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Monday 13 January 2014

A Letter To My 20 Year Old Self

I find it difficult to believe I wrote this. I find it difficult to believe that this was 5 years ago.

________________

Dear SoulSeek,

What is there that you cannot do? You are on an eternal journey for greatness and success. When you apply yourself, the law of the universe is to challenge those who are weak to make way for those who want it. You are unwavering on your commitment to this journey. You will welcome those who want to come for a ride but you don't need them. You only need Allah. You have a very particular ability; Once you apply yourself to an idea, consider it done. It just takes time for you to achieve what you had set out to accomplish.

People cannot give you what you long for in your heart. This journey was always deeper than you initially intended. Throughout this journey you found yourself. Inner peace and contentment is something that no person can offer you. If you've had an experience in where people have disappointed you. You should know better. Don't confuse the disappointment of people with the disappointment with Allah. Open door policy. And if you ever feel the distance between you and Allah is getting bigger, just remember that Allah hasn’t moved an inch.

If you've gone into autopilot mode just to play things safe, you've decided that you no longer want to grow. Fear isn't a valid excuse.

If it's people who are telling you how things should be. Listen to what they have to say but remember to believe in yourself. Remember the time when you didn't think you would overcome those difficulties? And you did.

Life is simple when you're honest with yourself and others. This doesn't mean you should be rude or inconsiderate but a dudes' gotta say what dude has to say. Better you be upfront than conceal things and let them grow.

Don't worry about money, ever. You should be throwing money at sadaqah.

Don't be nice. Nice means nothing. It's open to interpretation. It's something you do regardless of how you feel or who you're being. If you're trippin', being nice means to be a fake. Don't be a fake and don't be nice. Be kind, that's from within. Observe, take a breathe and transform. Acts of kindness are who you are.

Remember the difference between fancy, pretty and beautiful.

Remember all the realistic things you're looking for in a wife. Don't let nobody justify or dictate to you the status quo but welcome naseeha. 

Remember that  you just as you have never been a husband, she will have never have been a wife. This will be a new experience. You will mature, grow, blossom and gain new experiences together.

You will get who you deserve. Allah (swt) has promised you this Surah An Noor and Surah Ar Rum. If it doesn't work out, it's not because you deserved to fail but more so a test of patience. If things became difficult, take a look at yourself - there's something you need to work on. She is reflecting qualities and attitude that you have shown her. I want you to be honest. If you made a mistake, go and rectify it. If you haven't overlook it if you can. If something needs to be dealt, deal with it and don't procrastinate.

Live your life by your chosen surah's at that given time. You will find an answer for your problem is Surah-Al Asr.

Deen is your ultimate goal. For a woman who has taqwa will never do wrong by you. You want awesome children. You want to gain jannah more than anything. As this is your ultimate resting place this will affect how you choose her.

Frustrated again? Ride it out, you have to. Marrying to fulfill frustration will leave you disappointed. Add value to your life.

This is temporary. Just as your last 20 years have flew by the next 21 will be even quicker.

You are in no rush. Listen to me. Do what you must and don't pay attention to 'how long it will take' for those days will pass anyway.

The girls you thought were the one at 16 were no longer the same when you were 18. 19 and 20. You're definition of the one is subject to time and experiences.

Your priorities will change when you become a family man. But understand why you're doing all this. Understand why it's important to be realistic. Understand marriage is going to be a bigger test for you. What you find simple others find difficult and what they find simple you find difficult. Your tests have always been difficult. Remember the tests of all those around you and before you. Now imagine what your test is going to be. Remember, shayataan plays on hard mode. He's been at this way longer than you and everyone else. He's hell bent on trying to make you fail. Whatever you do, just do right by Allah. You're in for heck of a treat. All these tests you've had? They've made you. Allah promises to make it my worth.

Remain steadfast, half glass full and optimistic. Hope for the best. It is all those things you thought it would be. But prepare, and prepare for the worst. When things horribly wrong remember Surah An-Naas. Something kicked off because shaytaan made you forget even if it was for a few seconds, These crazy years of patience are of you being a testament to that.

Don't ever stop focusing on personal development. Use Islamic principles to add value and meaning. 

Don't ever lose gratitude and trust in Allah. If you lose your limbs, get cancer and you're living on the streets. Be thankful.

Two things will define you Mr. Your patience when you have nothing. Your attitude when you have everything. You've been there before. Perspective. 

Embrace failure. Don't look where you fell but rather where you slipped.

Smile. Smile and work hard. Because your achievements and smiles make those around you glow. Dat. Aura.  

You're doing all of this not only to enjoy what's permissible but ultimately for one thing. Let this one thing dictate your decision;

Jannah. 

Chill. Stay young at heart. You're 20 and you have a long way to go. What have you accomplished this year?

Sincerely,

You

3 comments:

  1. Beautiful self-note :)
    I think all of us can relate, especially those who aren't married yet.
    May Allah swt grant you a wife that is worth the wait, and make this waiting period easy for both of you. Ameen.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kindness over niceness - always :)

    ReplyDelete