Eid Mubarak To My Readers

As much as this day brings happiness to each of our homes and heart, we cannot deny the grief that the innumerable deaths around the world have caused. Not just in my country Pakistan, but each part of the world, especially the Muslim countries were terribly hit by unfortunate events. So it is my request to you to please remember them and their families in your prayers today and the days to come.

As I mention the word ‘prayers’, I wish to remind you that Ramadan may be over but not your test. You are still in this Dunya and the Angels at your sides (Kiraman Katibeen) are still writing down your good and bad deeds. The Angels carry on shifting their position during Fajr and Asr to report Allah Ta’alah that if you were praying or not when they left. So nothing has stopped. Only Ramadan has gone by but your life is still going on. You are supposed to obey to the commands of Allah Ta’alah even right now. So please don’t forget to pray all your five daily prayers. Please don’t let the spirit of Ramadan die. Don’t let your efforts go in vain. You have spent many nights repenting for your sins so don’t start its collection all over again.

On a lighter note, enjoy the Eid delicacies. I would love to know what your first day of Eid is like. For me Eid day begins with the Fajr prayer of course, after which I do a bit of cleaning and arranging that is left from the day before. As a Surti Gujurati my breakfast comprises of Payaa (without which my breakfast seems incomplete), Andaa Murghi ka Salan (Egg and Chicken curry) and Shermaal and Naan (these two are a kind of bread) to eat with it. This is like my most awaited breakfast. After that there is a serving of Sheer Khorma (vermicelli) for each of us. Then  I joyfully have a cup of coffee. Mmmmm! This is utter delight because Alhamdulilah I stop drinking coffee during Ramadan in order to avoid intake of caffeine. In the afternoon we go to meet our relatives and that’s about it.

So this is all about my first day of Eid. I’d love to know about your Eid as well so don’t forget to share it below in the comments section.

EID MUBARAK!

Regards,

Aisha

The Struggle Of Finding The Right Job

After university ends life starts to feel like a big empty hole. When you are in university or college there is always a push that makes you keep going even if you don’t want to. But as soon as you step out of university it feels like you have stepped on a deserted island where your first goal is to look for water but exactly in which direction, becomes the big question.

During my last month in the university I was having mixed feelings. I already had some ideas in mind but they weren’t yet ripe enough to implement. Then the final exams began and ended all too soon. The first 2 months I enjoyed, Alhumdulilah and I am still enjoying. I have gone to a few job interviews but something just didn’t feel right. I am a person who adjusts quite easily but certain times I just don’t feel like settling for anything less.

With 5 years of experience in freelance writing and 4 years of experience in blogging I can easily get a full time writing job (was also offered from a few places) but that is not what my life goal is. I know some of you reading this might think that I am being ungrateful but honestly I don’t want to settle for something that is not going to give me the satisfaction even if it brings in a lot of cash. I love writing but working as a full time writer is not what I would enjoy doing hence I am still in search of that right job.

I have always wanted to work in a field where I could bring positive change in the lives of people. My blogging allows me to do that and so does the book that I finished writing several months ago. Now I wish to work in an organization where I can actively do this. People have told me that I should just settle with whatever offer I am getting but once again I want to follow my heart just like how I did when I was confused between choosing to become a doctor or a psychologist. I believe in doing something that I enjoy so I can give my best to whatever I am doing.

I don’t mean to rant in this blog post but I thought this piece of my feelings can be a source of inspiration for those who are struggling to follow their dreams rather than the crowd. If you are not ready to settle for something that doesn’t excites you then it is totally okay. If you are still lost and not able to decide what you want to do in life, it is still okay. If you believe that despite all the hopelessness you will still find the job that you want, then it is totally fine. If you are not running after money but rather expertise, then that is wonderful. If you are not ready to follow the herd and want to make your own path, then that is great!

Just know that Allah is closer to you than the jugular vein. He will answer your prayers and He knows your good intentions. Stay strong, keep praying and don’t stop striking over and over again.

Life is not just about earning money,

It’s about doing the thing that defines you.

Jazakillah khairun kaseerun.

The Price Of A Differently Abled Child

Have you ever looked into the eyes of a special child? Their eyes reflect innocence like every other child. God has only created them in a different way which sometimes requires extra attention from their care takers. But then who isn’t different. The society takes advantage of this situation and makes the parent pay a hefty price for something that wasn’t in their control.

Looks of disapproval

The society makes the parent pay when they look at their child with disbelieving eyes. When they show annoyance for their child’s restlessness. When the society fails to provide support to their parents. The world makes the parent pay a price when they look at them in a degrading manner. What these people forget is that beauty and intelligence come in different forms.

We all face hurdles

One of the biggest myths about a child with special needs is that they bring unhappiness to their parents. But they fail to understand that a child who is like every other doesn’t always guarantees success and happiness to their parents. Each one of us faces some form of difficulty in life. God tests each one of us so no one has any right to look down upon a child who might be slightly different than the rest. No person has any right to label any child.

The experts take advantage

The health welfare team charges tons of money for helping the child deal with their limitations. While some countries may be considerate enough to provide financial help to parents, organizations in many countries take it as an opportunity to fill their pockets with as much as you can.

Every child deserves respect

A child may score low in their academics.

A child may stutter while speaking.

A child may show lack of confidence when in public.

A child may lack some form of capability.

A child may be mentally challenged.

A child may be physically disabled.

A child may face difficulty in focusing.

A child may be hyperactive.

A child may require extra help.

A child may require more attention.

But they all deserve to be respected.

What People Have To Say About Me Being A Quiet Person…

I enjoy talking but with those people with whom I can relate. I am usually hungry for intellectual talks which can help me increase my knowledge. People who mostly have tons of gossip or boost about materialistic goods don’t fascinate me. I’d rather be alone than spend time with people whose sole purpose is to gossip. This ideally means that I don’t interact much with every person I meet and it is always funny to hear what people have to say about me.

• They think I am arrogant because I remain serious among strangers but they don’t understand that this is my nature.
• I am considered to be a jealous person because I don’t inquire much about their life. But this is just because I don’t ask about things that have no concern for me. I would never ask a friend what her husband does as a living because that won’t benefit me. I will however be interested to know what my friend wishes to do in her life so I could assist her in some way.
• People think that I am not confident enough to speak but they don’t know that I have confidently presented in class presentations and have conducted group counselling sessions and workshops at different places.
• I am judged as a rude person but sometimes I just want to remain quiet.

Why I enjoy being a quiet person at times?

Sometimes I just want to be a spectator to different situations and this in turn also helps me to writer better. I get to understand a situation without being in it and that allows me to see every ones perspective. I enjoy listening to what other people have to say and I can be a good listener if I want to be. I like reflecting on situations and being quiet means I get to think thoroughly about a situation.

Another reason why I am quiet is because I don’t enjoy speaking at the top of my lungs. If I am a gathering where I will have to raise my voice to speak to everyone than I prefer being quiet. I get tired too easily if I speak loudly for long durations. Lastly, I cherish the people close to me and there are few of those. I don’t find it comfortable opening up to everyone and that is why I am mostly listening than talking. But if you find me sitting with my favourite people you will surely judge me as a talkative person.

So this was about me. What about you? Are you an introvert or an extravert? What judgements do you have to hear for being any of those? Share it in the comments section. Let’s make this blog post more interesting.

Making The Most Of My Days ‘OFF’ From Studies

I wasn’t able to write much on my blog for two months since I was busy with my final assignments and exams but now I will be updating my blog frequently.

Alhumdulilah I finished with my bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I had announced it on my Facebook page a few weeks ago but thought now is the time to express my entire feelings on the blog.

Finishing with my bachelor’s degree was one of the dreams that got fulfilled. Soon after my final examinations were over I wasn’t able to focus much on anything because there was still a tiny bit fear of what the results would be. But Alhumdulilah they too turned out to be great.

After my results were announced my heart was completely at ease. I went on reading, surfing the internet and finally was able to get on with finalizing my book. Yes! My book will be out soon. Currently it is in the editing phase. I really hope you guys like it once it’s out. I will be coming up with a giveaway as well so keep an eye on my Facebook page.

I will also be uploading a blog post with complete details on what the book is about.

Anyways getting back to what I have been doing so far. I enjoy having to wake up in the morning and have nothing to rush about. I go about the day doing what I love, that is reading and writing. So far I have read The Holiday Home by Fern Britton and Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. I am currently reading two books simultaneously, After You by Jojo Moyes and The Secret Life of a Slummy Mummy by Fiona Neill. I am also doing freelance writing jobs side by side. Alhumdulilah I am trying to make the most of these carefree days until I get myself a fulltime job. I am also drinking lots of coffee, hot chocolate and enjoying winter to the most.

I’d really love to know what my readers are up to so do comment below with what’s the latest in your life.

Jazakillah khairun naseerun.

Do Not Let a Muslim Celebrity Be Your Muslim Leader

These days we never stop to follow what our favourite celebrities are doing. We are always on a lookout as to what they are up to. In the recent years, several Muslim personalities have emerged and it is making us go wild at all the unique things they are up to.

We have become so keen in following these Muslim celebrities that we have actually forgotten the difference between a Muslim leader and a Muslim celebrity. I see people being inspired by them and considering even the Haram acts as part of Islam just because these famous personalities have a tag of “Muslim.”

My dear Muslim brothers and sisters, please do not follow them blindly. Any Muslim writing statuses related to Islam cannot be your Muslim leader. Know that in order for someone to be able to rightly guide you they need to have a sound knowledge of Islam. Just think, would you ever ask a teacher about medications you could take for your sickness? Of course not, because you know that medications can only be prescribed by a doctor. So how can you take Islamic advice from Muslim celebrities who are yet to understand the right and wrong in Islam?

I am in no way trying to devalue Muslim celebrities. All I want is that my Muslim brothers and sisters should not go astray because someone claims to be pious at times and then get into all sorts of Haram acts at other times. You need to be careful about where you are getting your Deen from. You shouldn’t accept Islamic advice without finding the source it is coming from. You are not an animal who will follow a herd. Alhumdulilah, Allah has created you a human so use your senses for all the right reasons.

I hope my words really do bring change in your life. If you agree to what I have said do share my article with your friends and family.

Jazakillah Khairun Kaseerun

The Constant Thoughts When I’m Working on My Book

All those following me on my Facebook page must have known that a month ago I had taken a break from blogging so I can start working on my book. Obviously, a month wasn’t enough but since I just wanted to keep my mind clear of off other writing activities I took a month’s break.

During this time I finally got to sit and jot down the whole idea of the book and that one month of no blogging allowed me to focus entirely on my book. So Alhumdulilah I am halfway through. Though a lot more work remains but I know it’s going to be steady from here hence I am back to my blogging activities.

For almost half of this month I had been writing blog posts related to personal development. Also, if you know I am currently doing the 30 days 30 blog posts challenge (do follow me on my Facebook page for daily updates) in which I alternate uploading blog posts to each of my blog. (I hope by now you should be aware that I have this ‘My Inspirational Blog’ and ‘The Bookish Nomad’ blog.) Again if you aren’t aware make sure to like my Facebook page.

So anyways getting on with the topic of today’s blog post, I wanted to be slightly personal. I am spending a lot of time working on my book and every day I go through all kinds of thoughts and feelings. So I thought why not share those with my readers and see what they have to say.

So here I go! 😀

 

Thought # 1: Is this even going to work?

I had always wanted to become an author of not just one book but many! The first time I had the idea of writing a book, it was basically a novella that I wanted to write. It was back in the days when I had completed with A-levels and was about to start with my university. I had written a lot of chapters for that novella. During that same time I had got the idea of another novella and wrote a few chapters for that one as well. But as time passed I learned that I don’t want to write fiction stories (let us not get into the discussion of why not?)

So now long story short, I am finally working on a personal development, a self-help book because after 3 years of blogging I have realized that this is what benefits my readers. But of course each day I sit to write there are times when I start doubting my work thinking maybe it isn’t a very good idea.

Thought # 2: Maybe I should wait some more

I have always believed in ‘slow and steady wins the race.’ So each time I start with a new chapter I think maybe now is not the right time. Maybe I should wait until I finish my degree. Maybe I should wait to gain more experience and knowledge. Maybe I should wait to gain more audience on my blog. Maybe I should wait until I become a popular blogger. There are so many reasons I should wait but then I don’t know how much more time is appropriate to wait for. So I am just going on with the flow.

Thought # 3: How far will my readers be willing to read my book?

The inspiration to write a personal development book that will help people focus on the brighter aspects of this life and to attain self-actualization only came when I saw my readers enthusiastic about what I write on this blog. But of course, I am not sure how many of you will be willing to read a whole book…

Thought # 4: Yes, it is going to be amazing

Then there are those times when I am totally elated. I keep writing and keep feeling happy that this book is going to be a success and will be loved by many.

Thought # 5: Maybe I should just carry with blogging

Another of the thought that bothers me! Why do I have to take so much trouble to write a book? Why not just blog all that I am writing for the book? I try to answer this question each time it comes into my mind. I am writing this book because it has always been a dream to write one. I am writing this book so I can let people carry around my words with them. Not everyone enjoys reading articles online but true readers surely read a lot from books.

Thought 6: Damn I am going to be rich!

Sounds funny right! But this thought has crossed my mind several times but of course my aim is not just to earn from my book. I wish to bring change in the lives of people through my book. I wish to encourage people to live their lives to the fullest. I want them to accomplish their dreams through my book and so I keep feeling that this is it! It’s going to be sold in millions! (Insha Allah)

Thought # 7: Traditional publishers or self-publishing

Since the first day of having the idea of this book I keep thinking if I should go on with self-publishing or approach traditional publishers. I have done lots of online researches and read pros and cons of both the options but I am still not sure. So every night before sleeping this very thought occurs to me, ‘Where should I go on from here?’

Thought # 8: What if no one likes what I have written?

I have been writing for different clients and websites for the past 5 years and I have been writing on my blog since 3 years and I have always been appreciated for what I write. But now when I am writing the same way for my book I start fearing that what if people don’t like what I have written.

I think these thoughts pretty much sums up all the constant thoughts that I get during the day as I write my book. The fear, anxiety, low confidence keeps coming over and over again. Then there come those moments of happiness when I feel completely confident that it is all going to work out just the way I want.

I would really like to hear from my readers. Also, if any of the authors happen to stumble upon my blog post then do leave your comments and suggestions. They will be highly appreciated.