After more than a decade, I'm here again

Bismillah. It has been so long. A decade passed and life has evolved tremendously. Both for me and for you. No?

As for me, through these years, I have graduated with master degree in 2019 and now pursuing my PhD. Initially I studied PhD in Sociology at Ibn Haldun Universitesi, Istanbul back in 2022 fully funded by the university. Due to some hiccups I am now continuing my PhD at ISTAC-IIUM in the area of Peace and Security. Received a full scholarship here too but had to turn it down as I decided to take up a new responsibility as a civil servant. On a rough patch, I underwent divorce in 2021 while navigating through the new normals of Covid-19 pandemic and adjusting myself as a new 'mom of four'. I had to admit that it was tough and overwhelming. It broke me like never before. The ones who were with me through the storms knew how bad it was. I tried so hard to save the boat from sinking, but alone, I just couldn't do it. Albeit, I'm glad that everyone survived and that life has been good.

The past few years was challenging yet cultivating at the same time. I see myself growing into someone new at every turn. "We grow through what we go through", as the saying goes, embracing changes in life as it unfolds. While some elevates, some are just very humbling.

These changes, says Rumi, they are nothing but another temporary visitor with stories to tell and lessons to learn. They must all be welcomed and cherished. Even when they come knocking at your door handing out sadness and heartbreaks, misfortune and remorse. We must let them in, sit with them, listen them out, give love and show kindness. And when the time comes for them to leave, be sure to bid them farewell--in gratitude. They sure have enriched us in a way we could never have thought nor imagined.

Alhamdulillah ala kulli haal. Qadarallah wa ma sya faal. 

Thank you Allah.

Despite all the mishaps, I am blessed with these four precious gifts sent from above

P/s: Since I am back, let me know if there's anything you wished for me to write about. I am thinking of moving my #PearlsofUmmNoura here, but perhaps starting it anew. Drop a comment for suggestion if you're reading this.