Fortune Cookie

Countless thoughts cross my mind everyday. Small epiphanies catalyzed through love, observations, boredom, creativity, books, exercise, music, among other human engines, keep me going during my stay in Prague. Perhaps the most critical engine that keeps me going here is the knowledge of my inevitable return to the United States. Not to sound like a child, but I can hardly contain my excitement at the thought of coming back home. Prague, indeed any place, pales in comparison to the pristine beauty of my beloved, the humor of my father, and the tenderness of my mother.

I am happy. I'm in a wonderfully compatible and complimentary relationship, one that has enriched my life exponentially; I have a family that is optimistic in its outlook, endearing in its humor, and enthusiastic in its love; and my professional endeavors are coming along swiftly, alhumdullilah.

Writing from a normative perspective, I think the reason why everything seems “balanced” at this point is because I have actively sought to create my environment. While God has everything to do with setting the stage, including the family one is born into, He allows us the opportunity over our lifetime to exercise our will according to the precepts of our conscience. Thus, I ultimately select my relationships, keeping in mind what I want for myself and my environment. By implication, there are individuals who I will not direct my energy toward (this does not necessarily mean exclusion; with the exception of malicious individuals or those whose lifestyles fundamentally don't comport with mine, I do believe in the power of diplomacy and pragmatism).

Further, I continue to develop professionally and personally. Living selflessly is overrated. In fact, the notion that there is a common public good that we must all strive to pursue over and above our intimate goals is in my perspective, the biggest conspiracy placed upon humankind. The process of contribution has been bastardized by those who never became what they wanted. They lost their primordial, basic vision of self-actualization due to their own lack of courage and thus, adopted one or the other form of existence: they either prosthelize their terms to others or become dependent on given circumstances in order to reassure themselves. Tragically, all they have become are hollow shells of their audience. Cowardice never met a better compliment in the follower of the masses.

Note that I am not speaking of actually wanting to do something for those you love. The personal process of synergizing one's life with those who care for you and will be there for you during your life is a journey of strength.

Each individual however, must claim the process of contribution as a personal endeavor. Whether it's a profession dedicated to public service or a specific charitable cause, it requires innovation and improvement through one's own work and ethics. It's a process intimate and private to the individual, a realm of existence that subsists on nothing more than one's power to do well. It is through this power that the less fortunate, those individuals who truly had no choice due to grinding, systemic poverty, disease, or other calamities beyond their control, can find meaning not only in the results of one's practical assistance, but in the concept of self-empowerment. Boldness is a requisite to inspire. Inspiration is necessary for change.

All else is simply clutter.

Almost home baby . . . almost home . . .