It Is Because Of You

​I have been asked many times who I feel is responsible for my success and, filled with gratitude, I would mention a name, or two, of people who have really inspired me. People that have given me guidance in my darkest moments. People that have shown me unconditional compassion and support when I didn't like myself so much. People that believed in me even when I did not believe in myself.

And there were other times where someone I'm close to would ask "what's wrong?" and I would fall into the trap of blame, criticism and resistance of a person or a situation. And in that moment it seems that my mental, physical and emotional state can be logically explained by the events, behaviours and circumstances around that moment.

And I would be wrong in both cases. For I had met many inspiring people that I did not get inspired by. I was also in many difficult situations that did not change my state. My own inner strength, hope and faith determines how well I deal with situations.

Who I am today is a collection of who I chose to be in the face of adversity, change and fear in many situations over the years. There is not one person, situation or circumstance that I can give full credit or blame to. Everything that I am today is the bottom line of what what I was able to, or failed to, do or be when things got difficult.

The ability to turn adversity into a change to grow comes down to being open. Being open and being happy are not the same. To me, being open is about having faith, trust and surrender. When you are open you can see the potential of growth, the possibility of transformation and the beauty of being inspired when facing situations that are both challenging and nurturing.

May this Ramadhan bring you the wisdom, patience and peace that you deserve.

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