the thing about cliches is that they really are true

We talked about happiness and depression tonight (amidst my wonderful birthday dinner with some lovely friends), and I realise I've been doing something; I've been holding out on what I believe is the key to happiness and contentment -- like I'm afraid some of my friends won't believe me. Which on reflection, is such a shameful act on my part, it cracks my heart.

It's God, my friends. For me, it's There is no God but Allah, and Sayidina Muhammad is His Beloved Messenger. It's as simple as that. And I'm afraid that when I say it, some of you will think, oh that answer, I've heard it before. But it's true, and I wish you could see it, so you'll be deep-down-happy too. Don't get me wrong, it's not like I'm rainbows and ponies most days; I still have my terrible moments -- tears come quite easy to me. But there's an anchor now lodged in my heart, that's like a spring of happiness and a compass for guidance, and as long as I water it with remembrance of God, there's light in my life, come what may.