My Bucket List - Revised

Almost 2 years ago, I wrote an entry about my bucket list, inspired by the movie starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. Today, as I reread that entry, I made a few observations regarding the status of that list and what I have successfully fulfilled.

1. Perform my Haj.
2. Go to Mekkah with my family. ✓
3. Repay all my debts. ✓
4. See God's earth with my family. - In progress.
5. See the 7 wonders of the world. - In progress.
6. Learn to speak fluent Arabic and French. - In progress.
7. Have a fantastic relationship with my daughters. - In progress.
8. Live a simple but fulfilling life. ✓
9. Learn psychology to the highest level. - In progress.


Considering the fact that I made this list almost 24 months ago, I would think that its quite an achievement to have been given the opportunity to complete several items already. I hope to be able to write an entry after having completed all of the items above.

My goal to perform my Haj is now a good possibility, after repaying all of my debts. However, now I need to focus on saving up and preparing myself for that spiritual graduation. The past few months have seen me slip and fall several times that I truly believe I am back at square one as far as my spiritual journey is concerned. Allah is Most Merciful. But I am a lot harder on myself than anyone can ever be. Call me idealistic. I have my own non-negotiable terms that I impose onto myself.

Since the beginning of this new millennium, my family and I have suffered great financial difficulties due to the economic and political scenario. Not someone to assign blame onto others, I rolled up my sleeves and worked hard to put food on the table and keep clothes on our backs. We worked together as a team and did what was necessary to keep us together and weather through the storm. I can personally testify that nothing beats the feeling of relief when we managed to get rid of the biggest financial burden we had. No one truly understood or knew the real hardship we went through, not even the ones closest to us. We told no one because it was our test. Our challenge. No one else's.

My recent trip to the U.K and France with my family was something I had prayed for, for a long time, as part of the 4th item on my list. Its an ongoing process, of course; as we're all well aware how expansive God's earth is. And I would like to believe that during this time, my relationship with my daughters had strengthen. I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn French! And although it was barely enough to assist us through our travels in France, it was a good start and now I'm hooked! Our next stop will be Egypt to see the pyramids. Arabic, anyone...?

I have always dreamed of living a simple but fulfilling life. I guess I am living my dream now! My needs have always been simple. Security. Debt free. Portable. Useful. Simple. I live in a rented condo with my family, near enough for my children to go to work, school and socialize with their friends. My private practice is thriving, alhamdulillah. My office is nearby. Dear hubby's brains may be doing the mental backstroke right now but soon he will be an MBA graduate and secure himself a lecturing job. From then on, we will work towards affording and rewarding ourselves with travels to widen our horizons.

I'm also very grateful for reconnecting with Ann, my Welsh mum, over the past years. And during my visit in Swansea, she has shown great interest and enthusiasm in getting me started on a research she's conducting and also for me to consider doing my Ph.D in her university as well as establishing a practice in the UK to help sponsor my own education. Darling hubby and the girls are pretty keen on the idea of living in Swansea for at least 2 years. That will be able to earn me a nice ✓ for my last item on the list! Nice move, Johana! Good chance to get away from green and toxic people.

So, there you have it! My progress report as far as my bucket list is concerned. Yes, I do have several more things to add onto this list. But I thought I'd complete this one before adding on more things to do. I want to keep things simple, right? Life is complicated as it is. No need for me to contribute towards that aspect of life. But life is also beautiful, if we know where to look.

This is my introspection on my journey. This is how I make sure I'm on the right track. How's your life doing...?