As the winter chill sets in, I find myself cozying up to the simple pleasures of life. There’s something magical about curling up with a warm cup of hot chocolate, feeling the steam rise to my face, and getting lost in the eerie tales of Vincent Price’s movies. The master of horror’s voice is the perfect accompaniment to the darkness outside. Meanwhile, I’m also indulging in the witty humour of Kamal Ahmed Rizvi’s ‘Alif Noon’, a classic Pakistani TV show that never fails to make me laugh. And when I’m not watching TV, I’m devouring science fiction and classic literature, letting my imagination run wild with the likes of Asimov, Bradbury, and Simak. These long winter nights are a time for introspection, creativity, and relaxation – and I’m savouring every moment of it.
As I reflect on my life, I realise that my definition of life has undergone a significant transformation over the years. What was once a straightforward concept has become a complex and multifaceted enigma. Life is an enigmatic journey, full of twists and turns that challenge my understanding and push me to grow. I’ve come to realise that life is indeed stranger than fiction, and it’s a mirage that shimmers and shifts with each passing day. It’s a test, a trial by fire that forces one to confront one’s strengths and weaknesses, one’s harrowing fears and innermost desires.
But amidst the uncertainty, I’ve learned to embrace the ambiguity of life. I’ve stopped searching for definitive answers and started embracing the questions. Is there life before and after death? Is there life on Mars? These questions, once a source of frustration, have become a catalyst for introspection and self-discovery. Life may be a long, hard struggle, a relentless march forward in time, but it’s also a precious gift. To live is to err, to make mistakes, and learn from them. And yet, it’s in the imperfections and uncertainties that I find the beauty and humour of life. As I navigate the ups and downs, I’m reminded that life is ungoogleable. It’s a unique and uncharted territory that requires courage, resilience, and a sense of humour.
Life doesn’t come with a handle or an autocorrect option to undo past mistakes. Its lessons are rarely part of the curriculum. We have to live and learn and be kind to ourselves and to others. I have gathered some golden rules from my own journey that I’d love to share here.
The Quran says it best: ‘Surely, with hardship, comes ease’ (94:5). This verse has been my guiding light, reminding me that challenges are growth opportunities. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also emphasised the importance of moderation, saying, ‘He who is moderate in his living shall never be a pauper.’ Hardships, though tough, teach us persistence and discipline. They help us develop resilience, a quality that’s essential for navigating life’s ups and downs.
Here are some life lessons I’ve learned:
-Stop chasing shadows; they’ll chase you back. Sometimes, the things we desire most are the ones that elude us.
-Be grateful when masks fall off – it’s a blessing in disguise. People often hide behind masks, but when they finally drop their guard, it’s a chance for us to see them for who they truly are.
-Everything’s temporary, so take a deep breath and let go. Nothing in life is permanent, and that’s what makes it beautiful. Learn to appreciate the good times and ride out the bad ones.
-Animals show us what it means to be genuinely good. They love unconditionally, live in the moment, and don’t hold grudges. We could all learn a thing or two from their simplicity and innocence.
-Gazing up at the stars reminds me of our place in this vast universe without pride or ego. We’re just a small part of a much larger story, so let’s not take ourselves too seriously.
-Don’t people-please; it’ll only make you sadder. Trying to make everyone happy is a recipe for disaster. Be true to yourself, and those who matter will appreciate you for who you are.
-Privacy is power; guard it fiercely. In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in the need for validation. But true strength lies in being selective about who we share our lives with.
-Loneliness is part of the journey, not the destination. Don’t be afraid of being alone; it’s often in solitude that we find our true selves.
-Some will resent you for being your own person – that’s okay. You can’t please everyone, so focus on being the best version of yourself.
-Surround yourself with those who value you. Life’s too short to waste time on people who don’t appreciate your worth.
-Peace of mind is priceless. It’s the ultimate luxury, and it’s within reach if we’re willing to let go of our ego and desires.
As I reflect on these lessons, I’m reminded that life is a beautiful mess, full of unexpected twists and turns. And that’s what makes it worth living – the imperfections, the surprises, the love, and the growth. To live is to love, to embrace the unknown, and to cherish every moment. Life lessons are almost always out of the syllabus.
The writer is our Editorial Advisor and a filmmaker, media person, and translator based in the UK.
