(Post previously published)

​I think that most people do not share their problems with others, because they feel it will become a burden. If everyday, you were to speak about how you hate life or share your negative thoughts – they would become a burden, not only to those around you, but to yourself. If you were to continuously be negative, then you would continuously feel negative. THAT is the reason as to why I choose to stay positive. It works in the same way.
I do not however, think it’s acceptable for someone to face their problems alone, should they require someone. If you feel like you have no one to talk to then feel free to contact me. We might not know each other well, maybe not at all – but I can try to offer my advice or maybe you just need someone to listen, in confidence. (Yaa don’t think I’m weird for saying that, I have to practice what I preach INIT)
I also believe that everything that happens, comes with at least one valuable lesson to be learnt.
For example, my grandma suffers from Alzheimer’s, a brain disease that slowly destroys brain cells. There is no cure for it and it has its worst effects (effects or affects idk fgs) on the areas of the brain that control memory, language, and thinking skills. She is now in the final stages of it whereby she can’t even remember the names of her own children, or even herself. Quite honestly, it’s heartbreaking to have to sit with her and not be recognised. Heartbreaking to sit with her and not know whether or not she's in pain. The same woman who just a few years ago would look after me, as we talked and laughed together. Not many people know about this, I don’t want the sympathy when I don’t even sympathise with myself. I refuse to be negative about it, and as saddening as it is, I am okay with it. I am okay with it because I can reminisce on positive memories. I am okay with it because I appreciate the time I get to spend with her and hold her hand, even now. I am okay with it because I have learnt that anything can happen to a person, at any time – which is why you should make the most of what you have, when you have it. I am okay with it because there is nothing that I, or any other person can do. I am okay with it because I am a firm believer in ‘everything happens for a reason’ and as a Muslim ( الحمد لله‎ ) – I put faith in Allah.

 
“Whoever complains about a calamity which comes his way, it is as if he has complained against his Lord.” – Al-Fudayl. A quote that I recently came across and fell in love with. If you are a believer (of Islam), then remember this quote, keep it in your mind and in your heart and remember that there is reason behind everything that happens. You may not see it at first, but time will make it clear and if not now, then in the hereafter.
I apologise if that came across as a sob story as my intention is not for anyone to feel sorry for me. It’s just an example that bad things DO happen to people, they always happen, but it is possible to remain positive. If you find it hard to do so, then remember that whatever you are going through, someone is worse off. You might have lost a loved one, but out there, there is a person who has never had someone to love them. You might have lost a parent, but some people are orphaned before the age of 1. You might not be able to afford something you want, but there are people that can’t even afford a glass of water.
I am not at all trying to diminish anyone’s problems, because if they are important to you, then they are important. It’s all about trying to accept what happens to you (as much as you don’t like them). There are things that are inevitable and can’t be helped, so why dwell on what is out of your control? Instead embrace them and stay positive, as positivity is the basis of happiness.
Just remember that whatever the situation is, there is someone worse off in the world, someone who wouldn’t mind a life like yours and whatever the situation is, there will be SOMETHING positive to come from it. Remember how they used to tell us that every cloud has a silver lining? Well it’s up to YOU to find that lining. And no matter how big and how grey the cloud is, if you look really carefully – you’ll soon be able to find a sliver of silver.

(Post previously published)

Here’s another cheesy quote that I believe in. But seriously, instead of the huge amount of attention we pay to how we look every day, we should pay more attention to how nice we are as people, because surely - beauty comes from within. When people (especially those whom I am unacquainted with) smile at me (an actual, genuine smile) – it makes me so happy. For example, when I walk to college in the morning I am required to walk along a bridge and I often see the same girl. Every time she sees me she smiles; a genuine smile as if we have known each other for years, but I don’t even know her name. That’s an act of kindness is it not? A small, simple one, that requires very little effort, but nevertheless something that could make someone’s day a little brighter. Try it. Smile more often. Be positive. Be a good friend. Be a trustworthy person who doesn’t speak badly of others. Offer people help, even if you don’t know them that well. People might not do the exact same thing for you, but I dislike that way of thinking: “Why should I help her when she wouldn’t help me?” or “I don’t know him so why should I waste my time?” – I think the world needs more selfless acts, doing things to benefit others even if you don’t seem to get anything out of it. These are the kinds of things that I believe make you a kinder person, making you so much more beautiful than you already are.
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“Be the change you wish to see in the world” – Mahatma Gandhi.