Opinion | 2014.10.27 | 2 Muharram 1436 H
Life without inspiration is like a childhood without magic, writes Fatima Moolla of Timeless Teenz.
In order to help us overcome life’s challenges and drive us towards our potential we’re in constant need of motivation. Many would think that adults inspire youth, but that’s not true because we’re actually inspired by people who have accomplished so much at a really young age. They are the people who look beyond their struggles and refuse to be limited by what others think of them and open windows to possibilities.
Celebrities are not necessarily influential in society anymore because most are leading corrupt, valueless lives. Youth have an inclination towards world icons like Mandela and prominent personalities like Mufti Menk who don’t just inspire, but teach us how to live an inspirational life. As Muslims we are so fortunate to have the rich legacy of the greatest of men to walk the surface of the earth, Nabi (Salallahu alaihi wasalam). While we look up to legacies of the past, we also need someone to lift us up every time we are knocked down. There is need for support and motivation in order to stand tall and reach for the stars.
We are influenced by what we see and not what we hear, as the saying goes:“Actions speak louder than words!” Adults tend to only mention their goals, while youth go ahead and pursue them. One such example is of Malala Yousafzai of Pakistan who is the youngest person to be awarded the Nobel Prize. The point that I intend highlighting is her determination to fight against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to an education. She has accomplished her mission, what is it that stops us from nailing ours?
We have ambitions at every stage of our lives – It may be our academic performance at school like being top of the grade, or it might even be a special skill we have in writing or speaking, which we could further by taking little steps that could be the cause of us being an editor or perhaps a radio presenter one day. We don’t have the knowledge of what is in store for us, it might be a lucky packet with lots of surprises!
Some parents tend to make the mistake by discouraging their children who believe they have the potential to do great things. They unconsciously or unwittingly use the word ‘never’, by saying:
”You will never be able to do that, be realistic!”
This is one phrase that can scar a child forever. Rather give them a pat on the back when they achieve small goals. That will motivate them to do more and bring out the fighter in them. Our teen friends are generally the ones to congratulate us and say: ’Wow! I’m so proud of you”; “I’m sure you’ll be famous some day”; “I’m touched by your sterling efforts!” “That’s what you call inspiration!”
Amazing it is, but life without inspiration is like a childhood without magic. There would be no beacon to guide us, and no hope to climb higher up the mountain of victory. Inspiration most certainly can give us vision of what we can do with our lives. It is a lens that transforms what we see in the mirror, in the face of another and our perspective of the future. Everything you need will come to you at the perfect time: you just have to be patient and wait for it and learn from others.
The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.
Disclaimer: While Radio Islam retains the right to edit and modify guest contributions, Radio Islam makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information included in guest contributions, or those found by following links within the text. Radio Islam will not be liable for any errors or omissions in information relayed in guest contributions. The views and opinions expressed by guest writers or in the comments section do not necessarily state or reflect those of the editors.
0 Comments