Sticks and Stones

‘Sticks and Stones may hurt my bones but names/ words will never hurt me,’.. Ahem, really? Names or insults will not harm us? Not unless we are born robots, and let’s be honest, none of us, no matter how hard we try, are immune to profanities or insults hurled at us. A famous nursery rhyme that was sung to us from childhood onwards implying that, a physical attack may injure us, but a verbal attack wont. How ironic isn’t it? We have fallen, fractured ligaments, maybe even been convalesced due to these significant injuries, and yet the body heals and we conveniently forget. We are back to planning our next marathon, and the joy of our PR.

And yet, when we are out there running, making headwaves in our lives, we will suddenly recall that ‘name’ or ‘word’ that was said to us, forming an insecurity or a limiting belief. Perhaps a punchline that we now associate ourselves with, or a flaw that was pointed out in haste. That chilling voice visits us from time to time, as does that helpless and gripping feeling of defeat that birthed that insecurity we grapple with. Its voice is etched and imprinted in our amygdala, hence, becoming a portal to our subconscious. That heartbreak that tore every fiber in your body, because your soul thought, that this was victory, remains that crushing feeling that lingers on. And yet nothing physical happens to us during the ‘heartbreak’, just the intensity of emotions. It’s impact lasting longer that any injury. That ‘name’ or ‘word’ that still rings today despite the passage of time.

‘If you are grateful, I will give you more’ (Surah Ibrahim (14- Verse 7), a Meccan Surah, revealed during a tumultuous and trying time. The main genesis of this Surah depicts how the Muslim Community remained steadfast and staunch, enduring the calamities and opposition from the unbelievers and hypocrites. From this Ayah, it can be understood that thanking God, and exhibiting gratitude for all limitless Divine Blessings, will result in increasing the existential capacity of the human being. Its message revealing unflinching faith and servitude to Allah.

Presently, with the advent of social media, it’s easy to lose touch of our blessings and fall into the comparison trap. We witness flawless images of people embellished in the best attire, living their glamourous life. Someone could be struggling with anxiety or an addiction, and it’s only magnified on these platforms. This, in itself, is a test from God making you aware of your blessings, the things we may take for granted. It is only through trials do we realise our existing privileges. The beauty that we have sight to scroll, hands to swipe left, yay, it’s a match, taste of our success, and that chilling voice, now becoming the crowd cheering for us. We did it.

That limiting belief is a gift given by God, showing us that for every ‘word’ or ‘name’, it is questioning our indefinite potential. Had we not been verbally thrown sticks and stones, we wouldn’t have realized the magnitude of courage within us to conquer our battles. That very addiction or anxiety is from God, making you realise your immense strength. Indomitable Strength that only He can give. Humans are not born perfect, but the most beautiful creation of God, is the Human being. That is reason for believing that we are an inspiration for mankind, and fundamentally, to ourselves.

A quote by Shumely Boteach reads, “The special life is where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, the natural becomes miraculous, the everyday becomes unique. Finding the magic and wonder within nature is the most assured means by which children rediscover the joy of life.’’ Perhaps the divine remedy is never forgetting our inner child, that little playful spirit that lives on approaching life with gusto. Taking risks and beeming with curiosity with the sheer belief that whatever our heart’s desire will come true.

Maybe the true secret to gratitude is realizing the ‘little things’. The fact that we have the capacity to feel. How one look at a person we love can revolutionize us, make us feel seen. Embody in us that burning desire to be our most superior self, because without love our desires would not be transmuted. That belief that you believe it’s forever, building breathtaking memories, living real life fantasies, leaving traces in your heart. A grand privilege to know that life is truly worth living.