Hi and Assalamualaikum

Tonight, I continue my writings with a new topic regarding consistency or most likely to be called 'Istiqomah' for Muslims. To be exact, consistency needs sacrifice in time, energy and commitment. What I can truly say is that as a person who is committed to their changes in life should have the intentions to stick with those changes no matter what. However, better said than done, it is hard. Sticking to things that are not a routine before can be so much challenging. For instance, you as a Muslimah decided to try wearing socks when you are going out for good and it is ultimately hard to maintain wearing it, especially when the people around you are not doing the same things you did. For that, find a better way to make sure that you will wear socks every day. Maybe you should set an alternative way by putting socks in your bag so that if things don't go your way that time, you can always wear it on the way to your institutions or even in your car. Find a way and not giving excuses to not to stick to things you have committed to. 

I admit that to be a consistent person is full of challenges. It is normal every time you want to change for a better you that there will always people who block your way, who intend to make sure that your journey is hard etc. Do not worry to start your little step and stay strong to whatever obstacles coming. People come as a symbol of giving something to be learnt from so that you know that along your journey to these certain changes in life require more than just a dream. Bear in mind that people talk about it; your changes because they are not used to them. It's the new you that maybe they are awkward with. But, believe me, it would take some time initially. They would stop eventually after they are ready and accept the new you. Don't care about what others think about you. You own your life and they own theirs. Those changes you made in life is your decision. You cannot lean your life on others to decide. It's your life you should care about. 

People keep asking me my tips on how I maintain my changes since before. To be honest, I'm not that pious like some girls out there. At first, I don't think I am capable to tell you my tips on how to keep consistent in changes made in my life because I'm not that consistent for certain time hiks. But, after all, I think no one is perfect. So, instead of telling myself that I'm not good enough for this tips-giving thingy, I should give my reader some ideas so that they will be better than me. Actually, I'm still learning especially when things changed after I entered my degrees' life. No one is there to help you with all the Ilm of the hereafter and advice from teachers and friends. Here, no one cares. You should go and find your own peace. There is no such thing that your circle will advise you for the wrongdoings you have done. It all depends on you to realize or not what you are doing throughout your day. Here in university, I increase my knowledge through videos, hearings, sights, and experiences. It all matters in learning. Don't wait for a formal educational session to learn. Make everything you hear, you see or even you experienced yourself as a method of learning. For example, if someone used you for their own benefits and you just realize it. Just then, you learned that not everyone is sincere towards you. Be careful when making friends. Don't simply fall for their innocent faces or sweet talk. In spite of that, do not make any counterattack but take it as a lesson and set in your mind that you will never do that to anyone because the hurt is real. It's a process of learning in life that is beyond the school gate. We are no one to judge and punish, let God do. 

In terms of my consistency, I always find reasons behind all the changes made in my life. Let's say if it involves my 'aurah', it goes to me, reminding my parents especially my dad. I once read a trusted article about a father who will be asked in 'akhirah' if and only if his daughter does not fully cover their 'aurah'. Thus, everytime I cloth myself, I would ask if I'm wearing this, will my dad be asked in 'akhirah'. It's a process. If not, I would change to something wearable. It's a lie if I say that, as a teenager, I don't have the urge to look presentable. I once said to myself to follow the trend but it never happens because I already made up my mind to look presentable at the way God bless. InshaAllah, slowly but surely. I'm not that lonely for others' attention. Hiks. So guys, why say can't if you can? Consistency surely takes up a lot of effort. Make a change is easy but to stay with it, hmm I would say no. Not everyone is ready for the risks to stick up to the change. Be that person who has goals in life. Ignore those people who talk bad behind you because there are still some who are ready for your changes. Take a moment to identify those and make friends with them. There's nothing hard in consistency unless you think it is. 

With that, me, as the supporter to those who are thinking of changing to a better them will always behind all of you because not only you guys are striving for the excellence in your life, I'm also still learning. Remember that, keep learning and experiencing because these unstoppable matters will eventually help you to a happier life. 

Love,

T