It was a typical Wednesday where I had 2 back to back lessons. Lessons in crisis communications and sociology of education. But unlike other Wednesdays, Week 12’s midweek blues turned out fine. In fact, it was like a breather because I was blessed with little nudges to be grateful for. Alhamdulillah.
Week 12 essentially means that it’s our last stretch as undergrads. That last lap before bracing finals that is to come in week 15. For most of us, it also meant submission of assignments and group meetings to finalise our presentations.
#1: Take time to appreciate randomness. Embrace it.
During these stretches of nervous, I did what was most comforting. I focused on other things other than school. Naturally. Every semester has its own set of things that my mind would wonder to. I can vividly recall during one of the previous semesters where I felt eager to do chores. HAHA.
So when Sis F DM-ed me on Instagram that she was headed to my school, I knew I had to meet her! I would have shrugged the idea off because I only had 15 minutes to meet her in between both lessons. But thankfully my dear city campus is so small that I can just rush off to other schools and it really helped that Prof Gus released us earlier that fateful day! Tiring but fulfilling. Running around is something that I shall park under #ThingsOneWillMiss
#2: Take time to appreciate friends and the people around you in school.
When Prof Hiro released us for break, N and I went to our usual spot to pray Asar. Out of the ordinary, D and T came and joined us too! It would seem like a normal congregation but only Allah knows how sentimental I felt. I might not be close to certain people but oh Allah, Your religion unites us. It is so comforting to know that you have friends who try to work their schedules around pleasing their Creator. It is with them that I learn to appreciate prayer. They are the ones who initiate praying together. They even remind me to pray the sunnah prayers. ❤ So I hope, whenever I complain about the cigarette butts laying around so carelessly as how their smokers are, at the staircase landings, I would remember the moments I had with these sisters. (I am still sending that email to alert the school about the rising number of indoor smokers ever since we turned into a smoke-free campus! ugh.)
And…today. I bid farewell to the last lesson of the semester (It’ll only be presentations and exams from now on).
Today, as we waited for Maghrib, I noticed that musolla guy who frequents the prayer room. Maghrib came but the in house imam wasn’t there. So the girls had a choice to have our own jemaah or invite the musolla guy. I was surprised when he said yes to our request. I guess, there is no harm in asking a person. The worst that could have happened is a “no”. I hope he didn’t feel pressured to lead the congregation as I see it as an opportunity for one to gain exposure. Again, I am grateful that we have such brave souls here in school. Souls that persevere in such a challenging environment where trends, consumerism and worldly affairs thrives.
I mean, since I am here, I might as well get to know my fellow comrades better and to be present in the present. Appreciate, don’t hate. 🙂
#3: Take time to appreciate our health.
At home, every time Abah (father) moans out of pain, it tugs at my heartstrings. One of his ankles is not really in good shape as of late. Sometimes I wish I could bear his pain for him. But such wishful thinking does not help anyone much.. So today when he mentioned about cycling, I was really happy because that showed that he’s getting better. InshaAllah. His condition made me reflect on my ability to walk normally. An apt reminder that I should use this blessing optimally. So every time I sigh as I get from class to class located in different schools, I hope I will remember to appreciate this blessing – the ability to walk without pain.
#4: TBH (To Be Honest? Mungkin)
I’ve written a lengthy post on this but have decided to set it private because it’s super cringey! I hope that one day I will be able to show it to the intended reader. But for now, let’s hustle hard and smart.
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These little things keeps me going. Like any other vehicle, I need to constantly fuel myself up. While on this journey, there can only be so much I can carry within me. So despite all these bounties that Allah has given, I feel that I’ve neglected so many people along the way. I have neglected things such as friends outside of school, not keeping up to date with many of them. I’ve also not been opening numerous Whatsapp groups and even had to cancel so many meet ups 😦 I’m sorry. I truly am…
So while we hustle, let’s remember to appreciate randomness (not really, it was totally part of Allah’s beautiful plan!), people around you and your health.
I am left with 21 days to my perceived freedom. Till then, I would need to be patient and stick to my social media break.
Let’s pray for each other friends! 😀
“Alhamdulillah for today.”
“Alhamdulillah indeed.”
✨
Diarinsyirah 