Today marks my 15th birthday. One year older! And somehow, for the first time in all my 15 years, I find myself at a loss for words. I look at the past events, all the things I’ve done, I’ve experienced, and I’ve achieved these last few years, combined with all the blessings I’ve received along the way and for whatever reason, I am honestly speechless. I sat down to write this thinking that it would be a simple birthday post, then the whole feeling hit me.
Trying to push the whole ‘speechlessness’ thing aside hasn’t really worked, so I thought it would only be best to dig a bit more into it. And doing so has led me to realise that maybe, just maybe, this time around, after having reflected on my previous years, I’m meant to be speechless. It’s my cue to take my metaphorical slate, wipe it clean, and do something different by branching out - may The Almighty open up more doors for me!
Admittedly, challenging myself to try new things and trudging forward is not an easy job; in fact, it does seem rather daunting to myself at times, which is why I couldn’t consider myself luckier to have been accompanied all this while by my parents - Mrs Mom & Mr Dad - my two closest companions. To be quite frank, ‘lucky’ doesn’t even begin to encapsulate the blessing that Mrs Mom & Mr Dad are. With any path I have taken, they have always given their utmost support, and I know very well that with any path I choose to take from now, they will not only give their invaluable support, but expert, one-of-a-kind guidance.
Such an incomparable, unique and personal support system has given me the self-strength that I needed to challenge myself more. In past years, I’ve prayed to God for health, happiness, safety, and other abstract concepts along the same lines. For this year, I think that the only thing I’d really like (aside from that eternally-treasured spot in Jannah for me and my loved ones) is opportunity. After my pondering, and my realisation of the opportunities I’ve had and how they’ve panned out, I pray for more chances at using opportunity. Let’s see where my 15th slate takes me this year.
Happy Birthday To Me,
O. Mukhtar O. Mukhlis
#theomarmukhtar
