Latest Posts by cutepie007 - Page 2

Ibn Qayyim رحمه الله said:

“Your nafs is just like your enemy, once it finds you serious, it obeys you. If it finds weakness from you, it will take you as a prisoner.”

[Bada'i Al-Fawa'id, v. 3, p. 1202]

What Happened To Your Du'ā?

Abú Saʿīd al-Khudrī reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو أُسَامَةَ، عَنْ عَلِيِّ بْنِ عَلِيٍّ، قَالَ: سَمِعْتُ أَبَا الْمُتَوَكِّلِ النَّاجِيَّ، قَالَ: قَالَ أَبُو سَعِيدٍ: قَالَ نَبِيُّ اللَّهِ: “There is no Muslim who calls upon Allah, “ مَا مِنْ مُسْلِمٍ يَدْعُو بِدَعْوَةٍ without ithm (ie: sin), لَيْسَ فِيهَا إِثْمٌ، or cutting family ties in it, وَلَا قَطِيعَةُ رَحِمٍ، but that Allah will give him one of three answers: إِلَّا أَعْطَاهُ اللَّهُ بِهَا إِحْدَى ثَلَاثٍ: He will quickly fulfil his supplication, إِمَّا أَنْ يُعَجِّلَ لَهُ دَعْوَتَهُ، He will store it for him in the Hereafter, وَإِمَّا يَدَّخِرَهَا لَهُ فِي الْآخِرَةِ، or He will divert an evil from him similar to it.” وَإِمَّا أَنْ يَكْشِفَ عَنْهُ السُّوءَ بِمِثْلِهَا "، They said, “In that case, we will ask for more.” قَالُوا: إِذًا نُكْثِرُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ (He ﷺ) said: “Allah has even more.” قَالَ: «اللَّهُ أَكْثَرُ» Ibn Abī Shaybah, al-Muṣannaf 6/22 #29170 إبن أبي شيبة، مصنف ٦/٢٢ #٢٩١٧٠ https://shamela.ws/book/9944/33045 @ilmtest [https://t.me/ilmtest]

Let’s be real. All of us are struggling in some ways. As imperfect human beings, we all have imaan swings.

There are days when our imaan is high, and there are days when we find even praying the fard salaah a heavy task — but we force ourselves anyway to fulfil the obligation out of taqwa of Allah.

There are days when we want to read and study the Qur’an for hours, and then there are days when we don’t feel like reading a single aayah at all — but we read 5, 10 aayat anyway, because we don't want a single day to pass without reading His Book.

And your striving in and of itself is an indication of having imaan.

Know that for every striving, every desire we control to not fall into the impermissible, and every effort we put into doing a small good deed are seen and appreciated by Him subhanahu wa ta’ala. Let these aayat encourage us to keep on going:

🌺 ❛And whatever you do of good, Allah certainly knows it.❜ 【Surah al-Baqarah 2:197】

🌺 ❛And whoever performs a good deed, We will increase for him goodness therein.❜ 【Surah ash-Shura 42:23】

🌺 ❛Is there any reward for good other than good?❜ 【Surah Ar-Rahman 55:60】

🌺 ❛[It will be said to the people in Jannah]: This (i.e. everything in Jannah) is a reward for you. And your effort has been very much appreciated.❜ 【Surah Al-Insan 76: 22】

Your sister in Deen, Aida Msr ©

Imām Ibn al-Jawzī رَحِمَهُ ٱللَّٰهُ said:

“It is a must for each cautious and intelligent person to gather the supplies needed before his departure [from this life].

For he never knows when his hour of death will strike or know when his soul will be called back!”

~ Captured Thoughts | Page 80

Al-Imām Ibn Al-Qayyim raḥimahullāh said:

“From the strangest of blessings upon a person is the blessing of forgetting. Verily, if it was not for forgetfulness, he would not have forgotten anything, nor would he have been relieved of his regret, nor consoled for a calamity, nor would his sorrows have ended, nor his malice discontinued, nor would he have enjoyed anything from the pleasures of this world while remembering the calamities, nor would he have hoped for negligence from his enemy, nor respite from his envier. So contemplate the blessing of Allāh upon such a person in regards to remembrance and forgetfulness despite their differences and opposites, and that Allāh has placed in each one of them a type of benefit.”

[Miftāḥ Dār As-Sa’ādah (788)]

Al Ḥasan Al Baṣri (رحمه الله) said,

يا ابن آدم! كيف يرق قلبك وإنما همتك في آخر السورة

O son of Adam, how can your heart be softened when your only concern is reaching the end of your surah?

[الخلاصة في تدبر القرآن الكريم]

“I just want to be with someone who doesn’t disappear when love gets tough.”

— j. iron word

“I forgive people but that doesn’t mean I accept their behavior or trust them again. I forgive them for me, so I can let go and move on with my life.”

— Unknown

“If you have been brutally broken, but still have the courage to be gentle to others then you deserve a love deeper than the ocean itself.”

— Nikita Gill

Mornings with a view ...

يا محلى شاي العصاري 🤍

"Butterflies can't see their wings. They can't see how truly beautiful they are, but everyone else can. People are like that as well." -Naya Rivera

♥️

What Makes a Handcrafted Handbag Unique?

In a world where mass-produced goods dominate the market, handcrafted handbags offer a refreshing and meaningful alternative. Each handcrafted bag tells a story of artistry, skill, and attention to detail that sets it apart from its factory-made counterparts. But what exactly makes a handcrafted handbag unique? Let’s delve into the meticulous crafting process, the artisan skills involved, and the personal touch that makes these bags truly special.

1. The Crafting Process: From Materials to Masterpiece

Handcrafted handbags are the result of a thoughtful and meticulous process that involves several steps, each carried out with care and precision. Here’s a glimpse into what goes into crafting a one-of-a-kind handbag:

a. Selecting High-Quality Materials

The journey of a handcrafted handbag begins with the careful selection of materials. Artisans often choose premium materials such as full-grain leather, organic cotton, natural dyes, and high-quality hardware like zippers, buckles, and clasps. Unlike mass production, where synthetic materials are often used to cut costs, handcrafted bags prioritize quality over quantity. This not only ensures the durability of the bag but also gives it a distinct, luxurious feel.

b. Design and Pattern Making

Before any material is cut, the design phase takes place. Artisans conceptualize and sketch designs, considering every detail from the bag's shape and size to its functionality and aesthetic appeal. Pattern making follows, where artisans create templates that will guide the cutting of materials. This step is crucial, as it lays the foundation for the bag’s structure and overall look.

c. Cutting and Assembling

Once the design is finalized, the chosen materials are meticulously cut according to the patterns. This process requires a steady hand and an eye for precision, as even a slight deviation can affect the bag’s final shape and fit. After cutting, the pieces are carefully assembled. Depending on the design, this step may involve layering different materials, adding linings, and attaching hardware components.

d. Intricate Stitching and Detailing

Stitching is one of the most important aspects of creating a handcrafted handbag. Unlike machine-produced bags, where stitching is done quickly and uniformly, handcrafted bags are sewn by hand or using a manual sewing machine. This allows artisans to pay close attention to each stitch, ensuring it's tight, even, and secure. Some bags may feature decorative stitching, embroidery, beadwork, or appliqué, adding to their uniqueness and visual appeal.

e. Finishing Touches

The final step in the crafting process involves adding finishing touches that give the bag its character. This may include applying edge paint to raw edges, polishing hardware, or adding closures like buttons, zippers, or clasps. These small details contribute significantly to the bag's overall quality and aesthetic, enhancing its appeal and functionality.

2. Artisan Skills: The Heart and Soul of Handcrafted Bags

Handcrafted handbags are not just products; they are pieces of art that embody the skill, experience, and creativity of the artisans who make them. Here’s what makes their craftsmanship so exceptional:

a. Mastery of Traditional Techniques

Artisans often use traditional crafting techniques that have been passed down through generations. Whether it’s hand-stitching, weaving, dyeing, or embossing, these techniques require a high level of skill and precision. Mastery of these methods allows artisans to create bags with intricate designs and superior durability, characteristics that are hard to replicate with machine production.

b. Creativity and Innovation

While many handcrafted bags draw inspiration from traditional designs, artisans also infuse their creativity into each piece. This creative freedom allows them to experiment with different shapes, textures, and embellishments, resulting in bags that are not only functional but also visually stunning. The fusion of tradition and innovation is what makes each handcrafted handbag a true work of art.

c. Patience and Attention to Detail

Creating a handcrafted handbag is a time-intensive process that demands patience and meticulous attention to detail. From aligning seams perfectly to ensuring the hardware is securely attached, every step is executed with care. This dedication to perfection ensures that each bag meets the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.

3. Personal Touch: The Human Element Behind Every Bag

One of the most compelling aspects of a handcrafted handbag is the human element involved in its creation. Unlike mass-produced bags that roll off assembly lines, handcrafted bags carry the personal touch of the artisans, making them truly unique.

a. Bags with Character and Soul

Each handcrafted handbag carries with it the character and soul of the artisan who made it. The slight variations and imperfections found in handmade items are not flaws but rather a testament to the human touch. These details give each bag a sense of individuality and charm, transforming it from a mere accessory into a cherished possession.

b. A Story Behind Every Bag

Handcrafted handbags often come with a story—whether it’s the story of the artisan, the cultural significance of the design, or the inspiration behind the materials used. This narrative adds depth and meaning to the bag, allowing the owner to connect with it on a personal level. Owning a handcrafted bag is not just about having a functional item; it’s about owning a piece of art with a story to tell.

c. Ethical and Sustainable Choice

The personal touch extends beyond the creation process to the values behind handcrafted bags. Many artisans prioritize ethical and sustainable practices, using eco-friendly materials, fair labor practices, and traditional techniques that minimize environmental impact. By choosing a handcrafted handbag, consumers can support these values, contributing to a more conscious and responsible fashion industry.

Handbag 🌸🩷✨

finding & knowing your worth. ᥫ᭡

i wanted to take some time and talk about self-worth. this is something that was extremely difficult for me to find and realize for myself, but as i look back on my life and reflect on my growth, i’ve found myself truly knowing my own worth. of course, i still have those days that are more difficult than others, but i’ve been able to quickly pick myself back up. why? because i know my worth. i want to share a few things that have helped me realize that for myself, so i hope this post is able to enlighten you. ㅤ♡

let’s begin …

୨ৎ — lose interest in outsider opinions

in simpler terms: stop caring. i kept asking myself, “why do i care so much about what others are thinking of me?” and then i came across a couple quotes where one said, “if you wouldn’t trust their advice, why would you take their criticism?” and the other said, “i would never want to trade lives with someone who hates me.” those two quotes really stuck with me because it reminded me that those people who didn’t have a good opinion of me were the same people i needed to stop caring about.

so what if someone didn’t like me? that person is either no longer a part of my life (for good reason) or they don’t know me in the ways that my loved ones or my own self do, so why should what they have to say or think about me matter?

i knew myself better than anyone, so whatever anyone had to say about me shouldn’t have bothered me, and i let it stop bothering me. i also realized that as my day goes on and i find myself not thinking about what someone said, i tell myself that it wasn’t even worth a single thought in the first place because, clearly, it doesn’t bother me anymore!

if it won’t matter to you in 5 years, don’t continue to give it any more of a meaning.

୨ৎ — stop seeking validation

to piggyback off of my previous point, seeking outside validation is 1. not worth your time and 2. pointless. other people should never be the ones who define your worth. you have to seek validation from yourself. nobody else has a right to tell you whether or not you’re worthy.

i was always looking for validation from others, and it made my own journey to finding myself even more difficult. there were so many different opinions about me that i kept hearing, and it made me feel lost. it felt like i was getting further and further from truly discovering myself and feeling like i was worth something.

i had to pretty much force myself to seek validation within myself rather than from anyone else. it was hard, but the longer i kept searching for some kind of worth to others the more miserable and empty i felt.

୨ৎ — self reflection

time to bring out that journal, babe. we’re going to write about ourselves.

no, seriously, take some time to reflect on yourself. look within yourself and understand yourself a bit more. getting to know yourself and taking the time to focus on yourself can help you figure some things out and even bring you one step closer to truly knowing your worth.

prompts for reflection:

what are 3 characteristics about your personality do you like about yourself? why?

what are your strengths? how do those things about you make you a better person?

what’s your favorite thing(s) about you? how would they compare to what a loved one would say about you?

what are the things that weigh you down? what can you do to lift that weight off your shoulders?

how have you changed within the last 3 years? what about you has changed that you’re really proud of?

self reflection has helped me grow so much. i’ve learned so many new things about myself and it’s helped appreciate myself way more. you’ll be surprised at all the things you find about yourself, and guess what? one of those things will be your own worth.

୨ৎ — surround yourself with positivity

the people who you surround yourself with will play a huge role in how you feel about yourself. i spent too many years surrounded by people who made me feel like i was never enough, and i continued to keep the same kind of people around. i was sick of it. i was tired of being mistreated and feeling betrayed. those people made me feel miserable and they only ever brought me down rather than lifted me up.

even the media i consumed didn’t help me. i was always so focused on comparing myself to those instagram models and tiktok girls who looked nothing like me, and it made me feel worse about myself. even watching videos or shows that brought me down made my esteem drop too.

it’s important to surround yourself with people and media that make you feel good, that lift you up, and that help you feel confident because that kind of good treatment is what you deserve! you shouldn’t have to submit yourself to negativity, it only makes you feel worse and it’ll continue to get worse the longer you keep those things and people around.

now that i have people in my life that make me feel genuinely loved and cared for, i feel like i can offer that same energy those people give me to myself! it really makes a huge difference who your close circle consists of, so make sure those people are people who are genuinely and unconditionally there for you.

୨ৎ — final notes

if you do need a reminder: you are worthy, and you always have been! finding and knowing your own worth is no easy feat, but the journey you’ll go on to discover it and implement it into your life will be so extremely worth it. i promise!

you will always be more than enough, and i hope you can continue to remind yourself of that. treat yourself with genuine love and kindness, and don’t ever take yourself for granted. you have achieved so much and you have so many things to offer in life. you may not see it now, but once you do, you’ll see just how beautiful and bright your own light is.

with lots of love, faustina 🌷

focus on the likes and not the wants

you may not want to clean your room, but you like the peace and call it brings you after

you may not want to study, but you like the confidence and satisfaction you get from being prepared

you may not not want to apologise, but you like the relief and connection that reconciliation brings

you may not want to cook, but you like the satisfaction of eating a healthy come cooked meal prepared with love

you may not want to exercise, but you like how you feel afterwards and how it makes you confident

you may not want to journal or write, but you like the reflection and calm it brings you

you may not want to step out of your comfort zone, but you like the new experiences and growth you gain from it

my insta @ malusokay

Become Your Best Version Before 2025 Masterlist

Hello! This is the Become Your Best Version Before 2025 masterlist. It’s a collection of all the posts from the series, gathered in one place to make it easier for you to access and follow along.

I hope you find it inspiring and helpful as you work towards becoming the best version of yourself!

Day 1: What Does Becoming Your Best Version Mean

Day 2: Understanding Yourself / Self-assessment

Day 3: Identifying Limiting Beliefs

Day 4: Identifying Your Core Values

Day 5: Setting SMART Goals That Actually Stick

Day 6: Creating Your Personal Mission Statement

Day 7: Building Better Habits

Day 8: Mastering Time Management

Day 9: Auditing Your Relationships

Day 10: Mastering Your Emotions

Day 11: Taking Care of Your Body

Day 12: Stress Management

Day 13: Financial Planning and Budgeting

Day 14: Career and Purpose

Day 15: The Power of Self-Talk

Day 16: Digital Detox and Mindful Living

Day 17: Decluttering Your Life

Day 18: Creating Healthy Boundaries

Day 19: Self-Care Rituals That Actually Stick

Day 20: Building Confidence

Day 21: Overcoming Fear & Self-Doubt

Day 22: Developing New Skills

Day 23: Personal Style & Self-Presentation

Day 24: Setting Up Progress Tracking Systems

Day 25: Designing Your Accountability Plan

Day 26: Personal Development Tools and Resources

Day 27: Hobbies & Passion Projects

Day 28: How to Keep Yourself Motivated

Day 29: Prioritizing Yourself and Your Needs

Day 30: Creating Your Vision for 2025

Day 31: The Beginning of Your Best Year Yet

*** Divider Credit: @thecutestgrotto ***

The Natural selection