Whilst staring through the window admiring the birds that I feed each morning, I realized just how time flies. The days of my life has past me by. I recall the first day I started school. Whilst most kids accompany their parents on their first day, I went alone. My parents have molded me to be an independent woman. They have guided me to take responsibility for my own life.I rem
ember, the neighbourhood I grew up in. I resided on a street called Sitara Avenue. I grew up in a Middle class area and lived amongst people who were happy and kind. Every day after school, the kids from the area would gather to play cricket, tennis or soccer. Every Friday night there would be a street gathering as well. It use to be loads of fun. Whilst growing up, mom would make sure that my brother and I would retire to bed around 8pm. Whenever, I went to bed I would always have this thought in my mind."How I wish I grew up faster so that I can complete school and stay up till late."Well, its been 13 years since I have completed school and 10 years since I completed university. I have certainly changed and evolved over these last few years. Things that were important to me at a schooling level or university level are no longer important to me any more. When you in high school, you aspire to be Miss popular and hang out with the "cool club". When you in university you wish to date the handsome guy driving the black BMW. Of course, the fact that he is becoming a doctor makes the deal a more attractive one. You find yourself immersed in trying to acquire materialistic wealth and possessions. However, now that I have achieved a certain level of success within my own life, I have come to realize that being with someone in life is not about their monetary possessions or what they own. It is about their honesty, character, friendship, trust and companionship. I often get asked why have I not tied the knot as yet and the simple answer I always give is "Genuine and sincere people do not exist in this world any more". Many a times I have been introduced to different individuals and naturally during the first few meetings or acquaintances everything seems perfect, that is until you discover the persons true colours and personality. Most women aspire to marry a rich man who can provide her with gold, jewellery, diamonds and trips abroad. What they fail to realize is that gold and diamonds can not buy you internal happiness. I have friends married to influential people. Whilst their lives look rosy in the public eye, their personal lives are in shambles. They have no internal happiness. Whilst they have money, wealth and status, they have no love, happiness or companionship. A good Saudi friend of mine resides in Jeddah. She was brought up in a very influential home. She resides in a big house, travels abroad twice a year and also studied at a top international university. A few months ago she got married to an ordinary Saudi gentleman who works as a clerk at the bank. Whilst her parents supported her, her grandmother did not attend her wedding as she hoped that her grand daughter married someone of equal class and stature. With God's grace she is happily married as her husband possesses all the qualities an ideal husband should have. A man who fulfills his duty towards his creator will most likely fulfill his duties towards another human being. Excessive wealth and power corrupts the mind. Money should never be the object in a marriage situation simply because sustenance comes from God Almighty. Who looks after the animals in the jungle, the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the stray cats and dogs on the street? Ever so often we come across families who are left penniless after losing their businesses and homes due to financial constraints or bad business decisions causing their personal lives to collapse as well. Many family members of mine believe that I should be marrying a doctor, lawyer, surgeon, pilot....basically some high flying individual. I personally believe that education does not define an individuals personality or character. I have mixed and associated with many high flying individuals who possess the most rotten character and attitude.I honestly believe that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication in life and hence I aspire to be with a simple, down to earth individual who has no pride, attitude or ego. Many kings and queens have come into this world and passed away leaving behind their jewels and their millions. There comes a stage in your life when you realize how fake this world really is and that death is the great and ultimate equalizer in life. We come into this world empty handed and we leave this world empty handed. The only thing we take with us is our good deeds and piety and that of course comes from displaying exemplary character towards everyone around us. As Charles Spurgeon once said," A good character is the best tombstone.Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget- me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble"
