Who I Wish to Become

Building new habits starts with knowing who you want to become through those habits.

Since I am reaching my final year in my 3 series era, I constantly think about my retirement. What it is going to look like and what I am going to do if I ever live long enough to reach my retirement age.

First of all, when do I want to retire? Perhaps after my cash savings (not including KWSP) reach at least 300K? If I save/invest RM 2.5K every month, I can get RM300K in 12.5 years. When can I start to save RM2.5K per month?

My monthly commitment has been high as of late. I could set a budget and stick to it. I need to limit my expenses to just RM 4000 per month. As of now, I am saving at least 1K per month. I will start to save more next month. 

Then again, rizq is from Allah and Allah is the best planner. If Allah is pleased with us, He will grant us more rizq and even guide us to make a good financial planning so that we would be able to achieve whatever we want. I need to remember that every dollar spent for the Sake of Allah, He will returned the dollar, tenfold. Who I wish to become is a generous person. All the money I have is meant for others but those I gave away for the sake of Allah, will be recorded as good deeds and this will help me in the Hereafter.

It is decided. This year's habits should center around pleasing our Creator instead of worrying about what will be given to us. The focus should be on paradise and the Hereafter because that is definitely where we will end up at. I wish to have palaces, beautiful palaces built for me in Jannah. Perhaps, every time i visit a huge beautiful building, I will be reminded of paradise and palaces in paradise. 

Waking up as early as 5am for tahajud and subuh prayer with my husband. Voluntary fast on Mondays and Thursdays and all other special days. Consistently giving out sedaqah and helping those in need. I just increased my monthly zakat payment since my salary was revised. I pray that Allah accepts it from me and forgive my sins. 

I've started to get physically active as well as sleeping early. I also read books before bed these days. Perhaps these habits could help to reduce the amount of time I spent in front of the tv. 

I want to continue increasing my love for Allah. Remembering all His mercy and rizq that He has given me through out my life. How He protected me and continue to love me despite my transgression. How He forgive me and rewarded me for my patience. 2022 was such a miraculous journey. I pray that 2023 would be even better, insyaAllah.

p/s - Perhaps it is time to restart my offline gratitude journal.