I often think about how most of the factors that determine how far a person would go in life are so far out of the individual's control that I feel the only emotion that should accompany success is gratitude. You didn't choose your parents, yet they made almost all the decisions for the first 10-20 years of your life, and each of those decisions has ramifications that are beyond even their control. The place you were born, the people you meet, and all the ways they shape your thoughts and desires. A lot of times we're not even holding the wheel, all we can do is put our feet on the gas and hope for the best of the options presented to us.
Just today I was thinking of the same thing about how my Quran memorisation journey went in Unilag, and realised that I entered unilag at a very opportune time to aid that dream. True, I might have already had the dream of memorising the Quran, but entering Unilag at the time I did presented me with several factors that would not have had the same effect had I been admitted into the school two years earlier or later. The analysis is a bit long and wouldn’t be fit for this comment, but the conclusion is the same as above. You didn’t achieve whatever you achieved simply because you’re smart or determined. Some other things did help give you a head start
Reading this newsletter at a time when I keep trying to remind myself not to compare myself or my life with others because everyone has different destiny, has comforted me in a way. Thank you Hameed ✨
I think of what you have described as been able to reflect and show gratitude. Sometimes, out of high and subtle superior outlook, we tend to look at our peers that are probably not the same level with us of not doing enough to better themselves. On the flip side , we strongly think that we have attained is a function of how much we are putting in the process.
The reality is thus, we all just need that sprinkle of luck ( Qadar) that propels us to be at the level we desire. Importantly, we must be a people of gratitude.
I often think about how most of the factors that determine how far a person would go in life are so far out of the individual's control that I feel the only emotion that should accompany success is gratitude. You didn't choose your parents, yet they made almost all the decisions for the first 10-20 years of your life, and each of those decisions has ramifications that are beyond even their control. The place you were born, the people you meet, and all the ways they shape your thoughts and desires. A lot of times we're not even holding the wheel, all we can do is put our feet on the gas and hope for the best of the options presented to us.
Just today I was thinking of the same thing about how my Quran memorisation journey went in Unilag, and realised that I entered unilag at a very opportune time to aid that dream. True, I might have already had the dream of memorising the Quran, but entering Unilag at the time I did presented me with several factors that would not have had the same effect had I been admitted into the school two years earlier or later. The analysis is a bit long and wouldn’t be fit for this comment, but the conclusion is the same as above. You didn’t achieve whatever you achieved simply because you’re smart or determined. Some other things did help give you a head start
Refreshing piece...
Reading this newsletter at a time when I keep trying to remind myself not to compare myself or my life with others because everyone has different destiny, has comforted me in a way. Thank you Hameed ✨
I like how this has a thankful vibe, like things might not have gone as wanted, but we have got reasons to be thankful.
I’ve never been a fan of the word “Lucky.”
But I have to admit that we all should be a bit more grateful for the head-starts we have in various facets of life.
Comparison is truly the thief of joy. Great read tbh 🚀✨.
Incisive post as usual.
I think of what you have described as been able to reflect and show gratitude. Sometimes, out of high and subtle superior outlook, we tend to look at our peers that are probably not the same level with us of not doing enough to better themselves. On the flip side , we strongly think that we have attained is a function of how much we are putting in the process.
The reality is thus, we all just need that sprinkle of luck ( Qadar) that propels us to be at the level we desire. Importantly, we must be a people of gratitude.