Hey everyone, Tina here! I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how life throws us all sorts of people – some stick around, some fade away, and some, well, let’s just say they leave a mark (and not always a good one). But through it all, I’ve come to realize something truly profound: I’m grateful for every single encounter.

It sounds cheesy, I know. But hear me out.

Those fleeting interactions with the cashier at the grocery store, the friendly stranger who holds the door for you, even the grumpy person who cuts you off in traffic – they all teach us something. They remind us of the human experience, of the good, the bad, and everything in between.

The “bad” encounters, those that leave you feeling hurt, betrayed, or misunderstood, are often the ones that sting the most. They challenge us, make us question ourselves, and sometimes even make us feel like we’re walking on eggshells. But even these experiences, as painful as they may be, are opportunities for growth.

They teach us about our own resilience, our ability to forgive, and the importance of setting boundaries. They force us to confront our own flaws and to develop a deeper understanding of ourselves. And most importantly, they remind us that we are not alone in this journey called life.

On the flip side, the “good” encounters are the ones that fill us with warmth, joy, and a sense of belonging. The people who genuinely care about us, who lift us up when we’re down, and who celebrate our successes – they are the treasures we hold close to our hearts.

But even with these wonderful people, life isn’t always a fairytale. We all have disagreements, misunderstandings, and moments of frustration. The key is to remember that these are just temporary bumps in the road, not the end of the relationship.

The people who truly matter are the ones who are willing to communicate openly, to work through their differences, and to forgive each other. They are the ones who understand that life is a journey, not a destination, and that along the way, there will be ups and downs.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Tina, you’re being awfully optimistic here. What about the people who are intentionally trying to hurt you? The ones who are two-faced, manipulative, and downright mean?”

And you’re right, those people exist. They’re the ones who play games, spread rumors, and try to sabotage our happiness. But here’s the thing: we don’t have to let their negativity define us. We don’t have to waste our energy on them.

Instead, we can choose to rise above it. We can choose to focus on the good in our lives and to surround ourselves with people who uplift us. We can choose to forgive them, not for their sake, but for our own.

And as the Quran reminds us, Allah is the only judge, not humans.

Here are some verses from the Quran that speak to this truth:

• “And never will Allah burden a soul beyond its capacity. It will have [the reward for] what [good] it has earned, and it will bear [the consequence of] what [evil] it has earned.” (Quran 2:286)
• “And those who believe and do righteous deeds, We shall surely admit them to Gardens beneath which rivers flow, abiding therein forever. Therein they shall have spouses purified, and We shall admit them to shades dense and cool.” (Quran 4:57)
• “Say, “O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of Allah’s mercy. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, He is the Forgiving, the Merciful.” (Quran 39:53)

Ultimately, the greatest lesson I’ve learned is that life is a gift, and every encounter, no matter how big or small, is a part of that gift. It’s up to us to choose how we respond to these encounters, and to learn from them, grow from them, and emerge stronger and more grateful.

So, the next time you find yourself in a difficult situation, remember that Allah is with you, and that even the most challenging experiences can lead to something beautiful.

Be grateful, be kind, and be strong.