This links back to my trip to Guatemala with Habitat for Humanity. Going to Guatemala changed me life completely. I came home with the mentality of appreciating every single thing in my life, and not needing more. I came to appreciate my family and God a lot more. Going to Guatemala, and experiencing Ale's daily family life, and how unbelievably happy they were with the simplest of things, forced me to take stock of myself gave me a serious reality check. I vowed to live a life of contentment and happiness and not to take anything for granted.
It's crazy how you can get back and slide back into a life of materialism so unknowingly. I need to get away, and re-live and re-experience life where the simple things matter the most. Not only do I want to make a difference, I want to change myself.
What do I expect to learn on this trip?
I need to mentally commit to a lifestyle which helps me appreciate the little things, to not take things for granted, nor live a lifestyle of instant gratification. I want to grow. I want to become more spiritual. I need to silence my ego. I need to challenge myself and use my my skills to help others in need but also learn from them; a two way street. I want to come back from this trip and live a more balanced life.
It's interesting, now that I'm tuned in, how little things around me are starting to provide me with inspiration before I head out on this trip. For instance, I'm reading "The Alchemist" and just the first few pages have some of the most engaging words I have read in a long time. Just going out and running errands today before the trip, I see... "How will you change the world? Why not now? Why not today? What are YOU waiting for?" And even better yet, "Listen to your soul", "Each teach one", "There is no try- There is only do", "Goodness is the only investment that never fails", "Seek truth, Knowledge is power", "You've got A LOT to give"...
The time is ticking away as I am waiting to embark on my journey. None of this would be remotely possible without all of your words of encouragement, generous support and your donations to help make a difference and provide one of the basic needs that every family should have. So I thank you, thank you and thank you. Please don't hesitate to comment below on any of my blog posts throughout the trip.
*A Special thank you to my family for always being there for me. You mean the world to me, you have no idea.
Thank you all again,
Love Shabana.
Shabana you are doing a good job keep it up, but one suggestion bring that Kichen plan so we can build one for your Mom. Oh by the way she makes best pancakes for breakfast so hope fully on your return she might surprise you with pancakes.
ReplyDeleteYou have already started changing the world by teaching us what you just learnt! WONDERFUL - KEEP IT UP.
ReplyDelete"How will you change the world? Why not now? Why not today? What are YOU waiting for?" And even better yet, "Listen to your soul", "Each teach one", "There is no try- There is only do", "Goodness is the only investment that never fails", "Seek truth, Knowledge is power", "You've got A LOT to give"...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHABANA
MAY ALLAH FULFILL ALL YOUR WISHES
MAY YOU CONTINUE TO REACH OUT THE UNDER PRIVILEDGED AND IMPACT THEIR LIVES
MAY YOU HAVE A SUCCESSFUL AND A VERY GRATIFYING TRIP
and MOST FULFILLING LIFE
LOVE YOU BETTA