The END of 2018 :)

In the name of ALLAH, The Most Gracious, Most Merciful:::

 ~PATIENCE IS VITAL~

I was at a turning point in July 2017. I applied for further studies outside my comfort zone, leaving everyone I know behind. I tried to figure out how to turn my status quo life into passion and desire to help myself grow. I thought of ways to enrich my soul and lift my spirit up along the way. 

Alhamdulillah, I was offered a place in the selected University and I enrolled myself on 12th January 2018. I attended the compulsory orientation on 19th - 24th February 2018. I attended the classes that commenced on 26th February. And here I am today. Oh, then ... before July 2017, I thought I couldn't do that. I was afraid I wouldn't make it since the method of studying was way different compared to the 80s and 90s. I was an old school. Today, I am okay with the new way of studying. Alhamdulillah.

What I did when I received the offer on 20th November 2017? I accepted it with open heart. Tawakal. I put complete trust in ALLAH S.W.T. I asked HIM to guide me along the way. I leaned into the trusted path that appeared. I learned to explore and continue leaning into it.

And here I am. I have completed my first year in Post Graduate Studies. I have another year to go. I pray and hope may ALLAH continue to guide me along the way and make my journey in life smooth sailing. InsyaALLAH. Amin Ya Rabbal A'lamin.

So, let's have a happy ending to 2018. What is yours like?

Have Faith!

:::In the name of ALLAH, The Most Gracious, Most Merciful:::

 ~PATIENCE IS VITAL~

I can't believe it is November!

I have spent close to a year in school, made new friends, done a couple of presentations, had my public speaking experience, went to parties, had lots of fun and above all I LEARNED TO PREPARE TO WIN. I learned that the only way to get anywhere in life is to work hard at it. I did just that! And I also learned to be BRAVE. Getting better begins with our willingness to face fear up front and KEEP MOVING.

"Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions." ~ Albert Einstein

Leap Of Faith :)

:::In the name of ALLAH, The Most Gracious, Most Merciful:::

 ~PATIENCE IS VITAL~

On 22nd January 2018, I took the leap of faith. I flew and settled down in a very nice country to pursue my studies. I'd wanted to migrate since 2012 but I didn't make it then. What I learned is that sometimes you don't get the intended results by the date that you want. That is life.

Everything in life has been pre-ordained. We can feel excited, passionate, positive, supportive, generous, happy, self-confident, and content but at the end of the day we need GOD. And believe that HE KNOWS BEST.

But we must begin right now, keep sowing. 

Anything is POSSIBLE. TAKE RISK!

Assessment 2 Due Date

 

 :::In the name of ALLAH, The Most Gracious, Most Merciful:::

 ~PATIENCE IS VITAL~

I am working on the Assessments 2. Due date 19th October 2018. There is a tsunami of emotion in me right now. Breathe... breathe... breathe...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY :)

:::In the name of ALLAH, The Most Gracious, Most Merciful:::

 ~PATIENCE IS VITAL~

So, it is my birthday :)
I love the words above. It describes the inner ME!
Reminder to self: Let's continue to remain CALM and PEACE AT HEART. KEEP MOVING in the direction of your goal until you get there. STAY STRONG, darling!

Unpredictable Life

 

 :::In the name of ALLAH, The Most Gracious, Most Merciful:::

 ~PATIENCE IS VITAL~

It is 15 degrees outside. The weather can be very unpredictable here but that is exactly the mirror of my life. Be grateful always.

Make Your Life GREAT!

:::In the name of ALLAH, The Most Gracious, Most Merciful:::

 ~PATIENCE IS VITAL~

It is AUGUST! I have gained a lot of new skills. And I know that I am better in every way. I do feel that I can get better at anything if I put more effort in achieving it. I just have to be willing to keep on trying my best and try harder next time. Be persistent always! Continue following the steps that will be required to achieve our desired goal.

How's your year so far? What have you learned?

Restore Our Faith In Human Nature

:::In the name of ALLAH, The Most Gracious, Most Merciful:::

 ~PATIENCE IS VITAL~

So, what have you achieved in 2018 so far? The years have flown by so quickly that it is now July 2018. I am not sure if I would still be around in 2020! If I am, I'd probably be heading for medical school, following my heart desire.

All I want to say is KEEP TRYING YOUR BEST in everything that you do. All of us still have so much stuff to do. I feel it might be beneficial if we keep staying positive and bounce back each time we fall. I know in my heart of hearts that EVERYTHING WILL BE OKAY. InsyaALLAH it will all be alright. So, keep trying and let's keep doing our best. Let's continue crafting the 2018 masterpiece.

LEBARAN is about FRIENDSHIP and ACCEPTANCE :)

:::In the name of ALLAH, The Most Gracious, Most Merciful:::

 ~PATIENCE IS VITAL~

LEBARAN away from home is really nice! I have endured too many difficult lebaran in my life and this year marks the first happy and beautiful lebaran in a very positive environment. I truly enjoyed the journey in Ramadan. It beautifully captures the difficult, trying, challenging and wondrous thing that is togetherness in humanity, learning to love and respect each other, accepting oneself and trusting our own judgments. In my case, learning to let go ... just a little. An excellent ride. A wonderful journey and an experience that doesn't disappoint. Thank you ALLAH for the wonderful experience. I enjoyed the journey so much.

Selamat Hari Raya to everyone! Maaf zahir dan batin!

Final Assignment DUE today :

:::In the name of ALLAH, The Most Gracious, Most Merciful:::

 ~PATIENCE IS VITAL~

YAY!!! My final assignment is due today. That means I can enjoy myself starting tomorrow. Thank God it is over! I will have one and a month semester break to enjoy.

Reminder to self: Everyone has his own path. Listen to your heart. You will find yours. InsyaALLAH. Tawakkal.

Start writing the essays!

:::In the name of ALLAH, The Most Gracious, Most Merciful:::

 ~PATIENCE IS VITAL~

It is Ramadhan now. It is very cold outside.

And I have two (2) esssays pending for submission.

Can you imagine how challenging is that?

Another Presentatio

:::In the name of ALLAH, The Most Gracious, Most Merciful:::

~PATIENCE IS VITAL~

Okay, so far everything is going well. At least I have shelter and food despite the occasional surprising challenges in daily life. Alhamdulillah.

I learned two new words whilst I am in school. PREZI and PRECIS.

If you are wondering if I have had fun while in school? No ... I haven't. But life here has surprised me. One night, after school, I encountered a telling moment. I was so tired after my seminars and tutorials. My bus arrived. I didn't say anything as I got on and found a seat behind the driver, next to an open window. There were so many students, each smiling despite looking tired. 

Whilst I was on the bus on my way home, there were 2 foreign students who had accidentally pressed the STOP button before their actual stop. And the bus driver saw it as students messing around. He literally yelled at us and said, "It is only the first stop after the Uni, and you guys are F***ing messing things up." I was shocked. Literally shocked. I was not alone. I was not the only one who felt that way. I have so many things on my mind at that particular moment. Bus drivers are mostly nice but there are some crazy ones too. When they actually arrived at their stop, the bus driver decided to "teach them a lesson" and guess what? He decided not to open the EXIT door at the back. He really did not open the EXIT door. And when the students requested him to open, he replied, "That's local paying back!" I witnessed him looking at the students hard then as if he were peering right through them. Yes. I can tell.

I went ... Oh, MY God! I really didn't expect that. All this while, I look at the people in this country with high respect. They are so polite and courteous. Many beautiful things have happened to me when I visited this country as a tourist. This most certainly is not representing the entire population of this lovely country. My bus experience, I meant. But to keep a little note to see, somehow I felt threatened by that particular event. I no longer see the people in this country as genuinely kind, polite and caring. Maybe I am wrong. But let's see what else will make it right.

People like the driver need to get their rant out of their system before performing their service.  They must ensure that they are calm before driving the vehicle. I am unable to define that moment, that particular tiring night.

Anyway, I have to go now and start reading my notes and peer-reviewed articles for my next assignment due on 30th April 2018. Have a lovely week everyone!

FACE YOUR FEARS!

It has been a month since my classes commenced. I have been managing well, Alhamdulillah. This is a gentle reminder to myself and everyone who is reading this: Put away all fear of embarrassment or failure. Do the important things you need to do. Just try your best! Always try your best!

Everything is in the mind :)

:::In the name of ALLAH, The Most Gracious, Most Merciful:::

 ~PATIENCE IS VITAL~

Think POSITIVE! Everything is going to work out just the way you've had planned, InsyaALLAH. 

Keep trying your level best. You need to prepare yourself for what you are about to experience. It may not look and feel the way you imagine. It could be more challenging, colourful and livelier. Work toward creating the image of life you want to be imprinted on your mind for ever. Take the leap of faith. BELIEVE YOU CAN!

Fertilize your soul :)

:::In the name of ALLAH, The Most Gracious, Most Merciful:::

~PATIENCE IS VITAL~

'Life ought to be a struggle of desire toward adventures whose nobility will fertilize the soul.'

 ~ Rebecca West, author & journalist )1892-1983)

My classes commence today. So, I will be very busy from today onwards. I hope every one of you will make this year a productive year too, in your own way. Always remember that you cannot recycle wasted time.

Positive MINDSET :)

 :::In the name of ALLAH, The Most Gracious, Most Merciful:::

 ~PATIENCE IS VITAL~

I always ask myself this question: If this year is the last year of my life, what would I want to do? And I answer is: I want to go back to school. :)

And so, today is my Enrolment Day :)

Bismillahirahmanirahim. 

Starting my new year with a big smile :)

:::In the name of ALLAH, The Most Gracious, Most Merciful:::

 ~PATIENCE IS VITAL~

The best thing about the future is it is full of wonderful opportunities to feel good. I am going to THINK POSITIVE and do my best to make 2018 a successful year for me. Let's STAY POSITIVE!

You Are What You Eat ;)

:::In the name of ALLAH, The Most Gracious, Most Merciful:::

 ~PATIENCE IS VITAL~

Ok, let's do this. I have to learn how to eat right from now on. I must get started and do whatever I could do immediately to improve my blood sugar regulation because I WANT TO FEEL BETTER RIGHT AWAY, especially before I embark in my 2nd lease of life in 2 weeks time. I must start taking the road to good health.