How I Cope With the Good and Bad of Life

As I grow older, I am realizing that not everything always goes my way. I am often stricken with anxiety as a result of even the smallest mishaps in my life. I am hung up on my plans for the future and I nitpick at every aspect of my life that has not gone as planned.

Although this is something that I struggle with on a daily basis, it also brings me back to faith. The famous Muslims of the past that we constantly hear about had nothing but complete faith that Allah would carry them through all of their calamities. Keeping this in mind reminds me that regardless of how much I plan, Allah is the best of planners. It is easy for us to forget that nothing is completely in our control; even running late to your work or your 8 a.m. class is part of the greater scheme of things.

My journey into adulthood is slowly beginning to show me that I have to be patient with whatever obstacles may lie ahead. Being a part of the social media generation often results in me questioning my own decisions. I compare myself to others and their accomplishments when in reality, I have successfully gotten thus far and accomplished a multitude of things with the help of my Lord. With this in mind, I also reflect upon the fact that I’m not the only one who feels this way.

Being a part of the social media generation often results in me questioning my own decisions and comparing myself to others and their accomplishments.

It’s easy to paint a pristine picture for others about your life. It’s even easier to embellish your accomplishments, but you have to remember the less attractive aspects of your life and how they have molded you as a person. Unfortunately, it’s rare that we find a balance of appreciation for the bad and the good. The good things that happen to us are there to remind us that we have a Higher Source looking out for us and handling our affairs, whereas the bad things are there to fill our hearts with humility. It gives me confidence to know that I have Allah looking out for me, as well as family and friends who send me prayers and good thoughts. This helps me to overcome all the adversities that I have and will face.

This whole ordeal reminds me of the saying, “What is destined will reach you, even if it be underneath two mountains. What is not destined, will not reach you, even if it be between your two lips!” Constantly reminding myself of this lifts the pressure that lies on my shoulders when it comes to the past. It also breaks down the walls of anxiety that focus too much on the future. Knowing that I don’t have ultimate control over my fate gives me a sense of comfort.

The good things that happen to us are there to remind us that we have a Higher Source looking out for us and handling our affairs, whereas the bad things are there to fill our hearts with humility.

Just as the moon seems to float firmly above us, lighting up the heavens, my state of being in the next year, month, week, day or even the next hour is all in the Hands of God. Knowing this soothes my spirit and helps me to welcome all that comes my way with open arms and the praises of God on my lips.

“Say: ‘Nothing will befall us except what Allah has ordained for us. He is our Protector. In Allah let the believers put their trust.'” [Qur’an 9:51]

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