Skip to main content

Thick enough?

I never realised how important it is to develop a thick skin. Not only is thick skin important for healing and when you get older, it's also important when experiencing life. I was watching a documentary about Michael Jackson the other day and continuously people would say he failed to develop a thick skin which resulted in his obsession with how others viewed him, he had a childlike mentality that didn't understand the world of the media where every action is scrutinized.  (I'm not discounting his alleged crimes of paedophilia that's a seperate story).

Ultimately his obsession to become the world's greatest artist drove him mad and drove him to depression and insecurity. I don't think I can fully say I understand Michael Jackson but I can say this, he was extremely unique and talented but with this came his oddness;his bizarre obsession with children for one and his lack of ability to comprehend the world.

When I was watching this documentary I wondered to myself how much of a thick skin I have. Was I in danger of becoming like MJ? I severely doubt it. But it's opened my eyes to the danger of being too weak and too fragile, it's important to experience harsh realities and learn how to deal with it. I feel that the placement I just finished helped me to do this.

This particular placement was by no means a walk in the park. I wish. It made me cry and honestly made me doubt my entire life. But it changed how I viewed things, life as sad as it is to say, will not be easy, I've come to accept this and I hope it can help me to my journey in helping others to realise this too.

The reason why I think it's important others learn this, is otherwise we fall into the danger of victimization and blaming the world, when in reality we need to change our perspective and toughen up.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

My, My, My Mannequin in The Sky

Assalamualaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh, I find that we are all placed in a pickle at some point in our lives, perhaps we are the one placing other's in pickles. I don't know, let's see what we can do about this pickle fiesta, shall we? What I mean by being in a pickle, is often there are situations, whether it be arguments, opinions, debates etc. There's always questions being asked, expectations being set. Sisters, we shouldn't feel obliged to change our thoughts to meet others expectations. For example if someone asks you what do you think of so and so, and you bearing in mind it is haram to backbite refrain from commenting or say she is alright, makes the person aggravated which leads the person to  further question your opinion on them, it obvious to conclude that they want an agreeable opinion that puts them in the favourable light. This is in a sense peer pressure, but no sisters I urge you to stand strong in your opinions, who is that person to make...

RightStop?

Assalamualaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh, While I was on the bus heading home I found that there was a considerable amount of noise. I mean this is typical on a bus, I am aware. However the source of the noise was not where you expected: boys. No rather it was a group of Hijabi girls. Now sisters I am aware the notion to be quiet like mice doesn't sit very well in modern, "feminist" society however we must be careful in what we are saying in public. But I would like to point out that the reason why I did not expect girls to be making noise is because we as women are regarded as pearls and we have to protect our awrah , this however does not mean that boys are supposed to make noise, no it just means that as women we are supposed to have more modesty as we are , (lack of a better word) more alluring to men, that men are to us. In general we, male or female should be conscious of what we portray Islam to be. Wearing a juba, or a Hijab identifies you with Islam there...

Sounds of silence

I was able to listen to someone's story of dealing with trauma. Someone who had lived through trauma. They didn't appear to have mental health issues infact they looked so sane so complete. So whole. But that was it, wasn't it? The icing on the cake noone has a set way of appearing or not appearing, they just are. They are not defined by their images, or personality, there's no need to be boxed in by typical patients just see people for who they are. Which are people. For a long time they struggled until there was a time where they felt heard. They had been mute for some time but one day a nurse came along and sat with them, just sitting no intention of speaking, just close enough to be comforting. This one gesture was so comforting it envoked a burst of tears. They said this was enough for them. The ordeal they had been through was so overwhelming it was hard to feel heard. What better way of being heard and understood but by being silent? Now I can't imagine th...