Missed Opportunities….

There are moments in our life that stick with us forever, like winning the finals, gaining acceptance to the universities of our choice, being there for the birth of your child or finally ~* meeting*~ that special someone.

The things that we do or decisions that we make at that very moment, can change the course of history as we know it, or so I have been conditioned to think, but that is another story, for another day.

Now I know most Muslim are prone to say, ” Allahu Allum” when things don’t go the way that they desired or expected, and I am not saying that Allah is not the decider of what is best for you, by no means am I saying that, but what I am saying is this: Allah has endowed man with free will, right? What if Allah has set things in motion so that what you desired was provided on a platter to you, only you didn’t realize it or because you let fear paralyze you, and you failed to act on the opportunity? I am only saying, “what if?”

How do you recover from a missed opportunity or an opportunity of a lifetime? Do you remain face-down in the dirt or do you have the audacity to make Dua to Allah for another opportunity or do you tuck it in and say enough and move forward, vowing to end pursuit of the elusive ~*opportunity*~? I am just asking, because, I recently had one of those rare opportunities that one gets, but I failed to act upon it out of fear, and I am not sure how to get another “perfect” opportunity like the one that I recently squandered because of fear……

“He who refuses to embrace a unique opportunity loses the prize as surely as if he had failed.”
-William James (Pragmatist and Philosopher)

Breath Me - Sia
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Personality Types

I have to say that I have always been fascinated by people, including myself, and in understanding why people do what they do (i.e. motivation: intrinsic or extrinsic), which is why I am always taking personality tests and the like. Recently, ok about a month ago, I took a personality test that I have to admit is "spot on" when it comes to revealing the "real" me. I have suggested that as many people as possible take it so that I can compare what I have observed with what they submit(of course, right?). In the interim, I am sharing the details below of my assessment results:

Introspective
You like your own company; you're a very interesting person. Tracking your own mental processes, knowing what you're thinking and why you do what you do, is important to you. Often, what's going on in your mind is more compelling than what's going on outside. You are not someone who is constantly looking to be among a group of friends; you never feel bored when you are by yourself. For the most part, those with a high score on the "introspective" trait enjoy reading, taking long walks, learning new things, and other solitary activities.

Intellectual
You are thoughtful, rational, and comfortable in the world of ideas. People find you interesting to talk to. You're the living embodiment of the saying "You learn something new every day."
You do not avoid abstract conversation, experimenting with new ideas, or studying new things. It bores you to stick to the straight and narrow of what you already know. In general, those with a high score on the "intellectual" trait are employed in such fields as teaching and research, and are enthusiastic about reading, foreign films, and classical music.

Aesthetic
You appreciate art, beauty, and design; you know that they are not superficial but absolutely crucial to living the good life. You have good taste, and you're proud of it. You don't think it's pretentious to be moved by art and beauty. You're not one of those who believe it doesn't matter what something looks like as long as it does its job. Those with a high score on the "aesthetic" trait are often employed in literary or artistic professions, enjoy domestic activities — doing things around the house — and are enthusiastic about the arts, reading, and travel.

Sympathetic
You have a knack for knowing what's going on in the hearts and minds of those around you, without their having to tell you explicitly. People tend to turn to you with their problems because they know you care, and that you will likely offer good advice and a helping hand.
You do not feel that people with sad stories are just looking for attention, or have brought their problems upon themselves.

Curious
You like to get to the bottom of things. You're not content knowing what someone did; you want to know why they did it. You don't simply take things as they are and move on; you're not content skimming along on the surface; you don't feel you're wasting time by digging for the meaning of things.

Reserved
You are somewhat shy, or at least unwilling to spend all your time socializing. With you it's true that "still waters run deep," which is why many of your acquaintances never get to know you well. You are not always ready to talk at the drop of a hat. Whether you're in the office or at a party, you're not likely to be found gabbing away in the middle of a group of people.

Solitary
You are a private person, not very comfortable in a big group, and view excessive socializing as a waste of time. You not prefer hanging out with others to spending time alone; you do not tend to feel at home in a crowded room, club, stadium, or auditorium.

Understanding
You are willing to take the time to find out what's going on with other people, especially if they're in distress. You're a good listener, you don't criticize, and you offer unbiased, respectful, honest advice when it's requested. You don't feel the need to impose your standards on others or say things that, even though true, cause pain. With a high score on the "understanding" trait, it is likely that you are enthusiastic about charitable work, helping others, and making the world a better place.

Scrupulous
You are an honest, fair person. You don't lie or cheat to get ahead. You treat others with respect and hope for the same in return. You do not feel that you are above the rules that everyone else follows; you are definitely not willing to do whatever it takes to get ahead.

Responsible
You fulfill your obligations and responsibilities, are true to your word, and generally obey the rules. You're opposed to making hasty decisions, you don't insist that you're above the rules, nor do you feel compelled to color outside the lines. While the majority of those who have a high score on the "responsible" trait enjoy traveling, they are usually very happy to return home — and don’t mind staying put for a while.

Quote of The Day

A wise man can learn more from a foolish question

than a fool can learn from a wise answer.

-Bruce Lee

Do Over

It is not uncommon to hear children say that they want a “do-over”, especially if something did not turn out as they’d initially predicted. And as children, where the world seems to somehow govern itself under rules that are far more just than in the adult world, they are miraculously granted a 2nd chance or a reprieve, if you will, to correct a wrong or gain another shot at perfection.

Admittedly, I am secretly jealous of them for this reason (though no longer *secret* after this post). I mean how many times have you made a choice that you wanted to change later on? For example, it can be something as simple

as while driving, changing lanes to avoid a back-up, only to end up behind a “Sunday driver”; or placing an order for an item, only to have it arrive and be something completely different from what was initially envisioned and now you are stuck with return shipping fees, to something more serious, like posting a disparaging or inappropriate comment on someone’s blog that you now regret , or finally for having chosen a career path that siphons your spirit, with no available viable options of rectification(thankfully this is not the case for me because I love what I do).

A do-over could change the time-space continuum as we know it, right? (Back-To-The-Future reference). Think of what a do-over could have allowed happen: the McCain-Palin ticket actually WON the November election, or my parents got a do-over in regards to their marriage, and as a result, I or my 3 brothers were never born, or that the 3Rd Reich was actually successful in their quest for world domination and subjugation. These events would have had far-reaching effects on how the world as I know it, developed. Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on your perspective, there is no real “do-over” in life, but don’t you wish that there was?