A Fortunate Fortune

Everyone, and I do mean every single person ever, has a dream. Or dreams.

We all want to be somebody, do something, and go somewhere. So why don't we just do it?

Stop letting things, people, circumstances, and life hold you back.

Live.

And do that something-something that you meant to do eventually. Do it today. Do it while you still can, while you're still here.

Become who you've always wanted to be. Why waste your time dreaming your dreams and not living them?

Think about who people would remember you as or remember about you were you to die today. 

Morbid? Yes. Realistic? Absolutely.

And while some of us are optimists and pessimists, we all have to come to terms with reality at some point. You can't avoid it, try as you may. Life is all about blending your dreams with your reality. It's about finding a balance that will make you happy. It's about finding not only where you belong, but who you belong as.

Some of us live for ourselves while some of us live for others. It's okay. Either way is fine. No one is being selfish and no one is being self-sacrificial, we're just being who we are. 

People will tell you to live for yourself and to not suffer through life pleasing others. They will tell you that it's wrong and I won't tell you that it's right, but if pleasing your parents as a doctor gives you more happiness than following your dream of being a baker, don't feel bad. Don't you realize that you're still following your dreams? You're still finding happiness and you're doing it your way.

And if you find that being someone you don't want to be is making you unhappy and all you feel is this great void in your heart, you should follow your dreams. Find your happiness and find it your own way. You may think people will be disappointed and yes, they might be, but when they see your joy how could they possibly think you were wrong?

Think about it. When you see someone comfortable in their skin and happy with their lives, don't you feel that warmth radiating off of them? Think of that one teacher in school who was your favourite because they were so passionate about what they taught. That is who you want to be. Not specifically a teacher, but that person who lives their life with passion and fierce determination.

When you're unsure of where your future lies and what you should do with yourself, think selfishly. Then try thinking realistically. 

Can what you want to be and what you can be melt into one another?

 Is there a reasonable, honest way for you to get as close as possible to your dreams? Being closer than where you are now will always be better than not moving at all. So move, because your destination is your destiny.

Find your way there.

P.S. Hope you're all having a good week so far!

Why I Can't Sleep Tonight

     There are too many things to think about and I'm afraid that with the noise and nonsense that morning brings, they will get lost in the cracks of nothingness and everything. Who is to say where thoughts go once they leave our minds. Do they fizzle into non-existence? Are they just forgotten happenings? Synapses in our neural network that leave no trace behind? If so, why are some thoughts forgotten yet buried deep within our subconscious, only to be rooted out by a trigger or stimulus. Are they reborn - with those neural pathways finding their way home again? Or are they always there - each thought we have ever conceived - sitting idly, abiding its time, waiting to be remembered? Once you give life to them, they live and die with you.
     Think about all the memories you have had. Not just the major ones; the birthdays, funerals and milestones, but every single memory from the moment of your first breath up until your most recent blink. Every touch, smell, and laugh is wrapped up inside the folds of your mind, in the intense darkness of your subconscious. Always there, never forgotten. And you wonder why some people have excellent memories. The candles they carry into that darkness must burn slightly brighter than yours, but no two cracks, smiles, or oranges on a tree are ever the same. Your candle will be the brightest in the darkness that your thoughts call home and its light will be the only glow they will see. Just because your flame is fading doesn't mean those memories are not there anymore.
     So as I sit and chuck some thoughts, stray words, unfinished sentences, and broken things into the expanse of nothingness that is tethered to my soul, I hope that things will find each other like opposite ends of magnets do, and every once in a while a forgotten thought will be remembered. That it will fall into place, fill up a void, and mature with age like fine wine, to make more sense than it had before and lighten my mental load.

Goodnight

Rules for Happiness

Dear God, got a minute?

I found this hilarious and adorable list of letters that children have written to God. 

Some of these questions are genius! Kids are so awesome sometimes :)

If you want to read the full list click: 

Story of my Life

Just a thought

Honestly, it's just honesty

The following picture was sent to me by my best friend after she found it somewhere on the internet. I realize that it's controversial, but I honestly agree with every word written here. All my life I've been teased about being "too skinny" and although many find that flattering, it can be said in a way that really isn't a compliment at all. Some people are just born skinny - trust me. We eat and eat and don't gain any weight. There's no reason to hate us for that because it's not actually as wonderful as it sounds. People who can't gain weight have a whole range of problems open to them such as iron deficiency, anemia, decreased immunity, etc. Their skinniness might be genetic, but it could also be the outcome of depression or another clinical disorder.

The point is, everyone's beautiful. Being skinny shouldn't make you an easy target for taunts and condescending comments. Not all of us are anorexic or consciously counting calories at every meal. 

So, all you ladies out there who have called me, or any other girl, anorexic and giggled as if it was the most gracious compliment in the world, this one's for you:

So you had a bad day...

Where is the moment we needed the most 

You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost 

They tell me your blue skies fade to gray 

They tell me your passion's gone away 

And I don't need no carryin' on 

You stand in the line just to hit a new low 

You're faking a smile with the coffee to go 

You tell me your life's been way off line 

You're falling to pieces every time 

And I don't need no carryin' on 

Because you had a bad day 

You're taking one down 

You sing a sad song just to turn it around 

You say you don't know 

You tell me don't lie 

You work at a smile and you go for a ride 

You had a bad day. 

So here, 

Song lyrics by Daniel Powter 

Picture from tumblr

Spotlight: Shel Silverstein

     As a child, I was a big fan of Shel Silverstein and that hasn't really changed at all. In my opinion, he is one of the world's most inspiring individuals. You know, the kind that comes up with unbelievably creative and innovative expressions and you sit there wondering, "Damn. How did no one else think of this before?" Honestly, Silverstein's mind was a gift.
     For those of you who don't know who he is, Silverstein was an American artist. He wrote poems, songs, plays, children's books, drew cartoons - you name it. In fact, you might not think you know him, but have you ever read The Giving Tree? It was extremely popular ever since it was published in the 1960s. Green book? Tree, apple, chubby little kid?
     Look familiar? If it does, kudos :) And if it doesn't, well add it to your reading list my friend! Although it is a children's book, The Giving Tree has a spark that appeals to the sophisticated and the simple. It's definitely a classic that should be read by everyone, but enough about that. Why is the spotlight on Shel Silverstein today?

     I love the internet for all that it has become over the years. I know a lot of writers out there face writer's block on a regular basis and believe me it sucks, but the internet is like a world of inspiration just waiting for you. I go perusing through blogs, websites, and tumblrs on almost a daily basis and never fail to find amazing pictures, thoughts, and ideas that bring me back to life. On one such night, I found a picture drawn by Silverstein that depicts how people with beautiful minds face ridicule for their ingenuity, and through discouragement, change to become bland versions of themselves. It goes without saying that I love this drawing and that's why I'd like to share it with you.

     So tell me, what are your thoughts?

In Memory of my Grandmother

     Writing means a lot to me. And by extension, so does this blog. But I have been neglecting it lately and I'll tell you why.
     My grandmother passed away yesterday. She was an incredible woman. I know it's natural for anyone to say that about their beloved grandma, but she really was incredible. My grandmother had her share of loss in life, but to my 7 year old eyes, she was the happiest woman I knew. I adored her. She taught me how to make braids and told me stories before bed. She made all my favourite dishes and doted on my brothers with an overwhelming love. Nothing but the best for her grandchildren.
     My grandmother was the glue that tied our family together. We all gravitated towards her in times of sickness, sadness, and happiness. She raised me close to her heart for a few years after my older brother died. But due to distance, I only saw her a handful of times since.
     On one of these visits, she gave me a special gift. Two beautiful bracelets, the same ones she wore once upon a time at her wedding. I know it was her plan, her goal, to witness as much of our lives as possible and I wish she could have been here for all the milestones in my life. But I'm grateful. Grateful that she has finally found peace after this long, heartbreaking, wonderful thing called life. And grateful to have known her, loved her, and to have been with her - even for a second.

Just a thought

Your parents may NEVER understand you. Accept that. 

But you will find that as you grow older, less arrogant, and more mature

that you will begin to understand THEM instead.

In My Own Skin

     I envy them. They walk around like the air belongs to them. Like the sun is shining on them. Like there is nothing holding them down. And I envy them because of it. Who do they think they are? Beautiful, mysterious, charming, classic? I envy them so much it hurts, yet I want to be one of them. I want to be who they are and have what they have. 
     Their skin fits them like a glove, mine hugs me like a mitten. Their thoughts move with their bodies in perfect, blissful alignment. When they laugh, their hearts smile and their eyes sparkle with a spontaneous, undying warmth. You can feel it. I know. You know. 
     My skin smothers me like a mitten. It wraps around me in a protective embrace, sheltering me from defining myself. My thoughts race ahead of me, but my body declines to follow. When my heart breaks and all I want to do is cry until the tears make me sleepy, my body does not let me. It tells me to break down inside. To hold it all in because that's better. Is it better?
     When I feel elated, feel like standing on my toes and spreading my arms to soak up all the sunshine there is, my body hesitates. My arms stay by my side and my toes stay on the ground. It is as if they belong there and have no curiosity about the wonders around them. No, my body stays where it is and lets my mind do all the dreaming. I have traveled miles in my thoughts, but only walked a few steps of my dreams.
     We all see them around us, those beautifully flawed and hopelessly natural people. Their presence feels exotic. You analyze every part of them trying to figure out their secret. Is it the hair? The curve of the eyes, the dimple, or maybe its the clothes? What is it exactly that they have and you don't and how could you try and get it too? How are they able to exude such confidence with every word that escapes their lips? How are they able to physically do all the things you would have done, could have done, but didn't? 
     You could have been so much more, gone so many places. Think of all the laughter you could have sang, all the meals you could have shared, and all the people you could have had in your life. In that drama class, you could have been the one everyone admired, the one who captivated audiences. You know you have it in you. I know I have it in me. So then, what is the problem? Why are we so uncomfortable, you and I? We stand at the hearth and let the warmth touch our skin, but we don't let the glow of the fire kiss us too. We shy away, you and I. We hesitate.
     But I want to be like them. To be comfortable in my own skin. To move as one, single being. To think about what I want to do and to do those things. To dance with awkward moves that make me look as if I've lost my mind and to not care, to not think about what I must look like. To stand up for the people and things I believe in with no army to back me up other than the strength of my convictions. I want to sing and not feel as if every note is weighing me down. For the song to come from my soul, synonymous with every breath. 
     How wonderful it must feel to be able to wash your face in the morning and walk out the door loving every freckle and every scar on your body. Smiling at every little thing that makes you happy and not questioning the beauty of your smile, not caring if it elicits anyone's judgement. How insanely electric it must feel to live your day in a messy hairdo and a slouchy outfit not caring how others perceive you because you know you have gorgeous inside. You know you could look polished if you wanted to. But you don't care, at least not today, because this is life. Every day is magical despite your clothes and frizzy hair. Life doesn't care about the brand of your jeans or the shade of your blush. It's splendid for the sole reason that you're living it.
     I don't want insanity. Not a million friends, just to touch a million lives. I want to be remembered by someone as they go to sleep at night and think about their day. I want to be remembered in stories and I want to live in memories. But more than anything I want to live in my own memory. I want to visit a country for every letter in the alphabet, snort when I laugh, and reference everything in life with quotes from Harry Potter. I want to eat Nutella out of the jar on rainy days, speak up and compliment people I don't even know, and to voice my opinions because if I don't, who will? 

     All I want is to be able to spend almost everyday loving the person I spend most of my time with - myself. Why bother being envious? None of it matters when you are all you want to be. Irrevocably and undeniably comfortable in your own skin.

©AnumAziz

20 New Year’s Resolutions For 20-Somethings

JAN. 2, 2012 

By JESSIE ROSEN

1.      Before you status update, Tweet, Tumble or Instagram, pause and say to yourself, “is it entirely necessary that I share this morsel of thought with my entire social network?”and if the answer is not, “yes, I absolutely must,” then step away from the Internet.

2.      Know which candidate you’re going to vote for in the upcoming presidential election, and know why.

3.      Enough with the 14-day juice cleanses. If you want to lose a little weight quickly, eat less and exercise like crazy. If you want to lose a lot of weight slowly, do whatever Jennifer Hudson did.

4.      If you really like the person you’re hooking up with and would like them to be your boyfriend/ girlfriend, find a way to tell them, and hope for the best. If you don’t and wouldn’t, stop.

5.      Find a way to save approximately 300 dollars and spend it on a flight to see a friend or family member who lives far away.

6.      Please stop liking the Kardashians, all of them. It’s not helping anyone, least of all the Kardashians.

7.      Spend less than or equal to the money you earn each month.

8.      Wear clothes that fit you, especially to work.

9.      Call someone on the phone at least once a week, and speak to him or her for at least ten minutes.

10.  Start preparing now to get over the fact that Facebook is probably going to change again in six months. You’re not going to deactivate your account. You don’t know how.

11.  Wait 30 seconds before you look up a fact you can’t remember on your phone, and try to remember it using your brain. This is what the olden days were like.

12.  Replace one terrible reality show you’re currently watching with one wonderful scripted show currently available on television.  Swap suggestion: Real Housewives of Anywhere for HBO’s Enlightened.

13.  Try that food you think you don’t like but have never actually tried, unless it’s brussels sprouts. They really don’t need any more attention.

14.  Cut one person out of your life who you truly do not like and add one person who you truly do. Note: not on Facebook, on Earth.

15.  If you’re still blacking out regularly, you should stop.

16.  Volunteer once over the next 90 days.  You’ll feel really good about it, and probably end up volunteering again over the next 275.

17.   Tell someone who you love that you love them on a more regular basis. To their face, not in a text.

18.  Back up your entire online life onto an external hard drive, especially your photos.

19.  Crap or get off the pot. This applies to whatever thing you’re not doing that you should just sack up and do already.

20.   And in the eternal words of Tom Haverford, “TREAT YO SELF!” 

Source: http://thoughtcatalog.com/

Hope y'all had a great start to the new year! :)

Goodbye 2011!

Coral Cocktail by Mandy Lynne

The new year is fast approaching and it seems like 2011 just flew by! Personally, it was a great year full of happiness and self-discovery. I'm sure you've had some memorable moments too, but now it's time for new beginnings and fresh starts. So let's ring in 2012 with hope and optimism shall we? :)


Here's my list of the year's "Most Memorable" awards. What's on your list?


Most Memorable Book: The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Most Memorable Author: Paulo Coelho (with the much-awaited release of "Aleph")
Most Memorable Movie: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 (X-Men Origins and Transformers coming in close behind)
Most Memorable Natural Disaster: Japanese earthquake (and all other areas affected)
Most Memorable Man-made Disaster: The riots in London, England
Most Memorable Political Moment: The fall of Libyan leader Gadhafi 
Most Memorable Discovery: HIV/AIDS vaccine by University of Western Ontario
Most Memorable New TV Show: Suits (I'm torn between this and Hart of Dixie)
Most Memorable New Comedy TV Show: Two Broke Girls 
Most Memorable New Fantasy TV Show: Once Upon a Time
Most Memorable Color: You may disagree but Taupe was a really popular colour this year. The colour combinations with it are endless!
Most Memorable Actress: Emma Stone (Crazy Stupid Love, The Help, Friends with Benefits)
Most Memorable Actor: Ryan Gosling (Crazy Stupid Love, Drive, Ides of March)
Most Memorable Hairstyle: Braids (french, waterfall, fishtail...you name it)
Most Memorable Women's Clothing: Anything with lace
Most Memorable Athletic Moment: Dallas Mavericks championship win over Miami Heat
Most Memorable Movie Adaptation of Book: The Help (I'm a die-hard Harry Potter fan and since the last movie came out this year I should have put it here, but I truly believe that in staying true to the book...the Help did so much better!)
Most Memorable Home-made Dinner: (this is such a tough one) Thanksgiving family dinner
Most Memorable Home-made Dessert: Tiramisu (my mom made it from an old Italian recipe)
Most Memorable Drink: Iced Tea (always.)
Most Memorable Snack: Hummus & crackers/pita chips
Most Memorable Summer Memory: Family visit from Australia (and all our adventures!)
Most Memorable Class: Personality with Prof. Marchese
Most Memorable Personal Item of Clothing: Finding a new favourite pair of jeans
Most Memorable Personal Defining Moment: Re-starting this blog 
Most Memorable Personal Accomplishment: Donating 13 inches of my hair to cancer patients
Most Memorable Family Memory: Dad's surgeries
Most Memorable (and Indulgent) Purchase: Coach bag (that I have yet to use) 
Most Memorable Bargain Purchase: Too many to count haha...let's go with $4 boots.
Most Memorable Artist: Adele
Most Memorable Song: Good Life by One Republic
Most Memorable Worldwide Broadcast: The Royal Wedding (I'm guilty of watching all 6 hours of this)
Most Memorable Assembly: The Occupy Protests around the world

Happy New Year!!!

I wish you success and happiness in 2012 and be safe!

The Top 5 Regrets of the Dying

REGRETS OF THE DYING by Bonnie Ware

     For many years I worked in palliative care. My patients were those who had gone home to die. Some incredibly special times were shared. I was with them for the last three to twelve weeks of their lives.
People grow a lot when they are faced with their own mortality. I learnt never to underestimate someone's capacity for growth. Some changes were phenomenal. Each experienced a variety of emotions, as expected, denial, fear, anger, remorse, more denial and eventually acceptance. Every single patient found their peace before they departed though, every one of them.
When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again. Here are the most common five: 

1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me. 

This was the most common regret of all. When people realise that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.
It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.



2. I wish I didn't work so hard. 

This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children's youth and their partner's companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence. 
By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle. 

3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.

Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.
We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.

Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.
It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships. 

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.

This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called 'comfort' of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.
When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying. 




Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.


Based on this article, the author has released a full-length book, titled The Top Five Regrets of the Dying. It is a memoir of her life, and how it was transformed by the regrets of dying people. You can get more information at Bronnie’s website

Happy Human Rights Day!

Hi everyone! Today is Human Rights Day!

A day to celebrate all the freedoms and rights that all of us - each and every one of us - should have as human beings.

Let's reflect on how far we have come as a society...and how much further we still have to go. 

Today, make a wish. Make a wish for all your friends and family to see.

Is it for free education for all? An end to discrimination? Equal pay for equal work? 

Whatever your wish is, it is important. Because nothing comes true unless at least one person believes in it.

Celebrate Human Rights today by making a wish at http://www.celebratehumanrights.org/

It's sponsored by the United Nations and there is no cost except that of your time. 

Thank you all :)

Date a girl who reads. Or better yet...writes.

“You should date a girl who reads. 

Date a girl who reads. Date a girl who spends her money on books instead of clothes, who has problems with closet space because she has too many books. Date a girl who has a list of books she wants to read, who has had a library card since she was twelve. 

Find a girl who reads. You’ll know that she does because she will always have an unread book in her bag. She’s the one lovingly looking over the shelves in the bookstore, the one who quietly cries out when she has found the book she wants. You see that weird chick sniffing the pages of an old book in a second-hand book shop? That’s the reader. They can never resist smelling the pages, especially when they are yellow and worn. 

She’s the girl reading while waiting in that coffee shop down the street. If you take a peek at her mug, the non-dairy creamer is floating on top because she’s kind of engrossed already. Lost in a world of the author’s making. Sit down. She might give you a glare, as most girls who read do not like to be interrupted. Ask her if she likes the book. 

Buy her another cup of coffee.  

Let her know what you really think of Murakami. See if she got through the first chapter of Fellowship. Understand that if she says she understood James Joyce’s Ulysses she’s just saying that to sound intelligent. Ask her if she loves Alice or she would like to be Alice. 

It’s easy to date a girl who reads. Give her books for her birthday, for Christmas, for anniversaries. Give her the gift of words, in poetry and in song. Give her Neruda, Pound, Sexton, Cummings. Let her know that you understand that words are love. Understand that she knows the difference between books and reality but by god, she’s going to try to make her life a little like her favorite book. It will never be your fault if she does. 

She has to give it a shot somehow. 

Lie to her. If she understands syntax, she will understand your need to lie. Behind words are other things: motivation, value, nuance, dialogue. It will not be the end of the world. 

Fail her. Because a girl who reads knows that failure always leads up to the climax. Because girls who read understand that all things must come to end, but that you can always write a sequel. That you can begin again and again and still be the hero. That life is meant to have a villain or two. 

Why be frightened of everything that you are not? Girls who read understand that people, like characters, develop. Except in the Twilight series. 

If you find a girl who reads, keep her close. When you find her up at 2 AM clutching a book to her chest and weeping, make her a cup of tea and hold her. You may lose her for a couple of hours but she will always come back to you. She’ll talk as if the characters in the book are real, because for a while, they always are. 

You will propose on a hot air balloon. Or during a rock concert. Or very casually next time she’s sick. Over Skype. 

You will smile so hard you will wonder why your heart hasn’t burst and bled out all over your chest yet. You will write the story of your lives, have kids with strange names and even stranger tastes. She will introduce your children to the Cat in the Hat and Aslan, maybe in the same day. You will walk the winters of your old age together and she will recite Keats under her breath while you shake the snow off your boots. 

Date a girl who reads because you deserve it. You deserve a girl who can give you the most colorful life imaginable. If you can only give her monotony, and stale hours and half-baked proposals, then you’re better off alone. If you want the world and the worlds beyond it, date a girl who reads. 

Or better yet, date a girl who writes.” 

- Rosemarie Urquico

Source: http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/show/437516

What is Love?

Today, one of my friends showed me the cutest article ever. It was about the definition of love - as defined by adorable little kids. 

"When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth." - Billy, age 4

"Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen." - Bobby, age 7

"Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday." - Noelle, age 7

"I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones." -  Lauren, age 4

When we grow up, we edit our thoughts and phrase our answers to cater to the needs of others. We say what people want to hear or what makes sense. Not the first thing that comes to mind. Not something totally bizarre, yet wonderful. And definitely not how we truly feel. 

We do this because as we grow up, we become really conscious of how others view us. But I think it's important to stop living life to please others and to start voicing your own opinions. Doesn't mean you have to be insensitive or crude (you can definitely edit out the profanity from your thoughts lol), but always know that people will remember you by what you've said and done. So, do you want them to remember the real, genuine you or the generic version?

Read the complete article at bluecentric.com here

Images courtesy of windywindy.tumblr and imabarkingmad.com

You Are What You Believe: Part Two

Read Part One here

I'd like to clarify that I hold no prejudice against other religions and nor am I attempting to convert anyone. I do not know the depths of faith nor do I claim to fully understand it. But knowledge and understanding are the forces that open up a narrow mind. And so this series is simply meant to spread understanding and provide a new perspective to anyone willing to take it. I'm not an expert, but my intention is to enlighten people about a world they know, but haven't seen in a different light. With learning comes realization, but so it does with teaching as well. And it's my hope that after this series, both you and I will develop a new appreciation or tolerance for an ancient religion and its' modern people.

     To fulfill the requirements of my undergrad degree, I have to take a course in the social sciences and humanities. It's definitely something I have been looking forward to because in my program, I generally don't get to take courses that have more to do with opinion than hard evidence. The course I'm taking is "Introduction to World Religions" - which frankly I took because I assumed it would be a piece of cake. Not that it's difficult or anything, but it does require a lot of work (sucks for me :P). So, as part of our section on Islam, our class was treated to lectures by a guest speaker. It was the guest speaker who initially motivated this series for me (along with a build-up of emotions towards how Muslims are portrayed in the world today). His name is Timothy Gianotti and - no joke - he is BY FAR the most passionate, funny, and inspiring lecturer on Islam I've ever met. When I first saw Prof. Gianotti, I didn't think he'd be able to teach me anything I didn't already know. I mean...I felt like I had a fairly good understanding of the faith I've followed all my life. What else could be new?

     I was so wrong. As the lecture progressed, I realized that Prof. Gianotti was talking about stuff I was familiar with, yet somehow he spoke with such clarity and conviction that it made me feel as if I was learning it all for the first time. I didn't know that you could learn the same concept many times in different ways. I'm going to try and convey some of the ideas on Islam that I learned from Prof. Gianotti's lectures and by no means will anything I say justify every question or prejudice people may have. But, at least (I hope) the following will give you a better understanding of the foundations and basic principles of Islam.

Masjid-al-Haram, Mecca, Saudi Arabia

     A large part of any religion is how it is interpreted and thus, how that interpretation leads to practice in daily life. Every follower approaches their faith with a different understanding of how significant their actions are. Every religion is also criticized for certain things and honestly...that's something that'll never go away. There is no perfect religion other than one's own - everybody is a victim to that perspective. Just like every other religion, Islam has faced its share of criticism (although more so in recent years). This is because Islam faces three major challenges: media, orientalism, and modernity.
     Because of our exposure to media we have learned to associate Islam with violence. C'mon...you know it's true. And it's not your fault! A lot of stuff has happened: Iraq, Afghanistan, Muslim terrorists openly accepting the blame for horrendous acts, and etc. The term "Muslim terrorists" defines terrorists that happen to be Muslims. But due to its constant usage in media, the term "terrorists" has come to mean the same thing as "Muslim". Now, you may not agree to that so just take the example of the recent massacre in Norway where a man shot and murdered dozens of students. Unclear of information, media outlets were quick to categorize this terrible occasion as something "jihadic" and something "Muslim terrorists" had done. Turns out Anders Behring Brevik claimed to be a devout Christian and had committed murder on the premises that he was cleansing Norway of non-Christians. Embarrassed by their quick and stereotypical conclusion that Muslims were responsible in the first place, people in media such as Bill O'Reilly of Fox News claimed, "Breivik is not a Christian. That's impossible. No one believing in Jesus commits mass murder." 

     Okay. That makes total sense. No, I'm not being sarcastic...it really does. I mean, isn't murdering against Christianity? So obviously, Anders Behring Brevik cannot be labelled as a Christian. But then Osama Bin Laden and the countless others that follow his "path" are not Muslims either. No person who believes in Islam and commits mass murder of innocents could possibly be a Muslim. 

     If you are Christian, you may look at the Norway massacre and think, "Hey. I'm Christian. I know what the Bible preaches. There is nothing in Christianity that encourages murder." So, religious scripture and teachings cannot be the problem. But when one considers Islamic teachings, or that of any other religion than one's own, it is easy to jump to the conclusion that maybe this is the kind of stuff that's in their texts. Maybe this is exactly what they are taught. But, it's not. The fanatical few who claim to be acting out what their religious texts have taught them are simply those who misinterpret the teachings. Again...it comes down to interpretation. 

     The term "terrorism" is so closely associated with Muslims that stereotypes and prejudice are a given. What needs to be done is re-examination of the term terrorism; what exactly it means and who it applies to. After seeing it being supplied to Muslims for so long, people obviously would not know how to react when it's a non-Muslim being labelled instead.

     Next, Islam faces the challenge of orientalism. Orientalism is pretty self-explanatory. It's a kind of racism against people of Arab origins.

     And lastly, modernity. This is perhaps the most deeply rooted challenge for Islam and wherein most of the issues lie. Although it is younger than Judaism and Christianity, Islam still faces the dilemma of being relevant and applicable to modern times. Aspects of the religion need to be interpreted and applied in a way that is comprehensible for people in the world today. For this, not everything that is in religious texts and traditions can be done literally anymore. Things have to be seen more metaphorically and a bigger picture can be derived from teachings as well. 

     Now that we've looked at the three major challenges that Islam faces, we'll take a look at the call to prayer, the idea of prophets and fate, and major practices in Part Three of this series. Thanks for reading :)

You can access a biography of Professor Timothy Gianotti here 

You Are What You Believe: Part One

Before I begin this series, I'd like to clarify that I hold no prejudice against other religions and nor am I attempting to convert anyone. I do not know the depths of faith nor do I claim to fully understand it. But knowledge and understanding are the forces that open up a narrow mind. And so this series is simply meant to spread understanding and provide a new perspective to anyone willing to take it. I'm not an expert, but my intention is to enlighten people about a world they know, but haven't seen in a different light. With learning comes realization, but so it does with teaching as well. And it's my hope that after this series, both you and I will develop a new appreciation or tolerance for an ancient religion and its' modern people.

     I'm a born Muslim. I was raised to be kind, forgiving, and ultimately just a good person. I was taught by my parents that nothing, nothing, is ever going to be more important than being someone who is pure inside and out. What they meant was that I should do everything with good intentions and because of this I would be a good Muslim. I grew up participating in religious rituals (fasting etc.) and generally understanding the idea of God, of prophets, and of righteousness. 

     But I've been living in Canada all my life. Everything about my lifestyle complemented by parents' teachings and it's a blessing that throughout my childhood I never had to face a serious threat of racism. That aside, things have changed. I was in grade seven when the first real attack on who I was, was made. My friend (who was also Muslim) and I were waiting for soccer tryouts after school when a boy whom I'd never talked to before came up to us and called us terrorists. More than anything, I was confused. Me? The straight-A student, vice-president of the yearbook committee, lunch-time tutor, spelling-bee champion...a terrorist? It made no sense. I took it more lightly than my friend though. The next day she showed up to school wearing a hijab. 

     My point is this - we are all inherently humans. Beyond that fact, we are all from different races. Within those races, we are all from separate religions. And those religions are filled with diverse cultures. How each of us follows or resides within a culture is our own prerogative; our own choice. But we forget that we are all fundamentally humans.

     I have a habit of reading the news online everyday and I can't even tell you the amount of times I've read a racially charged story with worse comments than content in the story itself. It blows my mind that there is so much hatred and misunderstanding out there. I feel like I've lived in comfort for so long that my eyes are just opening to the harsh reality of today's society. I may be coloured, and I may be Muslim, but I assure you that I have never dreamed of blowing anything up. And I really don't believe that the faith I follow encourages such a thing.

     Which brings me to my next point. How can someone summarize the beliefs of an entire religion? I doubt even my parents and I reflect on Islam in the exact, identical way. So let me tell you what religion is. It's an acceptance. An acceptance of how existence came to be, what it is, and how to live your life in the most beneficial way possible. Yes, every religion has basic core facts that a follower must believe in. That's what makes them unique. But beyond that, your religion is what you make of it. Every single follower of Christianity, Sikhism, or Taoism will never be identical in their perception. Why? Because we are, above all, humans. And each human has their own exclusive personality. When you see a glass of water do you think it's half full, half empty....or do you wonder if the water is clean? Do you wonder where it came from, who it belongs to, who poured it out, or what it's doing here? We each have different questions and not everyone thinks the same. But we all see this glass of water and know for a fact that it's a glass and that it has water in it, just like we know the basis of our religions. But we all approach them differently.

     So just because I'm brown and Muslim and a girl, does not mean that I'm foreign, dangerous, and oppressed. I didn't grow up in a barren land and have never worn a black abaya (cloak). I don't slave away at household chores and my brothers do their fair share. My parents didn't arrange my marriage when I was a little girl, I'm allowed to have friends who are guys, I'm not illiterate or stupid, and I can argue for my freedom. 

     But if you're assuming that I am "the exception", please don't. There are millions of girls out there like me. In a world of seven billion people, a little over 1.5 billion are Muslim. A person can't seriously believe that all 1.5 billion people are the same, can they? Terrorists who justify their actions by Islam are a small fraction of the entity and they're the ones with the least understanding of what faith really is. It seems horribly wrong to judge every Muslim upon the actions of a few. Wait - let me make it more clear. It seems horribly wrong to judge 1.5 billion humans upon the actions of a few. When you think of the word "Muslim" do you envision violence, terror, or someone Arabic? Stop. The most populated Muslim country in the world today is Indonesia. Indonesia. The land of rice and coral reefs. 

     I am no more an extremist than the 27 other kids of different backgrounds that were in that grade seven class. So, if I defend a non-Muslim's opinion, help a non-Muslim old man open a door, or be a bridesmaid at my non-Muslim friend's wedding, it's not weird and I'm being neither a hypocrite nor "the exception". I'm being human, I'm being pure, and I'm being a Muslim.

Upcoming: You Are What You Believe: Part Two