I was reminded of this note I posted May 1st 2018 and it resonates deeply still:
Pause.
Breathe.
Listen. Not just with your ears.
Listen. With every pore on your skin.
Feel. Without restrictions.
Feel. With body, mind and soul.
Feel. With all of you.
The answer is near.
Trust. Believe!
Live.
Now.
-Bilqees 2018
Time
It is the first day of a new month and the last day of Ramadan and another opportunity for RESET. At the beginning of April, I started a draft of this post and it is a reminder of how time flies - some things may change but overall perspective may remain the same. I began Ramadan with so much excitement and yearned earnestly for all the calm, clarity, resolutions, and blessings it brings. It is coming to an end and I am grateful. Eid Mubarak to all observing the fast and keeping those who would love to but unable to participate in prayers.
Events
With the passing of Black History Month, Women’s History Month, National Minority Health Month, International Girl in ICT Day etc. my heart is full for all the space they have created for discussions and solution finding. Reminder of the ongoing work needed to meet national and global goals around health, equity and women matters, in various dimensions of life - health, wealth, education, career etc. Glad for the progress and the small gains to reverse some of the negative effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Reward and Duty
The year thus far has brought the revelation and reaping of rewards from many efforts in which I invested time and energy from earlier. Opportunities to celebrate wins - big and small, opportunities to inspire others and of course more challenging work. The collection of spotlights, features, reviews, speaking engagements, published articles, conference presentations, interviews and more, had me enthralled at the ends of February, March and April. The weight of the collection of those moments enveloped me and I knew it was time for deep reflection and writing. I have done some writing in series privately but some of the major themes tugging at my heart were inspirations for this piece. One of the major learnings from my practice of Islam is the realization of duties and responsibilities a human being has. Duty to Allah/God (if you believe), to self, to family, to community, etc. Speaking of duty to community, an highlight in April is definitely my attendance of the inaugural Boston While Black Summit organized by Sheena Collier and her amazing crew. It was definitely my 'Welcome to Boston' moment and opened a new chapter in my experience as a resident here.
At every moment of counting blessings, for me there is also a recognition of the responsibility and purpose each blessing entrusts you with. An opportunity to renew intentions, review goals and plan to utilize your growth to do even more for self and others - expand your impact. I am also reminded of the importance of pause, conscious choice making, integrity and intentionality. My biggest moments of fulfillment, I have observed over the years, are tied to the bliss of living fully while serving and supporting others.
Challenges
Though I have acknowledged the growth of the past few month that does not minimize the concurrent challenges both on personal and global levels. Successes and challenges are both trials according to my faith and crucial for growth - blessings and lessons. May our moments of bliss and positive energy greatly outweigh the negative. On the global scene, theRussian-Ukraine conflicts that has resulted in loss of many lives, displaced humans away from comforts that felt like yesterday, foreign students dealing with discrimination even in the evacuation process, supply chain challenges etc. Nigeria with inflation, unbelievable loss of life in insurgent attacks, violence against women, child abuse and so much more. US with inflation, natural disasters, ongoing healthcare challenges, crime, hate and aggression etc. Missed opportunities for moments of national growth for example the missed emotions of the Senate confirmation hearing for Judge Ketanji Jackson, CODA in Oscars and what it represents for the hard on hearing or deaf community overshadowed by the now sadly popular event of the night.
Focus
An experience during a recent New Orleans trip in which despite adept planning to meet one goal - be home in time to take my daughter to the school bus - several unplanned events like dominoes made sure of a different outcome that impacted other related goals. That experience was a good reminder of the Zorro Circle.
...With an increasingly internal locus of control and a greater confidence in our abilities, we can then expand our efforts outward.
The Happiness Advantage Achor, 2010
It is counterproductive to be overwhelmed by the magnitude of problems that one is blinded to the possible solution. We can’t always will a way to life but we can focus incremental efforts and work outwards. We can also be prepared such that when opportunities align, we are able to to maximize the impact or benefits. Be among those who create and share opportunities for good not the one of those who destroy or hoard it. Continue to lift others up as you grow. Live a life that you are proud to call yours especially that which embed you positively in your heart and in the hearts of others.
(c) Bilqees 2022