Green

 Assalamu aleikum wa rahmatullah :) how has your weekend been?

Time for tea and medicine, some evening snack and chat with you guys. Today I have been relaxing, like yesterday, just washed some laundry like I like to do on Sunday mornings. I haven't yet gotten into the work outs, I do my small steps like dancing when no one is at home, and of course making the thought process of maybe probably going to a long walk tomorrow. If only I could travel like I do on my mind...

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I have been looking for a toner, and I made one myself today. I had this pump bottle my mom gave me, it was a curl defining something, and didn't really work for me so I drained the bottle in the sink and gave it a new life as a face mist. I was looking for recipes online, and first I wanted to make a rice water mist, but apparently it's not necessarily suitable for acne prone skin, so I chose a green tea mist instead.

The recipe is easy: make a small cup of strong green tea (I used one with mint). Then let it cool down and bottle it, and add some drops of essential oil(s). I added some rosemary. Then just keep it in fridge, when not used. I don't know how long time it will last, probably 3-5 days I would say. This is so simple to make, it's ok to do a new batch every now and then. (Oh, and if you don't have a spray bottle, you can apply the toner with bamboo make up pads.) 

I tried it, and I think it kinda mattifyes my skin. I need to use it longer time to see the actual effects. Green tea is known of its antioxidants, and it reduces inflammation (acne/pimples), has anti-age qualities, and it hydrates and brightens skin. If it's good for you internally, why not externally. :) 

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I have been focusing on positivity and enjoying this anxious-free time I've had. It's been good. I follow the news still, and do what I am able. The way Finland's government is not handling the situation what comes to recognizing Palestine and rescuing our citizens from the Israeli prison for example, is so depressing and tells a lot about the state of our country. I wish for a new government, this current one is just destroying everything that has been the pride of Finland, like great public health care and education, not to mention culture, equality, and hospitality. 

I have to take my privilege and just think of happy stuff. I am doing alright but stress is not good for me, I have to listen myself and take a break when I need it. And I recommend to remember it even if you are healthy. Just to keep yourself that way. One does not exclude the other, you can still be aware and active, and also take your time to recharge yourself. 

So the positive it is, alhamdulillah, and astaghfirullah. 

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Another cup of tea.. I don't have much to spill. Really I just live my days and try to have something to do. This week was a bit more eventful, there was the visit to mom's, and then the Asahi group, and Friday I went to the mosque first time for a very long time. It was so nice, it feels good to pray together with sisters. I got a tasbeeh counter too, this nice lady gave it to me, ma sha Allah. I will go now more often in sha Allah.

I have had thoughts again, about leaving my hijab. But I've kept it so far. It is a struggle sometimes, sometimes it's my pride. Sometimes it doesn't feel like who I am, and often I come back to the thought that I wouldn't be without it. Not be this or that. I mean I wouldn't be, without it. Allah saved me so I don't want to be ungrateful. It's just the pressure from outside. But I've started to fight against it too, hence my anxiety has lessened, so have to keep going. Some people might be stronger, faith wise or otherwise, and I hope everyone understands it's a personal business. No one is less than, or better than other, and some things in deen are easier and some need more effort. It's a journey, this life. We have the straight road ahead of us, it takes courage to walk on, and everyone's path is of course different. 

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I think it's time to relax a bit, I've had too much tea while writing, but it was a good chat dears :) See you next time,

Aisha