🌟 Another Year Gone By 🌟

As the days turn into weeks and the weeks into months, another year has gone by, almost in the blink of an eye. Time is so humbling—it moves steadily forward, whether or not we pause to acknowledge it. This annual marker is a chance to reflect, recalibrate, and remind ourselves of what truly matters.

For me, this year was different. It was my first Birthday as a dad, a title that fills my heart with more love, appreciation, and gratitude than I ever thought possible. The pure joy I feel every time I see my son is impossible to put into words. His presence has reshaped my perspective on life and the legacy I want to leave behind.

The Transformative Journey of Parenthood

Becoming a parent is not just about caring for another life; it’s about evolving as a person. My son has been my greatest teacher, holding up a mirror to my own life and making me deeply aware of areas where I can grow. Parenthood fine-tunes your self-awareness. It reveals the moments when patience runs thin or where stress creeps in, and it challenges you to rise above.

I’ve learned that raising a child isn’t just about teaching them; it’s about learning from them too. Children are so present, so full of wonder—they remind us of the beauty in simplicity and the joy in the little things. My son inspires me every day to be a better version of myself—for him, for my family, and for me.

Leading by example has become a cornerstone of my approach to parenting. It’s not enough to tell your child to be kind, resilient, or mindful—you have to embody those values. I want my son to grow up seeing his father as someone who strives to improve, embraces challenges with grace, and values healing and growth.

The Power of Healing for Future Generations

Parenthood has also deepened my understanding of the importance of healing—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. My journey to this moment has been long and at times, challenging. It has required reflection, patience, and a commitment to growth. But the progress I’ve made is one of the things I am most grateful for because I know how much it is already benefiting my son.

I often return to this quote by Gabor Maté:

"Children don’t get traumatised because you get stressed; they get traumatised because you’re not aware of your stress. Healing yourself is the greatest gift you can give to your child."

This resonates deeply. It reminds me that my role as a parent isn’t just to protect or provide but to also ensure I’m not passing unhealed wounds onto my son. Breaking cycles and showing up as a whole, healthy, and present parent is the greatest gift I can offer him.

Embracing the Now

In a world that moves so quickly, it’s easy to overlook the beauty of the present moment. But my son has taught me to slow down, to cherish the simple joys—a laugh, a cuddle, the quiet moments of connection. Time spent with him isn’t just precious; it’s grounding.

As I reflect on the last year and look toward the future, I am filled with gratitude for the life I’ve been given and the opportunity to grow as a parent. Each day is a chance to show up fully, to lead with love and intention, and to keep striving for progress, not perfection.

Here’s to the Next Chapter

I’m excited and hopeful for what’s to come. Here’s to the next 38 years, InShaAllah (إن شاء الله) — to more love, growth, and gratitude. May we all embrace the now, cherish the moments we often overlook and step into each day with purpose.