I've recently started a more intense gym routine,

which is toughening my mental fortitude

as much as my physical stamina,

and I realised the value of pushing past one's limits,

and that suprisingly enough, I succeeded every time.

Part of this was due to having a strong duo of gym partners,

and part of it was from knowing that this type of work is necessary

to get to that next level,

not just in the gym,

but outside of it as well.

There are many lessons I've learned so far from this new regime,

but I'll distil one of them for now.

And that's the ability to find a version of yourself

you thought didn't yet exist.

When you start a training program,

you have a certain goal in mind,

but what I've found is:

You can already access some part of that goal

with adequate preparation, intensity, and determination

way before reaching the actual destination.

How is this relevant to you though?

Well, Reader,

I understood that all pursuits to become your best self

in any given endeavour,

must be supplemented with this same mindset.

If you push yourself to write that extra 500 words each day,

something you thought you couldn't achieve,

you prove to yourself what is possible,

and more importantly,

you gain momentum

and a passion to push even further.

Extrapolate this to other pursuits

and you reach the same psychological plane,

where you realise you are much more capable than you think,

and that you can pretty much do anything if you put your mind to it.

So from a gym bro to a creative soul,

there are no limits to your growth,

and you can push past more than you can think,

if you lift your chin and redefine the brink.

Creative Update

I've been continuing promo for Poetry For Justice,

and it feels satisfying being able to announce something

that I've worked on in silent for so long.

I've been working on gathering a community

as much as a lineup for this event,

and I pray that it all goes well.

I've also organised an artist callout for a poetry installation

that anyone can get involved in,

which we are displaying on the night.

I would also like to cordially invite you to the event itself.

See below for more details.

Upcoming Opportunties

Poetry For Justice Mural Callout

We are inviting poets and artists (of all stages and ages) to submit poems based on themes of justice, faith, resilience, and freedom in the form of creative designs for a community poetry installation that will be displayed at our next event.

Open to all!

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT: 30TH JUNE

Wheatley Fellowship 2026/27

From @eprjcts on Instagram:

Eastside Projects and @birmingham_school_of_art invite applications for the 2026-27 Wheatley Fellowship.
​
📝 Application Deadline: Sunday 12 July, midnight
​
💰 Artist Fee: £10,000 (£9k tax free stipend + £1000 project fee)
​
💰 Production Budget: up to £10,000
​
👥 Find out more at our online Pre Application Q&A Session on Thursday 18 June, 1–2pm.

Catch Me Next

Tickets are live, see you there...

All the best,

Bilal Psyche Akram