Some updates since my last post.
I’m feeling much better these days, Alhamdulillah. Remember those backaches and shoulder pains? Well, I’ve now made exercising a daily habit (30 minutes to 1 hour every single day!), and it’s a world of difference. My husband surprised me with an Apple Watch for the New Year, and let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer in keeping me on track with my fitness goals.
I guess this has been made possible – in fact, many changes in my life lately have been made possible since I take a conscious decision to step back from social media since mid-December. One of the biggest reasons was that I couldn’t handle the heartbreaking Gaza stories anymore. They were taking a toll on my mental health. I’ve deleted all social and news apps from my phone. It’s been tough but necessary for my well-being. I feel bad for not knowing about my brothers and sisters and for not spreading awareness about the occupation and war. The guilt lingers in my daily life. In my prayers.
But being away from social media has given me the space to focus on what truly matters to me. I’ve found renewed motivation to strengthen my faith and prepare myself for what lies ahead. Not sure how this is going to sound, but I’m committed to training myself to be a strong and better Muslim, ready to protect my faith, my family, and humanity. It’s become my driving force to improve in all aspects of my life.
I hope this is not just early-of-the-year-goals thing; I read and write more. I’ve been trying to practice more Sunnah regularly, and I’ve enrolled in an Islamic study certificate class and a Tadabbur support group. Plus, thanks to my mother-in-law, I’ve been spending more time each day learning the Quran in a fun and interactive way through the ThinkQuran app. The app costs hundreds (Alhamdulillah, Mama yang bayar), it’s really really good.
At times, it seems like I’m doing so many things at once, but at least for the moment that I’m doing all these things, I’m grateful to always be learning. Doakan saya istiqamah.
With priorities in focus, the trivialities of my once-existing problems—office politics and toxic people—seem insignificant. I find myself more at peace, not easily agitated by small issues. My husband enjoys this a lot, I know, because he doesn’t have to listen to my rants so much these days.
Knowing that I’m doing my best brings me a sense of contentment, even though I’m aware that life is fragile and unpredictable.
In the end, I’m grateful for the opportunities to grow and improve, and I’m determined to make the most of every moment I have. Here’s to living with purpose and giving our best, every single day.