This year, I started to be closer to God. There are many definitions of that. To some people, being closer means performing the pilgrimage and being there with him. To others, wearing the hijab brings them closer. For me, it was really starting to believe and have faith, and start praying. People who are close to me know that I am a very liberal and open minded person. I am not your typical Muslim girl, but it doesn't mean I don't believe in God and religion. I have always been a firm believer that all religions advocate the same things, to be a good person and do good things at the end of the day.
This first half of the year has been a very trying year for me. I have been challenged mentally, physically and emotionally in all aspects of my life. At work, in my relationships and in health. I honestly did not know who to turn to and I decided to start praying again. And I forgot how much at peace I am when I prayed. Slowly, the faith came back stronger and I started praying to God for things. Not material things but things which would make me stronger, and for protection. And most importantly, I asked to be at peace with myself.
I don't know if it's psychological, or if it is God's help, but I am so much happier. I go to work with a lifted spirit. Even though I know things are tough at work, I always ask Him to show me the path and to overcome these challenges with an open heart and positive spirit. I look forward to each day and I thank God for giving me what I have. Sometimes, you are so caught up with the negatives in your life that you fail to appreciate the positives. And I think that was what happened. I have a great career ahead of me with abundance opportunities. I have a family who despite their idiosyncracies, love me for who I am. I have friends whom I can always depend on and never judge me. I have kids who love me and appreciate me. I have the financial capacity and independence to travel so much and I have been everywhere in the world (well, almost; lol!). I have a house which I am proud to call my own. I have a car, a car that I have always wanted to have and the freedom and mobility to move around. I am fit and healthy, and am in my best shape ever. What is there to complain?
It will be impossible to be 100% happy with all aspects of your life. That will make life too boring and predictable, and there will be no drive for you to want to do better. But in the meantime, as I am trying to make my life 100%, I am thankful to God for giving me what I have.
On a lighter note, I went to get photos taken with my best friends of 25 years, Diana and Yuhana last weekend. I had my cousin take pictures of me, Foize & Anri when they were around in Singapore in March and he did such a wonderful job. So, 3 mths on, I got him to do a second shoot for me! And it was great! We went to Kampong Lorong Buangkok, the last remaining kampong in Singapore and I loved how the pictures turned out. They really reflected each of our personalities. Diana, the demure and gentle one. Yuhana, vain as hell! And me, crazy and loud. Check the pictures out!
My blog posts have been really sporadic. I'll try to be a little bit more consistent. Till the next post, happy July everyone!
