I gave myself a little reward. Alhamdulillah.

After all the hard work, long nights, and countless challenges, I finally received good results in my exam. It might seem like a small win to others, but to me, it’s a meaningful milestone. To celebrate, I treated myself to a nice meal and bought a cute pouch. A simple yet sincere way to acknowledge the effort I’ve put in.

We often look at big achievements as the only moments worth celebrating a new job, a graduation, or a promotion. But the truth is, growth is found in the everyday battles we overcome. It’s in showing up when we’re tired, studying when we’d rather rest, and pushing through when giving up feels easier. These moments are victories too, and they deserve recognition.

Every step forward, no matter how small, deserves recognition.
Sometimes, we’re so focused on chasing the end goal that we forget to pause and appreciate how far we’ve already come. That little voice inside that says, “I did well,” is not arrogance, it’s self-respect.

🌿 Example:
You might have managed to speak confidently during a meeting that once made you feel anxious. That’s a win. Or you finally completed a tough assignment that you procrastinated on for weeks that’s progress. Celebrate those moments with something simple; a walk in the park, a favorite snack, or even just a moment of quiet dua to thank Allah for the strength.

Someone once shared a thoughtful comment with me:
“Treat yourself better than anyone else. Be happy for yourself, not just for others.”
That really stayed with me. It reminded me that our happiness shouldn’t be tied to others’ opinions or expectations. True happiness starts from within when we learn to value ourselves, care for our needs, and acknowledge our own growth, even if no one else sees it.

🌸 Example:
Maybe your family or friends didn’t know how important that exam was to you. Maybe no one noticed the tears or late nights. But you knew. You saw your struggle and that’s reason enough to reward yourself. That’s self-love in action.

However, there’s also a deeper truth I’ve come to understand:
When we bring joy to the people we love, we often feel an even greater sense of happiness. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about making someone else smile especially when it comes from a place of genuine love and not obligation.

🌼 Example:
Buying your parents a small gift from your first salary. Preparing a meal for your friend when they’re having a hard day. Leaving an encouraging note on a colleague’s desk. These actions may seem small, but they create a ripple of joy. And strangely, in giving love, we receive it tenfold.

So here’s to balance loving ourselves wholeheartedly and spreading that love to others.
We don’t need to choose between the two. Self-love and love for others can coexist. In fact, when we fill our own cup, we’re better equipped to pour into others.

May happiness always find us in the quiet moments of self-reflection and in the shared joy with those we hold dear. And may we continue to grow, celebrate, and be kind to ourselves and to the hearts around us.