Acheh, The Land of Survival 2017

On 26th December 2004, the whole world was awaken by such devastating news that a huge earthquake shocked the land of Acheh. The 9.3 magnitude Indian Ocean earthquake later caused one of the biggest tsunami tragedy which is known as the 6th deadliest natural disasters in history.

The whole world's attention was focused on this heart-wrenching tragedy. News would cover this tragedy for weeks. An estimate of 280,000 humans lost their lives on that day. Thousands more were never found, believed to be lost forever.

I watched the news with a heavy heart and was broken-hearted everytime the newscaster reported that more dead bodies were found.

Ever since the tragedy, I've vowed to visit this resilient state one day. I vowed to visit their people and witness their strength in facing such a huge test from Allah s.w.t.

One of the reasons the Acheh tsunami impacted me so much was because in 2001 (3 years prior to the tsunami), our family lost all our material stuff in a fire that burned our whole house. We were left with nothing except with the clothes on our back. But Allah's mercy know no boundaries. In one of the hardest times of our lives, our family witnessed kindness from relatives, friends, neighbours and strangers. Allah gave us strength to re-built our lives. And because of that, I could resonate with the feelings of the Achenese people.

And true to my expectations, Acheh didn't disappoint me at all. Learning about Acheh and its' people amazes me. Their strength in accepting this huge tragedy as part of Allah's test in this world humbles me. Their dedication on re-building their lives, pushes me to do my best in life too and most of all is their faith to Allah. One would think that after such a devastating tragedy, some humans turn away their beliefs from their Creator but Subhanallah the Achenese never did. Instead they became more steadfast and religious in their faith to Allah.

To the Achenese people, you are an inspiration to other Muslims in this world! I will be back, Insha Allah.

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Life Without Distractions

We spent way, way too much on our gadgets these days. We almost forgot how the world used to function without internet or smartphones.

Our lives are constantly distracted by notifications from Facebook, instagram, messenger and other social medias. Sometimes it feels weird not having any sounds coming to remind or notify us about a friend's comment or status updates, so hence we stay glued to our gadgets.

I have years ago learned to dis-attach myself from these distractions. Many friends were bewildered when I slowly stopped checking my Facebook every few minutes of the day or not in the know of other friends' status. I then also stopped updating my own FB status because I felt that was not the 'real' validation that I craved for.

I learned that by dis-attaching myself from the fake world of Facebook and other social medias, I valued myself more. I am more confident with myself and I had more time to do things that really mattered like offering my time for charity work and enjoying quality time with people that I truly care.

The habit became more apparent nowdays (actually since a year ago) because I am always far away from my smartphone when I'm in the office. I rarely check my whatsapp when I'm working (to the irks of others) but I realized it has become a norm that friends/family/colleagues have come to accept.

By being away from my smartphone, it gives me plenty of time to focus and concentrate on my work and tasks that needs my immediate attention. I will from time to time check out for any urgent messages, but if nothing is that urgent, I am more than happy to leave it lying somehere far from me.

So when my team mates and I went for our unit retreat recently, we were placed in a remote place with no internet lines or even phone reception.

I was happy to just be surrounded by lush greeneries, with fun colleagues, great food and a good book. We had plenty of great conversations, games, team-building exercises and exchanges of gifts and affirmations.

Had I not had the years of practice of being far away from my smartphone, I would have been edgy, restless and would not enjoy one second of the retreat because I will be too anxious of not getting notifications on FB or Instagram. I will become nervous if I didn't see a friend's insta story.

Those days are gone. I am perfectly whole and happy with a life without distraction 😊

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