On My Way, by Mahvish Ahmad
Reading On My Way feels like sitting down with a friend over coffee—warm, honest, and full of the kind of wisdom that comes from lived experience. - Written by Samana Butul.
Reading On My Way feels like sitting down with a friend over coffee—warm, honest, and full of the kind of wisdom that comes from lived experience. Mahvish Ahmed, an economics lecturer turned content creator, takes us through her journey from Lahore to Rotterdam, navigating motherhood, identity, and the quiet longing for home.
Her writing is raw and reflective, touching on everything from the thankless labor women do to the pressure to be endlessly productive. She speaks about the beauty of personal space, the necessity of silence for creativity, and the importance of allowing women to simply exist without justification. But one of the most powerful aspects of On My Way is how Mahvish redefines marriage and partnership.
In a culture where marriage is often framed as sacrifice—where women are expected to lose themselves in the role of a wife—she offers a refreshing and much-needed perspective. She challenges the traditional narrative of endurance and self-erasure, instead presenting marriage as a space of mutual growth, celebration, and companionship.
Mahvish’s words remind us that love should never come at the cost of one’s identity but should nurture both individuals as they truly are. This book is especially important in a place like Pakistan, where women’s voices, personal space, and emotional well-being are often treated as afterthoughts. But Mahvish doesn’t just challenge these expectations—she rewrites them.
What makes On My Way truly compelling is Mahvish’s ability to connect so effortlessly with her readers. Much like her Instagram blog, where she speaks candidly about conscious parenting, self-love, and mental health, her writing carries the same warmth and sincerity. Her reflections on womanhood are as Pakistani as they are universal, making this book a must-read for anyone trying to balance tradition, personal growth, and the pursuit of happiness.
Ultimately, On My Way is deeply personal yet universally resonant. It speaks to women who are constantly negotiating their place in the world—whether as mothers, professionals, migrants, or dreamers. It questions the rigid gender norms that dictate how women should live, think, and create. And through her words, Mahvish encourages women to carve out their own spaces, embrace their true desires, and, above all, find joy in their journey—wherever it may lead.
At its heart, On My Way is about belonging—not just to a place, but to oneself.
You can order a copy for yourself here:
Pakistan: https://www.libertybooks.com/on-my-way-a-memoir-9786277626440?srsltid=AfmBOoo-mF14hK1_vCoIpXcvuV9mHIF_o3EYjYJh-F9Emu9tUft9DE1a
US & Others: https://www.amazon.com/My-Way-Memoir-Mahvish-Ahmed/dp/B0DB3K3H58
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