WE LIVE AND LEARN WE LEARN AND LIVE


WE LIVE AND LEARN, WE LEARN AND LIVE

Muqheeta Mehboob


Throughout our lives, we come across a diverse array of people who leave a lasting impact on us in one way or another. Some of these people might have been our family, friends, mentors, colleagues, or even strangers we met on our journey. Each interaction with them has taught us valuable lessons that have helped us grow and shape our perspectives. As we navigate through life, it is important to reflect on these learnings and appreciate the people who have contributed to our personal and professional development.


One of the most significant benefits of focusing on positive habits and qualities is that it helps us develop a more optimistic outlook on life.



In this series, I want to share my learnings from some of the people who have impacted my life. Through my reflections, I aim to showcase the positive influence these individuals had on me, and how their guidance and wisdom helped me become a better version of myself. By sharing these memories, I hope to inspire others to reflect on their own learnings and appreciate the people who have played a significant role in their lives.


Another benefit of learning from the positive habits of others is that it can help us develop a growth mindset. Instead of thinking that our shortcomings are fixed and unchangeable, we can adopt a mindset that believes we can learn and improve. By observing and emulating the habits of successful and inspiring individuals, we can learn how to develop new skills, overcome obstacles, and achieve our goals.


Moreover, learning from positive habits of others can help us build better relationships. When we appreciate and acknowledge the strengths and positive attributes of the people around us, we can strengthen our relationships with them. It can also help us foster a culture of positivity and appreciation, which can lead to a more harmonious and supportive environment.


Today, I want to write something about my phupijaan (my dad’s sister). She was a wonderful person, very caring and soft-natured. She touched the lives of those around her in a meaningful way. Even though she's no longer with us, it's clear that her memory lives on through those who knew and loved her. It's important to hold on to those memories and to remember the positive impact she had on the world. I want to share one such unique memory with her.


When I was a young girl, around 13 years old, my phupijaan gifted me her old handbag. It was a simple bag, nothing fancy, but I was thrilled to have it. I remember feeling like such a grown-up carrying it around.

When I opened the bag, I found some money in the inside pocket. I was surprised and a little confused - 'why would phupijaan leave money in the bag?'

I didn't want to assume anything, so I asked her about it.

She smiled and told me that it was her practice which she always carried out. Whenever she gave someone a handbag as a gift, she always made sure to put a little bit of money inside. She said, when the person opens the bag, it should bring a smile to her face. It was a small gesture, but it served as a reminder that the bag was not empty - it was filled with love and care.

For phupijaan, the essence of giving gifts did not lie just in the material object itself, but in the thought, care, and love that she wanted to express.

I was struck by the thoughtfulness of this practice, and it stuck with me over the years. Even now, as an adult, whenever I give someone a bag as a gift, I try to include a little something inside. It's a way of passing on that sense of warmth and generosity that I learned from my phupijaan.

Looking back on that moment with my phupijaan and the handbag, I realise how much more there was to the gift than just the bag itself. It was a lesson in kindness, in the power of small gestures, and in the importance of recognizing the value in the things we give and receive.

I have learnt that the act of giving is a powerful way to connect, to express our feelings, and to deepen our respect.

I miss my phupijaan a lot and thank her for the lessons she unknowingly left with me.

I pray for the highest place of Jannah for her. May Allah swt unite her whole family and me with her in Jannah. Ameen

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