Coffee with Ameena #11

First of all, Ramadan Mubarak to everyone: to those who are fasting, to those who want to fast but cannot fast, to those who choose not to fast, to those who say they are fasting but while bathing, take a gulp of two of water to quench their thirst; to those who refuse to fast, hiding under the veil of illnesses which in reality, would not get exacerbated by fasting; to those who would have fasted if only they knew it was compulsory and a pillar of the religion and to my fellow non muslims who are silently and loudly cheering us on in this blessed month. 

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you how proud I am of myself for surviving 4 weeks of alternate day calls, with 3 more weeks left to go. I’d tell you how there is a bit of truth in Kelly Clarkson’s lyrics after all, “what doesn’t kill you, sure makes you stronger”, and yes, I am standing a little taller now. I’d tell you, I still have the occasional, overwhelming fatigue and frustration, and I still have the occasional water work, but at the end of the day, I can say with certainty, it’s going to be alright.

If we were having coffee, I’d touch on a topic I haven’t spoken about in a while. I don’t understand the negativity surrounding therapy. I don’t understand why some human beings judge others for choosing to seek the help of a professional in order to optimize their mental health. I’d think it’s better for a person to get all the help they need, than to hide behind a veil of “I’m fine” and have a break down putting both themselves and everyone else in danger. If we were having coffee, I’d tell you human beings are difficult.

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you how the weather has been incredibly hot and fasting, especially that first day, felt like a test of faith, I don’t know if you felt the same way as well. I’d tell you how despite the difficulty, there is a certain calmness and serenity all around the environment, maybe it’s the hunger keeping people’s loudness at bay, or maybe it is something more, regardless, it is an incredible feeling,

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you how this year has taken an unexpected turn. How I have learnt a few more things about myself, I have met some incredible people in recent times, how love walked in when I wasn’t even looking for it, how I’ve realized that all of the so called “bumps” in our journey are there for a reason, they are there to ensure that we arrive at a particular place, at a particular time, in order to meet specific people and learn specific lessons. 

If we were having coffee, I’d remind you to live and laugh as much as you can, surround yourself with people who lift you up, find what you are passionate about and pursue it, there is more to life than work and study. 

And on that note… I hope you have blissful Ramadan. Until next time, wishing you loads of love, laughter and coffee.