It is good to unwind. It is good to take some time to reflect on life, to take delight in it and seek balance in the good things life has to offer. Sometimes this means we have to take a couple of steps back and look at things from a slightly different angle.
We see this in the way Allah addresses His Messenger (peace be upon him). He says:
Had We not expanded for you your breast, and relieved you of your burdens which weighed you down? (Quran 94: 1-3)
Allah also says:
Did He not find you an orphan and give you shelter? And found thee wandering, and gave thee guidance? And found you in need and made you free of want? (Quran 93: 6-8)
There is nothing wrong with breaking your monotonous daily routine and trying out something different in order to inspire you, revitalize your way of thinking, and return your mind to a relaxed and balanced state, one that puts you in greater emotional harmony with your surroundings and with other people.
You need to be able to read the signs your body gives you and understand its needs. You need to know the warning signs that you have reached your limit.
Allah says:
Therefore, when you art free (from your immediate task), still labor hard, and to your Lord turn (all) thy attention. (Quran 94: 7-8)
He says:
Truly, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest! (Quran 13: 28)
Do not wear yourself down and do not take on more than you can handle. Your body has rights over you, and so does your inner self. A human perspective is better for our bodily well-being than angelic aspirations. Such a perspective is more stable and less in need of compromise down the road.
You should keep an open mind and be ready for the unexpected. Be prepared for the demands you might have to face. The best kind of success is where you are able to see what you achieve as being the best there is in life. This gives you an inner safeguard from the unforeseen obstacles that might get in your way.
We do not have to be running to get ahead at every moment or struggling to take in everything that life throws at us. Sometimes, a little spontaneity can provide us with invaluable insights. A certain free spirit is needed for life to go easy.
If we really think about it, we will see that fretting over all possibilities to the point of confusion actually makes it more difficult for us to distinguish what is correct from what is in error.
Expect the Bad and the Good
You need to keep the faith that life is but an interesting conundrum, and you should strengthen your resolve with the knowledge that whatever bad might befall us, something good will rise out of it as long as you are patient, are ready to keep a level head, and move forward.
It is not naïve to let bad experiences run their course. In truth, most of the negativity we face stems from our thinking – quite falsely – that we can get through life without taking any hard knocks. We must accept that there will be ups and downs.
Allah says:
No calamity befalls save by Allah’s leave. And whosoever believes in Allah, He guides his heart. (Quran 64: 11)
In Sahih Muslim, Suhayb related that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
How amazing are the believer’s affairs; all his affairs are good for him. If good befalls him, he is grateful and that is good for him, and if he is afflicted by calamity he is patient and that is also good for him.
Allah also tells us:
And when the true believers saw the clans, they said: This is what Allah and His messenger promised us would happen. What Allah and His messenger told us was true. It did but confirm them in their faith and acceptance. (Quran 33: 22)
Praise be to Allah at all times and in all circumstances.
Source: http://en.islamtoday.net/
(From Reading Islam archive)