“The best is yet to come, and won’t that be fine? You think you’ve seen the sun, but you ain’t seen it shine.” — Frank Sinatra, The Best Is Yet To Come

It’s a Sunday. The designated day for chores and life admin. The day where I can lounge around lazily with no sense of guilt. Not today, though. My sister drags me to a new boba spot she’s been raving about for the last month. As a certified hater of all things bubble tea, I am certain (practically determined) that I will not enjoy it. However, sitting on a bench in the park nearby, in between my sister’s smug grin and knowing glances, I am secretly relishing this recent discovery, glad to have been proven wrong.

The Best Is Yet To Come

I’m in awe every time I find a new thing that I enjoy, because it reminds me of how much more there is in life to experience and fall in love with. Like whenever I come across a new favourite cuisine, artist, series, book, song, word, or perfume, I find it crazy that I’ve lived so long without knowing it existed. Or when I come across a fandom (like the K-pop craze) which may never be of interest to me, but there is a world of people passionate and informed about a topic I have no idea about. It makes me wonder what else I’m yet to encounter.

I have a very similar realisation whenever I discover something new about Islam. Once, a teacher of mine described how he had spent decades of his life learning the Qur’an, and how each time he revisited a particular verse, he’d learn something new. The exposure to the vastness of such information leaves me with the humbling realisation that knowledge is boundless, and that our existence is so small in the grand scheme of things.

Do you ever think about all the art and literature you’re ignorant of which could be a new obsession, or a paradigm-shifting piece of work which could reframe your entire worldview? This is why I’m always plunging headfirst into any new sort of hyper fixation.

Stumbling upon new discoveries always makes me wonder if I’ve entered a new world entirely, or whether it’s the same world with more possibilities. Engaging with works we’re unfamiliar with expands our palette, widens our horizons and broadens our perspectives.

I am excited for all the little cafes I have yet to discover, all the wonderful emotions I’ve yet to feel and the new types of happiness to embrace; like being a parent and observing life anew through your child’s eyes for the first time. One of the things that keep me going during my low moments is knowing there is an infinite amount of wonder in this world, with truly inexhaustible opportunities. 

The Joy Amongst the Mundane

“How different would our perception of reality be if… we discarded the mundane events that cannot coexist with our dreams?” — Robin Hobb, Shaman’s Crossing

The wonder to be found in this world doesn’t always have to be extravagant or rare. They can be found in the most mundane of things, like being present during a walk and appreciating your surroundings and nature. Romanticise your daily life. Strive to find pleasure amongst the mundane — recognise and cherish the little things worth celebrating. For it is the small joys in life that bring us delight.

Embracing New Characters in Your Story

“There are people you haven’t met yet who will be coming to your wedding, celebrating your new job, surprising you on your birthday and spending time with you in your new home. There are so many important characters in your story that you are yet to connect with.” — Vex King

One of my many joys in life is meeting new people, and not knowing who I will meet next or how important they will become to me.

There are friends I’ve made over the last couple of years who I cannot remember an existence without. People who I once didn’t even know existed. It reframes the way I look at strangers. I now like to believe that strangers aren’t simply such — they’re friends who we just haven’t had the pleasure of meeting yet.

There are so many chapters of your life yet to be written, so many new characters to embrace. Take comfort in the fact that you are still to meet all the people you will love, and all those who will love you in your lifetime.

Abundance Mindset > Scarcity Mindset

Abu Huraira reported, The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Allah the Almighty says: I am as My servant thinks (expects) I Am.” — [Sahih Al-Bukhari]

Similar to the law of attraction or the “best-case scenario” visualisation, an abundance mindset is the belief that there are enough resources and successes in the world for everyone. It’s often contrasted with a scarcity mindset, or the belief that the world’s resources are finite — when someone gets something, that leaves less for everyone else.

In Islam, it’s called ‘Husn Al-Dhan Billah’, which means having a good expectation of Allah (swt). This includes what you think of Him and how you believe He sees you.

Adopting an abundance mindset is fundamental in life. If you believe that there aren’t enough good things out there, that will become your reality. Regardless of what opportunities I miss out on, I always like to hold on to the belief that what is around the corner will be so much greater.

And the best way to cultivate this outlook is through the realisation and understanding of the mercy of Allah (swt). Remember that despite any shortages or failures, there is always more to experience, enjoy and be grateful for.

“There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” — C. S. Lewis

So, be open-minded. Expose yourself to new experiences, expand your beliefs, explore more opportunities. And if you ever find yourself questioning if there is more to life — Yes. Yes, there is. Always.