The Transcending Journey Part 4

I hope you enjoyed the first three articles in this 5 part series which introduces my journey through transformation. If you need a refresher, you can find Part 1 here, Part 2 here and Part 3 here. Thank you for stopping by and reading my expedition of life. Remember to share, like and comment on the post.

2013 was a year of many transformations and discoveries. It also was a year of affirmations. Day in and day out more and more non Ismailis were attracted to the Tasbihs. I still was treading lightly based on peoples' personalities or my perception of how people would respond to the richness of a Tasbih. I believe I did this as deep down I had the fear of people not really accepting the Tasbih and thinking it was wo-wo, but really I was afraid that people would find me weird and different. That meant that I would be unaccepted and frowned upon.

I would have people like the Tasbihs and would want me to remove some beads as it did not always fit and I would do it only because I felt as though I would lose a sale, but deep down it would drive me crazy and I would have this unsettling feeling in the pit of my stomach. I could not figure out why that feeling kept eating me alive..... Not until the beginning of this year did I really grasp why I had been so anxious and bothered by removing the beads from the Tasbih. I was not being authentic about what a Tasbih really meant, nor was I true about my creations being altered and how it affected me. It also meant that I was not being honest about what I stand for.

Without a doubt in my mind, 2013 had been one of the best years of my life with the many opportunities that came to me, the blessings, newly borne creations, new experiences, the many new connections I made and the acceptance of my deeper passion for spirituality. Among the various things, I was introduced to 3 non Ismaili at events that I would not have gone to but because I did, I stepped out of my comfort zone my life had been changed once again for the better.

We often hear over and over "Things happen for a reason!" I could not agree more with the famous saying as the more I was getting my hands dirty, the more unexplainable things were happening and moving life forward. As mentioned earlier, 2013 was a significant year in many ways. The first collection was born (Harmony Collection) and then I was inspired to create other collections. Universally speaking, "If something happens once, it has happened by chance." If it happens for the second time, it is bound to happen again and if it happens three times, it is very important." In other words, the Universe is showing you the signs to either continue down your path or to change your path. From a business stand point in order to make a difference, an individual needs to see something 4 times before they appreciate a brand.

In my case, I had two major affirmations and or eye openers. The first had to do with the authentic meaning behind the Tasbih and second the creation of my first necklace (Fire Love Set).

The 3 individuals that I met throughout the year all had different things to offer me from a business prospective in how they could help me grow but the one thing they all said to me was, "You have an amazing story here with the Tasbih, lead with that and do not change anything to the Tasbih. You are onto something huge. You have turned something so religious and spiritual into something modern, fashionable and kept your tradition alive." By the second time hearing that, I knew that I was onto something marvelous and I no longer was afraid to be authentic on many levels.

I now had the confidence to continue on with my Tasbihs and was looking for a new challenge, I had been toying with the idea of making a necklace, a bracelet, and earrings but too afraid to mess-up or not have the creative tools to create something larger even though I knew it would be good for me. One Friday evening I went to our mosque in Downtown and I wore this beautiful necklace. I had been approached by two of my friends asking me if I had designed the necklace. My obvious response was, "No, I have not made this necklace." That got me thinking, and I looked at the necklace and realized that I could create something similar to this piece. The following week, I then went to our mosque in Richmond and again I had been wearing the same necklace and this time my grandma asked me very excitedly if I had made the necklace. Again, responding, "No, I had not made this necklace." I could see her hopes and joy had been crushed. I went home that evening and I was very inspired and motivated to bring that smile back on my grandma's face. I pulled out my stuff and began creating, before I knew it, my first necklace was born.

People often ask me if I draw a design before I create or design a master piece. The answer is no, everything comes from within me from the heart. Having said that, every piece I create is uniquely and authentically created. One more realization that I did not like to fix things as then it is coming from a place of love and passion.

What has the universe been trying to tell you over the past year?

What have you been ignoring and you know it may change your life for the better?

Fatima

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