麻豆社

From Sarah Joseph, Editor of a Muslim lifestyle magazine:

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Virtually every morning my day starts in the same way.听 The cat鈥檚 at the back door, and the dog spins in circles to let me know I have to let him in.
The cat starts meowing for breakfast.
The dog sits 鈥� quietier, his eyes expectant, and his tail wagging.听 The chickens can be heard bokking from the back of the garden.
I feed the cat, and dog.
I put on my husband鈥檚 coffee, and head down to the chickens with any peelings that we鈥檝e saved, adding dandelion leaves, other weeds, and fallen apples to my bowl, as I walk.
I feed the chickens, collect the eggs, come back into the house, pour my husband鈥檚 coffee, which is always gratefully received, and put on tea for myself.
I welcome the children as they wake. Helping with breakfast and packed lunches sometimes. Seeing people off at the door if they鈥檙e heading out to work or school, before settling at my laptop, and getting down to my work, or heading out to meetings 鈥� depending on my schedule.
On a good day, this start to my morning can feel idyllic. Everything in its place. A routine of living creatures 鈥� human and otherwise - all happy to see me, and me caring for them. Connections to nature, and a rhythm of life. I cuddle the cat, laugh with the dog, and thank the chickens profusely for the eggs. I鈥檓 nice to the humans too!
On a bad day, this routine feels onerous. A list of things to do. Noisy pets, and demanding humans, draining me of my energy. Responsibilities everywhere. I usually feel like this if I have a pressing work commitment, or if I鈥檓 under-the-weather.
I hate the bad days, and I try hard to check myself鈥� To pull myself up鈥� because I feel like I鈥檓 the one who loses out.
The Prophet鈥檚 son in law said, 鈥淣o mirror can reflect the picture of a human as well as his attitude.鈥�

My personal experience of life truly makes me feel that attitude can and does change lives. I believe how I approach things affects how I experience them.
And whilst I get tired and have struggles, by working hard to address my attitude towards reality, I reckon I can improve the very quality of my life.

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