Tribulations

It’s one of the most beautiful things to experience when someone finally finds his or her way in life.

But it’s also one of the hardest things to follow through with this newfound knowledge or realization.

Transitioning from who you were into who you want to become is hard enough to do when you have people around who doesn’t want that for you.

The saying “You are your own worst enemy!” is true. Not only does it sum up the nature of human beings but it also implies how we all have it in us to go astray and live in our own hell.

I remember the day I promised myself I would not party the way I used to anymore and not consume anything that is forbidden for a Muslim. I was so happy and proud of myself that I was able to make such a huge commitment not only to myself but also to Islam.

When I decided to share the great news with some of my friends, I was very surprised with the reactions and comments I received.

Some were genuinely happy for me and thought that if this sudden change is going to be good for me then I should do it without hesitation. I had their support.

Others were surprised and didn’t think I could ever live up to it.

As for the rest of them, not only did they mock me, they actually thought I was wasting my time doing it for the sake of religion. They thought it was pointless.

Someone even told me: “Religion is a trap! Don’t fall into it. You’re better off without it!”

It seemed to me that none of them knew much about their own religion. Forget other world religions!

At first I was angry because I expected some support as for once in my life I was doing something good for myself. But then it dawned upon me that the reason why they cannot fathom the idea that someone has found solace in religion is because they don’t really understand religion or the importance of it.

Not only that, I also believe they are afraid to look for answers as they are afraid of what they might find out. And I can be almost 100% certain that they wont like it because it wont fit with their lifestyles.

I have disregarded all that I’ve been told and I’m currently focusing on improving myself.

My social life isn’t like it used to be before. These days I avoid going to clubs. I prefer little gatherings among close friends, something more intimate and comfortable.

Maybe it’s me getting older or maybe I just feel it’s pointless for me to spend my entire weekend clubbing. What good is it going to do for me? I’d rather spend it at home with my loved ones or on something more productive than “clubbing”.

It's hard enough having to deal with your own demons, and then you find out that some of your friends think you're crazy for wanting to lead a healthier lifestyle.

Apparently the way I want to live is not normal in this time of age. Someone who doesn't party and doesn't drink is known to be boring. Most people don't want to hang out with people like me.

The truth is, I'm still the same Natasha I was before minus these other insignificant things. But that isn’t good enough. For some I am already the person they would think twice to invite to a party or a gathering because to them I'm not fun to be with anymore as I wouldn’t be able to enjoy the “high”.

Its really sad to know that in today's world socializing means having to go to clubs, bars or joints where there is plenty of alcohol to go around. A party without servings of alcohol is labeled as a party for "losers" who don't know how to enjoy themselves.

Why does someone have to succumb to this kind of peer pressure just to feel like they belong?

I'm very happy to say that I have never had to succumb to peer pressure as all I did before what exactly what I wanted to do. I take complete responsibility for all my actions.

But think about those who are vulnerable to peer pressure? The ones who truly believes that the only way they can get to be cool and feel wanted is by doing things that others do that may not be beneficial to them.

What kind of world do we live in? Everything is opposite!

These days, you will never get the support you need if you wanted to change your life for the better and turn to religion for guidance. Instead you get mocked for being naïve and stupid.

But if you're doing things that could eventually lead you to trouble, everyone suddenly seems supportive. Everyone starts thinking that you're cool and wild and they want to be just like you. Carefree. Some even envy you for it!

Why can't people envy those who are on the right path? Why can't that be motivation or inspiration for others to gain from?

I am really puzzled by our fellow earthlings. Everything that was deemed good and moral is now considered stupid or pointless. While everything that was considered bad and immoral is now acceptable and even commendable.

I don’t want to sound like a prude and I’m definitely not one for my track record speaks for itself. But what has our world come to? What are we really doing with our lives? Do we really know who we are and where we’re heading?

Think about it!