ONE MOON, THREE STORIES – GENERATIONAL GAPS AND EID SNAPS

"Let’s take a snap, Mama! The lighting is literally perfect right now," a voice came from the youngest member of the family having a bright, urgent, and filtered lens of a smartphone in her hands. No, my dear daughter! Another generation, the mother replied. Your Snapchat can wait but my bedsheet can’t and the drawing room is also waiting for you along with a dusting cloth.

But then, a voice came straight from the living room, “Has anyone dipped the dates into the milk yet?” Ah! Our sweet grandma’s call it was. We must have them before the Eid prayer starts. Yes, my people, we are talking about the generational gaps but under the one MOON! Where excitement of Eid is here with three different stories. Eid is indeed the most beautiful festive for Muslims all over the world. We all celebrated it with our families, friends, and all our closed ones.

It is rare but beautiful to witness distinct generations under the one roof. From the youngest one who is worried about the perfect snapchat streak, to the middle generation – the bridge – who carries the weight of responsibilities of deep-cleaning and kitchen stress to ensure every guest is honored. And lastly, the eldest one, the ones who gently pull us away from the screens and the chores to remind us of the tiny, important rituals like the simple act of dipping dates in milk that turn a busy day into a true Eid.

From the digital life to the traditional old school vibe! Every one is celebrating this festival with full swing. But among all these snaps, kitchen chaos, or rituals, how can we forgot to take EID Envelops? After all, our Eid looks incomplete without Eidi! No matter how much the world evolves – from Instagram back to the nostalgic “Bachpan ki Eid”, this excitement remains the same in all generations. From Ammi k hath ka sheer khurma to Papa ki di hoe Eidi, some rituals are simply untouchable by time.

These are the beauty of our culture and they keep us grounded and connected with each other. These are the small little things which each generation can feel it and these remind us our Bachpan ki Eid. We hold onto them with a silent prayer: that no matter how much the world changes, these precious small pieces of our heritage will always remain exactly the same.  

THE ONE-HOUR COUCH

Digitalization has put our lives on a fast-forward mode, where the next notification always takes priority over our inner voice. In this process, we’ve sacrificed our internal space for the external noise, leaving no room to sit and talk to our inner self. We are moving so fast that our emotions can’t even catch up to us. We have become masters of doing multiple things in the same hour, we have plans for not only the next day, but also for the next week. We have gained thousands of connections throughout the world but, lost the connection to ourselves.

In the constant noise of caring for the world, when did you last listen for the quiet voice of your own soul asking, 'ARE YOU OK?’ We know exactly when we sent our last text or finished our last task whether we are at home or at the workplace, but we have no idea when we last truly met ourselves. The world will always ask for more of your time, isn’t it time we stopped listening to the eternal voices and started looking for our own ONE-HOUR COUCH?

The one-hour couch is not just a piece of sofa or a bed – side corner where you are scrolling or talking to your family and friends. It is the space we all have to create for not doing anything, no cell-phone, no to-do list, only a gap between your tasks, your commitments, your meetings, your daily work-life, a space from everything and also everyone. The one-hour couch is a pause from your hectic schedule. It is not about spending 60 minutes with your own self, but it is the dedicated hour you are giving to yourself. It is not only about a silence; it is about the discovery. It is the vital window; we all need to open for ourselves.

In this rushing era, where every minute is an endless stream of demands and expectations, we must realize that time for ourselves is never simply found but it must be taken. It is a gift, only we can give to ourselves and draw a line in the sand just to prioritize our inner life. This single hour isn't a luxury to be enjoyed only when everything else is done; it is a fundamental commitment to your own existence. By doing this small act, you are sending a message to your soul; YOU ARE IMPORTANT! And that will definitely create a peace in your life, try to bring this change in your life.

FROM TRENCHES TO TIKTOK: HOW EACH GENERATION CARRIES THE WEIGHT OF WAR

Conflict, anger, sensation, trauma—and then TikTok, memes, and entertainment, these are not just random words; they represent a generational shift. They reflect how people of different age groups perceive the current state of the world, not just in Asia but globally. We are living in a time where the mindset of our parents differs significantly from ours, and the gap becomes even wider when compared to the next generation.

The word “WAR” sounds like a nightmare for our parents and grandparents because they have experienced those days and nights in past decades. They still carry the echoes of those bombings, the tears of homeless families, the sacrifices of thousands of innocent lives, and the economic devastation; they believe that conflicts and wars can never bring joy or benefit in anyone’s life. Our parents lived through the era of newspapers and radios, a time when access to information was extremely limited. Their knowledge of events like war often came solely from printed headlines or official government broadcasts. News was delayed, filtered, and scarce, offering only a brief glimpse into what was actually unfolding.

In contrast, our generation grew up during the rise of rapid technological advancement. We witnessed the shift from analog to digital, from landlines to smartphones, from traditional jobs to the gig economy. Our perception is a blend of inherited values and newfound freedoms. We find ourselves in a different position as we are witnessing both the generation of our parents and that of our younger siblings and children. The contrast in their mindsets is clearly visible. However, one conclusion remains undeniable: war is never a solution. As a global society, we must reflect on what was truly gained from the world wars and weigh it against the devastating loss of millions of innocent lives.

Despite everything, we must acknowledge that we are living in the fastest-moving technological era in history. Information from around the globe is now just a tap away, and within microseconds, we can access news and updates from virtually any country. This instant connectivity is undoubtedly a remarkable advantage, allowing people to stay informed and engaged like never before. However, it also raises a critical concern—how do we deal with the spread of misinformation?

Today, we live in an age where a single video can go viral across the globe within minutes, yet we often have no reliable way to verify whether it's real, fake, AI-generated, or simply footage from a video game. Mainstream media presents one version of events that are often filtered or selective while social media paints a completely different picture. In such a situation, it becomes increasingly difficult to find out the truth. We’ve witnessed this during past wars, and now we are experiencing it firsthand in our own region, the unsettling reality of manipulation and misinformation.

One fundamental truth we must grasp is that war is never the answer. A missile or drone cannot distinguish its target with moral clarity, it does not know who should be harmed. When one home is unsafe, its neighboring homes are also at risk. In conflict, no one remains truly untouched. It is necessary for us and especially for the younger generation to understand the importance of always praying for peace and never glorifying or wishing for war.

Conflicts, wars, and acts of terror should never be sensationalized. Speak to your parents and grandparents about what they endured during times of war; they will never advocate for it. Because in the end, those who lose their lives never return and no matter which side they're on, every loss is a heartbreak for a mother, a spouse, and a family. This is not something to be turned into a meme, take a moment to consider the families who have gone through such pain. Imagine how difficult it must be for a soldier to write what could be their final letter or make a last phone call, not knowing whether they will ever return. Just pause and truly reflect on that reality.

THE POWER OF REALIZATION: A PATH TO SELF-DISCOVERY

Realization: a word we often use in our daily conversations, but have we ever considered its true significance? Suddenly, you find yourself about to turn 28, remembering your 18th birthday as if it were yesterday. Before you know it, you'll be 38. It's crucial to work towards your future while living fully in the present, all the while not forgetting the lessons of the past. Realize your mistakes, understand the situations of your loved ones, and embrace realization over regret. Recognize the value of a fresh morning and a peaceful night. Understand the differences between your 18-year-old self, your 28-year-old self, and your future 38-year-old self. Regret can be far more painful than realization.

Success is not merely measured by the money in your bank account. True success is about happiness at the end of the day, about being able to sleep without the aid of pills. Instead of looking at how many designer clothes or shoes are in your closet, think about how good and mentally balanced wearing them makes you feel? Moments, people, and time truly matter, not the place. Even if you are in the most wonderful place in the world, you won't be mentally present there if you don’t have the right person with you. Realize the actual needs and wants in your life. Understand that your mental health is crucial to maintaining your physical health, and if you are not stable mentally, no food, juice, or fruit can make you healthy.

Today's generation is practical, always searching for logic in every situation. But it’s essential to understand that money can't buy everything. Many may laugh at this statement, but it is an absolute truth. We often see people with no financial issues but who are badly damaged physically or emotionally. You might have a lot of money, but without a peaceful environment, that money is meaningless. Your job might take you to fascinating places that others only dream of, but sometimes, all you crave is a simple cup of tea with your family. It's not about the tea; it's about the happy faces, the sibling's chatter, the peaceful smile of your spouse, and above all, the presence of your parents at home. Nothing beats this luxury, and no other happiness matches this.

We often call our younger generation a sad generation with smiles on their faces. It’s not because they don’t want to be happy but because they are searching for happiness in the wrong places. To focus on our goals and achieve something meaningful, we need to work on three things: discipline, sincerity, and patience. Shortcuts are meaningless; gradual growth is everything. It brings success, peace of mind, and time management, and allows you to balance your practical and personal life together.

In the end, the only emphasis is to work on the journey of true realization because realization is difficult but regret is painful. Realization is to identify your own mistakes, work on yourself, praise yourself for all your hard work, clap for yourself, and focus on your journey. Never ignore the efforts of your family who remained with you in all circumstances. Accept that no one is going to love you and care for you more than your own family. Realize the importance of time, the value of your loved ones, and the significance of true happiness. Embrace realization over regret, and work towards a balanced and fulfilling life. 

BUILDING BRIDGES, NOT WALLS - A HUMANITY-CENTERED NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION

As the year 2023 draws to a close in just a few days, it has revealed to us the true essence of humanity. From the East to the West, and from the North to the South, we have witnessed the harsh realities of people who once believed themselves to be the most compassionate and humanity-loving. Throughout this year, the cold-heartedness within all of us has been exposed, shedding light on how the world treats those who dare to speak up for their rights.

The world has not only demonstrated that women are the only ones who can shed tears but has also revealed the profound impact of witnessing innocent children lose their lives. In these heart-wrenching moments, even the strongest of men find themselves devastated, grappling with a sense of powerlessness in the face of such unjust circumstances. Not confined to any particular city or nation, it appears that we have collectively fallen short, not just as a nation but also as human beings. People across the globe have grappled with soaring inflation rates, political instability, and the unforgettable, heart-breaking genocide. The silent puppetry of superpower nations has cast a shadow, influencing events with faces unseen but consequences deeply felt. The challenges we face are not limited by borders; they underscore our shared humanity and the need for collective efforts and action to address the pressing issues that affect us all.

This year has unfolded as one of the darkest eras in terms of humanity, kindness, and solidarity. The world, seemingly deaf and mute, has remained indifferent to issues surrounding basic rights, which are not exclusive to the empowered alone. The global community has faltered in ensuring fundamental rights, not only for adults but also for the most vulnerable, innocent children. Particularly, the world has failed to safeguard the lives and basic rights of Palestinians. The ongoing challenges underscore the urgent need for a collective commitment to addressing and rectifying the injustices that persist on a global scale.

Every passing year imparts valuable lessons, and one of the most profound takeaways from 2023 is the realization that closing our eyes or interrupting internet services cannot alter the truth. Disconnecting people does not reshape perceptions, dedication, or love. Injustice stands as the primary root cause for the myriad political, educational, and economic challenges we currently confront. It is a stark reminder that addressing injustice is crucial for overcoming the pressing issues that affect us collectively.

As we embark on the journey into the new year, signifying twelve new chapters of our lives, we collectively bear the responsibility to ensure that we prioritize self-improvement. Only by fortifying ourselves can we effectively advocate for others. Strengthening our resolve, we aim to become even more resilient, ready to confront the challenges the world presents. The prevailing injustice serves as an alarming call to action for all of us, demanding an immediate halt. To ascend to positions of influence and address these issues, it is imperative that we first focus on our own personal growth. Through self-awareness and empowerment, we pave the way for a more just and equitable world. 

The world needs to understand that if we are unable to build bridges, no one has the right to erect walls. This simple yet profound principle underscores the importance of fostering connections, understanding, and collaboration among nations and individuals. Walls, whether metaphorical or physical, only serve to perpetuate division and hinder the collective progress of humanity. In acknowledging our shared responsibility to bridge gaps and promote unity, we pave the way for a world that thrives on cooperation, empathy, and a shared commitment to a better future. 

FINDING HAPPINESS IN THE LITTLE THINGS; APPRECIATING LIFE'S SIMPLE PLEASURES

Life is a very unique journey that has numerous countless blessings, hardships, happy moments, tough nights, and unlimited and unexplainable feelings. From the first breath till the last one, it is a journey of different experiences, opportunities, and challenges. Sometimes it makes us the happiest people on earth and then another day is a different experience. These ups and downs are as similar to our heartbeats. If it is, there will be nothing left. 

We are blessed that we have a lot of beautiful relationships and things given by Allah and, most of the time, we are very ungrateful for having all of them. Life is not a question paper that we have to solve but a path of unique emotions and events that change us with the passage of time. We may have plans and aspirations, but life often has its way of surprising us with unforeseen twists. These twists and turns of life make it exciting and sometimes tough! That's why we all hear that life is a journey to be experienced. 

"If life were predictable, it would cease to be life, and be without flavor." unpredictability is necessary for us because if we know what will happen in the future, we will never enjoy the present as it is a gift from Allah to us. Living in the present is not an easy task to do because, most of the time, whether we think about our past or we worry about the future, in between the past and future, we miss the current time that is present. 

"Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans." John Lennon, we regularly plan a lot of things but we forget to live in the moment we have. Setting goals and pursuing passions that align with our true selves provide a sense of direction and fulfillment. But with all this planning, we should make time for ourselves and the people we love, the things we want to do, and anything that makes us happy.

 But what makes us happy? An expensive item? A high-salary job? A remarkable educational degree? A societal status? Any position on renowned platforms? When we observe, around us, many of us have everything, more or less, but we are still not a very satisfied and happy generation. Why? Because we are finding happiness in materials. We have taken the word blessing for granted and we are just in a race of comparing our lives with others. If someone has a better job, we want that! If someone has a better degree, we start thinking negatively, if someone built his or her own house we start judging, if someone finds a good partner, we start talking about them. Why are we not happy about another's success? We don't know the journey of that person. It might be possible that the things we have he or she doesn't have! But we close our eyes for our blessings. We have to be grateful for the little things Allah has given us without even asking for them. Once we become grateful people, we will observe things differently and positively. We have to appreciate our journey, efforts, and hard work, and if we find happiness within ourselves, succeed in our life. We are the artists of our lives, and it is in our hands to paint something unique and fill our own painting with many colors! We are the manager of our life, we should know with whom we want to spend our time, and our life, and time is indeed the most precious gift. Don't give it to anyone. We have to embrace our imperfections and start living life in a different way to make it the most wonderful

MINDFUL SENSORY AWARENESS; FOSTERING MINDFULNESS BY EMBRACING THE RICHNESS OF OUR SENSES IN DAILY EXPERIENCES

 Are we all living in the present or do we just pretend to be in the moment physically? The world has evolved completely in the past few decades and we all are now entrapped in the era of technology. In this fast–paced world, we can connect ourselves with anyone in just a few seconds, but at the same time, we can sense a kind of disconnection from the present moments. A person can be present physically but feel absent mentally or lost in his/her thoughts about something else. It is a common distraction we all can experience in our daily life, and our senses play a very crucial role in all this.

Senses are one of the most unvalued blessings, we never think for a minute about what happens if we can’t see this wonderful world full of colors. What will we feel if we can’t hear the beautiful voices of our loved ones, can we imagine not smelling the wonderful fragrances? We never thank Allah after tasting a variety of delicious food and yes! How easily do we forget the feeling of touch and sense if it is safe for us or not? These senses are the real blessing that enhances our lives in countless ways.

The sense of sight allows us to behold the breathtaking beauty of nature, marvel at artistic creations, and witness the vibrant tapestry of colors that surround us. From the glorious hues of a sunrise to the intricate details of a flower, our ability to see enables us to appreciate the world's visual splendor and find inspiration in the simplest of things. Similarly, listening to numerous wonderful voices, the aroma of that coffee has the ability to cherish memories and evoke a range of emotions. Taste, an exquisite sense, allows us to indulge in a world of flavors and delights. From the tangy zest of citrus fruits to the comforting sweetness of chocolate. Don’t forget the sense of touch that enables us to feel the gentle caress of a loved one, the softness of a pet's fur, or the warmth of the sun on our skin.

In a world full of these blessings, mindful sensory awareness is necessary. Mindful sensory awareness involves intentionally paying attention to the sensations we experience through our senses. When we engage in mindful sensory awareness, we learn to appreciate the beauty and depth of each sense. Through the practice of observing things, we train our minds to be fully present, allowing us to embrace the moments. It will help us to make ourselves more positive towards life and it helps to find peace, joy, gratitude, and happiness in the present moments.

When we engage our senses with mindful awareness, we turn ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences. So, let's start the journey of mindful sensory awareness by consciously engaging with our senses and immersing ourselves in the present moment.

Discipline - Key Element in Building Healthy Habits

 

Discipline is amongst the most important personality traits to build a person’s strong lifestyle. In this ever-evolving era, we all are in a continuous race of finding success whether it is in the form of peace, money, health, education, or anything else that lies in between personal and professional life. But is there any shortcut to reach the top? The answer is NO! We cannot reach anywhere before the right time and without the right planning.

 

People are unaware of the fact that without personal growth and discipline, one cannot manage to retain his or her professional growth. Discipline is the bridge between our aspirations and our accomplishments. It is the fuel that transforms dreams into reality and unlocks the full potential within us. We all dream about the fulfillment of our plans, and goals, and achieve what we think during different phases of our lives. A kid of today is different from the past because the world is changing every other day. They are growing in the era surrounded by technologies; the instant accessibility of entertainment and information poses challenges to maintaining discipline and focus.

It is important to maintain the balance between setting boundaries and allowing the children to explore the world. But is discipline only have significance in children's lives? No, it is essential in every phase of life and for every person. A life without discipline is just like a ship without radar, we cannot ignore the significance of being disciplined. Practicing self-discipline can boost your well-being and outcomes in different areas of your life, from relationships to health to your career. Discipline is a driving force that helps us to stay focused, and overcome the obstacles in our journey to personal and professional excellence.

By practicing the habit of discipline, one can achieve the long- term goals, a peaceful mind, improvement in physical and mental health, and ultimately a positive lifestyle. A disciplined approach to time management empowers us to prioritize tasks, eliminate unnecessary distractions, and make the most of each precious moment. Discipline cannot just affect our lives but also impacts the people present around us, because if we are positive then we try to create a positive environment around us. It is an essential attribute to shape our lives and enables us to reach our goals. In all different phases of life, discipline acts as a guiding principle, ensuring that we make conscious decisions aligned with our long-term goals and aspirations.

Discipline provides structure and motivation toward building a healthy lifestyle with balanced habits. We prioritize our well-being above everything and then we start working on ourselves first, as it acts as a foundation to set goals for a better life, for a healthier life. Discipline establishes a routine and then we stuck to it to achieve day-to-day goals. We all can practice this basic habit to observe the drastic changes in our lives. 

LIGHTS CAMERA ACTION - GENERATION Z

The year 2018 was marked as the cutoff point between the Millennials and Generation Z (Commonly known – as Gen Z). Anyone born after 1996 is a part of Gen Z, they are the first generation to be completely raised in the era of smartphones and social media. Over the past so many years, we thought that Millennials were obsessed with social networking sites but Gen Z took it to the extremely next level. This generation is highly obsessed with social media and spends more than four hours daily which is directly a waste of their precious time.

Generation Z has an obsession with more visual platforms and less messaging-oriented platforms. This generation thinks differently as compared to the other generations. Millennials came into the generation of internet explosions while Gen Z came not in the era of the internet but the fastest of all times. More than 50% of youngsters are highly influenced by the use of Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat.

Gen Z focuses more on what matters to them and what they can do or not, there is no in-between situation for them. Gen Z is skillful, creative, open-minded, multi-taskers, and curious but at the same time, they are over-thinkers, depressed, have the worst sleeping schedule, and can’t handle face-to-face interaction because they prefer to be behind the keyboard of their smartphone screens. But a variety of social networking sites provides them with a number of opportunities to communicate with new people all over the world whether we talk about Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, etc. They have a unique skill to make a zone for what actually matters to them.

They are the powerhouses in their job places when it comes to remarkable management of day-to-day activities and they know exactly how to prioritize their duties. But in all goods, they are addicted to the use of technology and the excessive use of social media made them addicted to photographs, and videos and engages the audience with visual skills. Previous generations have their priorities more related to basic needs but today, Gen Z is more worried about how many likes, comments, and shares they get when they upload a photo, video, status, or anything else through their social media account. They believe the concept that social media has the power to make or break people with just one post.

But not every glitter is gold. Gen Z is more connected to the people on social media as compared to the ones living with them and this is damaging our family system. They know how to chat with an unknown person behind the screen but sometimes they don’t realize how badly they treat their parents, teachers, friends, and the close ones around them just to make their stance right.

Ending without discussing the trolling and frequent use of abusive words is not satisfying for me and the readers. We all have mobile phones, internet connections, and social networking sites but we have no right to use bad words about anyone’s personal or professional life. We are unaware of the fact that maybe someone is going through the worst part of their life or maybe it was his or her happiest moment and our single negative comment can ruin their whole event. Our young generation needs to understand the value of people’s personal boundaries. There should be a line of respect when you criticize them for anything. It’s better to say nothing if you don’t have a good thing to say. Give respect first to gain respect.

PAKISTAN - A BLESSED LAND

 

“Now or Never”, the first declaration of Pakistan was titled by this name in a pamphlet that was published by Choudhry Rehmat Ali in January 1933. It was a very powerful slogan that clearly gave the message of what Muslims of the sub-continent wanted and then the unbeatable struggle for a separate homeland established all over the world. 28^th January 1933, was quite a historic day even after seventy-five years of independence the people of Pakistan still remember all the struggles done by the brave leaders of history.

Pakistan was not given to Muslims of the sub-continent like a piece of cake it was a complete bloodshed separation history and the journey for a hardcore love for an independent homeland. It was history just to achieve a sovereign identity for Muslims which was nearly impossible in the sub-continent. On 14^th August 1947, the first country under the name of Islam came into being on the map of the world. The Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the dream of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the vision of Quaid-e-Azam, and the revolutionary struggle of various Muslim leaders’ men and women, young blood, and even kids from every field of life. 

The word PAKISTAN was originated by Choudhry Rehmat Ali with the concept of “Land of the Paks” which indicates the spirituality and religious aspect behind the whole independence journey. It is both a Persian and an Urdu word and every letter of this word represents a unique meaning. Punjab, Afghania (North-West Frontier Province), Kashmir, Iran, Sindh (including Kachch and Kathiawar), Tukharistan, Afghanistan, and BaluchistaN. Pakistan in spite of all the political scenarios is still a very interesting and blessed country. Among the numerous facts, the first and most important is that Pakistan is the world’s first Islamic country to attain nuclear power. 

Pakistan has the largest canal-based irrigation system in the world but still, we have some serious issues of shortage of water. We all are aware of the Khewra salt mine which is the world’s largest and oldest salt mine in the world. According to the survey, the National anthem of Pakistan ranks among the top anthems all over the world. 

When we are talking about the wonderful facts about our homeland how can we forget the second most beautiful capital in the world that is Islamabad, Pakistan. And also, we know the importance of one minute when MM Alam shot five planes in less than one minute during the Indo-Pak 1965 war.

The Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, Pakistan is one of the world’s largest mosques. After all the amazing facts, it is not justified if we forget that our tea is always fantastic and our intelligence is also fantastic. Pakistan is completely rich when it comes to tourism and tourist destinations. The country has some highest mountains, lakes, oldest civilizations, valleys, historic places, and much more for all the tourists.

Pakistanis are one of the most hospitable nations across the world. Pakistan is a blessing for us and it is our responsibility to love and respect our homeland not because we have a green passport but because this land has given us the most important thing which is identity and freedom and this has to be above all as nothing feels safe in slavery.  

How are you - an unanswered question

How are you? I am fine. This is one of the most important and fundamental questions we ask many people we meet daily. We ask this question no matter what our relationship is with that person, and we usually get the same answer. But is it really as simple as we thought?

No, it is the most complicated statement, which hides tones of emotions, thousands of feelings, and several untold words. If people who are close to our hearts understand this, I am sure many of us will easily come out of the untold and hidden depression. We are all facing trauma Behind the hidden laughs, smiling faces, behind the screens, and even behind the social media memes.

We all have a lot of social media friends, real-life friends, colleagues, and several people around us, but we cannot open up in front of everyone. Sometimes we have to hide our real lives from the closest people just not to cause stress, or we can say that we don’t have the courage to explain what’s going on in our lives or what we are fighting with. It is critical to determine whether your family, friend, or anyone you are with is actually fine and doing well in his or her life, or if they are just pretending to be fine in front of you and everyone else.

This life is really unpredictable and we don't know what will be the last breath of anyone's life. It is better to ask them before they give up on it. It is a harsh reality of our society that we do care for the deceased but ignore the feelings of a living person. It's all about our priorities because we usually get busy in our daily routine and ignore our loved ones or take for granted the feelings they are indirectly sharing with us through quotes, memes, social media posts, or even with the change of their moods and behaviors. It should get attention, and we have to respect someone's feelings, whether they are happiness or sadness, irritation or joy. 

What we have to do in this regard is to pay attention to the people we love, care about, and all those with whom we are connected in any way. It takes no money to be kind to someone. It just takes some of your hours and sometimes some of your days, but you can save someone who is going through the worst situation in his or her life. We, as a society, have to be patient and kind to spread positivity in this negative environment, and we have to realize that social media trolling, personal attacks, and comments on someone's personal life can ruin their lives. Just for our seconds of fun and enjoyment, we are actually destroying our society and our generation. Be kind to yourself and give time to those who deserve your precious time. Change is necessary, but change from the inside is the main change that has the power to prevent our society from more damage. 

Luxurious life - A different story

We are living in an era where brands have become needed and a symbol of supremacy in society. We all want to have the best lifestyle and, for us, what is actually meant by the best lifestyle? As I have observed in recent years if we talk about the best lifestyle, it definitely starts with a big house instead of a happy home, a branded dress with too much arrogance inside, a car which should be more expensive than our neighbors, a high school or college in terms of speaking English instead of a quality standard education system, get together at least every month in a sound restaurant, an air-conditioned room, office and even now a traveling mode should also be air-conditioned and even much more.

Have we ever thought that this is actually the best lifestyle? Not by default, we have confused this generation between a luxurious life and a happy life. We have all now become addicted to these luxuries and, undoubtedly, we have made these things our needs. We are all equally responsible for the bad behavior of our younger generation because we didn't teach them about right or wrong. Instead, we taught them class differences, and new modern use of YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. We all have smartphones and we all know what is happening in someone's social life, but we are far away from our family, from our close ones, from those who actually need our attention.

Now it's not about the smartphone, it's about which company the young boy or girl is using, it's about which brand he or she is wearing, whom they are following on Instagram, and how many followers they have on social media. Which YouTuber is their favorite, which is the recent restaurant they have visited. We have no concerns about the quality of education and we are not willing to make innovations in our educational systems. Our generation is not thinking about doctors, engineers, medical-related fields, business degrees, law fields, not even the film-making fields. What they are watching is a YouTuber making a fun video and he or she is easily earning a lot of money just by using a mobile phone, on the other hand, young blood has completed his or her graduation or doctorate degree and their initial salary is not even 40 - 50 thousand. They paid lacs and lacs to this educational system but what they got is depression, long-time workload, bad behavior from the seniors, and low pay with more than 8-9 working hours. A ticktoker is making more money than a professional degree holder.

Where are we going? We want an independent life on our father's money, and we want luxury, but we don't want to do a hard-working, stressful job. Our generation is looking for all the shortcuts for making money and a lot of social media influencers on Instagram and other social sites with millions of followers. We have no control over our talks and aggression. There is no patience level for anyone, whether it's about family or about anyone in practical life. We need to understand that a happy life is not about a luxurious life, it's only about a peaceful life.

Our new generation is talking about stress, and depression, as they have everything they need but they are not realizing the blessings they have in their lives. They are all unaware of the importance of education because when any graduate gets the degree, he or she starts searching for contacts because, without reference, getting a job is really tough in our country. We have to stop this trend of social media influencers. What are they doing? They are promoting a good face, branded expensive dresses and makeup products, and dance and new song promotions. What are their qualifications and abilities? No one is ready to ask them what they are doing for youngsters and why they call them influencers? It is the responsibility of parents, teachers, the elderly, and even organization heads to think about it. We are not working on the skills and quality but we are investing in limelight stuff. In reality, luxury is the time we spend with our family while being busy in our daily routine. Luxury is that space we give to someone to recover from the past, actual luxury is the happy moments we spend with our friends. It is that peace we find in between the laughter, it's the mindset for doing something new every other day.

We all have to make some boundaries in which we have to understand that a happy and family-loving, peaceful lifestyle is far better than materialistic luxuries. We have to tell the younger generation that luxury is in the time and effort they are putting into building their future. We need to understand this unless we face massive disasters in the upcoming generations.

WOMEN - THE REAL ARCHITECTS OF SOCIETY

Most of the people says that there should be no specific mother's day, women's day or any other day for anyone special to us. But can we get out of this negative perspective that controls our minds and drag them towards negativity? What is wrong with celebrating a day for the ones who make our every day so perfect and wonderful? Whether I'm talking about mother, sister, our beautiful daughters and wife, women working with us in any workplace, studies at any type of educational institution etc. What is the problem with treating them uniquely and differently and making them feel special for even a single day? 

"A woman is the one who is Wonderful, outstanding, marvelous and adorable. Make her feel like she is everything to you, everyday, every minute, every year and specially with every beat of your heart."

Women's day is not about just a day, but it's an amazing idea to acknowledge the achievements of the lady, from her professional experience to the lady who is a perfect housewife to the mother who takes care of us from childhood till age. This is not just a day, but an opportunity to change the world and make them realize what women are doing for the home, for the organization, for the country and all of the above, for building generations and the nation. 

As we are all busy in our daily life and do not even make much time for the people special to us, they all understand and support us. If we give them true happiness and attention even for a single day, they will remember it for their whole life. Women's day is, in my opinion, the perfect opportunity to make them feel special and all we have to do is to make them smile. We can spend some quality time with our mother, sisters, daughters and mothers. A husband can make his wife feel like the queen of his life. It's not about a day, it's about realizing what they are meant to us. We celebrate birthdays, anniversaries or any other events, so why not women's day? No matter how much money you have, it's the effort you put into making sure that our women remember it for the rest of their lives. Your one-day effort can also change someone's whole life. Women around us work with us all. All they want is respect, honor, acknowledgement, unconditional love from the family and support to fly high. 

"Where there is a woman there is magic."

Put all the negative sides of the story aside for a while and just think about what you can do by your side for the people you love and for the people who do everything for you daily. Just take a moment and think about it.

The month of march has begun, and on 8th of march women's day will going to be celebrated internationally. Make sure you will make some time for all the women around you at your home, at your workplace, at your educational place or any other. Keep remember that it's not about the day but it's only about she is special, she is unique, she is respectable and above all she deserves the true love and respect from all of us and from our society. Respect of her rights is the most special gift we can give her on this day. Happy women's day to all the amazing ladies all around the world.

FEAR OF REJECTION

 

Have we ever observed in our surroundings how much people are stressed about the word "REJECTION"? No sugar coat, but it's a bitter reality of society that one can easily reject the other person's perspective, wish, believe, stance on something just because that person is saying something that is against your opinion or ideas. Life is not difficult, but sometimes our own companions make it unbearable.

Rejection is not wrong. Sometimes it gives us new directions towards betterment, but the fear of rejection is stressful and, in numerous cases, it can destroy our mental health completely. But in what cases, fear of rejection harm us? It can be seen in all disciplines of life. For example, a young fresh graduate goes for an interview for a certain position with full energy but the interviewer rejects his or her just because of lack of confidence or looks. We all know how much our society is obsessed with skin color, English language, brands. These are all secondary or tertiary things. The first priority of judgement should be his or her education and working abilities. Another rejection we all faced once is the ignorance of opinions if we are not in power. It has been observed frequently that fear of rejection can damage many lives at certain points. The fear about how the other person will react to your perspective, thoughts, creativity, values and so on. The ignorance does not just come from people in practical life but also from our loved ones when we fail to convince them about what we want, what we feel, what are the dreams and goals we have set for ourselves.

The fear of rejection is reality and everyone of us should accept this to get over it. This is a very debilitating fear that significantly influences your daily choices, decisions, and actions. It is acceptable to disagree with someone's school of thought, but it should not be allowed to misbehave with anyone or let down anyone or make them uncomfortable by having a difference of opinion. 

Once we give regard to the other person's ideas or suggestions, we will start growing in a positive way. Even as an individual, we should think that another person's reaction is nothing but just a difference of opinion. Fear of rejection is not the natural psychology of human life as it grows with times when we interact with different people. We get close to the people we love of admire, we started over explaining them about our opinions but we have to understand that talk to people only when they are willing to listen us. If we show extra efforts towards anything unnecessary, people starts avoiding us. This will make a person an over thinker. The lack of self-confidence creates self-doubt and it can immediately change anyone's life in a negative direction. People started avoiding social gatherings, any public meetings, when people left their own family functions. The person starts assuming negative and illusive thoughts and observes everything in a negative direction. At certain points, people start comparing themselves with others' lives. But the acceptance of anything is the first step towards change. Once you accept that somebody's opinion is creating problems in your daily routine, you will come out of it. To gain your freedom back, you just focus on yourself and by acknowledging your own achievements, and giving value to your own journey, you will get your confidence back. And once you get it back, nobody will let you down at any stage of life. 

ONE NATION ONE DESTINY

On 23rd March, 1940 under the roof of Mughal emperor Shahjahan’s Badshahi mosque, in the city Lahore that has been known as the heart of Muslims of subcontinent for so many years and decades, a resolution had passed by a group of great Muslim Leaders with one point agenda ‘A separate homeland for Muslims of subcontinent'. The resolution initially presented with the name of ‘Lahore Resolution' but who knew that it will going to create a history in only seven years of time period.

The resolution was signed by the leaders of All India Muslim League that clearly reject the idea of United India because after British government, everyone knew that the powers will automatically go in the hands of Hindu as they were in majority and that will create a disaster for Muslims and other minorities, they will have to suffer for their basic rights religiously, on cultural basis, political and social basis as well. 

All the Muslims leaders including the founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah have a crystal clear vision regarding the rights of Muslims and if Hindus came in the ruling position Muslims will face the undefinable limitless problems in all aspects of life. The resolution was named as Lahore Resolution and even it didn’t actually mention Pakistan anywhere, but after that resolution the struggle found a new life and energy. The resolution later called as PAKISTAN Resolution and it had become the turning point for Muslims of India. After 23rd March, 1940, Muslims of subcontinent never looked back.

In just seven years after the resolution passed, Pakistan came in to being on the map and became the world’s first Islamic Republic. Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and his other members, the leaders and companions lead Muslims from the front. The struggle and vision was real and only for the rights of Muslim men and women, for the generation and generation. 

The nation proudly celebrate Pakistan Day annually on 23rd March. The day starts with early morning parades in Islamabad and in all provincial capitals of the country. We all should be grateful to Allah for the independent homeland where we are free to perform our religious and cultural activities without any fear. Pakistan and Muslims of subcontinent will always remain blessed to have great leaders like Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Allama Iqbal, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, Liaquat Ali Khan, Chaudhary Rehmat Ali, Fazlul Haq, Ibrahim Ismail Chundrigar, Nawab Mohsin-ul-Mulk, Fatima Jinnah, Begum Rana Liaquat, Jahanara Shahnawaz and many more leaders, personalities and people of subcontinent who have struggled for our better and shining future.

After the creation of PAKISTAN, Quaid-e-Azam spread the message of unity always and said,

“We are now all Pakistanis - not Baluchis, Pathans, Sindhis, Bengalis, Punjabis and so on and as Pakistanis we must feel, behave and act, and we should be proud to be known as Pakistanis and nothing else.”

The founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah always encourage people with his words of Unity , faith and discipline. If we want to see Pakistan a successful country we must try individually and play our own part for unity and betterment of the country and the citizens. 

PAKISTAN ZINDABAD!