Make the Best of an Ordinary Life

Have you ever felt like the world is designed to make you unhappy? Sometimes it feels like that, doesn’t it? Happiness doesn’t seem to fit with how things work. If we were truly happy with what we already have, why would we want more? Why would we spend, upgrade, or consume endlessly? Think about it. How do you sell antidepressants? First, you convince people there’s something wrong with them—something that needs fixing. Or take politics—how do leaders gain trust? By pointing out everything that’s wrong with the world, making us feel scared or uncertain, so we believe they’re the ones who can fix it. It’s everywhere. We’re told we need the newest phone, the trendiest clothes, the perfect routines. The message is always the same: “You’re not enough as you are.” So, we keep chasing. We upgrade, we spend, we try to fix ourselves. But does it ever really work? What if we stopped chasing? What if we let ourselves be okay with what we already have, with who we already are? Imagine being happ...

I’ve always believed in pushing forward, no matter what. If I ever reach a dead end, at least I’ll know I gave it my all. That’s where the relief and acceptance come in—I’m not afraid of failing; I’m afraid of not trying. Some might call it perseverance; I call it GRIT. Growing up with a single mom after losing my dad at a young age shaped the way I see the world. My dad used to tell me stories about his business trips abroad—little glimpses into faraway lands that lit up my imagination. We’d daydream together about moving to Canada, building a life from scratch in a new country. Those dreams stuck with me, even when he was no longer there to share them. Fast forward, and by some twist of fate (and a sprinkle of divine grace), I found myself donning the uniform of an international flight attendant. A dream come true, right? Traveling the world, living a glamorous life—at least that’s how it looks from the outside. What most people don’t see are the sacrifices. The missed birthdays, the...

Anxiety . It’s not something you can see or touch, but it has a way of wrapping itself around you, sometimes so tightly it feels like you can’t breathe. For years, I’ve wrestled with it—this invisible force that makes even the simplest days feel heavy. This isn’t a story about having it all figured out. It’s about navigating the messiness, learning to lean on myself, and finding hope in small victories.   The Rollercoaster of Anxiety Living with anxiety is a lot like being on a rollercoaster you didn’t choose to ride. There are days when I feel steady, as if I’ve finally tamed it. But then, out of nowhere, it hits—a racing heart, shaky hands, a flood of thoughts I can’t control. In those moments, it feels like everything is crumbling, no matter how good life might look on the outside.   What makes it harder is how unpredictable it is. One day, I can handle everything effortlessly. The next, even a small change can send me spiraling. It’s exhausting, but it’s also tau...

When in doubt, throw it all in one pan! That was my genius-level Sunday morning mantra, and honestly, it turned out like magic. Blessed... and genuinely shocked it didn’t end in flames! As the great Curnonsky said: “La cuisine, c’est quand les choses ont le goût de ce qu’elles sont.” (Cooking is when things taste like what they are.) ...But let’s be real, half the time, it’s a wild guessing game. And guess what? It tasted blerrgh-ingly amazing! Like, nyummmss levels of good. Throw-It-All-In Baked Egg Casserole (Also known as “Lazy Chef’s Delight”) Ingredients: 3 eggs 2 or more slices of white bread (the sad leftovers will do) 2 shallots 1 medium onion 1 medium carrot Leftover corned beef (because why not?) Mushroom stock Salt & pepper 1 tbsp coconut oil Instructions: Preheat oven to 150°C (because planning ahead is overrated). Chop, mince, or roughly hack all ingredients except the eggs—no judgment on your knife skills. Whisk the eggs like you’re in a French patisserie. No milk? No...

As November passes and the end of 2024 nears, I find myself reflecting. Last week was tough—filled with challenges that only Allah SWT truly understands. But in His infinite wisdom, He left a small light for me: a single email, a small yet meaningful achievement. Growing up, I watched my family face struggles, and those moments shaped me into a hardworking woman who refuses to give up. I push forward, striving with everything I have, meeting rejections head-on until the only option left is to keep trying. I've been on a mission to prove that I am enough—and this email brought a bit of validation. My paper has been accepted for publication in an international academic journal, a significant milestone towards my master's degree. Although it’s still pending a final editor review, this small success feels like a reminder to keep going, even when things seem uncertain. This comes at a time when life has thrown yet another challenge my way. Last month, I was diagnosed with a benign p...

I’ve always found writing to be a comforting escape—a way to pour out the words that feel too heavy to say aloud. On my ride home tonight, I couldn’t help but reflect on how being honest, striving for respect, and valuing myself have become shields to protect my heart. Yet, when some people decide I’m not worth fighting for, it hurts deeply. As Kate Bush echoes in my mind, “If only I could make a deal with God…” the lyrics resonate in a way that feels like a tight knot in my chest. This healing journey—this endless tunnel of breaking and mending—feels so heavy tonight. It’s lonely. Maybe closure would help, but then I wonder… do I really need it? Or is it just the lingering voice of self-doubt whispering, “You’re not good enough”? Through my teary eyes, I write this, feeling so lost yet hoping to find a flicker of clarity. Love, Chits