New Year – new you

Ayat el-Haddad

Member of parliamentary foreign relations committee

As we bid farewell to another year and welcome the dawn of 2024, it’s a time for reflection, renewal, and proactive action. While institutions conduct annual inventories, it’s equally important to embark on a personal inventory – a journey of self-discovery and growth.

Life is a series of lessons, marked by challenges and triumphs. Every passing year shapes us, refines our perspective, and tests our resilience. Yet, amidst the whirlwind of experiences, it’s crucial to learn from our missteps and embrace the power of personal transformation.

Instead of succumbing to negativity or playing the victim, let’s shed the weight of toxic relationships that drain our energy, be it physical, emotional, or mental. As Caliph Omar ibn al-Khattab (634-644 AD) said, “Distance yourself from harm,” and the eighth Umayyad Caliph Omar ibn Abdul Aziz (7176-720 AD) echoed, “Don’t burden your mind with those who need you more than you need them.”

Remember, true strength lies in discerning genuine connections from fleeting acquaintances. Discern the loyal confidantes from those who sow discord, and surround yourself with individuals who uplift and inspire you.

Let’s enter 2024 with a renewed vision not built on fragile expectations, but on a solid foundation of self-reliance and conscious choices. Discard the quicksand of false promises and fantastical dreams, and anchor your hopes on the fertile ground of attainable goals and realistic aspirations.

Remember, change starts within. When we transform ourselves, we radiate positivity, influencing our loved ones and, ultimately, the world around us. Choose your companions wisely, for they shape your journey. As the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Good companionship is like a musk seller; either he gives you some, or you buy some from him, or you find yourself in his musk perfumed.”

Embrace the new year as a blank canvas, an opportunity to right wrongs and become the best version of yourself. Link your life to noble aspirations, be it personal growth or contributing to the greater good.

Remember, as the Arab proverb goes, “All hands are prone to change,” so don’t cling to fleeting attachments. Find meaning and purpose in endeavors that transcend individual relationships.

Wishing you, my beloved Egypt, and all its people, a year brimming with a thousand blessings and positive change. Let’s make 2024 a year of self-discovery, resilience, and transformative action.