Have you mulled over how you wasted the previous year without writing down your goals? Or perhaps you are wondering what goals to set after a series of not achieving them.
What if I share with you there are alternatives to goals set?
- themes
- philosophies
- words
I chose mine after careful considerations that life does not always go the way we expected and planned for some of us. So, the path I wished for 2022 would be a year of Love, Conviction, and Determination.
1 — Existence of Love
I am reading this sohbet (advice in spiritual gatherings) about love from a grand shaykh. The fruit of all actions equals to love. Otherwise, it would be bitter and rejected.
Worship as an example of why I chose the word ‘love’ for 2022.
“The Lord says: I am not in need of your worship, I am only seeking the love with which it is offered.
Oh, servants of the Lord, Oh believers, you must not overlook this point. Don’t be like slaves rowing in the galley of a slave driver standing over you with a whip! Allah never appreciates such forced devotions.”
— Seyh M Nazim Al Haqqani
We have a choice.
Do something with love or don’t do it at all. Do it because we are paid to do, otherwise do nothing at all. Do it because you are a responsible person, otherwise, leave it because there is no force into something. Do it for charity, then expect nothing in return.
It is a choice.
In any action, I will be looking at my heart. Is there love?
The fruit of actions is Love.
2 — The Inner Convictions
Doubts bring you nowhere. In all relationships, we want to trust and not have doubts. The same way it is for ourselves. We either choose to trust ourselves or we don’t.
In the same way, I look for my heart’s convictions. Initially, the word Faith calls out loud. I remember my spiritual guide reminded me “ work out on your inner being.”
Faith is believing what we had not seen yet with our eyes. To have faith is to believe. To believe is to have the conviction that no doubt when God says, “Kun Fayaa Kun!” He says “Be! And It shall Be!”
So shall it Be.
Whatever I do, I will want to look for conviction in my heart. It is good, it is good. It is unclear, then it is good to leave it. If we know ourselves well, allowing self-doubt is the biggest enemy within.
The fruit of Faith is Conviction.
3 — Seed of Determination
I have goals, but I do not want to eye on them like a desperate soul. People told me that something has gone wrong when we lose sight of humanity, compassion, and love.
If achieving your goals makes you worse, you already lose.
The journey is the main focus, not the outcome. The outcome is important because it sets the journey. Some people feel hesitant in placing their feet forward into something due to unclarity. Everyone wants to feel safe.
Remaining in the same spot does not make you progress ahead. To move forward, a strong determination is required. I am not speaking about degree certificates, salary, and job positions.
I am referring to anything that we do, determination is essential. Determine you will do your best, then begin to do it.
The fruit of progress is determination.
I am investing into my LCD life monitor this 2022 being Love, Conviction, and Determination. It may not be a 100% perfect fit every day. The least, these are the guideline in actions I take. In Shaa Allah. By God’s Will.
- The fruit of actions is love
- The fruit of faith is conviction
- The fruit of progress is determination
Do what we can. Be happy before we have anything to be happy. Happy New Year 2022. I hope all of you are blessed bountifully this year. Amin.
A simple nice read and reminder from EP McKnight, MEd which truly spelled out most of my 2021. Praise the Lord for everything!
