Iqra Liaqat – Nov 14, 2019
^{Edited by Rabhia Shuja}

Life is all about struggles; ups and downs, fun, happiness, sadness, and many more. It’s all happening side by side in life. Sometimes you feel happy, sometimes you feel bad. There is a time when ups and downs happen in life. You want to achieve something in your life but not clear about it. You want to become a doctor, engineer, lawyer because of your parents, relatives, and friends. Some people live their lives according to others so that they will feel happy and proud of you. Sometimes your friend says that you have to do this for me and you obey the orders. Do you think about it before doing it? We mostly think about what others will think about it? Will they feel happy? Will they appreciate me…

Ohh. Well, this is common in our society.

But this society also has people with kind hearts who tell you to do what you want to do, appreciate your efforts, appreciate every single decision of yours, are ready to help you, feel happy when you are happy, are concerned about your happiness and sadness and are always with you when you need them.

What a beautiful part of our society they are! You are lucky if you have such friends in your circle. Do you know why they are with you always? Because they believe you and your efforts.

“The believer doesn’t hurt people even if people hurt him.” ~Hazrat Ali (R.A)

These kinds of people are the blessings in your life from Allah Almighty. When everyone is against you they take a stand for you. Why? Because they believe in you. So, if you have friends, family members, and teachers in your circle that are with you and fully support you, then congratulations. You are lucky!

But I have a few questions. Do you still think about what others think? How do they react to your success and failure? How do they tease you when you do something wrong unintentionally? How do they say wrong in your absence? How do they laugh at you? What do they think about you? How do they behave with you? How do they take your positivity? How do they take your respect for your friends, teachers, and parents? How do they react to your weaknesses as well as strengths? Do you care about them? Do you change your lifestyle for such people? Do you agree with their perspective?

Many questions in the corner of my brain always ask me…Iqra, do you have answers? Do you have any? Tell me…

Maybe I have answers but It’s according to my perspective. Maybe I am right. Maybe wrong…

Oh, It means, I am thinking about other’s perspectives. Really!

Maybe because I think I am partially true, maybe fully true, and maybe wrong according to their perspective. Wait…why am I thinking about other’s perspectives? I have to give importance to my own decisions, facts, and perspective. Well, a lot of things….

Life is very short. We have to live in such a manner that we will do what we want, what makes me happy, and focus on our destination. Do not focus on what people think, how they perceive. Just focus on your goal. Some will be always with you because they believe in your abilities and believe in you. Try to appreciate them. Others are always unhappy with you, maybe laugh at you. Just listen to them and do what you want.

Don’t focus on Log Kya Kahain Gai. Focus on what you want, what you love, what makes you happy, inner peace. Enjoy your life, Live every moment happily. Because it’s your moment.

“Life becomes more meaningful when you realize the simple fact that you never get the same moment twice.” 

One day these things made me sad, perplexed, confused. After some time my brain started saying, why you are not taking advice from your trustworthy friends, and yes from parents and mentors! So, I decided to talk to my friend. They suggested that I do what I wanted to do in my life. Focus on my goal. Listen to what people say, show respect from your heart, but do what makes you happy. And this is true.

Well, It’s human nature. We think about others. Sometimes when you ignore them, they think you are an egoist, you are selfish, you are arrogant, and many more labels that you don’t relate to.

“Don’t just…

Don’t just learn, experience.

Don’t just read, absorb.

Don’t just change, transform.

Don’t just relate, advocate.

Don’t just promise, prove.

Don’t just criticize, encourage.

Don’t just think, ponder.

Don’t just take, give.

Don’t just see, feel.

Don’t just dream, do.

Don’t just hear, listen.

Don’t just talk, act.

Don’t just tell, show.

Don’t just exist, live.”

~Roy T. Bennett

Many questions may lead to a single answer. After my friend and mentor’s advice, I decided to do what I am doing. I am right. I respect others. I will have to focus on my goal. This will give me happiness, not the harsh words and thinking of others.

“Don’t be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.” ~Roy T. Bennett

I think this is relatable. But still, I have a question!