Hey there, lovely readers! 🌼

Shabana Mukhtar here, ready to chat about today’s daily prompt: In what ways does hard work make you feel fulfilled?.

Ladies and gentlemen, gather ’round, for I’m about to unveil the utmost priority, the most epic feat of my daily life—a task that’s been my top priority since forever, a goal that’s as elusive as a unicorn, and an achievement that deserves a ticker-tape parade: getting up in the morning!

You heard me.

My number one priority for tomorrow is what it was today and what it will be for the rest of my life—getting up in the morning. 

The Insomniac’s Struggle

You see, for an insomniac like me, falling asleep is a Herculean task. While the world sleeps soundly, I wage an epic battle against my own racing thoughts, the neighbor’s dog, and the conspiracy of that dripping faucet. It’s a nightly drama that would put Shakespeare to shame.

The Quest for Fajr Prayers

But fear not, for amidst the cosmic chaos of my insomnia, there shines a beacon of hope—the call to Fajr prayers. It’s that magical moment when the sky is painted with shades of dawn, and my alarm clock declares war on my cozy blanket.

The Well-Begun Day

You see, offering namaz at the break of dawn is my secret weapon. It marks the day as “well begun,” and as they say, “well begun is half done.” Now, I might not be an early bird, but I sure can catch that spiritual worm!

Fulfillment, Thy Name Is Fajr

When I finally manage to pry myself from the clutches of sleep (or the lack thereof), stumble my way to the prayer mat, and offer those pre-dawn prayers, it’s nothing short of a heroic achievement. The feeling of fulfillment? Oh, it’s like winning the lottery, only better, because it’s not about money; it’s about inner peace and spiritual connection.

The Morning Triumph Parade

And then, I go back to bed, only to find myself struggle to wake for work, which is supposed to begin at 9:30 AM but I fail to meet that timeline miserably. I join work late, and end up working till late night to compensate (alright, I overcompensate). By the time I call it a day (I should really call it a “night”), it is well-past dinner time. After dinner and nightly routine, I go to bed around 11:30 PM and start fussing over the same thing—I should sleep early so I can wake up for Fajr.

It might be the hardest work of all is getting up in the morning, but it’s a triumph that brings a smile to my face and a sense of purpose to my day.

Here’s to the daily battles, the early morning victories, and the fulfillment that comes with embracing the challenges life throws our way. After all, waking up is the first step to conquering the world—or at least our own cozy corner of it! 😴🌅🙏

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