Story: Hero and the Fiery Dragon

One day I excitedly told my university friends that this girl is my best friend since primary School. ‘This Girl’ gave me the unforgettable disgusted ‘I-don’t-know-her’ look and walked away.

She used to be in the team I was the leader of. The team which recorded all the geography project measurements standing next to a huge plant in the ground when instructed to stand in open ground. I still wonder why they all blindly followed such a dumb leader. Well if you know how to lead they will follow no matter how absurd, pointless messed up your ideas maybe. Thumbs Up to that!

Whoever tells the story always gets to be the hero in it, or you can just be yourself. After pondering hard for a few days I finally found my heroic story. Sadly lies is for people with good memories. Not for people like me who are interrupted in the middle of a funny story with, “You already told me that”. Then a very long and disturbing awkward silence falls for I'd be so caught up in the story. With that zigzag subject change, I become unsure about everything and blackout.

So it starts like this, me and my two younger cousins were latecomers at school. Unexpectedly our school decided to set punishment for late arrivals. As usual we pass through the gate, threw our bags under the tree and ran to join the assembly when someone called us from behind. We turned and froze. My cousins looked at me with worry in their eyes.

Our Principal eyed us and said in the most annoying voice ever, “Where do you come from? LAHORE?” (stressing on Lahore). Watch on the urge to address her as fiery dragon even if it helps to picture better, for we are grownups.  I stepped forward. The valid excuse I could think of was flat tire. There was a small pause but then she let us go. Phew that was close I thought.

Back at school we took rules very seriously for we knew there neither was any compromise from the teachers nor any guard from our parents.  The next day we were LATE again cause the car tire actually flattened. This is where we started to believe lies always invite bad luck. It kept us from the regular excuses like death of some family member out of the fear it might come as a curse. Choice between the Curse and the fiery dragon was easy.

Today we already stopped by the tree near the school gate to hear, “Where do you come from? LAHORE?”

This time I started with a sad story that was so long that by the end we thought what in the world are we doing here. I remember exactly what she said with a broad smile before she let us go, “You are a good story teller”.

No matter how many achievements or jack of all traits you are. We always will be a loser to someone. Problem is we worry about being a loser to one and forget being a Hero to so many others.

I always thought I’d grow up to be smart like Blossom from the PowerPuff Girls, but ended up becoming that extremely annoying NARRATOR from the ‘Sheep in the Big City’. Oh well I’ll take that if you let me know, the ‘Chemical X’ used to create these PowerPuff Writings, is not wasted. 

Spirituality: Does it set you FREE?

Have you ever felt as worthless as the dirt from the sides of the road? Like the weightless dust that blindly follows anyone and everyone with great fondness. Rushing to grab that one thing you have always dreamed of. Then wiped off of their windscreens where you thought you had become a part of it. Thrown right back where you started from: the road. Or that water which transforms into whatever it merges in. You can be all of it and any of it. Who cares who you are; just be a part of it, do what all do. Other times sticking to their shoes, accompanying them everywhere they go. Happy that they take you places and finally it means something. Then you are left on the doormat, as they would never let you in. Such is our relationships with people we are crazy for.

A human can never return the love a human is capable of giving. You find answers the day you give up trying and chasing them. The one you waste it all for won’t care as long as you care. You are part of the system and you can reverse it by walking away. Now some would use it as a trick to get the attention and end up suffering more. It’s not a game. People know when exactly you act like you don’t care and when you actually don’t care. They would start treating you exactly like before once they are sure you are back in the mess they enjoy.

However when you want to break free from this awful system there has to be something powerful on the other end. Now I won’t say health, wealth, baking, workout, work, passion, obsession, can set you free, NO IT CAN’T. How about we keep it real? It all starts and ends on one word: ALLAH. Search for Him get to know Him and see for yourself. See how it all is so different from what the society taught us. He is more beautiful than you know. 

ALLAH is the only one who can actually return that immense love you have the tendency to give. Far beyond the little love of the man: who was created weak and forgetful. We humans are ungrateful, forgetful and upon that we want someone to be there for us, understand us, protect us, and always forgive us. Perfection can never be described in the words of an imperfect being, but can only be felt. Your parents taught you what Islam, Salat and Supplication is but can they explain that experience?

Ever seen people who can be better than angels one day but worse than devil on the next? Yet crying on the day they are worse for they know where they stand. Who is better between (A) a wretched sinner who is guilty, conscious of ALLAH, and repents (B) an innocent who only worships his work, job and career?

Maybe someday it helps you figure if it’s worth the price you pay. So how many disappointments will it take you to realize you achieve nothing by chasing materials or human? If it breaks in then why not search, communicate and submit to the ONE who created you?

People of Sabr

Not just the weather but much has changed since the last blog-post. It’s hard to put it into words of condolence, the page with the heading 16^th Dec 2014 stays blank. Before you proceed you should know, it is acknowledged that one can never do justice to it. It’s extremely hard to advice positivity when we can never imagine the suffering. No wise words of a common man can bring peace to a heart.  However this tormenting unforgettable tragedy couldn’t be skipped. For you can either be with the oppressor or the oppressed, there is nothing in between.  

After failing so many times best was to take help from the authentic, valid and reliable sources:

Surat al Baqarah 2:153

“O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.”

Narrated by Ibn `Abbas (RA):

The Prophet (ﷺ) sent Mu`adh (RA) to Yemen and said, "Be afraid, from the curse of the oppressed as there is no screen between his invocation and Allah."

When the whole nation was drenched in terror, agony and deep depression a survivor was asked to give a few comments. In the midst of all the chaos this little boy displayed so much sabr and outstanding courage. A primary school boy expressing such amazing positive view and upon that he kept repeating “IN SHA ALLAH” and mentioning the name of ALLAH. It is overwhelming to see such strong Imaan and complete submission to the decree of ALLAH. We should say ‘Ameen’ to all his supplications. We are proud of all of our brave and courageous people of Sabr.

Remember we have something that surely guarantees peace: KalaamULLAH. It is such a relief to think whoever submitted to ALLAH would never fail. They have already won it all no matter what outcome maybe. ALHAMDULILLAH

It’s not winter yet… Achoo!

In the city where winter sale arrives a few weeks earlier than winter season, comes a mediocre weather. I like to call it the confusion period where blanket means too hot and No blanket means too cold. Scorching Sun with cold winds would always invite some unpleasant friends.  Common cold, viral fever, sinus allergies or whatever type, gets a vast majority sick.

“Seasonal allergies” is overused term, so I came up with “Wintcreeps”. Eww? At least creative and less eww than my first too geeky thought: SPYWARE?

According to my experience there are a few mistakes we repeatedly make and let these bad guys win. Follow these simple rules and you will make it safe to the winters:

Rule 1: Cold Water

This one is the major cause at large and there is a reason for it to be. Scorching heat in the day time makes you crave ice-cold water. And in the following cold night, an unpleasant surprise awaits you. Switch to room temperature water, this little sacrifice can save your whole family much trouble.

Rule 2: Dress Right

Even if it’s disguised and confused, start to believe winter is already here. If it can give you a cold then start to work against it. This would be too much to ask from guys. My brother goes out at night in the exact John Cena like get-up all through December. And we know he would consider outfit changes only when he gets a cold, the second time. It is NOT COOL!

Rule 3: Eat Right

This is the point where only one ice-cream scoop and you would have a sore throat the next day. So please STOP! How about peanuts, boiled eggs, hot tea, or maybe coffee, don’t these already sound a lot better substitutes? Not just better, they also sound soothing.

Rule 4: Make Changes

Be more serious when you are preparing for sneaky spy winter before the actual winter. For it is much worse. Keep doors shut and fans switched off especially in the night time. Fetch and provide blankets to each and every member of the family, even if they make fun of you. And yes they will.

Rule 5: Spread the Word!

Since these WINTCREEPS are highly contagious thus only protecting yourself is not enough. Start to make the changes around the house. Make your family aware and adapt to these changes as soon as possible. There is nothing to lose here, flu and headaches are already too irritating to even think of.

I know it’s hard. Today I asked my Dad to wear a beanie and sweater when he was going out for Fajar salat. I insisted for 5 whole minutes until he started to laugh. Oh well I’ll unleash my marketing persuasion expertise next time.  So what are your shields against WINT... Achoo....! WINTCREEPS? 

Youth: Are you Muslim and Pakistani at the same time?

Latest cool cultures for Wannabes: Constantly Joke about how miserable your country is, curse it and blame it on others, criticize everyone for your failures in life and hit repeat the next day. This virus doesn't stop to an individual or social Media. Unfortunately this culture goes around many other trusted sources. Let’s remind our friends they are Pakistanis too, not the prince of Liechtenstein!

Fear of rejection: I overheard a business student complain regarding the biased approach to recruitment prevailing in our country. And according to his perception only 5% are actual deserving candidates to get the job. So why can’t he be among those 5%? Yep you solved the puzzle.

Crime popularity holds our focus on negativity. Fear is increased so much that it scares away talent. Throw your TV out of the window, it has no good news. Fear is a harmful waste product and should be treated like that. Factories don’t process on waste products they get rid of it in a positive way. You need your mind to work more on finding ways to accomplish your goals.

Weird Attitudes: I am an average Muslim still I hate when we Pakistanis make fun of characters and judge our Muslim brothers and sisters for their outlook.

People trying to Practice Islam to their potentials, already have harder trails than an average Muslim. They have bigger Heart disease called “Arrogance” to fight with everyday. We start to expect all the religion from anyone who starts to dress like a Muslim.

“Well he has a beard, he should AT-LEAST act like an angel!” They are still human, struggling with their own selves. And upon that we make it so hard for them. Have we never been to a crazy place called empathy?

You cannot say anything good about your homeland, your people, yourself and your future than please don’t bother saying anything at all. What example are we setting? This country started from scratch and in much worse conditions than today. However those Pakistanis were positive, religious, loyal and grateful people. We lost that unconditional love for Islam and Pakistan in the dust of continuous negative attacks.

Why can’t we be practicing Muslims and Pakistanis at the same time? Ouch! That hurt. Let’s face it we constantly play zigzag tug-of-war in between awkward cultures and Islam.  Road to success is not zigzag. You either follow Islam or you don’t. Hmm, aren't we doing it all wrong? 

Solutions: Forgetful? You won't FORGET this!

Once our professor joked about how his date of birth is a national holiday and hard to forget. If it’s that easy I thought I’d remember it. Two weeks later I was stunned to hear his birthday was last week. I told him I thought he said 32^nd March! I know it sounds like an awful lies but trust me forgetfulness is one tricky twisted thing. I did remember the numbers, only flipped them, which might be some other wicked game of the mind. And what do you call forgetting calendars don’t have date 32^nd?

Recently I read an article on zoning out. It explained how psychologists have found zoning out is simply our mind’s time management. Hence whenever we involve in routine tasks our mind unconsciously diverts its attention to crucial problems we are facing. Wow! And it makes sense as we know mind itself deletes unnecessary excessive memory without our awareness. Maybe the reason we forget names of some people or who they are unconsciously, is not so unconscious. This thought expressed in detail can get me in so much trouble, so yeah moving on.

Let’s jump to the solutions before I suddenly start to share blueberry cheese cake recipes. Here are some solutions which probably all forgetful people have already tried and still forget everything.

Tricks: Numbers have genders and relationships; it helped me learn Mathematical Tables. Now I want you to forget what you just read. Delete, delete, Delete! The point is tricks are tailor made for you; they break down the whole puzzle into small pieces only you have access to. Plus it’s fun or probably downright retarded. Still helps.

Write: It is straightforward and we all were taught this at school. Unfortunately its benefit limits to places where you have access to writing devices. However we get outstanding ideas in the most awkward places if you know what I mean.

External help: This is to ask your friends and family to remind you. It never worked for me; anyone I ask always forgets to remind me. And then they would blame it on you.

Reminders: This one is a waste of time for we all know you will forget to set a reminder. A forgetful person most likely needs a reminder to remind them to set a reminder.  So let’s just skip it.

Conversion: This is a bit hard but surely work wonders if you do it right. Connect it to past unforgettable experiences of your long term memory. I do it to remember difficult concepts.

Now the best one that really works is: you tell yourself ‘it is important’! Yeah it’s that simple. Don’t sweat it’s a part of being human that’s all. Did you know the Arabic word INSAAN means ‘TO FORGET’? Be thankful it’s not memory loss problem or you’d still be reading the first paragraph for the third time. 

Since you always forget to comment below so how about a snapshot? Say Cheese!

STORY: A Research on Idiots!

When I entered the business research class, our teacher was writing something on the board. I quickly settled down and waved at my girls. The topic today was Qualitative Research. At first the lecture was interesting until this one irritatingly obnoxious guy started to speak. “Sir my question is shouldn't I always do Qualitative research in my business for I want Quality research?” he asked.

He confused ‘Quality’ with ‘Qualitative’ but sadly the teacher didn't quite get his stupid question. I couldn't stay quiet so I tried to explain him that quality has nothing to do with it. And 5 minutes later this guy went “But sir my question is still the same”. Then the smart guy came up with an awkward example to make his point clear. The example was if his refrigerator breaks down at his store he should do qualitative research because it will guarantee quality.

Okay that guy was blind for on the board the first thing under the Qualitative research was YOU ONLY DO THIS RESEARCH WHAT YOU CAN’T FIND THE PROBLEM (It is time consuming and very expensive). And this guy’s research problem is his sales decreased because of a broken refrigerator. Therefore he thinks he should call experts from all over the world to give their opinion on it for they will ensure quality in his business. WHAT?! At this point I felt like throwing my text book in his face and walking out of this mad classroom.

I explained and asked my teacher to write separate definitions of qualitative and quantitative on the board to clear out his confusion. The teacher looked at my face and said “Yes, yes you are RIGHT”. 
Oh GOD! I don’t need your appreciation focus on this dumb head.

Our teacher wasted one whole hour on his extremely vacuous rubbish. I explained again but this guy plainly ignored me as earlier. Apparently he cannot accept intelligent answers from a GIRL. 
There is a lot wrong with this man, I think someone should do a QUALITATIVE RESEARCH on this ignorant discriminating fool!

Now he was dragging it, everyone started to contribute and by that I mean shouting at each other. The time of class was over but the teacher won’t let us go for he was fascinated with this nonsense debate. I was finally relieved to walk out of that chaos when my brother came to pick me up.

Well that is one sad true story that I wanted to share with all of you. And ask your EXPERT opinion on how to deal with someone like that. Don’t you think knowledge is punishment when everyone around is ignorant?

Life Theory: Are you unpredictable?

“You are my strength sweetheart, you jump I jump” And then when you are halfway falling off that cliff you find they didn't jump! Opposite is what people always do of whatever they tell us. The wise person with golden advises to change your life is trapped in his own weaknesses. Yet they somehow set you free only when they give up on you. Simply to teach you how to fly, it’s just they come in the forms of miserably corrupt teachers.

People are unpredictable but one similar pattern that you’d find in them is they never do what they say the MOST. It’s not limited to just ‘saying’ or ‘actions’ it goes far beyond that. For instance my family hates cats in the house; they are very clear about it and have set boundaries for them. One day a stranger BIG cat entered our lawn where my little kittens were playing, my parents and siblings all ran out to scare away the bad guy. Whenever there is any threat to my three kittens my family is out there protecting them while I sit back and enjoy the show.

The friend of mine who says she ‘forget and forgives’ did the opposite when I made a tiny little mistake. The person who keeps saying “I NEVER LIE” if they actually acted like so they wouldn't have to keep saying it. The guy who says he loves his wife… oh well. Please don’t go crazy with this theory and doubt everyone around you. There is a fine line between who we are and what we try too hard to make others believe we are.

The price we pay for great achievements in life makes us humble for we start to realize we have control over nothing. Now we know our superpowers have limitations and tons of responsibilities. You would be amazed how people who talk low about themselves are actually the heroes. The laziest person around the place sometimes becomes the active leader in the times of crisis.

This theory has helped me understand the bigger picture and stay positive in life. I hope it helps you too. Plus we need to learn ‘who we are’ is precious and golden than who we act to be. So don’t believe what people say, observe what they do and remember it. Good thing about feelings is even a child never forgets how someone treated them.

On the other hand you don’t have to advertise your good traits whatever is beautiful stays beautiful. We lower our worth when we start to seek approval from others for our wonderful traits. Just keep doing whatever you are gifted for, the recognition and promotion comes for free.

Next time you are in the ‘you jump, I jump’ scenario, call for a plane ticket and fly off to a less dramatic place.

Life: I Hate That I Love You!

I was enjoying my favorite TV show, and eating marshmallows when the phone rang. It sounded like a horror movie climax before I realized it’s my friend crying. She had so much to say (in a language I couldn't get a word of) so I just tried to keep up with her.

The part where she ended was “I would give anything to go back to college”. My friend works in a prestigious organization and I am so proud of her. She is bright, hard working and a very nice person. Nice includes her simplicity and how she is always there for others. From here we can guess what the problem actually is: ‘Haters’.

Second month at her dream job and she is asking for a psychiatrist. Oh well life is like that. Although I couldn't go brutally honest RAPPER on her so instead I went ‘Awww baby’.  Then she made me tell her my own embarrassingly pathetic encounters with my critics. That wasn't a good idea for negative memories only turn into trauma inducing discussions.

This is something we all can relate to. There are always some people constantly making our life more miserable than it already is. Mostly it is jealousy, competition or no reason; where haters don’t even know why they hate you so much. One word ‘ignore’. Don’t talk about your haters, don’t think about them. However be nice to them, not to change their perception of you but simply out of pity. They can’t help being rude, we can’t help being nice that’s all.

This world was not made for naive and nice people. They belong to a place far better than this. They belong to paradise and will get there shining like diamonds. If your life is hard then you are on the right track.

I kept talking to her while making tea for my family and doing other chores around the house. After 1 hour of brainstorming she finally started to laugh at my lame jokes like always. I told her haters are only our retarded fans.

The key is to cherish the ones who love you the same on your success days. They deserve to be on your mind more than haters. Constantly remind yourself of your loved ones and admirers along with all the things you are grateful for.

So tell me what creative and positive ways you have to deal with situations like these? In the comments below give me one more way that I need to add in my (never) upcoming book  ‘101 ways to deal with your Retarded Fans’!

Youth: Every Piece of a Puzzle Counts

Fiercely clicking, replying to comments my friends were posting under a random funny video. With some difficulty I detached my eyes off facebook when I heard my dad calling.

 “Sit here and listen to this” He Point at TV where some old guy was speaking in a very calm tone. I sat on the opposite coach making effort to look interested where in my head I was like ‘Papa I was in the middle of something IMPORTANT!’

The topic was ‘Talent & Pakistani youth’ and how parents are ignorant of their own kid’s potential.

I don’t recall his exact speech so just sharing the essence of it.

‘If Parents and the youth themselves start to contribute with whatever talent they were gifted we can change this country. Only if one of you starts today, never think you alone cannot make a difference. Prophets were always alone against the world. ONE man who changed their nations only cause they were POSITIVE, MOTIVATED and had FAITH in ALLAH.’

That really moved me. He is a Muslim scholar IRFAN UL HAQ. People go to him to get their problems solved. He only restores their confidence. This man is so positive and a great motivation we all Pakistanis desperately need to listen. Unfortunately the word ‘CHANGE’ has become more of a cheesy joke lately in our country. Instead in reality it takes only you to fix your own life. This way all of us can make our substantial contribution in the progress.

Pakistani youth is exactly like Dexter from ‘Dexter’s laboratory’. We all have a secret laboratory our parents don’t know about or should never know about. Labs where we work hard and be who are really are. There we are recognized as geniuses, artists, poets, directors, admins, youtubers, vloggers, bloggers, and what not. In the eyes of our parents, we’re still worthless than those outdated floppy disks.

We have limited our Deen to Masjid, to wise and old, when it’s weaved in all aspects of life from the day we were born. It’s high time we realize that each and every piece of the puzzle counts. Along with that we need to work in one direction as a team. Start from fixing the immediate ones, your family.

Or you enjoy being Dexter; running around in circles in the time of CRISIS. More nerve-racking factor is we actually have a seriously annoying older sibling exactly like Dee Dee.

Da da da dam…

Spirituality: We are One

I was travelling back home alone when I realized how one of the terribly boring places airports can be. Placing my handbag on my lap like a lady, I looked for my mobile with delicacy. Smiled reading an extremely important message from my friend named ‘Telenor’.  Forever*coughs*Alone

A few seats away I saw a little boy in his mid teens, lost in emptiness. He was well dressed but seemed mysteriously different. “Hi, I am Tayyaba, the famous motivational blogger you must have heard of.” I introduced making sure everyone around us heard.

He blinked then carelessly replied “Nope”. I faked a laugh saying “Always the same answer!” My lame attempt at wittiness went wasted as he continued to ignore me. I was about to give up when he asked what I write about. Now that’s my favorite topic so I went on and on bragging. Making it sound like I am THE celebrity whole world is desperately waiting for outside the next airport. Being me now, laughing carelessly, and talking not-so-lady-like. However my smile faded when he started to talk.

“I used to cut myself, I still have scars all over my body” he whispered. At first I thought it was his turn to joke around. I froze and waited for the cause behind such horrible act. “My parents used to fight.” He went on, “I started to blame myself for all the chaos, was too young to understand it all. So I’d cut myself and watch myself bleed, waiting to die.” Since I got extremely worried he assured me he was fine now for he plays guitar. He is an artist and his guitar helps him through it. Sadly from here his eyes started to disagree with his words and he could sense it too. Then followed the awkward frantic goodbyes and he left.

The extremely outrageous, monstrous, unspeakable things are always the most common things we humans can relate to. We need to talk about them no matter how dreadful or disturbing they are. Finding Problem or asking Question; is the first step towards solutions, peace and success. It’s a sign of intelligence and consciousness as long as your intentions are not evil.

Basic questions like: Why me? Where my prayers go? Why am I still alive? Why are we here? Why the evil wins here? And then there are so much more messed up questions in our heads. With an increase in your intelligence, your problems and questions would also grow.

There is only one way out of this phase: the Soul needs to be fixed.

You don’t have to grow a beard to understand Quran Kareem. And for non-Muslims, you don’t have to be Muslim to find answers to these basic human questions. Goodness, knowledge, wisdom, and peace don’t come with a price-tag. Quran Kareem holds such an active communication that it instantly starts to answer questions that just pop in your head while listening it. It will keep answering all your questions right there and then.  What keeps you from talking to the ONE who created you? The thirst for knowledge needs to be quenched. Or else on frustration it leads us to the dig our own graves while we are still alive. Save yourself!

Nightmares: Can you fall back to sleep NOW?

Sunday Morning: I was fast asleep when I felt a little girl walk into my room and climb up my bed. She shook my shoulder vigorously in attempt to wake me up. “Go away its Sunday” I mummer in a slurred voice. I pulled her closer, to stop her. She said “Wake up!” Her voice sounded too mature for her size. I slowly opened my eyes, to see a fully grown women smiling at me.

Before I could break free she stabbed me with something sharp and cold into my ribs! My expressions changed from smile to confusion, terror, and immense pain! I couldn't breathe. She yelled, “WAKE UP!” And stabbed me again! I tried to scream but no sound came out. She kept grinning wide like a psychopath. I woke up before she went for the third stab… I was in my room all alone, breathing heavy with my heart still racing.

It’s amazing how nightmares can feel so real. What if this life is a dream and whatever we dream of was actually the reality? Anyway since it was Sunday no one was up. I didn't feel like going back to sleep. Thanks to the brief research I did on nightmares in my psychology class. I recited a few Quran Kareem verses and went to sleep.

In my research I learned when a person wakes up from a nightmare, they wouldn't want to go back to sleep. For the fear that the dream would continue and also it seems too real. Although this reason is pretty legit but if this person stays up, it will do them more harm. It leads to sleeplessness that generates stress and anxiety. This in turn leads to more vicious and regular nightmares in future.

Another amazing thing we learned was nightmares doesn't only come from stress or depression. People who are creative and intelligent are more prone to nightmares than anyone else. So even if the happiest person on this planet gets nightmares why do we call it a sleep disorder?

If you think your nightmares are worse let me tell you this. One day I had a nightmare that was so messed up, that the moment I woke up, I jumped out of my bed. And ran to search for my Mother. Ahem, yeah I was 23 years old. My Ami was offering Salat, so I sat next to her. She found me motionless, with my eyes wide open. For about 45 minutes I didn't say a word.

I think nightmares only mean we are creative and awesome people. Still these awesome people need to find the cure. Psychology thought us the causes and that you need to go back to sleep, but how? Do you think it’s easy to fall back to sleep with a 100% risk to meet the same demons again?

Here our wonderful religion Islam teaches us the remedy. Dreams have three categories, first from ALLAH(SWT), second from the daily life and third from the devil. 
The nightmare is from the devil so recite any Surah or do Dikarullah. You would fall asleep in no time. A beautiful peaceful sleep and no more sleep disorders.

Please let me know your experiences and how you deal with it? Keep smiling!

Life: Our Problems are Hilarious!

The only crush won’t stop talking about their first love. The comforting intelligent best friend never replies back. A seriously retarded stalker hacked all the social network accounts. Maid is always on an endless maternity leave during every Final Exams. Future entrepreneur is stuck in the kitchen making burned cakes. GoCorruptionGo isn’t actually going anywhere. All the chocolates in the world ENDS in the next few years..!!! And you think you have problems?

One thing that you learn the hard way is; life goes on. It’s about time you drag along yours too, for no one cares. There will be a time when you’d be on your own. However the charm of living alone lasts for at least five minutes if you are lucky. You probably can make new friends even if it’s a football, like Tom hanks from the movie “Cast Away”. WARNING: It can’t google good times or auto-fill details like old friends.

The point is when life is a bed of chocolates, strawberries and cupcakes. Someday you’d fall off for the fact that someone will definitely EAT it.

The key is to thrive, prosper or in the most simple words just get along. Meanwhile figure out how your weakness gives you the sustainable competitive advantage over others. For it differentiates you and makes you stand out. Walt Disney Dumbo rings a bell? Great lessons are not limited to any source but are always around us.

Test of life would never be easy. The severely damaging expectations departments would never shut down. On the contrary you will always get everything you sincerely believe in. Like if you believe you will win, half of the success is already yours. Winner is not the one who works hard but the one who has the strongest faith.

Therefore there has to be a place to quench our humans built-in desire for a happily ever after. When you realize this life is merely a test and your kingdom awaits you! All of your problems would fade away. Insulted, humiliated, used, taken for granted, left alone, wrangled by your own expectations. Your grievance, pain, calamity doesn’t it take you a step closer to the substantial rewards?

Greater problems only mean you have profound strengths to face it. It’s certainly a remarkable bonus for you to level up. Thus be grateful that you are honored.

If you find this healing then read this article out loud to everyone you care for. Let’s be among the rare ones, who care. 

Be Positive: What type of FRIEND are you?

One day an old friend told me his astonishingly absurd philosophy about people. He believes people only reach you when they need your help. And by need he meant when they are in serious trouble. Not only that but he is more than willing to defend his point of view. I totally disagree but sometimes it’s better to win your retarded old friend over fixing their hopeless perceptions.

People are multicolored and this color pattern keeps innovating. They reach us for more beautiful reasons then we can ever understand. It’s above and beyond our measure. Sometimes they themselves don’t know. There are many more complex feelings in humans than you have seen on T.V.

How can we forget the immense favors of those old friends who approach you only once in a year? Each year they have the same two words for you, also expressed with exact same pretended excitement. Yep, those two words; Happy birthday!

And what about the type of friends who laugh at your joke and suddenly look at you with the dreadful straight face. As if they only laughed to make you feel good. You were not actually funny. Then you transform from mid laugh face to awkward confused-face trying to figure out what just happened.

Also that messed up freak with the selfie disorder, sending you their selfies for no reason. (Not that I’m complaining). Upon that all their selfies have the same exact bizarre duck-face. Although you’d admit they went a little too far when all their wedding photos have the same disturbing “distinctive selfie face”.

What about those not so secret admirers, the stalkers, the rivals, the haters or the obsessed freaks who bug you for no reason at all. Friends who count on you and friends who think they can count on you. Then there will always be strangers with issues who know you can’t solve their problems nor you care to listen but they tell you anyway.

There were many reasons to disagree. First it’s too pessimist thinking of a person with low self-esteem. Second it’s too stereotype. People are unpredictable, complicated and different so it’s not fair to label them under just one idea.

If you think people only reach you when they are in trouble then you will only meet people of that type. That’s just how life is in this world; you keep expecting good things you may start to get a little good luck. But when you start to expect negative things it will throw much worse in your face than your expectations. 

Thus stay positive, live happy and let me know what other crazy reasons people reach you for in comments below! 

Story: Secret of Road Accidents Revealed!

This happened a year from now and still I remember every second of it.

It was a usual day at university; we were working on the project report. In appreciation of the progress our delighted teacher called off the next half session. So we were free to leave or to stay and party. Normally I would love to stay but this just wasn’t my day. I felt a desperate need to get home and hit the sleep button. Except that my home was far, far away. 

Anyway I waited on my girls to come along as always, but none of them wanted to leave. They preferred fun over their bestie without hesitation. I gave them the disgusting look and went off alone. One should never confuse people; when you hate how they treat you, let them know. If they care, they would change. If they don’t, you will find better people.  

I was outside the gate and the bus stop was on the other side of the heavy traffic roads. Since it was still early morning, both roads were almost deserted. I was in the middle of the road when I saw a white car approaching at a distance. Clearly I could make it to the footpath in time. So I kept walking at my precise lady-like pace.

In my head I was completely hooked on the thoughts of what my girls were up to and how could they have fun without me…I mean what the… My eyes were on the road when I heard extremely loud screeching sounds from my right. This sound was not only loud but rapidly getting louder. I turned to look in slow motion. I don’t know why but from this point my memory works in SLOW MOTION. A black Car was approaching me at FULL speed!

This Girl in black dress thought she was faster than the most luxurious car available in Pakistan while the pale old man in that black Car was scared to death.

I had less than a second to make a decision since I was in the center of the huge car. Whether I run back or forward both ways it takes the same amount of time. However if I run forward I reach the footpath. Otherwise running backwards would leave me to a greater chance of hitting another Car.

My mind went blank and my legs froze with terror. It’s quite hard to interpret what happened next. I felt a vigorous deliberate push on my back. It sounds unbelievable and too dramatic.  Yet not everything in life is slave to our logical reasoning. Now the sound of the car wheels screeching became frightfully loud. With a little jump I ran forward.  As soon as I barely crossed the edge of the headlights, I literally felt that car swipe behind me. That was the moment I heard nothing but my own heartbeat.

When I reached my senses I looked back. That car stopped quite far from where I was crossing the road. That would have hit me like Shahid Afridi’s six, in to the air and out of the sight. I started to walk at the same lady like pace again only that my heart was now inside my ears.

Not only the old man in the car threw his hands in the air, but everyone paused.  I was the only moving body. The buses on the other road, the passengers and the cars, everyone was dead silent and staring at the girl who almost died. The girl who was walking towards the bus stop like nothing happened.  In my head I was like get it over with people.

Lesson learned when on the road focus on traffic not on your ignorant girls, or else the world will stop and stare!

Reality: You Sure you can Face it?

All the wise words you hear on news, T.V shows or movies are just words yet they have enormous unconscious impact. You can be blindly optimistic if you think it helps you through hell, but let’s be real for a day. The old Bollywood cliche of unconditional true love, of tradition, ethics, culture, and the list goes on… If you look close Bollywood influence is weaved so deep into our skin that it’s unavoidable to perceive life otherwise.

These philosophies were not built in a day, but went through a long tiring construction process over time. Unfortunately when they hit reality these beliefs end up as nothing more than shattered tiny piece of glass. The glass we deemed the world through with all this time, never actually existed.

You talk about being real, relying on overworked phrases that love can’t be bought, or it lies in the heart. Life will keep on proving you wrong until you get it right. Yes the material is everything, yes the looks does matter, and yes the demon wins here.

Think the complete opposite of all you hear today, and you get it right. Free yourself from the fake beliefs as they are just way too heavy to walk ahead with. Whatever you were told about yourself, emotions, life, and heart is a fool’s trap. On the other hand you can trip over the same rock over and over again if you think it’s still fun.

You were NOT designed to fail. You were to rise above, to let go, to grow, to win, and to conquer. You were given intelligence not to lose yourself in to the tricks of the society that mislead you from the purpose of your existence.

The thirst for knowledge is legit and innate it would NOT be quenched through the works of art of the amazing society. It is the search for the limitless, timeless, as its own self. No wise words can make you hit the right road. Pay attention on your basic instinct as the soul is part of something greater. Sadly it gets buried under the temporary desires and over expectations in haste.

If the fighter gives up the struggle then they lose their own identity. Funny how you don’t even care to put up a fight to save yourself or the people who matter. What if the so called society made signs of affection, life, values, were not worth the price you pay?! What if your life’s purpose was greater than the Big Car, Big House or the Big NAME? Would you want to die with the thirst so great that your soul itself HATES you when it’s torn out of your body?

DEPRESSION: A Funny Ride

Google says Depression means a long and severe recession in an economy or market. Oops that’s not the definition we were looking for… Depression is a severe typically prolonged, feelings of despondency and dejection.

Now here is my definition of it, depression means you are HUMAN, that’s all.

First Aid comes from YOU!

It transforms fast, changing color, shape, size, pace, duration but Depression stays with you like a big fat greedy blood sucking leech. You learn to get along with the anxiety so well that you start to like it. Then you don’t want to get out of it as you become friends with your demons. The hardest part is: people in depression don’t want to be saved! Acknowledge that you can only be saved when you are ready to accept the change.

So no matter how hard your loved ones try to help, initially you would have to decide whose side are you on.

Don’t Panic

Most people think depression would eventually kill them, to be honest people who are depressed won’t get anything RIGHT, and that includes planning a suicide. Trust me you only end up discovering pretty dumb ways to die. I would swallow a bubblegum and hope it would stick inside my stomach entirely paralyzing all my body organs to function effectively. Thus would lead to a peaceful sudden death without a proof. I tried that in school a day before my Physics Exam.

 Avoid Pills

Never depend on antidepressants even if someone recommends them to you. Throw it back in their face and tell them you’d grow out of it on your own. Antidepressants only stop the messed up suicidal thoughts and sorrow by numbing your heart. As a result your heart won’t be able to get out of this trauma if you won’t let it fight through.

External Help

Depression only is a phase of life where you find yourself surrounded by negativity. The answer is right there if you read between the lines. The answer is POSITIVITY. I know it’s hard to stay positive when the whole world is against you including you yourself. It is simply the disconnection with your Soul and all the panic caused by the staunch urge for re-connection.

Therefore stay with people who are positive, who make you happy. Indulge yourself into fun filled constructive activities that keep you on your toes with enthusiasm. Dig you way back to the light that resides inside of you.

I hope you find your own hilarious dumb ways to die and have a fun filled crazy ride out of the depression. Let me know your side of the story and how you enjoy creativity along the way. However in the time of crisis, don’t try the ridiculous Bubblegum Suicide. IT DOESN'T WORK!

GAZA: Not Blind, Dumb or Deaf, just Heartless

How little are your concerns, how shallow are your inspiration, how small are your dreams, and how empty is your heart… After all that you go ahead, glow with pride and call yourself a MUSLIM??

Muslim world is on FIRE! Meh I gotta go upload my Eid day selfies. Do you ever stop to look at us, the young generation and wonder where is the soul, the heart, the pain, the fury, the glory, the victory, the dream? Are we asleep or are we dead already?

How do you sleep at night when a MUSLIM’s blood has become cheaper than a piece of bread? Nah I see how much you feel their pain, since I saw that Facebook wall post of a Muslim brother holding a slaughter body of his 10 year old son. And underneath it you comment “I protest”.

Facebook statuses, posts, tweets, or maybe a little more like a long confused debate in a popular T.V show that never has a solution. And you think your job is done. To be honest the saddest part is we don’t we talk about it; we have our own blame games to play.

They don’t need a nation of fools, who burn their own towns, streets, transports, and shops in the times of chaos. Muslim world needs “Men of Action” men who don’t just win debates, but men who can make strategic plans and win against the tyranny. We need an active army of brilliant creative minds, men and women both, including each and every talent and skill they are gifted.

Some of my friends say you can just hate the tyrant and still reach the least level of Iman! ‘Waohoo!!’ you are safe.

Can you tell me why least when the LORD made you capable of moving mountains? Why least when you had all the power it takes? Why least when you can unite and bring it down with your max? The answer is crystal clear yet hard to swallow as it hurts like a millions pieces of a broken glass going down your throat.

My point is simple folks if we don’t care about our brothers and sisters today, they won’t give a damn about us in the time of need. We humans are created interdependent so the time is not far when you’d see what goes around comes around.

I hope to have awakened the good in you so that you invest all your energy in the good cause in the best ways possible or you can go back to the life of a dead person…

“YA ALLAH save our Brothers and Sisters in Gaza” AMEEN

Life: You want a Love Marriage or a happy life?

We were in I.T class room, my white bearded, highly respectable teacher just came in and greeted us. This teacher seldom laughed, he was very serious, wise and super religious. That day he startled us by a very strange question which had nothing to do with computers. He asked, “What is that one thing our generation’s marriages had which you don’t find today?”

‘Blink, blink’ no one answered. He said with a Mona Lisa smile, “Commitment, these days we have love marriages but no commitments.” 

Although it was enough surprise to hear a relationship advice coming from an I.T teacher on the other hand he was right. The older No-Love marriages lasted a lifetime. Today when love is in the air, how many love marriages have you seen having their happily ever after? I have seen NONE. As they say life is no fairy tale. When the bachelor carefree life leaves, so does their love.

Love is not enough to live a happy life, and by that I don’t mean money is… No, Money comes and goes never worry about it. The second vital thing a married couple needs after love is PROBLEM SOLVING ABILITY. Funny how we thought Mathematics problems were a headache.

Step one: the Problem

Relationship problems require more patience and a lot of other skills. First is the Analytical skill, the skill to identify the problem. I have seen couples fight over a problems they never have figured out. Sad part is mostly they both don’t want to find out the problem in the first place. Remember to solve any chaos in life you’d first have to identify the problem and lay it on the table for all to see.

Step Two: Communicate

After you have found the problem openly talk about it to your partner. Show them that you care enough to ask their opinion and are ready to make some efforts. Once you have confirmed the problem be polite and use your communication skills. This is a critical stage hence always be honest, say what you need to say. Truth is not bitter if said in the right way, RIGHT TONE and on the right time.

Step Three: Solution

Last step is finding the solution. Creative people never fall short for solutions in life no matter what situation they are in. If you both are creative you’d find a wonderful way out of the problem in no time.

On the contrary when only one of you creatively leads the relationship then a little more patience is advised. If you can’t help solve the problem then at least help your significant other by not giving up and having faith in them. Most importantly don’t advertise your problems. Why would you want to burden your partner when they are already going thought hell to make you happy?

Scarier than that if you are that creative person who is making all the efforts to save the marriage. Then hang on buddy, there is always a solution. Giving up may seem the easier option but easier is not always the right option. I wish you both a Disney like happily ever after... =)

EID Day: Lets make a delicious Disaster!

How many of you agree that the best thing about Eid day is the DESSERTS! The only thing I love about cooking is desserts. I perceive Desserts as simply spreading smiles, love and happiness right from the kitchen into the hearts. The only problem is my family doesn’t view my desserts as happiness. Most likely they view it as a waste of resources.

A dessert without chocolates is a bore so all of my DISASTERS include lots of chocolates. Did you see what I did there? Now let me enlighten you. 

Once I made this perfect ultimate valentine chocolate dessert, called “Chocolate Mocha Pot de Crème.” It was simply a chocolate pudding in cups with a name that I couldn't even pronounce. It took me only 15 minutes to cook it then I left it in the fridge over the night.

Next day enthusiastically I asked my family to taste this awesome chocolate pudding expecting lots of praises. The first thing they asked was what it is called. I thought for a moment then said hesitantly “Chocolate Crème La Something.” They gave me a confused suspicious look. Yet they had no escape but to taste it reluctantly as I was jumping up and down busting with excitement. The next thing my family said was: “Wow nice, it’s good chocolate syrup so where is the dessert?”

It’s hard to be a good cook when you are so creative and artistic that none of your desserts resembles the original recipe in any way. After a long list of dessert disasters I have come to this conclusion that desserts just don’t get along with my freestyle cooking. They are more traditional and allow no space for my innovative ideas.

Let’s see if I succeed in making the vanilla dessert or disaster tonight for the Eid day while my family tries their best to keep me out of the kitchen. Now I want you to share what you love about Eid day and let me know what desserts are you having this Eid. May this Eid bring us lots of lovely desserts, Eidi, joy and happiness…!

EID MUBARAK TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!