From Ruins To Treasures

From Ruins to Treasure is a heartfelt collection of stories drawn from my own life experiences. Born in Afghanistan, I have navigated the turmoil of war, the uncertainties of being a young refugee in India, and the profound challenges of arriving in the United States as a refugee on the day of 9/11. These stories, a blend of fact and fiction, reflect the resilience and hope in the most unexpected places.

These stories reflect not only my journey but also the journeys of many others who have found themselves in ruins and have eventually discovered the treasure within themselves. Through these tales, I aim to share the resilience, courage and hope that have shaped my life and the lives of others who have faced similar challenges.

As Rumi said, “Where there is ruin, there’s hope for treasure.” This quote beautifully captures the spirit of my collection, highlighting the path from despair to self-discovery and hope.

The themes explored include overcoming adversity and finding strength in the face of challenges, discovering hope and uncovering inner treasures even in the darkest times, navigating the complexities of maintaining cultural identity while adapting to new environments, and featuring untraditional, empowered female lead characters who defy expectations and embrace their strength.

Discover these stories and uncover the treasures within, available now on Substack.

Photo of the author, with curly black hair, flowing past the shoulders with a green leaf background.

My name is Tahirih Fields. I've always believed that within me lies a treasure trove of stories waiting to be shared. Life's unexpected twists and turns inspired me to embark on a storytelling journey. Initially, I created these tales for my kids – the happy ones that made bedtime special. However, as they grew, their curiosity led us into the realm of sadder narratives. It was during these moments that a realization struck me. Despite the emotional weight of the stories, I found myself unable to shed tears., I would fight back tears and cut stories short. This emotional detachment, a coping mechanism developed over time, started to impact me. So, I turned to writing as a remedy. Surprisingly, within the first few paragraphs, I experienced a cathartic release. Writing became my journey of self-healing. Encouraged by my stories' feedback from a test group, I am eager to share them with a broader audience.