Starting Point

Every generation sparks new hope. The freshness and vitality that belong to the period of life commonly called ‘adolescence’ is a human phenomena. New ideas, zeal for change, hope for a brighter future – all this and more. This most precious phase of life should therefore be used to the maximum. Each epoch has its troubles, corruption and problems to overcome. But isn’t it strange how every generation thinks their problems are more significant and more complex than the previous generation? Well, here we are today, and we have our own challenges to face. The youth are at the starting point – like so many runners lined up waiting for the signal to begin.

This is the time to start! There is no time like the present. The point is, how to begin? Sometimes people spend their whole lives at the starting point and never make the initial surge into action. They stand around, scratch their heads in confusion, blame others for inactivity and then, do nothing. People live and die and have achieved nothing worthwhile in their lives. Don’t be like that! Look around you. You will see the many abilities you have, the opportunities, and the resources (apparent and sometimes hidden).Be determined to do something worthwhile in your life. Don’t be downhearted when you see the problems of life because really, such problems have existed since the beginning of time. They may take on different forms, but basically they are the same problems.

Life appears overwhelming at times and sometimes in a fit of confusion a person might say to themselves, ‘It’s too much!’ ‘What good can I do?’ ‘I’ll never be able to change the problems of the world!’ Well, the response to the above questions should be, ‘Yes, perhaps it appears to be too much.’ ‘There is something good you can do.’ ‘Of course, you’ll never be able to solve the problems of the world.’

But this is the starting point. Use all that vitality to put yourself in order. But don’t misunderstand because ‘putting yourself in order’ is a lifelong struggle. Make it a daily habit to analyze yourself, your words, actions and your goals and make sure you are heading down the straight path. That means, performing your prayers on time, reading Qur’an everyday, being good to your family, neighbors and friends, and being a problem solver not a trouble maker.

When all that is in order, you are ready to begin. Make a list of your interests and another list of what you think you are good at and still another list of what you would like to be good at, then design your activities.

From the list that contains your interests you can do activities that are pleasant and satisfying for you – things that you like. The list that contains the things you are good at has the things that you can share with others. Find ways to share the knowledge, skills and information you have. And finally, the things you would like to be good at are the areas where you can take classes or meet with people who can help you to upgrade your own personal skills. You can make these lists with some of your friends. Any activity that is done in a group is more rewarding and such things help people get to know each other better. You may find there are things you all have in common – things you did not know before!