By lilly_en_route
It was one of those crisp autumn mornings in the city that made you want to step outside. The air was brisk, refreshing, but not too cold. I found myself walking along the river, listening to the sound of the water. It’s something I’ve always found calming. The way the river just keeps moving, no matter what, struck me as a perfect reflection of life itself—always pushing forward, overcoming obstacles, yet still going.
As I walked, I thought about water—how important it is in Islam. The Qur’an talks about water in so many ways: how it’s a gift, a purifier, and a vital part of life. It’s easy to forget how essential it is, but as I stood there, looking at the river, I felt a deep sense of appreciation. A verse from the Qur'an popped into my head: “And We made from water every living thing. Then will they not believe?” (Qur’an 21:30). It made me realise how everything is connected—how it’s all part of something much bigger.
That walk wasn’t just about getting out for some fresh air. It became a moment to reflect. The river’s steady flow felt like a reminder to find balance in my own life. Between work, law school, and everything else, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But the river just flows. It doesn’t rush, doesn’t force itself, it simply moves forward. That’s the lesson it taught me: life is full of challenges, but if we trust the process, things will work out—even if it takes time.
It took me back to a few months ago when I was juggling a lot. I was managing my role as a Senior Project Manager, studying part-time, moving between countries, and still trying to stay on top of my fitness. One evening, I was feeling completely overwhelmed, my mind racing with all the things I needed to do. I decided to go for a walk. I remembered something a good friend had told me: “You can’t rush progress. Take it one step at a time and trust the journey.” The river seemed to be echoing that advice, reminding me to take things at my own pace and trust that things will unfold as they should.
Fitness has always meant more to me than just exercise. It’s my way of looking after myself, honoring the body I’ve been given. Whether I’m doing Barre or just taking a walk, it’s about self-care. I often think of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who said: “A strong believer is better and more beloved to God than a weak believer, while there is good in both” (Sahih Muslim). Strength isn’t just about the body; it’s about mental and emotional resilience too.
As I continued walking, I felt my thoughts becoming clearer. I started thinking about the importance of intention. In Islam, even small actions can become meaningful if they’re done with the right intention. I wasn’t just walking for exercise; I was walking to appreciate the world around me, to thank God for my health, and to ask for His guidance in everything I do. In that quiet moment, I felt peaceful, knowing that whatever challenges lay ahead, I wouldn’t face them alone.
The river, the walk, they became metaphors for my spiritual journey. The river’s constant flow reminded me of God’s mercy—always there, always flowing—and the stillness of the moment allowed me to reconnect with Him. Taking care of myself, finding balance, it all felt like a way of showing gratitude for everything I’ve been given, both physically and spiritually.
By the time I was nearing the end of my walk, the sun had risen higher, and the golden light was dancing across the river. Everything around me seemed to whisper the beauty of stillness, reminding me of the Creator’s presence. In that moment, I let go of all my worries. I understood that each step, every hardship, and every success is part of a greater purpose. “Indeed, with every hardship, there is relief” (Qur’an 94:6). Life is a journey of ups and downs, and I’m grateful for every step along the way.
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