is more significant than my experiences. I only hope that I will be able to use these experiences to help others who may need it.
Thanks for sharing that. Can you tell us more about your work next?
I am an author. I specialize in poetry, and my published book is a collection of poems. However, I am a writer in every sense of the word. I also make spoken-word videos that I post on my TikTok and Instagram accounts. My next step is to perform in front of a live audience. What sets me apart from others is that I am not afraid to expose my innermost feelings and thoughts and the experiences I’ve gone through. People relate to what I have to say, and they appreciate that I speak openly.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check?
I utilize social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok to promote my book and work, allowing me to network and connect with other poets. I get a lot of inspiration from poets like @mattcapone and @maui_w. Podcasts like Just Messenger Podcast and Tonight’s Conversation put life and love into perspective. I read a lot of books that focus on self-improvement. I think it’s essential to uncover and heal childhood traumas and, even more importantly, to heal the trauma wounds we are scarred with and carry into adulthood. Therapy has been a tremendous help.
Pricing:
- $19.99 retail at Barnes & Nobles
- On Sale on Amazon
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lnkfi.re/SabotageSilhouettes
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shi.da/
