Although I did not begin this year with specific resolutions in my mind, I had certain tasks in my to do list. Thinking about the Hive Learner’s current prompt, I realized the year so far has not gone without some accomplishments. There are certain things I have achieved for which I should pat my back.
The first achievement belongs to spirituality and religion. Last year, I memorized some Surahs of the Quran, bringing the total count to 26 last surahs that had retained in my memory. Nevertheless, as time passed on and I became inconsistent in reciting them, I forgot some of the Ayats (verses) from multiple Surahs. It was, therefore in my hit list to memorize the surahs again. By the blessing of God, I learned the Surahs by heart during Ramadan.
To ensure that I may not forget them again, I have listed their names in a sequence on a stick note, and now I recite them in Salah regularly. Also, I practice reciting them to someone else in the family so if there is any mistake, it can be amended.
One may wonder why I needed to list them in a sequence. The reason is that in evert rakaat of Salah Muslims are required to recite a Surah that comes after the surah recited in the previous rakah. When I learnt the Surah the previous year, I intended to recite them in Salah. Nevertheless, I couldn’t remember the sequence of many so I just recited the ones I was sure of. Therefore, to avoid the same the reason for forgetfulness, I have listed the sequence on a paper that remains easily accessible all the time.
Another task that was in my head since the last year was to create space in my cupboards arrange them according to the current requirements. I have also written in the past how cluttering affects me negatively and how much I am obsessed with tidying up spaces. So, organization and neatening cupboards is a task I perform regularly.
However, this time it was not about ordinary clean up but the increase in our belongings, bedding, toys and other daily essentials made it me unable to accommodate them in the given arrangement. I had to rethink about the placement of various items in the cupboard.
It was a time taking task requiring calculations and displacement of various objects. At times, I placed one object at a place and move it again the next day for optimum utilization of the given space. For better organization, I ordered a few organizer bags and I didn’t regret the decision.
They proved to be great help in keeping scattered object at a single place, acquiring a smaller space.
Finally, I was able to create space and accommodate everything behind the doors of the cupboards, so my room also got a cleaner and spacious look. It took me more than a week to get done with the task. Nonetheless, it was extremely relieving and rewarding. Now I have space to place thing in urgency as well, so my room remain tidied.
Another thing I have long been desiring for is to lose my weight and be in shape again. Throughout my life, I either maintained an ideal body weight or became slimmer. However, about four years from now, fats rapidly added to my body at various spots causing me to become out of shape.
The weight didn’t merely make me out of shape but contributed to foot ache and shortness of breath even after a short walk. It reduced my work speed. Many of my favourite dresses also grew short. I desperately wanted to lose extra fats.
For the purpose I started work out several times but couldn’t maintain consistency. Thus no significant results were obtained.
Meanwhile, I found out that I was suffering from Hypothyroidism which was the major contributor for the weight gain. Without the medical condition being in control fat loss wasn’t likely to happen.
Now, when I am taking medicine for hypothyroid, I started working out again. Although, I haven’t checked my weight again yet a little loosening of my dresses is an indication of the lost fats.
Additionally, I have lost arm fat by half an inch. The loss is small in comparison to my target of reducing by minimum three inches. Still, it is a positive indication about the exercises making a difference. I count it as an achievement. It is a motivation for being consistent in the future.
One important thing I have cared with regards to work out this time is that I have acknowledged my limits in terms of time and strength. Instead of aiming for a lot and ending up in burn out and frustration, I have only allotted 20 minutes of the day for the work out. It may give slower progress yet the results are going to be lasting.
Reflecting on these small yet meaningful achievements, I feel grateful with the way the year has unfolded. Although is a long journey to go for many of my goals these accomplishments are a reminder that progress is possible. One step at a time is the strategy to follow.
●●●●●●●●●
This post is my participation for Hl-featured contest week 161 edition 2.
Image 1 by Mariakray from ppixabay.com
The other image belongs to me.