Written by By Nepa Jamilah Uddin.

Those close to me will know that I’ve been through an incredible year. Here are some reflections. Things I need to work on:
1. Morals: Be kind, upright. The rest will take care of itself.
2. Learn when to shut up. Seriously, sometimes just stop take a deep breathe and don’t argue with fools.
3. Listen – stop and take interest in what someone is saying. It is very attractive in a person and honestly, you’re more likely to listen to what they have to say.
4. Let cr*p go – don’t hold onto negativity. Let it go, take a deep breathe. No amount of worrying will change stuff. Be free.
5. Emotional Intelligence – understand emotions in yourself and others. Manage your behaviour and relationships. Learn to say sorry and thank you. I forgive you and so on.
6. Stone cold (WWE) is the best. – let’s stop the debate of “the Rock vs Stone cold” please just stop.
7. You click with some people and not with others. – But that’s ok. You’re just different. Doesn’t make one person better than the other.
8. Seize the moment – Book that flight. Tell your other half you love them, well just. Give your parent/ friend/family an extra awkward hug and even when they pull away and ask you if you’re ok. Sign up to something you wouldn’t. I dunno, do it. I always say, it takes 30 seconds of bravery to make a decision to take charge of your life.
9. Leave Judgement to God. – you’re not in people’s shoes. Leave them be.
10. Don’t backbite – It’s gross and unattractive.
11. Don’t eat rubbish – we are killing ourselves with the fuel for our bodies and it affects you physically, mentally and emotionally and simply everything-ly. And as my dad told me the other day in the lift…”move your body” so I sang “I like to move it move it. you like to – move it” basically he said we must get some physical exercise into our activities in the week.
12. Be Positive – expect the best from Allah. God’s plan is the best plan. roll with it however you can. easier said than done. God is never far he opens doors. Have faith. Be strong.
13. Help others. In whatever capacity. You don’t need to be a genius. Just willing
& courageous.
14. Its ok not to be ok – Allah has made us emotional creatures. Just have faith and breathe. Find your good solid friends and have a halal momosa. You’re not ok in that moment. but boy – you will be.
15. Don’t measure your life to other peoples. Just don’t. You will never be happy. Concentrate on you.
16. Learn – Never stop learning.
17. Stop trying to please people. Everyone is an expert in your life <sarcasm>. Good people know you, everyone else doesn’t need to. Stop explaining yourself, you’ll never satisfy small minds.
18. Superman can kick Batman’s head in – Stop debating people. But yes, Batman’s super cool – no not George Clooney Batman, but Christian Bale Batman, always Christian Bale.