In this rainy and gloomy day,

From the St-laurent, the Island of Montreal,

A gentle reminder to all of us...

Surround yourself with positive energy, with positive people, with positive thoughts and prayers.

This is your key to success and self healing. This is your Essence. Get rid of all negativity in your life, in your work and in your circle of people! Surround yourself with People who INSPIRE you (wink wink you know who you are) don't surround yourself with people who drain you and bring you down to your knees. Surround yourself with people who truly love you, care for you and who want the best for you. Not those who envy you, who are jealous, or those who don't wish you success and who always try to make you believe that you are not worth it and that you are good at nothing in this life. Don't you ever allow anyone brake your dreams and burn your motivation. 

Be with those who will love and wish for you, what they love and wish for themselves. The are rare, but there are out there. You are somewhat a reflection of your surrounding and environment. This is why, we must pick up wisely, anyone that we want to include in our lives.

 

Walk in peace my friends,

Nermine Barbouch

Actions matter, not words or degrees

Many were put down by people that we love and even by total strangers for not owning a high degree(s). For not finishing our studies; for not owning a PhD; or for not going to school at all. Then they dare ask you, what have you done to this society? What was your contribution? They are so sure of themselves; so egocentric; so selfish; and so Narcissistic to the point that they can no longer see anything but their own pathetic self. What's your degree or PhD worth if you have no manners, if you have no conscious, no mercy, no shame, no feelings, no heart ...

and then I see people, friends, sisters and even my grandmother, who either did not finish their studies, who don't own a degree at all or who can't read or write a single word and YET, they have made such a difference in this world, they contributed in the society, helping the other, the poor, the needy, the weak, the ill or by simply raising good children and making them loving and caring Humans and citizens of conscious ... giving their children they best they have and giving them what they couldn't have themselves; such as education and knowledge, good time, love and true caring and emotions, discipline hope...

To me, you are worth and you deserve way more than a man in a suit or a woman with a PhD. Many people in my entourage who did not have the opportunity to pursue higher education have accomplished so much in this life: small and big projects, feeding the poor, helping the needy and desperate, saving a life, healing a sick person; making someone smile, saving someone’s soul, helping someone understand, making them feel safe and listened to …

you are the true heroes, you are brave, you are beautiful, you are a blessing, you are an inspiration, you are special, you are unique, you are a role model and you will be remembered for a very very long time. I’m sure that many of you recognise yourselves.

Life is not measured by trophies and by the number of degrees on your wall. Life, success and greatness are measured by your actions, good deeds and your ability in making the other smile, survive and live.  

God bless.

Much respect,

Walk in Peace.

 Nermine

Another TAWAKUL Story

Because I believe in God I therefore believe in Miracles and in His blessings. Because I believe in Him, I do believe in his eternal bounty and in His Mercy. Because I believe in Him, I trust His words and His promises. There comes moments in our lives when certain events "hit" us and keep us in great wonder ... and you ask yourself; what just happened? Is this real? Then you realize that Yes it is real because you put your trust between the hands of The AL Mighty the Creator of All things and He who knows and sees and hears All things. Today, I can humbly say that God sent me a sign. And I will tell you more about it later tonight because I'd like for you and me to strongly believe that acts of kindness are always rewarded , sooner or later ... and sometimes it happens right away; SubhanAllah.

True story:

Those who know me well and know my passions and my struggles will know that I have no reason to `` beautify `` a reality. In other words, they will and I pray that you too will, believe me.

There are days when everything seems to be as dark as the deepest sea and every time I try to think of a way out, it just looks ``impossible`` or I don`t understand why certain things are happening and why do I have to deal with certain battles in my life. (just like all of us). And then, ``out of the blue`` something happens, a new door opens, a stranger comes into your life and helps you out, an angel perhaps? Or maybe this is the result of a good action that we did in the past or not too long ago? Or perhaps it`s thanks to the duaa (prayers and supplications) of our parents, grandparents and our loves ones? Regardless of all this, it`s all with the blessings and plans which God has chosen for us.

In the pas days, weeks and up to yesterday, every time I faced a hardship, I was greeted but with a smile and a solution popped out of nowhere. Just to name a FEW examples:

Like in the weekend when I forgot my phone and metro card at home. Once inside the bus, I realized that I didn`t even have coins to pay. I look at the driver and say: `` Good morning sir, i`m sorry I forgot my phone and tickets and card at home, my mom (who`s with me) will pay for both of us.`` He smiles, he blocked the machine with his hand and didn`t let us pay. He said: ``Please Madame, because you`ve been honest with me and told the truth, I really want to pay for you this time. I kindly refused and said: ``We have the money right here we can pay, thank you``. He insisted, we thanked him for his act of kindness and that made our day.

Or like the day I went to a coffee shop and after I placed my order, the cashier said: `` That`s OK madame, someone already paid for you.`` and I kept searching trying to find WHO did it so I can thank him or her.  

Or In the middle of an important battle with all the stress and pain that comes with it, I had no other solution but to give up to my ``fate`` and simply get ready and be prepared to ``fight`` and to be mentally prepared to lose and to survive. Winning this battle in particular seemed impossible. And again, out of the blue, I don`t know what happened exactly until this day, but everything stopped and therefore, the battle too stopped.

Yesterday evening, I was talking with my family about the conditions and procedures of paying my Zakat (Zakat Al Maal) which is (alms-giving) that I must pay for this year. I wanted my mom`s opinion on where should my zakat go this year? We both agreed that I should send it back home for a specific young lady and her family. Converting the money from Canadian Dollar to Egyptian pound, it`s quite an important amount, and I was so happy AlHamdolellah (All praise to God) that this could really change the life of an entire family (InshaAllah – with the Will of God). So after we agreed on everything and I said `` Tawakal 3ala Allah`` ( I put my trust and reliance in Allah), I heard many beeps on my phone, one after the other. (notifications that i`m receiving e-mails).

I ran to my laptop saying to myself, there must be a mistake. Who`s sending me alllllll these emails??? I just had received 12 new emails from work! I thought to myself: This IS a VIRUS. This has never happened ever since I worked with this agency. So I call the secretary and ask him: what`s going on? Is this real or it`s a virus? He laughs and says: No no Nermine this is not a virus, you`ve been chosen the best interpreter of the year (giggles). Then he explains that I have indeed received TWELVE new demands (twelve individual contracts) for Interpretation!!!  He explained that I will be receiving 5 more!

I was in awe!

Do you know what`s even more beautiful and surprising? When I added up all the new Interpretation demands I just received, I swear by He who created the Moon and the Sun and that was very much equal to the Zakat that I was discussing with my family less than 5 minutes ago!!! So the amount that i just gave up for the sake of God to help another, came back to me less than 5 minutes later. SubhanAllah.

 I share this long introduction and story (among many others) with you, because I want you too, to put ALL your TRUST (Tawakul) in God. Trust Him with everything, anywhere and at all times. Acts of kindness, helping the other and believing  in His words and promises  will always pay back.

Give Zakat no matter what is your situation. Don`t you ever think that you will get poorer by giving. Don’t  think of tomorrow which is not here yet.

I pray for you and me, that we always find refuge in Him. That we always find someone around us to lift us up and to serve as a ``Reminder`` that the Mercy of God is GREAT and ETERNAL.

Walk in Peace,

Nermine.

Don't wait to smile ...

When you find the strength to smile after each storm;
When you smile under the rain and in the middle of the darkness;
Over the phone or behind a closed door.
When you smile although your body is aching;
And even when your soul is confused and lost.
When you smile during your weakest moments;
On your knees or in your torments …
When you smile and your heart is bleeding;

Your tears are falling;

When you smile in the face of your brother or sister in humanity;

And even in the face of the one who inflicted you with pain;

When you smile to a stranger, to an orphan, to the needy and weak;
Even though your own Self needs a pat on the shoulder or a hug.
And after all this, if your smile shakes mountains, brings sunshine and makes someone else’s day;
Regardless of your own challenges and fights;
Know that your smile is a symbol of courage, strength, charity, kindness and hope.

Do not wait for happiness to knock on your door in order for you to smile.
Smile anyway, smile now. Happiness and peace are on their way.  

Keep smiling,  

Keep inspiring.

Walk in peace,

Nermine

(Im)Perfect

I’m perfectly imperfect

And I’m perfect in my imperfection.

I rejoice in the perfection of the Creator,

And I find refuge in the perfection of the Universe.

I don’t have to apologize for my imperfections.

I do not have to change I’m imperfections to perfect,

Neither do I have to perfect in order to “please”.

I’m perfectly comfortable in my imperfections.

Humane; I’m capable to see the perfection in the imperfection of the other,

To accept it and to life with it …

As long as these perfections or imperfections,

Do not lead us to a war or to a “Quest for Perfection”.

Your perfectly imperfect,

Nermine.

Photo source: http://cdn.tinybuddha.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Imperfection.jpg

Im-parfaite

Je suis parfaitement imparfaite

Et je suis parfaite dans mon imperfection.

Je me jouis de la perfection du Créateur

Et je trouve refuge dans la perfection de l’univers.

Je n’ai pas à m’excuser pour mes imperfections.

Je n’ai pas à changer mes imperfections pour parfaire,

Ou pour perfectionner afin de « plaire ».

Je suis parfaitement confortable dans mes imperfections.

Humaine, je suis capable de voir la perfection dans l’imperfection de l’autre,

de l’accepter et de vivre avec …

tant que ces perfections ou imperfections,

nous ne mènent pas vers une guerre et vers « une quête de La Perfection ».

Votre parfaitement imparfaite,

Nermine



Source photo: http://img.mota.ru/upload/wallpapers/2012/01/19/18/00/29531/ChDsonTvQo-preview.jpg

When your own father is a bully and when Obesity is a crime.

10 years ago, when I started working as a cultural Interpreter in Social work and Health care, I’ve had the honour to work with hundreds of parents and children from the Arabic community.  Some families I have worked with for years and others I have met only once. I have witnessed endless stories and testimonials, some were happy stories but most of them were extremely sad, painful and too choking to believe that such atrocities exist (even in our own community).

One evening, I was called to meet a teenager and her mom. When I walked in the office, the young lady was seated with her hands around her waist. She was very beautiful, calm and polite. She tried to hide her pain behind a smile but I already knew that it won’t last much before her sad eyes let her tears wash her pale face.  Half her face was covered with her long blond hair and with the other eye, she looked at me and with a shaking voice she started relating what had happened to her.

“I was eating pie and my father tried to choke me […]”.

The only “crime” of this smart and beautiful young lady is the size of her body and her sweet tooth. On that day, when Layal came back home from school, she sat at the table and was eating pie. Her father came back earlier than expected. He opened the door and the first thing he saw is his daughter eating that pie. He got very angry and lost his temper.  He ran to her and instead of using his hands and arms to hug his girl, he actually started shocking her. Mom who was busy in the other room heard her daughter’s battle trying to physically escape from her own father. Mom came to the rescue and the young lady came to us seeking help and not wanting to ever go back home.

People need to be aware that bullying doesn’t happen only in schools and at work place. Bullying happens even in our homes. Layal was bullied by her father and abused emotionally, psychologically and physically. She was constantly humiliated and reminded of how “fat and obese” she is. He would tell her things like: “Look at yourself. Look in the mirror; can’t you see how ugly you are? How fat you are? Who’s going to look at you?  You will never find love. You will never achieve much with this body”. Layal was scared to eat in front of her father. She would eat only when he’s not around. Sometimes, she would lock herself in her room to eat.

When you love someone and care for them, you should never put them down or humiliate them. The wisest thing to do in a similar situation is perhaps to ask yourself many questions as a parent who sees changes In their children. Find solutions together. Observe, listen more and talk less. Be patient, gentle and kind. You should encourage your kids to feel good about themselves and to live a healthier lifestyle by making changes to your diet as a family, by doing more activities together. Go out together for a long walk, for a hike or even join a gym with your kid and do things together to not make the other feel as an outsider or as the one who has a problem. You should be a role model to your family and a leader; not a bully or the abuser.

To anyone who actually “dares” to tell another person: “Look at yourself in the mirror, look at how fat you are”; I would strongly encourage you to look at yourself in the mirror and reflect on the ugliness and the cruelty of your own words.

I’m sure that many people (men and women, girls and boys) will recognise themselves in this story. Sadly we are living in a society that has an extreme opinion and views about beauty and looks. What most people do not understand is that anyone who’s suffering from their weight issues are indeed “suffering”, they are dealing with many issues, some are depressed, others are abused, some are lonely and isolated, others are seen as failures, others have mental health issues, some have some serious health issues and problems with their self-esteem .... and the reasons are just too many.  Thousands if not millions are suffering of bulimia, of different eating disorders such as emotional or compulsive eating. At one point in my life,until very recently, me too, I was an emotional eater. In the middle of my own storm and struggles, I found “comfort” in food. But shortly after  this feeling of satisfaction is quickly replaced by guilt and sickness. Not everyone is lucky enough to open their eyes and realize what’s happening to them. So bullying my friends, (even those “innocent” comments and looks) that we sometime throw at the other about their looks, isn’t helping at all!

Rest assured, that  no one, no one wants or wishes to be overweight. All they want, is some respect, understanding, love and support. If you can’t do any of this to help the other, then I beg you, to remain silent and far away.

Note: To protect the teenager's identity, I used a fictional name.  

Walk in peace,

Nermine Barbouch

A prayer from a healing heart,

As millions of people celebrate New Year 2017, I celebrate a new beginning by choosing to close an old chapter in my life. I celebrate with a little prayer that has big meanings. I pray for you and me to be blessed with Good Health, I pray that we get closer to our Creator, to strengthen our Faith in Him and in humanity; to love more and to hate less; to overcome our desire of revenge and hate by leaving our destiny between the hands of the One who sees and hears all things, to the One who’s the Best of Avengers.  To purify our hearts and to walk in peace. Now say AMINE (آمين  / Amen).  

 What I wish the most right now is to shut forever the door that brought in my life so much pain and to leave the people who were the cause of this pain, behind that door and to never look back.  I’ve learned a great deal from my mistakes and from the one person who entered my life and who inflicted me with great sadness. This experience has left many scars so that it always reminds me of many things and lessons. However, as the proverb says: “what doesn't kill you makes you stronger” (ما لا يقتلك يجعلك أقوي).  

I’m learning to grieve in order to get stronger, I’m learning from my mistakes in order to never fall in the same trap again and to help other women. I’m carrying my heart in my hands in order to feel every muscle and every beat so that I can remind myself that I’m still alive. I’m learning to listen to the too many voices in my head, to the flashbacks and to push them away when needed. I’m learning to be a better person and to come back stronger and healthier in mind and body. I’m learning to say NO and I’m learning to live for me and for my daughter. I’m learning to make myself my own priority because I too deserve to be happy and to come first instead of always serving others.

I’m learning to totally rely on God and to fully absorb the true meaning of the word “Reliance” (تَوَكُّل) and to believe in His words: “…But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah Knows, while you know not”. (وَعَسَى أَنْ تَكْرَهُوا شَيْئًا وَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَكُمْ وَعَسَى أَنْ تُحِبُّوا شَيْئًا وَهُوَ شَرٌّ لَكُمْ وَاللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ وَأَنْتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ).  And to be certain that: “For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease".  (فَإِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا).

I’m also trying to learn to “Leave tomorrow alone until it comes”. To not worry about what I can’t see and about what’s not here yet. I’m learning to rejoice every moment of today and this is happening right now! It’s a natural human reaction to be sad but I’m learning to not be sad for too long because my Creator is watching over me: “Don’t be sad, Allah is with us.” (لا تَحْزَنْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَنَا ) .

I must also remind myself and strongly believe in the concept of Destiny (قدر‎‎) which is one of the 6 pillars of faith (أركان الإيمان). To remember that everything in this life is meant to be (even if we do not understand it yet). To remember that there’s greater worries and that this world (دنيا) is a big test.  There’s also another important reminder from God which says: “If Allah loves a people, then he afflicts them with trials. Whoever is patient has the reward of patience, and whoever is impatient has the fault of impatience”. (إذا أحب الله قوما ابتلاهم , فمن صبر فله الصبر , ومن جزع فله الجزع). Allah SWT tests us with hardship and also prosperity in order to validate the sincerity of our faith. And as many say, perhaps Allah SWT is eager to hear our voice and is eager to hear our supplications (دعا ). Perhaps it’s indeed a reminder to turn to Him again and again.

There are days where I wish I could stand on a hill and yell at the top of my lungs to release all the pressure and anger. There will be moments of weakness because we are humans! But we need to remember that “when the World pushes you to your knees, you are in the best position to pray”.

 I will pray for patience (صبر) and I will pray for true friends who will always remind me (ذكر) that God is always present and is always near.  

I pray to be a better person, for myself and for my daughter. I pray to teach her how to impose respect and to never let anyone and no Man to ever put her down, to never count on people but rather on her Creator, to be strong in mind, faith and health. I will teach her not to lie and not to be a hypocrite.  I will do all I can to teach her the best manners. Teach her to help, love and respect others. To give more, to help and feed the needy and to never despair. I will teach her to say NO and I will teach her to choose for herself and to never give up to anyone’s pressure, to never be controlled or manipulated. I will teach her to fear ALLAH s.w.t and NO ONE ELSE BUT HIM.

Amine. Amine. Amine.

Walk in peace,

Nermine Barbouch

نرمين، أم ساره

Success: Say InshaAllah and start planning!

Today, I’ve been thinking a lot about success. Success in all its meaning.

Sadly, some of us will live their lives without really knowing the meaning of success, because some of us have failed to fail. In other words, how do we expect to succeed if we have never tried, if we have never failed and if we never fall?

It’s in our nature to fall, once, twice, thrice until we stand up again and walk. It doesn’t matter how you walk; straight, crooked, crawling, ramping, jumping, or seated in a chair … as long as you keep moving and keep going forward.

If the taste of success is so good and so satisfying; can you imagine the taste of success when you face those who have always put you down and made you believe that you are good for nothing?

As the proverb goes:

 “Don’t tell people about your plans. Show them your results”.

I’ve been surrounded by some of the closest people to me, who made me believe that I was a failure, that I was good for nothing, that I couldn’t do what I said “I will do” and that time will prove them right.

To this person and to that other person I say:

       wait, watch and get ready to bite your fingers, InshaAllah!

As long as God is with you and on your side, as long as you have faith, as long as the ones who truly love you and care for you are there to support you, as long as your intentions are true and honest, and as long as you make your dreams come true instead of dreaming about your dreams, then, do not despair.

May you have the strength to make your dreams come true, may the Al Might bless you with good health, wisdom, knowledge and Sabr.

Stop the talk and walk the walk. Aspire to Inspire.

Walk in peace,

Nermine.

Source of photo: https://s3-torquehhvm-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/uploads/2013/12/successkid1.jpg

Love knows know limit, Love knows no shame

This morning, we have been blessed with loads of snow. The city is entirely covered with flakes and roads are covered with endless white carpets. The scenery is beautiful and almost magic. But in this white morning, I have witnessed a scene which literally made my heart "melt". And for some reasons, I needed to share this with you...because something like this, I rarely see.

A couple were crossing the street and the woman almost fell. Her man held her tight, hugged her, asked if she was OK and looked at her boots. He kneeled in front of her, on the cold snow, while she rested her hand on his left shoulder, he removed his gloves and he tied her boot laces. Then he stood up, kissed the top of her head, held her hand and crossed the street together.

Rare are the ones who will help their partners dress up, ties their shoes or wash them up when they know they can't do it themselves or when they know they need help and support. Especially for men
who have been culturally speaking brainwashed or raised.


Love knows no limit. Love knows no shame. Love knows no embarrassment. Love knows no humiliation! Love is light. Love is to be lived and felt everywhere not only behind closed doors. Never be embarrassed of a person who loves you and who's willing to do the impossible for you.


Walk in peace everyone,

Nermine B.

Source of photo: http://www.hutui6.com/love-silhouette-wallpapers.html

School of Life

Every human being was born with a heart, but many hearts grow to be dead and blind. We were born with ears, but even those who "hear" can be so deaf. We have eyes to see, but we decide to “pretend” and to close our eyes on what really matters. We were born innocent, but we made the choice to be unjust toward others. Some are "educated" yet they are so ignorant and know nothing about the School of Life and Manners. Many pretend to be so practicing or religious, and yet they are full of selfishness, hypocrisy and lies.

Many don’t know the true meaning of Love, of Respect, of Satisfaction, of Mercy, of Sharing, of Giving, of Sacrificing …. Some people are simply made like that, they take but never give.
Sooner or later, these people will suffocate in their own miserable life. Sooner or later, they will regret but maybe then, it would be too late to look back.

In this blessed day, and with the Celebration of the Birth of our beloved Prophet, PBUH, let us all remember his Sunnah, let us all remember how he lived, simply and modestly. Let us all remember that this ummi man (illiterate) was the best of teachers, had the best of Manners, he was the most loving man and husband and father. He had nothing and yet he gave to others the last date he had in his house. Even when his daughter was sick and a needy and hungry man nocked on his door, he gave him the LAST Pomegranate he had to feed his sick daughter. But he knew that the mercy of God is SO big that he would soon be rewarded with MORE and Better than what he just gave up or lost. He used to help his wives, play with them, smile to them, greet them, hug them, he never insulted his wives or ANY other human being, not even his enemies, he never lied, he never cheated, he never spoke words that can hurt or humiliate the other. He was poor, he had no degrees, but he was the best of all mankind. He was the best to his people and to others.

On this day, may all of us learn from this great Man, salla Allaho 3alahi wassalam.
May our sons grow to be Men of honours and Manners just like our Prophet, pbuh.

I love you all for the sake of Allah swt


Walk in peace,

Nermine.

P e r f e c t i o n

 

Perfection belongs to the One & Only, to the Creator of all Mankind and of All things. He who seeks perfection in this dunyah (life) shall die and never find it, except in Paradise.

Unlike what many say … do not pursue a mirage. Perfection is one of them.

Walk in peace,

Nermine B.

"If you give a little love, you can get a little love of your own."

"If you give a little love, you can get a little love of your own."

My younger sister shared this beautiful video with me and it's now my turn to share it with my circle of friends. A small act of kindness is never really "small". If you think about it, each act of kindness that you do or receive is endless and it opens a new circle over and over again. It doesn't cost you a thing and yet, it could change someone's Moment, it can even save someone's Soul or Life.

Sooner or later, it will pay back. You cannot possibly understand the beauty of "Giving", "Helping the other" and "Smiling" until it really hits you.

"O mankind! Allah created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not that you despise each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)." Nobel Qur'an (49:13)

Give it a try, it wont hurt :-)

Walk in peace,

Nermine B.

He saved a soul and an entire family ...

Another beautiful story in today's world. This man, with his kindness and good manners, he not only saved another soul but rather an entire family and gave them a chance to live together and to stay out of trouble.

Humanity is still fine my friends,

Walk in Peace.

NB

Like the ocean

"This worldly life, the dunya, is just like the ocean. And our hearts are the ships. We can use the ocean for our needs and as a means to get to our final destination. But the ocean is only that: a means. It is a means for seeking food of the sea. It is a means of travel. It is a means of seeking a higher purpose. But it is something which we only pass through, but never think to remain in. Imagine what would happen if the ocean became our end – rather than just a means. Eventually we would drown." - Yasmin Mogahed

الهموم

عن بن مسعود رضي الله عنه قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم : من جعل الهموم هما واحدا هم آخرته كفاه الله هم دنياه ومن تشعبت به الهموم في أحوال الدنيا لم 

يبال الله في أي أوديتها هلك 

(رواه ابن ماجه في سننه رقم ٤١٠٧ و حسنه الشيخ الألباني في تحقيق سنن ابن ماجه)

Giving Back on Your Birthday and on every other day

There is no joy or taste in life or in anything that we have if we keep it all to ourselves. To know that you made someone’s life a little easier today and that you allowed him or her to breath and to go to bed with one less thing to worry about; this makes life and our existence so worth living. To serve others and to give back is almost like giving birth to a new self. To know that you might have saved another person’s life by only smiling to them, isn’t this one of the greatest mission?

I don’t know about you but I personally always feel so extremely happy when I give away anything to others. Be it a present or something that I no longer use or need. Be it food, money, clothes, books, toys, flowers or even a letter; it doesn’t really matter what, how big or how small it is, or how much it’s worth, but it is all about giving, helping others and sharing!

I came across this video on my friend’s wall on Facebook  (Thank you Asma O.) and I thought to myself, WHAT AN AMAZING IDEA! This is another inspirational video and story which I had to share with you. This is something that I myself will try it on my next birthday (inshaAllah) and it’s something that I absolutely want to teach my kids and to other kiddos around me.

By watching this video, you will understand what I mean.

Enjoy it and let us make our birthdays a special and unique day to give back and to celebrate kindness, humanity and to be thankful for everything we already have!

“At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done. We will be judged by ‘I was hungry and you gave me to eat, I was naked and you clothed me, I was homeless and you took me in.’ Hungry not only for bread — but hungry for love. Naked not only for clothing — but naked for human dignity and respect. Homeless not only for want of a room of bricks — but homeless because of rejection.” ~ Mother Teresa

Walk in peace, :)

Nermine B.

PS. Yes of course, you can make every day of the year as special as this one ;)