I believe in not believing in role models. People have role models, someone who they are inspired of, who they look up to, and want to be like when they grow up, but I do not. I believe we should create our own path, paint our own picture, the way we like it, but then again, no harm done if you have role models.
I do not want to follow someone, or look at them and think to myself, “I want my life to be just like theirs.” I want to be different. Even if I do not have everything planned out just yet.
I do believe in having a hero. A hero who has taught you not to make the mistakes they have made, to be strong, and to stand up for yourself. And in this case, my mom is my hero. She is the light in complete darkness, my shoulder to cry on, and my backbone. I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for her. She as taught me to be strong.
She hasn’t only taught me lessons verbally, but she has taught me through her actions. And today, without a doubt I can say she is the strongest woman I know. She stood up for want she believed in; she struggled for her family, to give them the best possible life. She has always thought for our benefit.
I think we are all aware of the people around us, we are all aware that society is pretty damn judgmental. The thing with most people in Pakistan is that, they judge you by the fact that if you have a son. They simply judge you. They think you have no support. They couldn’t be more wrong, daughters are just as much support as sons are, even if some aren’t, I am sure as hell that I will be my parents support.
Another thing is that society thinks less of women. They think just because you are a female, you are less, you are not as strong. You’re opinion has less value all of a sudden. Why is that so? And the sad thing is, women do nothing about this. We cannot let it be true what they are saying, we cannot prove them right. Women have to stand up for their rights, and they have to raise their voice!
This is something my mom taught me. She stood up for her right, she raised her voice. It was a hard journey. A roller coaster of emotions. But she made it…successfully. She got what belonged to her; she got what was meant to be hers.
By these emotional events, I have learned to stand up for myself. I have learned that no one has the right to bring me down. I have learned to go after what is mine, and what I believe in. You can call them trust issues, but I have learned not to trust anyone just like that with some things, you should keep your eyes and ears open. This is a cruel world with cruel people, and you have to take care of yourself, of course with Allah’s help.
Most importantly, I’ve learned the value and importance of family and love. During hard times, a family has to stick with each other, we cannot just turn away, we have to support each other and be honest.
I am thankful that Allah has given me a mother…who not only is a mother, but also my best friend, my support and most importantly, my hero.
