Good neighbors

We all appreciate good neighbors 

The ones who respect our privacy 

Who are quiet and neat and tidy 

They are there to lend a hand when needed

They will even loan a cup of sugar at times

They won’t peek into our backyard or windows 

They won’t spread rumors about us in the neighborhood 

They would be the ideal people to live next door to

But are we the ideal neighbors ourselves?

A reshare from June 2020, in response to Weekly Prompts- Neighbor, hosted by Sue W and GC

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#WeeklyPrompts

Achieving tranquility

This week Maggie has asked us a few Questions about how we achieve tranquility in life;

1 • Can you recall a particularly chaotic or stressful time in your life? How did you manage the stress?

There have been a few times in my life when I was feeling the stress of life tremendously. The first time was when I was a teenager. Life without a mother, and no sister to talk to, left me vulnerable to circumstances. At that age, I found that faith was my anchor. It helped me tremendously to strengthen my faith in Almighty Allah. This was what then always came to my rescue whenever I was under stress in life.

2 • Where is the one place in the world where all your troubles disappear – even if only for a moment?

On my prayer mat. As Muslims we pray 5 times a day, and during these prayers we ask Allah for guidance and forgiveness. This is such a invigorating experience that erases my stress at least for the time I’m praying.

3 • Do you like for other people to try and raise your spirits or do you prefer to deal with things on your own?

Usually, I deal with my issues myself. But if I need to vent or get advice on how to deal with certain situations, I ask my family or close friends for advice.

4 • What quote, song, book, or movie serves as an inspiration to you when things get tough?

“Things can always be worse”

This quote teaches me to be mindful and grateful for all that I have.

5 • Does solitude quiet your mind or do you need to pump up the volume?

Mostly meditation in solitude helps me navigate my issues. But there are times when a walk in nature with music helps too!

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Written in response to Tranquil Thursday # 6, hosted by Maggie

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#TranquilThursday

Smile at yourself, smile at the world

Want to have a great day

Smile at yourself early each day

The spirits lift when we smile

The world always smiles back

When it sees us smiling at it

There will be hard days ahead no doubt

But a smile is a shield and a weapon too

It will push the despondency away

And arm us to face our day with equanimity

❤️❤️❤️

#Keepitalive

#Smiles

Remembering My Late Father On His Birthday

Today is my late Father’s birthday. If he were alive he would have turned 93!

I’m sure that most people have the highest regard and respect for their parents. My respect for my late father is even more so because he took up the responsibility of raising us three siblings when our mom passed away and was always there for us. He was a two-in-one parent, a mother, and a father in one.

He had a delightful sense of humor, I don’t remember being scolded by him for all the misadventures I had, and he would smile or laugh out loud at some of my bloopers. I got my love of reading and poetry from him. He loved to quote us verses from famous Urdu poets like Ghalib and Iqbal.

He always showed us how to be, by example. Kind and humble, polite, and ever-caring for everyone around him. He had complete faith in his religious beliefs and Almighty Allah. He was the reason that I too developed such a strong faith.

To remember him I want to share this quote;

I have always looked up to my dad. I wanted to be as kind, caring, and just as he was. I was very lucky to have a father like him.

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#Memories

Equal = Equity?

It happens to be the theme for International Women’s Day 2023. The idea is to not just stop at equality. The images will clarify the idea.

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Women aren’t equal to men in life

They are superior to them in many aspects

But when you look at the rights given to them

In this society of ours, they are lagging behind

So now we women don’t just want equality we demand equity too!

Now we demand to be treated fairly and given equal opportunities

Just like any other member of the society

We shouldn’t be handicapped from the start of the race

By tying weight of our womanhood around our ankles

By loading the dice against us because of our XX- chromosomes

We do more but receive less both in acknowledgment and money

Always remember, without women the society cannot exist

For we are the mothers that birth the sons, trying to control us!

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Written in response to RXC # 271, hosted by Reena

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#RXC

#EmbraceEquity

Woman I admire- March poetry challenge

For March 2023, Rebecca has asked us;

In honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, let’s write a poem about a woman we admire. She can be a heroine from daily life; mother, spouse, friend or family. She can be someone whose work we’ve admired from afar. You can choose someone who’s passed on or still living. Key: a free verse poem up to 40 words, rated G.

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Women are the pivot around which our lives revolve

There isn’t one but many that influenced my life positively

Name one I cannot, list all would be impossible

My debt of gratitude to all these women who made me, me!

❤️❤️❤️

Word count; 40

In response to March poetry challenge, hosted by Rebecca

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#ffpoemapop

March 8th – International Women’s Day

I am resharing this post in response to MLMM- Friday Faithfuls challenge where Jim has asked us to celebrate the role of women in our society.

March is also celebrated as women’s history month.

I am sharing some inspirational quotes on the role of women in the society;

“Feminism isn’t about making women stronger, women are already strong, it’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength”

“May all women be free to dream, express, create, and live their deepest heart’s desires”

“Here’s to strong women; May we know them, May we be them, May we raise them”

“Don’t worry about being successful, but work towards being significant, and the success will naturally follow”

“Do not wait for someone else to come and speak for you. It’s you who can change the world “

“A woman is like a teabag-You never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water”

“I am grateful to be a woman. I must have done something great in another life”

Happy Women’s Day to all my friends!

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#StrongWomen

#WomensDay

#MLMM

#FridayFaithfuls