How I found Happy.

For the past few months, I have contemplated happiness.  What is it?  Is it concrete?  Can I grab it by the arms, swing it in the air, and toss it in the wind?  Will I find it hiding in the crevices of my most prized friendships?  Or can I hear happiness sing like dancing butterflies in the wealth of a growing bank account?  Is happiness laying peacefully in the depths of my apartment, perhaps in my closet of stored fashionable goods?  Where are you happiness?  

I questioned and questioned.  But I realize now, the society we live in folks, it is a bit cruel.  She tells me, wear me - bright pink lips, then you'll be happy.  Nothing.  Buy me, belts and couture, those lips will curve into instant smiles.  Nothing.  She says, find yourself a rich hubby, he'll make all your dreams come true.  Tempting, but I'll pass.  I hear her say, 'happiness comes externally, you just gotta find it girlfriend!"  Ahh, that is when I tell her, "Im sorry, but I have to disagree."
  
Happiness, in my humble opinion, has become an obsession.. No, an addiction correlated to the possession of goods we perceive to make us (and I quote) 'happy.'  But the concept is wrong.  No person, no innate object, no drug, and no dollar bill (even in the plenty) can bring you true and utter joy.  

Genuine happiness is often times, synthetic.  You must find and design your own sense of fulfillment.  Begin by loving yourself in every possible way.  Truly appreciate the organs within, powerfully engineered to yield approximately 17,280 breaths of oxygen each day.  Express your gratitude to God for the abundance of love and goodness in your life, even if it is not visible to you just yet.  Even in the harshest of times, even when you find yourself at the bottom of that dark black hole, even then there IS enough positive value for an ever so soft smile.  Yes, you can find light hidden in the crevices of what is perceived as the most difficult, unimaginable situations.  Believe, believe, believe!  Because no matter how bad you think your situation is, there is always another person suffering at a greater degree - yet still waking up each morning, sending radiant smiles to the bright sun.


It is okay if you didn't pass that exam, it is okay if your engagement broke, it is okay if you lost a friend, it is okay if you lost money... Think about it.  What is the purpose of these events?  I highly doubt, God, in his ultimate wisdom and mercy, is playing games with your heart.  He is teaching you... teaching you to love and give love.  Life completely makes sense when you simply submit and accept the will of God. Understand, what is your current situation trying to teach you?  Then, instill the lessons learned.


We would be fools to think no one in this world is undergoing a struggle.  Celebrities, with all their wealth and power, too find themselves cornered in a world of drug addiction, depression, and anxiety.  It is in this concept that I realize the impact of kindness and empathy.  For we never know the struggle our neighbor is enduring.  

So let me conclude here.  To be happy, you must find happy internally, within yourself and within God.  Instead of comparing yourself to others, compare yourself to your growth overtime.  Cherish and relish in the person that you are.  Seek and understand the beautiful purpose God has given you.  Nourish your soul with God's light.  

If you find your self trapped in the depths of the blackest night, search for that warm light pulsating through your soul.  search for Him, the Almighty.  And openly welcome the dawn of the new day.  The light, oh friend, is so warm and so bright... You must have a taste.

Be well.


 

Start a Revolution.

It was a rainy day today.  You would think the day you decide to wake up and make a positive change in your life, at least there would be a bit of sunshine.  But nonetheless, Allah (S) painted beauty in even the greyest of skies!

I have to say, I have been receiving such positive feedback from my previous post.  (Thank you all!)  So, this has me thinking... Why not start a revolution?  Far-fetched idea?  I think not!  Imagine a world eliminated of sugar-induced heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.  Imagine a world of people taking control and slapping it in their palms.  Imagine a world of people eating, breathing, and sleeping beautiful health.  Imagine positivity and nourishment built in the minds of our very own neighbors.  Imagine the things we can do if we all work together, support one another, and most of all, spread love to humanity!

So choose to make a change.  It doesn't have to be the elimination of sugar, but even incorporating more exercise, eating more fruits, buying more vegetables, letting go of processed foods... anything!  Make a positive change, and stick to it for the next 30 days.  Tell your friends and tell your neighbors.

Most importantly, believe that in your very own hands, it is possible to do just about anything your heart desires (God-willing).  Perspective is a beautiful concept -- the second you start believing in yourself, the universe around you will indeed aid you in your goals!  Have faith in Allah (S) and have faith in yourself.

So lets start a revolution.  Get everyone and anyone involved.  One person at a time.

Are you with me?

A Different Kind of Drug.

I have spent the last three years warped in the world of disease and medicine.  If you have a symptom, there is a likely drug available to make those aches and pains go away.. perhaps with a side effect or two added on.

Now, here comes the tricky part.  I think I just about discovered an even greater drug.  Yes, it's the feel good, put me in heaven, and make my sorrows go away substance.  It can be the best of friends in times of need, and then stab you in the back just seconds after.  And no, this drug does not fall short of side effects!  The DEA would do us some good controlling it for its addiction potential. 

Sugar.  Yup, sugar.  The meetha melt in your mouth that sparks the perfect blend of endorphins and dopamine, heightening your sense of pleasure and elevating you to royal status.  Ahh, sweet heavens, snatch me another piece of that pie, my budding tastes ain't got enough! 

Its an addiction.  And, unfortunately, its in just about every food product available.  If you know me, and I mean, know me well.. you know I am a big time calorie counter (thank you MyFitnessPal).  But, I've come to a new understanding now.  It's not so much about the calories as it is the source of those calories.

So today:
Refuse to let sugar consume the majority of your daily calories.  Refuse an inflammatory state with increasing insulin levels.  Refuse the extra storage of unneeded fats and unneeded pounds.  Refuse to age yourself way beyond your time.  Refuse to lose control.

Say No to sugar !




Stay tuned, there will be several posts to come regarding this topic.

Your Inner Artist.

Something interesting happened to me today.  I have been struggling with my sunday school kids.. They have a hard time recognizing the arabic letters from week-to-week, let alone write them.  So, I changed up my style of teaching.  A close family friend of mine, Maryam Sarrafee,  introduced a new method to me.  Stories.  Bring the letters to life and give them a personality.  Give them a story. 

A complete miracle.

We made ain and ghain into monkeys, turned fa into a magical flower, and sang poetry with alif ba.  Oh Maryam, how you have saved me!  The point was not simply the stories, but seeing the light in their eyes shine.  No, no worksheets today kids.  Today, we're using the best instrument God gave us - our mind.  We're mystifying this classroom into arabic letter land.  Oh, imagine... just imagine what you can do!

Your inner artist.

This has me thinking.  How flawed is our education system!?  What happened to keeping that imagination?  Reviving the arts in even the dullest of subjects?  Children are born with the greatest and most powerful creative thoughts.  They should be nurtured, motivated, and inspired.  Yet, if not encouraged, that gift is left in the dark.  That artist, he lives inside of you.  He has the ability to craft the most eclectic and finite world.  You just have to let him shine.

So, I am going back to my roots, searching for my inner artist.  Will you find yours? 

Good luck.

Below, two of my most recent works in progress.

30 days.

Try something new for 30 days.  Ever heard of Matt Cutts?  Here is his concept:

Try something new for 30 days.  If you're successful, by the end of the year, you will have 12 new things you have tried and explored.  Cut sugar from your diet, write a poem daily, learn an instrument, begin rock climbing, anything!  And be consistent!  Stick to it, for 30 days.

Now, I like this.  My 30 day trials consist of what scares me most.  The very thoughts of "Oh, this would be cool to do, but man, I can feel my pulse surge already."  Yes.  Tachycardia can be good here.  Whats the one thing that you fear most?  That sends your nerves sky rocketing through your bones, shaky in the knees, and sweat dripping to the floor?  Take it, feel it, visualize it, and attack it.  Conquer that very fear, in 30 days.  And come out stronger, with success built on your shoulders.

Good luck to you all. 

Hibah

A for Awesome.

I never saw myself much as a blogger.  Actually, I never saw myself EVER going public with anything.  But alas, they say 'never-say-never' for a reason.  So welcome.  This is my humble abode of thoughts, ideas, creativity, and art. 

And as I begin my first entry, I thought it be best to begin with a positive note.  I am a huge TED fan, I will not end a day without at least having listened to 3 or more TED talks.  So here it is, TED no.1 - The 3 A's of Awesome.

Love your life, no matter how difficult or how fruitful your situation is.  Because even in the darkest of times, there will always be an A for Awesome.

Be well.