Three essential mindsets to carry in life

Assalaamu'alaykum,  

Last December, I had the blessing of traveling to Iceland with my children, Alhamdulillah. 

The landscape was absolutely breath taking. Everything you've heard about its beauty holds true, it even exceeded our expectations.  

From the pristine white snow that blanketed the land to the backdrop of snow-capped mountains and mesmerising, vibrant skies, we were constantly reminded of Allah's majestic artistry. 

Each natural wonder felt like a sign of His power and beauty, He is Al- Jameel, The Most Beautiful, and this is truly reflected in His creation.  

But as I reflect on the trip, I'm reminded of a deeper life lesson I took away from the experience. 

Before we left, each of us were limited to just a small cabin bag. As you can imagine, every inch of space mattered, so we had to get really creative with how and what we packed – we were tightly rolling up clothes, deliberating over which items we considered essential for our arrival and what we could do without!

If we had only focused on packing based on our creature comforts and whims, it would’ve negatively impacted our situation on the other side, leading to considerable discomfort.  

Instead, we needed to strategise, think carefully and make thoughtful choices.    

This travel experience feels like a smaller metaphor for our bigger journey through life...   

If you think about it, we’re in exactly the same scenario – we have limited time, we’re just travelling through this temporary world and we can only carry with us certain things that will bring comfort in the final destination.  

There are other things, however, that will only weigh us down and leave us struggling on the other side. 

With this in mind, we must be strategic, selective and focused on what truly matters and is essential.  

This is the mindset of a Traveller – some one who is acutely aware that they are crossing a bridge and what they choose to carry or leave behind is what truly matters for when they reach the other side. 

Here are three mindsets of a traveller that we can adopt in our spiritual journey:  

1. Keep the End Destination in Mind: Fully embrace this life with an akhirah (hereafter) focus. Continuously strategize and reflect on how your decisions and actions benefit you not only in this world but also extend into the next.  
2. Enjoy the Journey, but don’t get distracted: While you're encouraged to enjoy the blessings of this world, you're not swayed by its illusory, dazzling lights. You understand its impermanence and ensure that these temporary pleasures don't become distractions or hinder your progress in the next life. 
3. Forward Focused & Urgent: As travellers in this world, you remain purpose-driven, making the most of your limited time here. You stay mindful that your soul can be taken at any moment, which makes every action and decision truly count.   

I invite you to reflect on how you're travelling on your path right now – what mindsets are guiding you? 

The best examples of those who adopted a traveller's mindset were our beloved Prophets. Keep an eye out for my email next week, where I’ll share a registration link for a free webinar I’ll be holding on how to tap into greater spiritual courage and live your best life following in the footsteps of the prophets, InshaAllah - do hit reply and let me know if this would interest you :)

PS: Take the Spiritual Confidence Quiz – discover your unique strengths and growth areas when it comes to showing up with faith-led confidence. Take the quiz here .

Reflection of the Week

Think about what guides your daily choices...

How often do bring in focus your bigger journey in life when making these decision?

Dua of the Week

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَ فِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَ

قِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.