The Relief

This whole year has been a quite roller coaster ride for me, excitedly.

When I first wrote my first post in 2016 as a wake up call, I think, yes, it was kind of true. I'm very grateful that I've experienced such a W O N D E R F U L year, full of blessings and (good) surprises. I was clueless at first, but this young-rebellious soul that I got inside me, baby, is now understanding the essence of being human. And that life, is so great. That life, is a chance of everything. That life, is meant to be appreciated. That life, is a bridge to another. That life, is worth.

This year leads me to many kinds of things. I met many kinds of people. And about many kinds of things and people, I learned. It was magical, a bit whimsical, kinda like a dream that came true. Ups and downs that I've faced are valuable, every hellos and goodbyes that I've met are diamonds. Memories, from new experiences and opportunities I got. This year has taught me lots of things: family, friendship, love, education, career, etc. I'm (finally) waking up.

One thing as a hit of the year:

Nothing can beat a full heart of kindness.

Kindness, for me, is everything. It is hard to be kind anytime to anyone, but I got a sticky note inside me that always reminded that kindness are free and for everybody. There's no people in this world that don't deserve kindness. I'm practicing being kind instead of right. To let go of the negative thoughts that haunted (especially to some people and some new things) and bring out kindness to the whole new level. Kindness feels like magic, an act of beauty.

Beautiful memories have created. By appreciating the little things and showing more gratitude, every step I took this 2016 are all sunshine and rainbows. When I met monsters in the midst of the journey, I acknowledged and beat 'em with some fresh inspirations. Embracing the journey also one of a thing, how I celebrated everything with joy and set aside every sadness that came. Beside the sense of losing that I felt earlier this month, this year, I feel content. 

Another thing that best described 2016 is the relief. Guess I'm not a religious person since my religious practice just far from perfect, but I'm kind of a spiritual one. I dearly believed that The Greatest of them all, God, has prepared everything that is happening perfectly. Well, all are the best one we could ever receive. I have faith in it. There is one Surah of the Quran that says it all:

The Relief (QS 94)

Did We not expand for you, (O Muhammad), your breast?

And We removed from you your burden

Which had weighed upon your back

And raised high for your repute.

For indeed, with hardship (will be) ease.

Indeed, with hardship (will be) ease.

So when you have finished (your duties), then stand up (for worship).

And to your Lord direct (your) longing.

From the Surah I always remembered, any kind of hardship and difficulties will follow with ease. There would always be a way out. Or if I can rephrase it, there would (also) might work the other way. And it keeps me going.

To everyone that contributed in the construction of myself in 2016: Thank you.

Let 2017 be the year of care - to take your life into your own hands.

"I am a flower that blooms silently,

because a flower doesn't think of competing with other flowers,

it just blooms"