Another Shower-time thought..

I really enjoying contemplating about life while in the shower!!
Today, I was thinking about people who make sacrifices for the sake of others. And yes, this may sound like a very noble deed and those who are the "others" will greatly remain indebted to the person who sacrificed for them.. but I question myself about this act of sacrifice..

From my perspective, a sacrifice is only one if the person doing it doesn't seem to feel that they are making a sacrifice. We are human beings after all and whether we like it or not, human nature kicks in and often times those who feel like they made a sacrifice end up developing negative feelings towards the "others" and/or feel like they owe them a favor in return.

Just my thoughts.. typed out..

Still reflecting on this today..

A little bit of sunshine for my soul

As I was lost in deep thought during my shower (as I always am), I happened to have one of those "light-bulb" moments! And I knew I had to write this out as a self-reminder before I forgot. 

I've come to a realization that those who plan too much forget how to enjoy and live life! 

One of them being me. 

So here's to living life to its fullest and having faith that God will help you through it no matter what obstacles come your way :) 

Anxious!

I need to write today because that's the only way I could let out all this nervous energy that I have.
I'm only a few days away from writing my USMLE Step 1 and I am FREAKING OUT! - not because I haven't studied or am not prepared but rather because I am super anxious! uggghhh

I just took NBME Form 7 today and scored almost exactly the same as Form 12 that I took a few days ago. Yes, I'm passing but I'm also blanking out! I know stuff, I know I've read it, I can open it exact in the First Aid and yet, I don't recall details when I have to think under one minute when the question is presented :(

I am praying that Allah will help me through it!
Feeling very overwhelmed, anxious, nervous, hyper, teary-hearted (if there is such a thing!) and fearful!

"Oh my Lord, increase my knowledge."

Eid Mubarak

Yes, I know I'm late since Eid was 2 days ago ;)
I've been so caught up in re-igniting the fast-gear for my studying that I forgot about blogging :( My exam is in about 2 weeks and I need to give these last 2 weeks my 200% for this final stretch!

However, I do want to stop and take a moment to write about the amazing month that just ended! I don't think I remember having such a wonderful Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr ever! It was great being home for the entire month since I was able to spend time with my family, fast without worrying about having to go outside in the heat, finish reciting the Quran (with some help), go to the mosque every day, volunteer at the mosque during iftar, and spend the night in prayer on the 27th night of Ramadan! Couldn't have asked for a better time!!

I am so happy to say that I did not let my Ramadan go to waste!
I have learnt so much in this month which I am going to implement in my life for the entire year inshAllah!

I know I can wake up to pray Fajr.
I know I can make time to recite the Quran every day.
I know how to be patient.
I know how to appreciate what I get.
I know how not to judge people.
I know how to control my anger.
I know how to control my food cravings.
I know any action to help someone (whether big or small) makes a difference.
I know to be happy :)

I pray to Allah to accept everyone's prayers for this blessed month and to forgive our shortcomings.
I shall miss the festive atmosphere of Ramadan and pray that I remain in good health and ability to see the next one!

Ramadan Mubarak

Tomorrow is the first day of Ramadan for the Islamic Calendar year 1433! 

I've spent the last 2 Ramadans away from home and I am more than happy to be home and be part of my Orlando community this Ramadan :) 

It is difficult to admit but it is the sad truth - I feel that I wasted my past 2 chances for pure worship. 

And I had decided at the end of last year's month of Ramadan that I shall never do that again and that this year would be a new beginning for me. Ramadan only comes once a year - it is that time of the year when we have a second chance at rebuilding ourselves; an opportunity that Allah is giving us to worship Him, to ask for forgiveness, and to gain lots of rewards.. I ask myself, "why would anyone want to give up on this wonderful time of the year?" 

I will take this opportunity: 

- to ask for forgiveness. 

- to thank for what I have.

- to pray and worship.

- to be kind and respectful to my parents.

- to do as much good as I possibly can.

- to help the needy.

- to learn to have more patience.

- to learn to avoid anger.

- to not be judgmental.

- to avoid gossip.

- to always say the truth.

- to volunteer my time.

- to stop complaining because life is beautiful!

- to study hard!

May everyone have a very blessed Ramadan!

Grateful..

This week I've had a very strong reminder sent to me.. a reminder to be thankful for what I have in life and to appreciate the life that has been given to me. This is something that I have always tried to remind myself but as human nature goes, I tend to forget it and need a refresher.

The question "Why me?" always crosses my mind from time to time.
And the answer I can give myself today is, "because Allah loves me." Only He knows what is in store for me and He sees the big picture. He is helping me and saving me from a worse situation.

This is a short post but it means a lot to me because I have to remember this!

This too shall pass! :)

French-braids

Since I was already writing my USMLE blog today, I decided to write something for this blog as well and to share my new-found interest in doing hair! Thanks to my sister-in-law, I've started to try different hairstyles for her and have had a pretty good outcome.

I've always LOVED the french-braid and after watching many youtube videos, I managed to do it for myself. I then used my roommates in St. Kitts to try it on them. When I came back from the island, I tried it on my sister-in-law and it turned out great! I did it slightly different and started from the right crown of her head and ended on the left front.

This past week, I learnt from a pin on pinterest on how to do a slightly different version of two french-braid-like braids on the sides and "topysing" the hair in the back. The picture explains it better. Two ideas that can also be done separately, coming together - love it!