Roller coasters and onions

Recently I've really been focused on making my dreams and goals happen. It's not easy, but nothing worth anything is easy. I believe Allah makes things hard for a reason. If we got everything we wanted exactly the second we wanted it, then we wouldn't appreciate it or value it. So, the bigger the dream, the harder the journey to achieve it. But that's ok. It's like a roller coaster ride. The anticipation is immense. With each step you take closer and closer to entering the ride, you feel nervous and anxious and excited for what you know is about to happen. When you start going through the bends, hills, and tunnels, you are squealing from fear, euphoria, and enjoyment. At the end of the ride, you are relieved, happy, content and ready to either ride again, or ride something even bigger next time.
Going after your dreams and goals is also like pealing an onion. There are many layers, and the closer you get to the center, the more you are affected, often crying. After you're finished you're left with a few remaining stinging tears, but no worse off.



I look forward to the roller coaster ride ahead of me. I pray that Allah grants me success. I also pray that I'm graceful and appreciative of each step along the way, and that at the end I am wiser. Here's to the adventure!

Searching for the Silver Lining

Usually it's very easy for me to find the good in things. I'm almost always laid-back, easy-going, and stress-free. However, lately this isn't the case at all. For the past several days, the smallest things are really bothering me. I lose patience too easily. I am grumpy, irritated, frustrated and stressed. My poor husband and son are bearing the brunt of my lousy attitude. Poor guys! I've been trying very hard to turn myself around. But it's like Alice falling down the rabbit whole; once you start going, it seems impossible to get out.
I can justify my attitude all I want, and remind myself of all the recent events that have come along to put me in this foul mood. But what good will that do? Instead of focusing on the past, and on the negative, I'm trying to move forward and find those silver linings. This isn't proving to be a very easy task though. As the author, Stephen Richards, said: “The discontent and frustration that you feel is entirely your own creation.” It's all about how you view things. My pessimism is growing old; time for a shot of optimism, QUICK!