Prof. Dr. Sahira Qahtan Abdul Jabbar College of Education – Department of Educational and Psychological Sciences I still remain silent when something hurts me, because I know very well that life can sometimes be harsh on us, and luck may not always stand by our side. But when we realize that everything is written, we come to accept reality. I do not deny that I have, at times, grown tired of life… nor do I deny my weakness in certain situations and under certain circumstances. Yet within me there is a spirit that grants me strength whenever I remember that if God loves a servant, He tests them. So let us live our lives with happiness and silence. Mouths will not fall silent, tongues will not stop, envious eyes will always watch, and the soul that inclines toward evil will neither show nor have mercy. So do not change too much, and do not become as if you know nothing about others except that you are still alive. I admire the one who tells me about their anger or discomfort caused by something I did, because that opens the door for me to explain my reasons—unlike the one who hides it, gnaws at my reputation in secret, and ignores the words of the Almighty: “Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother?” For speaking ill of someone in their absence is like eating the flesh of your dead brother, who cannot feel it. Let us be truthful, for our lives do not come with postponed time for explanations. We all know there is no difference between the color of salt and the color of sugar; both look the same, but we discover the difference through experience. Likewise are people—some have refined souls that respect themselves and others. When they speak, they do so with depth and clarity, without harming the feelings or dignity of others. They ask politely, joke gracefully, and apologize sincerely. We are not obliged to justify our to those who think badly of us. Those who truly know us will understand us well. The eye may deceive itself when it loves, and the ear may believe others when it hates. We encounter people who love us, and others whom we love. Therefore, let us be more mindful of those who love us than of those we love. Those we love may prepare themselves only to take, while those who love us prepare themselves only to give. Thus, it is better to be blind to everything that does not please you, deaf to everything that hurts you, and indifferent to everything that pains you. This is how you live happily. Life is very short and does not deserve hatred, envy, resentment, hypocrisy, or the of family ties. Tomorrow, we will become memories… so just smile and forgive those who have wronged you, for Paradise requires hearts that are pure.