In the name of Allah,
Taking those brisk walks together and stopping at the playground feels like weaving joy into the fabric of our days. The simple act of being outdoors, feeling the sun on our skin, and watching my girls play creates such precious memories.
Playgrounds have a profound way of sparking imagination, don’t they? As my daughters swing, climb, and explore, they’re not just getting physical exercise, they’re also building resilience, problem-solving skills, and social connections, Allahumma barik. I’m right there alongside them, guiding, laughing, and sharing in their wonder.
These moments are transformative for me, too. Watching my daughters brings back memories of my own childhood: the swings I soared on, the friendships I built, and the dreams that took flight. It’s as if time folds in on itself, allowing me to experience both past and present at once. Remember in my previous post, I shared how my late father would take me to the playground after work? Those memories mean so much.
And let’s not forget, all praise is due for Allah, the healing properties of nature. The fresh air, rustling leaves, and children’s laughter all contribute to our well-being. As I walk, I breathe deeply, letting yesterday’s worries fade away and embracing the promise of today. These walks also serve as a wonderful brain break, not just for me but for my daughters. It’s a chance to reset our minds, enjoy the moment, and refresh our energy before returning to our tasks.
Now, tell me: do you ever find yourself lost in thought during your walks? Maybe pondering life’s mysteries or simply enjoying the rhythm of your steps? For me, the answer is yes. I often find myself thinking of my late father. I remember him so clearly, and I offer dua in his memory. At the same time, I appreciate the steady rhythm of my steps, even when dealing with discomfort: pain in my lower back, soreness in my SI joints, or aching glutes. But I continue because I know I need this sunlight, the serotonin, and the vitamin D. Given the current weather in Malaysia, which is sunny in the morning but often turns rainy after 10am before becoming sunny again, we make sure to seize the opportunity to enjoy the sun while we can.
Speaking of physical well-being, I previously mentioned that I’ve been focusing on strengthening my glutes to alleviate my back and SI joint pain. If you’re curious, I’ve found a few stretches and techniques that have made a difference for me, all praise is due for Allah. Balancing self-care with homeschooling and parenting is indeed a challenge, and time is precious. I’m still working on finding the right balance. In the future, in shaa Allah, I hope that “Learning with Busy Brains” will serve as a living blog where readers can witness how my health evolves and how I strive to remain present in my daughters’ lives.
It’s not just for me either. I want my daughters to learn the importance of being physically active, too. A sedentary lifestyle just isn’t for us. With a family history of chronic illness, staying active is essential. I want them to see this in me, despite my own long list of physical challenges (yes, the list is long, but we keep moving, don’t we?), in shaa Allah.
