We're already a month into the new year! Did anyone make any New Year's Resolutions? Are they already broken? If you're like me, they probably are long gone and forgotten. I don't take them seriously anyways and rarely make resolutions, but I do tend to set long term goals throughout the year that I don't follow through with.
One way to keep track of goals is to make small term ones that will help you make the necessary steps in the future, thus attaining long term goals. For example: write down the steps necessary to reach a big goal. Now, turn each step into a mini, short term goal. Do one step at a time. The path to the ultimate goal won't look too bad. Do things little by little until you get the hang of it.
If your goal is to organize the house and have a system going, it'll be hard to do right off the bat. Tackle each room at a time, create a binder, get rid of clutter, step by step.
If your goal is to become fit, start off small by walking and light weight exercise and work your way up. There is no way your house will become like Martha Stewarts or you'll look like a body builder over night. Small, consistent steps are the key.
Muhammad, Peace and Blessings be Upon him said, "The deeds most loved by God are those done regularly, even if they are small."*
This I can see apply to everyday life in the sense that you see a change in yourself when you do small things regularly, rather than a ton of good things a few times a year. Good habits are formed by repetition and consistency. So make small changes and move on after you have implemented that change into your everyday life.
I should use that advice for this blog. :) This is choppy, I had a thought in my head and wanted it get it out there before I forgot, but time isn't permitting me to go into details. I just wanted to make sure I didn't forget it later on. Have a good weekend!
*Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim
Showing posts with label Reflection. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reflection. Show all posts
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Friday, December 7, 2012
The Grass is Greener on the Other Side
Since I've had more free time these past few days I have been busy reading. And running. And reading. And sleeping. And reading and reading. Oh, and more reading. The result? I've been staying up too late reading, getting up too late, my run is about 4 hours later than it should be. Everything is later. The days are ending sooner so by 5 pm it feels as though I have done nothing all day, which I have not.
The problem with me is that everything looked so tempting to me before I had all this time on my hands. I made a list of things I wanted to do. I had a plan and it was to be awesome. Now that I found my books, aka my friends, I am holed up in my bedroom reading until the book's finished. I do not care for TV or movies, I do not care to eat out or cook. I'm not depressed, I just don't see the hype anymore. All these things I have been itching to do when I could not, do not look like they're worth the scratch. What does look tempting is studying. I am crazy. I know.
I've been reading The Hunger Games. I'm not good at book reviews, but I'll give you guys my opinion of the books and the movie in a post soon. Once I finished The Hunger Games I moved on to Catching Fire. I finished it in a day. I let it consume me until I finished it.
Reading is good. Everything can be good in moderation. But in excess it can be not so good. I guess that's my nature. I obsess over things until they are done. I obsessed over studying until I was completely done. I didn't go out and enjoy myself. I didn't enjoy life. I obsess over reading, until there's nothing left to read. I like to completely immerse myself in projects until they are completed. I clean until there's nothing else to clean. I seem to have an obsessive personality.
Despite me plowing forward until completion, I do not feel productive. To me, the way to feel so is to check things off my to-do list. This is also wrong. I jump from one extreme to the other. I guess I am going to be a workaholic when I get a job. But I don't want to be. I want to be able to enjoy my life at the same time. I need to step back, take in a breath of fresh air and enjoy the view, the big picture.
Maybe I should make a to-do list of things like "relax", "Call a friend", "bake something" and "take a walk outside". Things that feed my soul more than my mind. That way I can relax my obsessive mind by checking off things as well as nourishing my soul.
The problem with me is that everything looked so tempting to me before I had all this time on my hands. I made a list of things I wanted to do. I had a plan and it was to be awesome. Now that I found my books, aka my friends, I am holed up in my bedroom reading until the book's finished. I do not care for TV or movies, I do not care to eat out or cook. I'm not depressed, I just don't see the hype anymore. All these things I have been itching to do when I could not, do not look like they're worth the scratch. What does look tempting is studying. I am crazy. I know.
I've been reading The Hunger Games. I'm not good at book reviews, but I'll give you guys my opinion of the books and the movie in a post soon. Once I finished The Hunger Games I moved on to Catching Fire. I finished it in a day. I let it consume me until I finished it.
Reading is good. Everything can be good in moderation. But in excess it can be not so good. I guess that's my nature. I obsess over things until they are done. I obsessed over studying until I was completely done. I didn't go out and enjoy myself. I didn't enjoy life. I obsess over reading, until there's nothing left to read. I like to completely immerse myself in projects until they are completed. I clean until there's nothing else to clean. I seem to have an obsessive personality.
Despite me plowing forward until completion, I do not feel productive. To me, the way to feel so is to check things off my to-do list. This is also wrong. I jump from one extreme to the other. I guess I am going to be a workaholic when I get a job. But I don't want to be. I want to be able to enjoy my life at the same time. I need to step back, take in a breath of fresh air and enjoy the view, the big picture.
Maybe I should make a to-do list of things like "relax", "Call a friend", "bake something" and "take a walk outside". Things that feed my soul more than my mind. That way I can relax my obsessive mind by checking off things as well as nourishing my soul.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
The Little Stuff
1. Evaporated milk. It makes my chai so yummy. It's not great for me, and I am trying to cut down on a lot of fatty things, but I don't deprive myself of three things: evaporated milk in my chai, dark chocolate and carbohydrates. Good tasting chai makes me feel all warm and happy. dark chocolate tastes good, but also a little goes a long way and curbs further cravings for sweets. And carbohydrates because, if I did deprive myself of them, I'd go crazy when given the chance to eat them.
2. My health. I know this is a general topic, but I was thinking about it today. Living in India for a few years, I've had my fair share of infectious diseases; but it wasn't anything I couldn't handle. However, I don't get sick often and I am grateful for that. I'd rather have one unusual illness every few years than many small ones throughout the year. I was thinking how awesome it was that I don't get sick often and I finally caught a viral infection a few days later. I guess I jinxed myself, but it really is a blessing. I do have seasonal allergies, but it can all be prevented.
3. Today's special people {and everyday!} are my friends. The ones who I can talk to about anything without feeling judged. The ones who will give me honest advice. The ones where I can meet after months or even years and feel like nothing's changed. Those people are hard to find, so if you ever find one of these gems, don't take advantage of them.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Anywhere but here
I'm having one of those days where I'd like to be alone and not talk to anyone. Actually this is day two. I just want to get away from everything. I wish there were good nature parks nearby. I'd grab my books and lunch and hang out there most of the day if I could. Phone and mind turned off. This photo is so beautiful and just looking at it calms my soul.
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Appreciate what you have, not what you had
A lot of times I wonder what would have happened if my life didn't change. Or that I'd like to take myself back a few stages of my life in live there forever. Man is rarely completely satisfied with what he has. I was having a conversation with a friend and she was wishing she had waited before moving to the next phase of her life. Wishing she could go back to how things were. I sympathized with her, and wished I could move back a few years myself and relive those days that seemed so stress free.
But then I realized that every stage of life has stress or a concern or a worry. I just don't remember this fact when I have new worries and concerns to think about. I tend to only remember the good in the past. And focus on the "bad" in the present.
I am here today because of what happened in the past. I am who I am right now because of past experiences, joys and sorrows. If not, I'd be stuck in the past and wouldn't have accomplished what I have. And then I'd be sad that I was stuck in a rut and not moving on with my life. See? As I've stated earlier, Man can never be completely satisfied with his situation.
When this phase is over I will begin a new chapter of my life and wish that I could be where I am right now. Alhamdulillah, there is nothing wrong in my life right now, it's just stress. I should start counting my blessings; anything that makes me happy or feel good. A minimum of three a day. I'll try to do this as regularly as possible, but I'll probably need reminders! And I'll post them up here, aside from a few blog posts per month. {Edit: I'll start slow in regards to posting them here, but at least once a week}
Let's start with today, even though it is only 5:35 pm:
1. I ate a dosa. It's an Indian version of a savory crepe. Not everyone can make these right, the Indian restaurant here does not serve them and today I had the pleasure of eating one. Homemade and from scratch, made with love, eaten with love.
2. The weather today was a little warmer than the cold we've gotten this week and it felt to nice to feel the warm sun on my back.
3. I had pain in my foot and side before I started running this morning. I didn't want to miss today's run, so I decided to run anyways. But the pain stopped shortly after I started and I felt good after.
OK these are not so exciting, but I am a normal person and normal things happen to me. I'm just being real here. ;)
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Cultural woes for American raised girls
Yesterday my father-in-law went on a panting rage about how no one was giving him the food he wanted, God forbid.
At first I thought he was talking to no one in particular, so I stayed away. Then I heard him get louder and more specific.
My mother-in-law and sister-in-law sat in the kitchen with blank faces. My sister-in-law looked displeased. I cringed.
What is it about Bangladeshi men who cannot bear to not get what they want - even if it's not good for them?
What is about the Bangladeshi culture that men are often favored over women, from the kids to the parents.
Why do women have to serve everyone before eating, even if they are starving?
Why do men have to get the better share of food?
Why do men always demand things?
Why is there a secret code language to read minds hearts and souls?
Why do women believe if they don't do as their husbands say, or give them what they want (want to eat for) the husbands will curse them to doom before their deaths?
Why is the culture full of doing things for others, ignoring your own health and needs (often times), and putting less emphasis on taking care of oneself and your own actions?
This is my experience of the Bangladeshi culture.
I was raised by liberal parents who did not expect everything to be culturally packaged. For example, I did not have to serve my father all the time, nor wake up early to feed everyone, cook or clean after everyone etc.
In my in-laws house it is expected, even if you don't do it all the time.
There is a huge emphasis on taking care of the parents. I find it a struggle to understand:
1. What they want
2. What they are thinking
3. How to go about something
4. Going out of my way to do something without showing off and doing it for the sake of reward
5. Putting their priorities over yourself
6. Having to over explain things
7. Remaining silent when you want to say something - for good or bad
8. When or when not do something
9. Waiting around for a response to something you're unclear on. Being met with silence.
10. When to step your foot in, raise your concerns, look the other way.
Thank goodness there are some basic Islamic guidelines to follow: from treating others with respect, to taking care of the elderly and doing things for the sake of good deeds.
As an American raised child, I struggled with my own parents when it came to explaining and understanding the give-and-take rule on respect, being clear with one another, expressing feelings rather than mind-reading.
Last weekend I attended a workshop on how to spread the word about Islam and I learned from a conflict resolution segment that communication is translated differently in cultural settings: American individualistic society vs. Bangladeshi group mentality.
Which means, Americans are more likely to say things directly and are more open to personal space, while group thinkers expect you to read each others minds and say things indirectly, as well as be less keen to giving people personal space.
Neither is good or bad, but as the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him said, take what is good from your cultures which adheres with the teachings of Islam.
For American raised girls living in cultural homes, it is about finding the right balance to live up to God's laws and commandments.
At first I thought he was talking to no one in particular, so I stayed away. Then I heard him get louder and more specific.
My mother-in-law and sister-in-law sat in the kitchen with blank faces. My sister-in-law looked displeased. I cringed.
What is it about Bangladeshi men who cannot bear to not get what they want - even if it's not good for them?
What is about the Bangladeshi culture that men are often favored over women, from the kids to the parents.
Why do women have to serve everyone before eating, even if they are starving?
Why do men have to get the better share of food?
Why do men always demand things?
Why is there a secret code language to read minds hearts and souls?
Why do women believe if they don't do as their husbands say, or give them what they want (want to eat for) the husbands will curse them to doom before their deaths?
Why is the culture full of doing things for others, ignoring your own health and needs (often times), and putting less emphasis on taking care of oneself and your own actions?
This is my experience of the Bangladeshi culture.
I was raised by liberal parents who did not expect everything to be culturally packaged. For example, I did not have to serve my father all the time, nor wake up early to feed everyone, cook or clean after everyone etc.
In my in-laws house it is expected, even if you don't do it all the time.
There is a huge emphasis on taking care of the parents. I find it a struggle to understand:
1. What they want
2. What they are thinking
3. How to go about something
4. Going out of my way to do something without showing off and doing it for the sake of reward
5. Putting their priorities over yourself
6. Having to over explain things
7. Remaining silent when you want to say something - for good or bad
8. When or when not do something
9. Waiting around for a response to something you're unclear on. Being met with silence.
10. When to step your foot in, raise your concerns, look the other way.
Thank goodness there are some basic Islamic guidelines to follow: from treating others with respect, to taking care of the elderly and doing things for the sake of good deeds.
Shakir
He will put your deeds into a right state for you, and forgive you your faults; andwhoever obeys Allah and His Messenger, he indeed achieves a mighty success. (33:71) As an American raised child, I struggled with my own parents when it came to explaining and understanding the give-and-take rule on respect, being clear with one another, expressing feelings rather than mind-reading.
Last weekend I attended a workshop on how to spread the word about Islam and I learned from a conflict resolution segment that communication is translated differently in cultural settings: American individualistic society vs. Bangladeshi group mentality.
Which means, Americans are more likely to say things directly and are more open to personal space, while group thinkers expect you to read each others minds and say things indirectly, as well as be less keen to giving people personal space.
Neither is good or bad, but as the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him said, take what is good from your cultures which adheres with the teachings of Islam.
For American raised girls living in cultural homes, it is about finding the right balance to live up to God's laws and commandments.
Shakir
And those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah - Islamic Monotheism) and dorighteous good deeds, they are dwellers of Paradise, they will dwell therein forever. (2:82)Friday, December 30, 2011
The Death Scare
I got the shivers as I watched Grey's Anatomy, a show on doctors and surgeons who do their jobs and intermingle with life.
Tonight's episode revolved around deaths.
I got the chills.
Although I've never watched a full episode of the show before, today I think I was meant to watch it.
My eyes were glued to the TV. My son was sprawled on my lap as he tried to fall asleep. My heart wept. I wept.
I turned off the TV, put my child to bed and went to pray Isha, the night prayer, or the last prayer of the day. I felt the presence of death. The reminder of having to one day pass away.
In a hadith, saying of the Prophet Muhammad, he said we should not wish for death. Be optimistic.
Abu Hurayra reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "None of you should wish for death. If he does good, he may increase in it, and if he does evil, he may turn in repentance." [Agreed upon. This is the version of al-Bukhari]
In another hadith, the Prophet said, death is one of those things we can wish for when we feel like we are not doing our best. To me that means, there are times we all wish for death (although we may not mean it). Again, be optimistic, and wish for the best.
Anas reported: "The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, 'None of you should wish for death because of some harm which has befallen him. If he has got to do something, he should say, 'O Allah, make live if life is best for me and make me die if death is best for me." [Agreed upon].
Knowing time is short makes us want to do the best things in life - in just the right time. The Prophet said, the smartest people are those who prepare for death, and use this time wisely.
Today I felt my prayer was more bonding with God. We all need a good "death scare" to waken us up spiritually.
What do you think? Share your experiences!
Tonight's episode revolved around deaths.
I got the chills.
Although I've never watched a full episode of the show before, today I think I was meant to watch it.
My eyes were glued to the TV. My son was sprawled on my lap as he tried to fall asleep. My heart wept. I wept.
I turned off the TV, put my child to bed and went to pray Isha, the night prayer, or the last prayer of the day. I felt the presence of death. The reminder of having to one day pass away.
In a hadith, saying of the Prophet Muhammad, he said we should not wish for death. Be optimistic.
Abu Hurayra reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "None of you should wish for death. If he does good, he may increase in it, and if he does evil, he may turn in repentance." [Agreed upon. This is the version of al-Bukhari]
In another hadith, the Prophet said, death is one of those things we can wish for when we feel like we are not doing our best. To me that means, there are times we all wish for death (although we may not mean it). Again, be optimistic, and wish for the best.
Anas reported: "The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, 'None of you should wish for death because of some harm which has befallen him. If he has got to do something, he should say, 'O Allah, make live if life is best for me and make me die if death is best for me." [Agreed upon].
Knowing time is short makes us want to do the best things in life - in just the right time. The Prophet said, the smartest people are those who prepare for death, and use this time wisely.
Today I felt my prayer was more bonding with God. We all need a good "death scare" to waken us up spiritually.
What do you think? Share your experiences!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
From Sanskrit
"Yesterday is already a dream and tomorrow is only a vision, but today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope."
*Photo taken by me on Sept 3, 2011 in Manistee, Michigan
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Your Life Before Your Death
There was a death in the community the day before yesterday. The funeral was yesterday. I did not know or meet the woman or her family but I went to the funeral. I went because there is a reward in attending a funeral and I also want people to pray for me when I die. Is that selfish? I'm glad I went because there weren't many people there and I figured we all can use every prayer we get, especially when we die. There's nothing more than can be done except pray for the deceased and hope that their stay in the grave is a comfortable one.
I don't know her or her life story or her family, but I became pretty emotional. Death isn't easy to deal with. I've attended only a handful of funerals in my life and half of them were 3 of my grandparents'. The fourth I was too young to understand what was going on.
Anyways, everyone is going to die. We just don't know when. And I realized that I should make the most of my day, my hour, my minute, my second. I shouldn't squander my time on things and thoughts that don't matter. Living life to the fullest doesn't mean doing crazy things. I know people have a bucket list of things they want to do in their life, things they must do before they die. Some of those things include sky diving or something daring. That's fine, I have my own list of things I would love to see and do, but we should also try to include more meaningful things. Things that will leave an imprint on people's lives after we die. We should do things that make a difference, because honestly, after we're dead who is going to remember that we jumped out of a plane as a big milestone in our lives?
The prophet Muhammad Peace and blessing be upon him said, "Take advantage of five matters before five other matters: your youth, before you become old; and your health, before you fall sick; and your richness, before you become poor; and your free time before you become busy; and your life, before your death." This is so true. When I'm sick, I regret that I didn't get my work done when I could have. When I'm busy, I mentally kick myself for procrastinating, etc.
If you believe in the Hereafter then invest this time into it, because once we are gone, the only thing that will help you are your good deeds and the only thing that will harm you are your bad deeds. Nothing else, except a few things which can benefit: Muhammad Peace Be Upon Him said, "When a human being dies, all of his deeds are terminated except for three types: an ongoing Charity, a knowledge (of Islam) from which others benefit, and a righteous child who makes supplication for him." (Muslim and others).
So, if you put a water fountain somewhere and people drink from it, you will get the reward for supplying them with water. That's just an example of the first.
If I can't do something great now, I know I need to work towards being able to do great things in the future. I just hope I can get there before I die and I hope I get an A for effort if I don't make it.
I planned on writing something happier and less serious, but funerals make me sad.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
"Don’t depend too much on anyone in this world for even your own shadow leaves you when you are in darkness" -Ibn Taymiyyah
Life is so weird. And I'm in a mood. So if I regret writing this later, maybe I'll delete it. But right now, here are my unedited thoughts.
Sometimes I think "treating people the way you want to be treated" is a bunch of crap. I think we should treat people, the way they treat us.If someones nice to you, be nice back.If someone is a jerk, treat them like a jerk.If someone is rude to you, be rude back! It just makes so much more sense to go through life like that. I'm tired of doing the other thing. Where I'm nice, and get treated like dirt. Or when I'm constantly putting myself out there, only to be disappointed by them time and time again. And sure everyone has their own obligations and priorities and what not, so I have no one to blame but myself for hoping. But at the end of the day, when all is said and done, it's still not fair. And I'm kind of tired of it.So I'm just giving up.And I'm just going to change how I get treated by people.And I'm only going to rely on God. inshaAllah. Because this constant feeling that I'm feeling, is making me tired. And it's draining so much from me. And I just cant do it anymore.
So I'm letting go of you.
And you.
And you.
Sometimes I think "treating people the way you want to be treated" is a bunch of crap. I think we should treat people, the way they treat us.If someones nice to you, be nice back.If someone is a jerk, treat them like a jerk.If someone is rude to you, be rude back! It just makes so much more sense to go through life like that. I'm tired of doing the other thing. Where I'm nice, and get treated like dirt. Or when I'm constantly putting myself out there, only to be disappointed by them time and time again. And sure everyone has their own obligations and priorities and what not, so I have no one to blame but myself for hoping. But at the end of the day, when all is said and done, it's still not fair. And I'm kind of tired of it.So I'm just giving up.And I'm just going to change how I get treated by people.And I'm only going to rely on God. inshaAllah. Because this constant feeling that I'm feeling, is making me tired. And it's draining so much from me. And I just cant do it anymore.
So I'm letting go of you.
And you.
And you.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
"I make dua because in the end that's all that I can do. And because it's the strongest thing I know of. " -A.A.
This has been my motto for the past couple of months.
Muslims pray five times a day. This is basically the five times of the day where we are required, and it is incumbent upon us, to worship our Lord. And this is known as salat.
This five- times- a- day prayer is not to be confused with making a prayer to God. The kind of prayer where you verbally send a letter to God saying "Hey God, can you help a sister (brother) out!" or "Hey God, I need you right now. Are you listening?" That form of prayer is also a form of worship, however it is known as dua.
And obviously that's in laymen terms, cause I would hope no one would go around saying "Hey, God!" Cause that's just rude.
These past couple of months, weeks, and days I've just spent making as much dua as I possibly can. It is said that there are certain times when a dua is accepted. And those particular times and moments include when it's raining and while a person is traveling, etc. And every time I see rain, the first thing I try to do is make dua. And I dont travel, but this past weekend we went out of town, and I was so excited to be considered a "traveler" and instead of reading the book I took along with me, I spent the trip, making dua.
It's funny because a couple of years ago, if memory serves me right, I wasn't so keen on making dua. For anything. It wasn't my thing. And it wasn't what I did in times of distress, helplessness, or even gratitude. And I didnt quite understand it, which can be attributed easily to just plain old ignorance.
And I dont know when my thoughts changed and how they changed over the past couple of months. It could be because a person constantly reminds me never to forget the immense power of dua. It could be because during a very weak moment in my life, a friend and I made salat together, made dua together and I felt a peace inside of me that I hadnt thought was possible. It could be because during a lecture I heard a Hadith Qudsi* where God says "I am as My servant expects Me to be". And to paraphrase, God is saying I am whatever you think I am. If you think I am merciful, then I am merciful. If you think I am forgiving, then I am forgiving, and so on a so forth. I really loved that Hadith because I never thought of it that way until I heard the lecturer explaining it, and I never realized we, humans, could have that type of relationship with God. (Does that make sense?)
It could have been a combination of so many things.
Whatever it was, I'm glad it happened.
I just know that making dua is something that I have truly embraced and have been fortunate enough to do so. It's reassuring to know that when I think all hope is gone, I can just make a dua to God, and he is listening. I can ask for something, I can beg for something, I can cry for something, and my distress, anger, or hurt may not go away immediately, but the simple fact that God is listening, knows what's in my head, knows what's in my heart, and will eventually respond in some way, sooner or later, gives me immense comfort.
And when I'm feeling extremely helpless, and I dont know what to do for those around me and for those that I love who are going through difficult times, such as losing a loved one, school, or anything really, all I'm left with is making dua for them. Keeping them in my prayers.
Because in the end, that's all a person can do for another. And that's all there is to do.
*Hadith Qudsi are the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) as revealed to him by the Almighty Allah. Hadith Qudsi (or Sacred Hadith) are so named because, unlike the majority of Hadith which are Prophetic Hadith, their authority is traced back not to the Prophet but to the Almighty.
Muslims pray five times a day. This is basically the five times of the day where we are required, and it is incumbent upon us, to worship our Lord. And this is known as salat.
This five- times- a- day prayer is not to be confused with making a prayer to God. The kind of prayer where you verbally send a letter to God saying "Hey God, can you help a sister (brother) out!" or "Hey God, I need you right now. Are you listening?" That form of prayer is also a form of worship, however it is known as dua.
And obviously that's in laymen terms, cause I would hope no one would go around saying "Hey, God!" Cause that's just rude.
These past couple of months, weeks, and days I've just spent making as much dua as I possibly can. It is said that there are certain times when a dua is accepted. And those particular times and moments include when it's raining and while a person is traveling, etc. And every time I see rain, the first thing I try to do is make dua. And I dont travel, but this past weekend we went out of town, and I was so excited to be considered a "traveler" and instead of reading the book I took along with me, I spent the trip, making dua.
It's funny because a couple of years ago, if memory serves me right, I wasn't so keen on making dua. For anything. It wasn't my thing. And it wasn't what I did in times of distress, helplessness, or even gratitude. And I didnt quite understand it, which can be attributed easily to just plain old ignorance.
And I dont know when my thoughts changed and how they changed over the past couple of months. It could be because a person constantly reminds me never to forget the immense power of dua. It could be because during a very weak moment in my life, a friend and I made salat together, made dua together and I felt a peace inside of me that I hadnt thought was possible. It could be because during a lecture I heard a Hadith Qudsi* where God says "I am as My servant expects Me to be". And to paraphrase, God is saying I am whatever you think I am. If you think I am merciful, then I am merciful. If you think I am forgiving, then I am forgiving, and so on a so forth. I really loved that Hadith because I never thought of it that way until I heard the lecturer explaining it, and I never realized we, humans, could have that type of relationship with God. (Does that make sense?)
It could have been a combination of so many things.
Whatever it was, I'm glad it happened.
I just know that making dua is something that I have truly embraced and have been fortunate enough to do so. It's reassuring to know that when I think all hope is gone, I can just make a dua to God, and he is listening. I can ask for something, I can beg for something, I can cry for something, and my distress, anger, or hurt may not go away immediately, but the simple fact that God is listening, knows what's in my head, knows what's in my heart, and will eventually respond in some way, sooner or later, gives me immense comfort.
And when I'm feeling extremely helpless, and I dont know what to do for those around me and for those that I love who are going through difficult times, such as losing a loved one, school, or anything really, all I'm left with is making dua for them. Keeping them in my prayers.
Because in the end, that's all a person can do for another. And that's all there is to do.
*Hadith Qudsi are the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) as revealed to him by the Almighty Allah. Hadith Qudsi (or Sacred Hadith) are so named because, unlike the majority of Hadith which are Prophetic Hadith, their authority is traced back not to the Prophet but to the Almighty.
Monday, June 13, 2011
" Get your head out of your a** "
As I was picking up my sister from work yesterday, I failed to check my left hand side's blind spot, and almost collided with an oncoming car. Granted it was my fault, and I'm willing to take the blame for it, such remarks as this are just uncalled for.
And they are much worse when the person saying such things is over the age of 60.
I was extremely embarrassed that I almost ran into this old man. And initially I thought it was amusing that he said what he did but the more I thought about the more upset I got. The fact that he was so rude and displayed such bad manners kind of left me feeling weird.
Shouldn't older people know better then to act this way? Shouldn't they be the ones, as lame as it sounds, be "setting an example"? Aren't they the ones that we're supposed to be learning from?
I just thought it was interesting that this old man reacted this way. And I think it's interesting when "older" people are hypocritical and say that younger people know nothing about life.
And it's not just this old man that I'm talking about. . The ones that are beyond their prime years. The ones that have (or should have) gained a vast amount of knowledge and wisdom through the years.
And they are much worse when the person saying such things is over the age of 60.
I was extremely embarrassed that I almost ran into this old man. And initially I thought it was amusing that he said what he did but the more I thought about the more upset I got. The fact that he was so rude and displayed such bad manners kind of left me feeling weird.
Shouldn't older people know better then to act this way? Shouldn't they be the ones, as lame as it sounds, be "setting an example"? Aren't they the ones that we're supposed to be learning from?
I just thought it was interesting that this old man reacted this way. And I think it's interesting when "older" people are hypocritical and say that younger people know nothing about life.
And it's not just this old man that I'm talking about. . The ones that are beyond their prime years. The ones that have (or should have) gained a vast amount of knowledge and wisdom through the years.
Yesterday a friend and I were talking about the elders of our community and how some of them are very backwards. When I say this, please understand that I mean that they are backwards in the sense that they think everything that they are not used to, is wrong. And everything that they are used to and acclimated to, is right. And we all know that is a very narrow minded way of thinking.
It's extremely hard to be in a part of a community where the older generation constantly shakes their head at the younger generation. It's very difficult for the younger generation to earn the respect of some of the older people (Notice I said some). What's even harder, I feel like sometimes it's hard for them to accept that we are a part of a different culture that they are from. A different mindset. A different attitude. A different way of life. It's not necessarily a wrong way of life, wrong attitude, or wrong mindset. It's just not what they are used to. And they don't accept it, and even frown upon it. I think if they opened up their minds to it, and gave the younger generation a chance and opportunity and allowed themselves to be open-minded, they would be pleasantly surprised.
It's just something that frustrates me to no end.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
The things we should do for L-O-V-E
I love this blog. Not like, but love. And when I feel like I've abandoned it, i.e. not written/commented/checked up on it, I feel so stressed out. I constantly remind myself that I need to do something for it/to it to make sure I'm doing my part. That I'm contributing in SOME way.
It might sound cliche and quite frankly, kinda corny, but I really feel like I'm a part of something since I've joined this blog. Like I'm taking the initiative and trying my damn hardest to make a difference in someones life. I've never been actively involved in any sort of community outreach program except for the rare volunteer opportunities that I partake in. And most of those events I'm present in because my friends do it. Ah yes, peer influence.
When Controlled Chaos created this blog almost three years ago (June 24th is our three year anniversary!) with the intention of making the world a bit more open minded through the views, ideas, opinions, thoughts and anecdotes of your everyday average Muslim American girls, she was not only doing a public service for the misinformed, uneducated and the completely clueless, but she was also opening up a whole new door for me. This blog was/is my stepping stone into doing something humanitarian. Helping society. Educating people. Doing my part as a human being. Even if it seems minuscule.
And yeah, we have our fair share of ups and downs here at Symphonic Discord, with a WHOLE lot more downs then ups. And Controlled Chaos constantly threatens to shut it down cause we suck as writers and aren't doing anything about keeping the blog active.
But it's something I constantly have on my mind. No joke. I've been thinking about potential posts before my work day begins, while teaching, and after I've hightailed out of school. I run through multiple thoughts while showering, driving home, and sitting in the backyard. My thoughts center around enlightening others with random facts about Muslims and Islams. Stupid things I do as a teacher. Silly things my students say. Funny moments with my siblings. Crazy thoughts I share with friends. Anything that I can contribute to anyone that is reading.
For the past month, I've been trying to rejuvenate my thoughts, get out of this writer's rut, and just get back on track and renew my intention for being on this blog. The motto of this blog is something I firmly believe in and I can wholeheartedly say if we(the authors of this blog and anyone else that wants to help) pushed and challenged ourselves, we could do great things.
In the end, when I feel like I've failed this blog and havent done what I should/could do for it and with all the efforts (or lack thereof) put into this blog, I try to remind myself of the wise words of Mother Teresa, when she said, " What we are trying to do may be just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop. "
And with that, I log of off Facebook, fix my posture, open up blogger and finally start typing...
It might sound cliche and quite frankly, kinda corny, but I really feel like I'm a part of something since I've joined this blog. Like I'm taking the initiative and trying my damn hardest to make a difference in someones life. I've never been actively involved in any sort of community outreach program except for the rare volunteer opportunities that I partake in. And most of those events I'm present in because my friends do it. Ah yes, peer influence.
When Controlled Chaos created this blog almost three years ago (June 24th is our three year anniversary!) with the intention of making the world a bit more open minded through the views, ideas, opinions, thoughts and anecdotes of your everyday average Muslim American girls, she was not only doing a public service for the misinformed, uneducated and the completely clueless, but she was also opening up a whole new door for me. This blog was/is my stepping stone into doing something humanitarian. Helping society. Educating people. Doing my part as a human being. Even if it seems minuscule.
And yeah, we have our fair share of ups and downs here at Symphonic Discord, with a WHOLE lot more downs then ups. And Controlled Chaos constantly threatens to shut it down cause we suck as writers and aren't doing anything about keeping the blog active.
But it's something I constantly have on my mind. No joke. I've been thinking about potential posts before my work day begins, while teaching, and after I've hightailed out of school. I run through multiple thoughts while showering, driving home, and sitting in the backyard. My thoughts center around enlightening others with random facts about Muslims and Islams. Stupid things I do as a teacher. Silly things my students say. Funny moments with my siblings. Crazy thoughts I share with friends. Anything that I can contribute to anyone that is reading.
For the past month, I've been trying to rejuvenate my thoughts, get out of this writer's rut, and just get back on track and renew my intention for being on this blog. The motto of this blog is something I firmly believe in and I can wholeheartedly say if we(the authors of this blog and anyone else that wants to help) pushed and challenged ourselves, we could do great things.
In the end, when I feel like I've failed this blog and havent done what I should/could do for it and with all the efforts (or lack thereof) put into this blog, I try to remind myself of the wise words of Mother Teresa, when she said, " What we are trying to do may be just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop. "
And with that, I log of off Facebook, fix my posture, open up blogger and finally start typing...
Thursday, May 19, 2011
My grandmother
I used to think my grandmother didn't love me. She liked my cousins more and I could tell she liked my little sister, who didn't talk much. My grandmother is a tough-lover. She doesn't show affection easily. Her way of "loving us" is feeding us. She wouldn't nag and say, "Oh please eat," rather she'd say, "The food is good (because she cooked it)," to entice us.
When I was in high school I yelled at her once. I still regret that til this day. This particular incident was an argument between my parents. She listened, but as usual, didn't butt-in. I on the other hand expected her to say something and say what was right. If that day she was planning on doing it, I didn't give her the chance. Rather I said some mean things. I was frustrated. She never brought it up again. I didn't think she cared.
About two years ago I discovered an album at my parent's house. It had pictures of all my grandmother's grandchildren, including my 6th grade school picture. She carried the album in her bag. I was shocked! She did love me after all.
Last year my grandmother decided to go to Bangladesh all of a sudden. She loves her country. The whole family tried to talk her out of it. She wouldn't listen. That's how she is; she does what she puts her mind to. Our family gathered like a magnet at my youngest uncle's house, with whom she lives. As the luggage were being weighed, and my grandmother napped we made jokes about her.
All of us talked late into the night. We shared giggles, and watched each other nearly doze off. We wondered if she wanted us all to go to the airport the next morning. My cousin and I tip-toed into her room to ask her. With my grandmother you never know what would please or displease her. "You ask her...no you ask her," we said back and forth. We were scared.
The next morning we exchanged looks. "What are you guys standing around for. Get in the car," my grandmother said. "I guess we are going," I said to my cousin.Things had changed for both of us. We were both in our second year of marriage (at the time) and it had been ages since the family stayed over and spent time together.
Everyone was thinking: what if this is the last time we'd see my grandmother. At the airport we took family pictures (my grandmother doesn't always take pics). My cousin and I escorted my grandmother to the bathroom. I held her arm. "Oh don't do that," grandmother said. "Why not? What will happen if I hold you?" I asked. "It doesn't feel comfortable," she said casually. I let out a loud laugh. Just a thing she would say.
We gently put her in a wheelchair, hugged her and bid her goodbye. And everyone went back to normal again.
When I was in high school I yelled at her once. I still regret that til this day. This particular incident was an argument between my parents. She listened, but as usual, didn't butt-in. I on the other hand expected her to say something and say what was right. If that day she was planning on doing it, I didn't give her the chance. Rather I said some mean things. I was frustrated. She never brought it up again. I didn't think she cared.
About two years ago I discovered an album at my parent's house. It had pictures of all my grandmother's grandchildren, including my 6th grade school picture. She carried the album in her bag. I was shocked! She did love me after all.
Last year my grandmother decided to go to Bangladesh all of a sudden. She loves her country. The whole family tried to talk her out of it. She wouldn't listen. That's how she is; she does what she puts her mind to. Our family gathered like a magnet at my youngest uncle's house, with whom she lives. As the luggage were being weighed, and my grandmother napped we made jokes about her.
All of us talked late into the night. We shared giggles, and watched each other nearly doze off. We wondered if she wanted us all to go to the airport the next morning. My cousin and I tip-toed into her room to ask her. With my grandmother you never know what would please or displease her. "You ask her...no you ask her," we said back and forth. We were scared.
The next morning we exchanged looks. "What are you guys standing around for. Get in the car," my grandmother said. "I guess we are going," I said to my cousin.Things had changed for both of us. We were both in our second year of marriage (at the time) and it had been ages since the family stayed over and spent time together.
Everyone was thinking: what if this is the last time we'd see my grandmother. At the airport we took family pictures (my grandmother doesn't always take pics). My cousin and I escorted my grandmother to the bathroom. I held her arm. "Oh don't do that," grandmother said. "Why not? What will happen if I hold you?" I asked. "It doesn't feel comfortable," she said casually. I let out a loud laugh. Just a thing she would say.
We gently put her in a wheelchair, hugged her and bid her goodbye. And everyone went back to normal again.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Rock....Paper... Scissors...JESUS!
Bam!! When my kids at school play this, Jesus totally TRUMPS all of the above. Obviously. It's funny how kids can have more faith in things than adults. Not just concerning their religiosity either. But just in general. They are more optimistic, hopeful, open-minded about things around them then adults are. We can always say it, but it's so true that kids are wiser then we give them credit for. I asked my kids how they would settle a disagreement and argument today. I also asked them to respond and provide both negative and positive ways to settle a dispute. Negative ways included fighting and insulting one another. And positive methods ranged from talking it out, walking away, hearing the opposing side, breathing, counting to ten, apologizing to one another, and asking others for advice. Terry Jones, the pastor that burned the Qu'ran recently, and has been threatening to do so since the 9th anniversary of September 11, and the people in Afghanistan that are attacking and killing innocent civilians in retaliation, could learn a thing or two from them. Shame on all of them for acting the way they are. Whether it's figuratively, or literally, haven't they all learned from Mahatma Gandhi, that an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind?
Monday, December 27, 2010
you guys didn't wish your christian readers a merry christmas. how rude.
That was a comment left for us by Anonymous on Mrs. Cullen's post (below). And that comment has left a smile on my face for a couple of hours after reading it. And no, it wasn't an evil, mocking smile. It was a genuine, I'm so happy, smile.
I'll tell you why I was happy. Whether you think I'm cuckoo for it, is up to you. After reading it, I had two thoughts cross my mind, Sir Anonymous is right, we didn't wish our Christian readers a merry christmas and maybe it was very rude.
The second thought being, OMG SOMEBODY cares about what we say!!!! YAYYY!! There is someone out there who genuinely cared whether or not we wished people Merry Christmas, and yes 'cared' is being used loosely here. Sir Anonymous was bothered or at least thought that it should be expected from this blog of random, rambling Muslim girls. And that makes me happy. I'm happy that even after all the highs and lows we have with this blog and even after how it feels like we're doing such a sluggish job, that our words DO matter. So, yayy
Anyways, to Sir Anonymous (And yes I am quite aware you could be a Madam, but let's just say I'm using the word 'Sir' VERY loosely) and to EVERYONE else that has, does, and will read our blog, I am sorry we didn't send out a holiday greetings, whether you celebrated Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas or Diwali and whatever else I may be missing.
I could give you all the reasons and excuses why each of us forgot to say anything for Christmas, including being out of the country, having blogging lows, being unsure as to which holidays to send greetings for, and some other reasons, but it doesn't really matter at this point. I wished random strangers a Merry Christmas, but I didn't say anything to my readers...that is rude.
So I wanted to say first of to all our Christmas celebrating readers, I truly hope you had a GREAT CHRISTMAS :)
I can honestly say that I love watching the spirit of giving and happiness that comes into people at this time of the year, every year.
And to those who celebrated Hanukkah at the start of December, of this soon to be ending year, I hope you had an amazing experience and your latkes were as yummy as they could be (I've been on a mission to make latkes since last year... and maybe there'll be another awesome youtube song next year...I flip my latkes in the air sometimes saying ayy ohh spin the driedel)
For all the Kwanzaa fans, I hope you're having a HAPPY KWANZAAA!!
For those that celebrated Diwali in November, I'm sorry we're a month behind in wishing that you had a great Diwali, and I hope the one for next year will be just as great as this year if not better.
And to everyone else whose holidays we missed this past year, I hope your holidays in the new year will be experiences filled with good things, happiness and success.
I hope our readers and especially Sir Anonymous can forgive us, if not completely then at least partially, and forgive us if we make the same mistake next year, because to be honest with you, we're not the most organized, efficient or best of humans and we tend to get caught up with our own lives and problems.
So forgive us? Okay? And I really do hope you had a great Christmas Sir Anonymous. Oh and thank you.
CC, out.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Mid-week pick me up
I was just going through the Qur'an when I came across this verse and thought I'd share.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Conscious Culture
Sometimes I just don't feel like studying. I'll look at my notes and think to myself...yea yea I'll figure it out on the exam.
That worked real swell during undergrad.
Grad schools a whole different ball park. For reals. But even though I have an exam in two hours I choose to write a post instead! Lucky for you guys.
The Hubster and I went to Pittsburgh for a nice little weekend trip a few weeks ago. Let me tell you...it was one of the most amazing experiences ever. Seriously.
We met all these amazing Muslims from African American and Puerto Rican backgrounds... some converted to Islam. Pittsburgh actually has an extremely rich history of indigenous Muslims from hundreds of years ago.
History goes a little something like this... back when colonies were beginning in the US, there was a Spanish colony called Roanoke that ended up failing rather quickly. That colony had hundreds of Moriscos, free Muslim laborers, from Spain. After the collapse of the colony historians couldn't tell what happened to all the settlers. Apparently many Muslims in Pittsburgh have roots back to these Moriscos. What's even cooler is that first actual Masjid in the US is in Pittsburgh. What's interesting is that these Muslims were part of mainstream Orthodox Islam, not the Nation of Islam (a deviant sect of Islam). So there are actually many families in the Burgh that are African American and have been Muslim for generations upon generations.
This whole idea of African American Muslims who were originally Muslim is something new to the immigrant Muslim community that really tends to think as themselves as the "original" Muslims in the US whereas African Americans, Puerto Ricans, and Caucasians must all be converted to Islam. That however is not the case and its time we all look back at the history of Islam in the US because clearly it did not start with the wave of Arab and Southeast Asian Muslim immigrants in the 70's .
Meeting all these different types of people was really eye opening for me because I finally met people who had solid Muslim American identities, something that the immigrant community is struggling with greatly. The issue that first generation Muslims (from immigrant parents) are dealing with is this:
Their parents have their Islam and "back home" culture intertwined. Their kids however have an American culture that they're trying to reconcile with their heritage and their Islamic culture. What most people don't understand is that "Islamic" culture and American culture are NOT diametrically opposed.
Islam never came to eradicate culture, it came to beautify it. So in essence our Muslim American culture should something that is conscious culture which encompasses all that is good and leaves that which is not beneficial.
Here's an example. I have a friend who loves Hip Hop and thats a rooted part of his culture. Is there anything wrong with that? Absolutely not. His Islamic identity will affect his Hip Hop though by weeding out those lyrics that have negativity (drugs, alcohol, strippers, etc). So really this guy can practice his Islam to the fullest and use it to effect this love for Hip Hop and make it even better.
For more on the the history of Islam in Pittsburgh check this out..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4CG-U1-N
That worked real swell during undergrad.
Grad schools a whole different ball park. For reals. But even though I have an exam in two hours I choose to write a post instead! Lucky for you guys.
The Hubster and I went to Pittsburgh for a nice little weekend trip a few weeks ago. Let me tell you...it was one of the most amazing experiences ever. Seriously.
We met all these amazing Muslims from African American and Puerto Rican backgrounds... some converted to Islam. Pittsburgh actually has an extremely rich history of indigenous Muslims from hundreds of years ago.
History goes a little something like this... back when colonies were beginning in the US, there was a Spanish colony called Roanoke that ended up failing rather quickly. That colony had hundreds of Moriscos, free Muslim laborers, from Spain. After the collapse of the colony historians couldn't tell what happened to all the settlers. Apparently many Muslims in Pittsburgh have roots back to these Moriscos. What's even cooler is that first actual Masjid in the US is in Pittsburgh. What's interesting is that these Muslims were part of mainstream Orthodox Islam, not the Nation of Islam (a deviant sect of Islam). So there are actually many families in the Burgh that are African American and have been Muslim for generations upon generations.
This whole idea of African American Muslims who were originally Muslim is something new to the immigrant Muslim community that really tends to think as themselves as the "original" Muslims in the US whereas African Americans, Puerto Ricans, and Caucasians must all be converted to Islam. That however is not the case and its time we all look back at the history of Islam in the US because clearly it did not start with the wave of Arab and Southeast Asian Muslim immigrants in the 70's .
Meeting all these different types of people was really eye opening for me because I finally met people who had solid Muslim American identities, something that the immigrant community is struggling with greatly. The issue that first generation Muslims (from immigrant parents) are dealing with is this:
Their parents have their Islam and "back home" culture intertwined. Their kids however have an American culture that they're trying to reconcile with their heritage and their Islamic culture. What most people don't understand is that "Islamic" culture and American culture are NOT diametrically opposed.
Islam never came to eradicate culture, it came to beautify it. So in essence our Muslim American culture should something that is conscious culture which encompasses all that is good and leaves that which is not beneficial.
Here's an example. I have a friend who loves Hip Hop and thats a rooted part of his culture. Is there anything wrong with that? Absolutely not. His Islamic identity will affect his Hip Hop though by weeding out those lyrics that have negativity (drugs, alcohol, strippers, etc). So really this guy can practice his Islam to the fullest and use it to effect this love for Hip Hop and make it even better.
For more on the the history of Islam in Pittsburgh check this out..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4CG-U1-N
Saturday, September 11, 2010
As we celebrate...and Remember
It was Eid on Friday here in America.
On 9/10/2010
There was a joke circulated that we tried our hardest to see the moon the night before because everyone wanted to avoid having Eid ul Fitr on 9/11/2010..the ninth anniversary of September 11.
Imagine...Muslims celebrating...on the same day the nation remembers the 'terrorist attack on September 11'
911. What's your emergency?
The towel heads next to my house are partying.
Is there a problem? Was someone hurt?
No...It's just that All the MOZlems in my city are celebrating.... Like they're really partying it up with all kinds of food and games.
You don't sayy!
I mean you can only give them Soo many excuses...Is there anyway we can get them arrested?
Stay on the line while I contact the authorities. ***
The day Eid ul-Fitr falls on changes every year, just like how Ramadan does, and all the other Islamic months do. And I've mentioned the reason for this being that the Islamic calendar follows the Lunar calendar.
This Ramadan has been kinda eventful for Muslims. The 'Ground zero Mosque' controversy is still raging, 1/5 th of Pakistan is flooded , some dude was trying to host a "Burn a Quran day", some people are running for political offices and one of their platforms is that Islam isn't a real religion and so shouldn't be protected by the Bill of Rights, and the knowledge Eid could potentially fall on september 11.
Some Muslim communities were advised to keep their celebrations low-key.
While Eid ul Fitr didn't fall on September 11 most activities and celebrations will however follow the entire weekend. It's weird to celebrate Eid ul Fitr, when you remember everything that happened on that day in 2001, especially for Muslim Families that also lost loved ones on that day... but I don't think that's a reason to stop anyone from celebrating their religious holiday.
Even with the 'Ground zero mosque' controversy still present and if anything, getting worse.
Eid also isn't a reason for any Muslim to stop remembering all those that are suffering here and across the world.
Like a lot of other people out there, I have my own message, and I think everyone should send it out through facebook, twitter, and their local lawn elf and maybe even to the pastor in Florida:
Happy Eid to the Muslims; A prayer to the victims of 9/11, and a prayer for all those undergoing suffering and hardships. **
CC, out.
***The above conversation was entirely fictional (hopefully) and no authorities were contacted or harmed during its making. And is to be taken in a humorous, non-offensive manner and does not necessarily reflect the views of its author...which could be kinda self-contradictory. Rated OIWH for Open-minded Individuals With Humor
**Caution: Message promoted by the author may not be well-received by the local lawn elf.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Midweek Pick Me Up & Reflections of Ramadan
In Ramadan God locks up the Satan and his posse so they can't tempt us and persuade us to stray from Him. Ramadan is coming to an end and I'm getting just as nervous as I was when it began. This year I was blessed with time off the whole month and an opportunity to work on myself as a better Muslim and a better human being, which go hand in hand in my book. This month has changed my heart a lot. I'm nervous that it is ending for two reasons.
One. Satan is going to go crazy as soon as he is released. Will my heart be strong enough to ignore him? Or will it give in to temptation and I'll go back to as I was before?
Two. I had time off this whole month. A whole month to focus on me and only me. A whole month to figure out who I am and figure out how important God really is. When my everyday life kicks back in, will things be the same? Will I be focused on this life and forget about God and the Hereafter?
It takes about forty days to make or break a habit. So it's been about thirty days. Will I be able to cope up with the last ten and continue the same things throughout the year? I hope so. I think the key is balance. I need to recognize both priorities of this life and priorities for the Hereafter. I've went from one extreme before Ramadan and then to the other during Ramadan.
I am glad I had a whole month of me time, though. It was so relaxing and refreshing. I think I'll take time out everyday for myself. Life is so busy and so rushed we think we can't spare even ten seconds for quiet time for ourselves. It makes a world of a difference. Just sit there, talk to no one, turn the TV and music off. Maybe visit nature. The best things in life are free. And they really are. I mean, what would you prefer, a big house or your sight? Just reflect. S l o w d o w n. Think about all the blessings in your life.
That's basically what I've been doing this past month. The most important thing I've learned is to understand that life has its setbacks, but it's not the end of the world. I am so much better off than many people out there. My superficial problems are frivolous compared to the millions of people suffering around the world. Alhamdulillah. I'm just hoping I can still have time for my spiritual self once Ramadan is over and work starts up.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)