Often without realising the value of what we have, we find ourselves feeling unfulfilled and wanting more. The idea that the grass is greener on the other side, did not work out for the three billy goats gruff, and will not work out for you either.
Tend to your own grass, nurture and nourish it so that it becomes greener.
Practising shukr aka gratitude is actually a hallmark of our deen for Allah repeatedly says:
وَإِذْ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمْ لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ ۖ وَلَئِن كَفَرْتُمْ إِنَّ عَذَابِي لَشَدِيدٌ – 14:7
“…And if you are grateful, I will increase you (in good)…”
If you’re not used to making time to think about what you’re grateful for, then don’t worry because we have an outlined opportunity 5 times a day…
After you pray (whether your kids are all over you or not) take 3 minutes to make:
- tasbih – ‘SubhanAllah’ meaning: (you are) Perfect oh Allah,
- tahmeed – ‘Alhamdulillah’ meaning: (I) thank you Allah
- takbeer – ‘Allahu Akbar’ meaning: (you) are the Greatest oh Allah
You dont need a tasbih at hand, infact doing this on your fingers, mindfully sensing one pad of your finger gently touching another whilst you remember the blessings of your Creator, is unequalled. This is the sunnah of the prophet, and the preferred way, not to mention the most easy for us mamas.
As you say each word of remembrance, think of something you usually take for granted. I can guarantee you, after these few minutes, you will feel lighter and more content.