All in Family

You Don’t Have to be a Celebrity to Change the World.

No one knows what their legacy will be. There are moments in our life when we reflect on our successes and wonder if this is what we will be remembered for. However, our legacy lies not in what we plan, but rather, how our actions and words have impacted others. When someone passes away, we always think about the effect the deceased has had on our lives. A great impact is based upon the emphasis the deceased placed on planning their life and legacy.

Some of us have a desire to change the world and it is often unclear of how to do it. I wanted to share the story of a very ordinary man, who lived his life, free from the confines of fear or any system. He did not allow his financial status to dictate his visions. My beautiful father in law always lived by the words of the Quran and Islam. The Prophet Muhammad said “Look to those who have less than you, and do not look to those who have more. This is more appropriate so that you do not overlook (or undervalue) the blessings of Allah that you have.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

When one of us does better, we should all do better. I shared his story to heal from his loss and inspire myself and others. When we invest in humanity, we create a society where justice prevails.

My Pillars are Falling; Coping with the Loss of a Loved one.

Stay off Your Phones/Social Media…

We are so caught up in how other people perceive our life, we forget to live in the moment. It is really hard to be present, when our minds are preoccupied with connecting with people virtually. It is the greatest barrier to human experiences because can feel your divided attention. Once a person is consumed with capturing the perfect shot or vlogging a moment, it changes the experience for all parties. People can feel your lack of connection and attention. As a mom, I do not want to be consumed scrolling through the Instagram and miss out on their little stories. The roles will be reversed one day, and it will hurt. We cannot walk around living for the likes and losing out on the love we can create together.

 

My Best Friend, Called me Gasping: A Story of Accepting the Timing of One's Life

“Buzz, Buzz…” It took me a while to realize my phone was vibrating. In a world of limited social interaction, a phone call automatically signals the alarm bells. Why would my best friend call me during work hours? Surely something must be wrong.

            And there she was on the other end, trying to catch her breath.

“Hello, hello… are you alright?”  I said. This was so unlike her, to lose her very well known “cool.”

Then she suddenly blurted out… “I am pregnant, I cannot believe it.”

In our twenties this would have been, news for an immediate celebration. But…