Life and its lessons (16)
Life and its lessons (16)
One year on
It's been a year since I started writing my posts titled "Life and it's lessons". It started off to put mind into words but grew into much more. It’s now a way to reflect my surroundings, relationships, manage self and write down history. Reading back at some takes me to the places, emotions and events; some bring joy and smiles while others remind me of the soreness. My lesson; as life moves and grows so do you through your writings. Nothing is permanent; continue to reflect back with words and look forward to the beautiful possibilities. Thank you all for the reads, comments and encouragement through this year, they are not only inspiring but are like a close friend giving me their ears listening closely.
Ramadan
Allhamdullilah, we were given the blessing of Ramadan this year. Through the days it made me think of how one can actually restrain even though food and water are all around; making the external environment irrelevant. This Ramadan I re-learnt one big lesson about myself; the external factors I hide behind, and blame are not as important or relevant as my own will, actions, expectations and commitment. My lesson “re-learnt”; it has always been about me; my surroundings, shaytan, people, circumstances are ponds as in a chess game. It has always been “me” and for “me” to move ahead it’s the “me” that needs to work hard regardless. A reality and reminder to always self-check as its easier to complain and hide behind others for my own shortcomings.
Strengths & weaknesses
One of the interview questions we usually get ask is “what are your strengths and weakness” and we give a vague but appropriate answer. In life though we cannot get away with vague answers alone; we have to build on our strengths and improve the weakness to succeed. Lately I have understood that one of my biggest strengths is also my weakness; it’s hard, painful and challenging at times as you end up with an inner battle against oneself. My lesson; learn to deal with it. When my strength in certain situations becomes a weakness, it’s no more applicable to stick with it - An asset at most times but a liability at some. It’s always a battle for a person to change a habit, I have realized it’s even a bigger battle to change something that you actually think is good but is causing harm when used in certain circumstances.
Note to self;
“The lesson repeats until it is learned”
Inspirations
Takes a lot of growing, self-awareness and ultimate belief to know that everything happening to you is always “for” you. “We often wonder why God gives and takes, constricts and expands. What we forget is that human beings understand things by their opposites. Without dark, we can’t understand light. Without hardship, we wouldn’t *experience* ease. Without the existence of deprivation and loss, we couldn’t grasp the need for gratitude or the virtue of patience. And without separation, we wouldn’t taste the sweetness of reunion.
Glory be to the one who gives—even when He takes” – Yasmin Mogahed
Until next time Insha’Allah – Cya
Zuhur Yasin