Hello Friends, 

This is your weekly edition of the Friday Five Hundred. This week, I’ll keep it nice and short. 

When my husband, Shakil, went on a brief business trip to Pakistan, he asked me what I’d like from our home country. I replied, “Get me some of that butterscotch candy we used to eat as kids. The ones that stick to your teeth.” He didn’t even question me and brought back Mitchell’s butterscotch candies. Ever have those moments when you feel so proud that you married the right person? 

I put the chewable little candy in my mouth. It was hard to chew on and left a sticky residue on my teeth and gums that was hard to get off. I offered some to my kids. They questioned my choice of candies. “Why do you like these so much? You can have better candy.” 

“Nostalgia, kids. Nostalgia.” Of course, this meant I had to explain what nostalgia meant. The ooey gooey sugary goodness of sneaking a piece of Mitchell’s soft chew butterscotch. Saving up some money and having just enough rupees to buy these precious little candies. It meant a great deal when a friend would share a piece with me. It was a miracle that we didn’t lose our baby teeth in the process of enjoying these supposedly soft chew candies.  

If you’ll excuse me, I’ll go have a piece right now. 

The Mitchell’s soft chew candies accompanied me on a recent trip to my Parents’ house where I had the opportunity to sleep in my childhood room after fifteen years. Treats from my early years and my old room; what more could I ask for? 

Thrilled at first to relive that experience of sleeping on the spot right near the window that let the moonlight in, I found myself to be rather big. My husband and three kids were also with me. Once they dozed off, I stared at the moon while being squished to the side against the window. This tiny old room failed to fit the large-scale life I have now.    

The sense of security and safety I found in my old room wasn’t there anymore. It felt rather crowded and tight just like Mitchell’s candy that failed to bring that sense of joy. 

Strange how I was seeking a sense of comfort from these relics of the past. It’s even more strange that I hold onto so many of my old ways and patterns especially some of my limiting beliefs. They certainly don’t serve the present me yet I cling onto them for dear life as if letting them go would jeopardize my security. Perhaps it’s time to KonMari them by thanking them for their served purpose in my life and gently letting them go to embrace the expansiveness of new beliefs, new ways, and new patterns.

Thank you for reading. As always, I’m grateful for your valuable time and presence. Do you have a favorite candy from childhood and have you recently tried it? 

Until next time! 

Lots of Love, 

Sana Fayyaz