Monday, January 30, 2012

"know thyself"

Assalaamu Alaykum, peace be upon you!

Ralph Waldo Emerson said "wherever we are, whatever we do, self is the sole subject we study and learn." What intrigues me is the fact that each and everyday, we learn something about "us." We discover new things and grow. Many of us have routines that we like to follow----but we cant really grow if we're not willing to break those routines. We have to experience life as it comes to us....sometimes it will teach us patience and other times it will teach us gratitude.Every step we take and every air we breath carry lessons if only we were attentive enough to take heed. Sometimes we put barriers between us and other people----maybe we're scared to give life a shot or maybe we've been betrayed before, so we shield ourselves to be protected from getting hurt. Whatever the case, life is not worth living if we're unable to enjoy the simplest things. If we are unable to smile and laugh, if we're unable to focus on the beauty that surrounds us.
The fact of the matter is, we can't really know ourselves if we don't explore what is before us----the world! For a second, try to be spontaneous. Talk to that sister you never interacted with, smile at random people, give compliments to the stranger, explore different food or just do something from that "insha'Allah list of yours." The best way to grow is to let love lead the way, this means that you forgive often, smile more, thank a lot and most importantly judge less. As you go through this soul searching process, know that you can only discover the inner you when you truly let yourself be vulnerable to love. So, allow yourself to feel because to do so completely opens the heart.
Lets explore easy steps to self-improvement---
1. Be a dreamer:
Sometimes we're so focused on work or school and forget to dream about possibilities. Go ahead and daydream---certainly imagination is always better than reality.

2. Be grateful:
Often we look into things we don't have, wishing that we had this or that. This makes us forget to appreciate what we already have. So, start been thankful for the things you have and be happy.

3. Move on with your life and leave the past behind:
We all know how it is, we stay with yesterday when the beauty of today is calling us. Try to live each day as it is, leave the past behind for it may only bring sorrow and disappointment. It's no lie that tomorrow is always a brighter day, so why stay in yesterday's darkness??

4. Get inspired:
Find out what you like and let it inspire you to do good! whether its poetry, painting, or writing---find it and let it be the inspiration that drives your soul.

5. Find time for yourself:
Busy, busy busy aren't we?? we basically have no time for "us." Man, we have more time for facebook and other social networks than for ourselves. Let's start taking some long walks by the lake or reading a book in the balcony while we enjoy the beauty of the sky and what it contains. How about ice cream and some nice movie?

6. Count your blessings!
When was the last time you appreciated your health, food, roof on top of your head and your loving family? Always look at the less fortunate person right next you and remember to say "Alhamdulillah" for truly the blessings of our Lord cannot be counted!

7. LOVE:
Yep, give much love to all people and be respectful---the more you give it, the more you receive it.

8. Ignore failures:
They always set us back.....you failed? so what, how many times did you succeed? focus on all the positive things and one failure should not put you down.

9. Take baby steps:
Change doesn't happen over time----start with small goals and achieve them. Then go up a level higher till you  cannot be stopped.

10. Make dua:
Last but not least, remember to make dua for success only comes from God almighty. Ask of Him for help and support, thank Him for all he has given you and most of all love Him with all your heart.

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