My Life Lessons

~ Important lessons I have learned that have made me who I am ~

1) My parents were/are right about 95% of the time in the advice they have given me and continue to give me. 

2) I justly believe you can count your true friends on one hand. My Dad has been telling me this all my life and the more I grow in life, the more I realize this is true. Because true friends are not only real to your face, but also stand up for you when you’re not there to defend yourself.. Time does not exist between true friends, no matter how much time has passed when you see them it's like you saw them yesterday. Judgments and lies are non-existent between each other; because there is no reason to lie. Most importantly True friends are there when things are tough; they ride the storm right beside you.

3) True friends will NEVER ask you to choose, manipulate, intentionally hurt, or make demands from you (this goes for a partner/significant other as well). Partnerships and Friendships are about communication between each other. When a person makes demands on you, gets angry at you for petty situations, treats you badly and disappears when things get tough ~ that person is not a true friend.

4) You can't make a person change, they will only change if they want too - no matter how hard you try, or stay. Same goes for you. You have to want to change. (Drugs will ALWAYS or 90% of the time overpowers the relationship). Is this harsh, yes - but I have seen this too many times and lost friends because of this. If a person does not want help, there is not much you can do. The best thing you can do for them is try to get them help, or remove yourself completely. No matter how hard it is for you or them. This also goes for physical and emotional abuse. I know it is easier said than done, I have been in both situations before and it takes a lot of courage. One Step at a time. 

5) Life happens; it won't stop for you or anyone. It will run you over if you let it. You do have a choice; you can make the best of it or waste it away. One chance is all we get to live on this earth, choose wisely. If you should get a second chance with someone, don’t ruin or waste it.

6) If you are honest with yourself and accept what is, it doesn't matter what other's think. The truth always has a way of coming out. It is true what they say about the truth setting you free. All you need is to trust that and you can survive, it’s not easy, but if you believe in yourself, and are honest, happiness has a way of finding you.

7) “Inner peace begins the moment you choose not to allow another person or event to control your emotions” This is by far one of the most important lessons I have learned this past year. NEVER let ANYONE make you feel less than what you are. If they can't accept you for you, they are not worth your time. Trust me on this.

8) The little things? The moments? They aren't little. – Jon Kabat-Zinn
Don't EVER take them for granted, you never know when they won't be there. In a blink you could lose what is most precious. It happens, I know. You may think material things are important, until you lose what's inside. This I can't fully explain, the best way I can explain is to say appreciate what you have been given naturally and take in all the little things around you, appreciate your talents and use what you have and live, live everyday as if it is your last.

Lastly ~
                                    

~ Healing begins when you allow it too ~

K@tes

Happy Valentines Day and Burn in Hell

I have to admit I am not the biggest fan of Valentine's Day, it absolutely depresses me. In this (hopefully small) chapter in my life I don't like being reminded that I am 31 and single. Not to mention the overpriced candy, flowers and never ending hype from my friends up to the day - Blah! Maybe this year it was a little harder to swallow because I am 31, and in the last year I have seen so many of my friends get engaged and settle down. Don't get me wrong I am happy for each and every one of them, but on this one day on February 14, I would rather not think about my non-existent love life. I will however be the first to admit that if the day comes when and if I meet Mr. Right, or Mr. Right then and I get a dozen red roses, or a romantic evening out on Valentine's Day I will enjoy every single moment of it, like every other romantic sap. Hypocritical right? Maybe, maybe not, but I think that every single person tells themselves that when they are single on Valentines day . . .
Regardless of how I feel now or if I was in a relationship - or how much I gagged when I had to listen to my friends talk about their plans this last year, one thing I did not think was Burn in Hell Sinners! So Valentines say may not be the most appealing to some, but it is meant to be romantic and the whole purpose of this day is to show the one you love, how much you love them. Not according to an Egyptian Salafi preacher, who believes love and Valentines day is un-Islamic. Wow imagine that! Ahmad Mahmoud Abdullah who is known as  “Abu Islam” and owns a private television channel “al-Ummah,” posted an online video Wednesday urging all Muslims and those who fear God not to use anything "tinted in red" and also made a statement saying "those celebrating Valentine’s Day or selling items related to the event (Valentine's Day) are “committing a sin and will burn in hell”. Abu Islam went as far as to say those woman who celebrate this day are considered ‘adultery and prostitution’. Apparently he celebrates February 14th as "adultery' day.
I have to say this seems a little extreme. I know us singles can get a little bitter on Valentine's Day, but I would never think to wish any ill will on my fellow romantics. I don't mean to get all politically correct (actually I do, it is my blog), but why would it be anyone's business - especially that of Abu Islam on how we as Americans spend February 14th? I get the fact that Abu Islam does not celebrate this day, but who is he to make these kinds of remarks on the romantics of the world?
On another online video Abu Islam posted on his private television channel he said that the raping and sexually harassing of woman protesters in Cairo’s Tahrir Square is justified, calling them “crusaders” who “have no shame, no fear and not even feminism.” He went on to say “They tell you women are a red line. They tell you that naked women -- who are going to Tahrir Square because they want to be raped -- are a red line! And they ask Mursi and the Brotherhood to leave power!” Abu Islam may call himself a preacher, but he is a man of hate, who describes these brave woman of Egypt as "devils," monsters and Muslimix (liberal Muslims who he gives the name “Muslimix.”)
The Westboro Baptist Church of Egypt? Unquestionably the same sick thinking of this so called "preachers" thinking. It should be noted that The Westboro Baptist Church believes that Muhammad is a child molester . . . Hmm I think they are both sick.
Although when it comes to Valentine's Day I think it is Abu Islam who is the Sinner who should Burn in Hell! 

~ Happy Valentine's Day Abu Islam! ~ 



*** I did try to obtain the video, however because the video was posted on Abu Islam PRIVATE television channel, it was not available. The words in pink are links to the articles containing the information***