Speaking up

this is me drafting my blog posts

Salam, 

the weather is as perfect as I want to be today- the right temperature, the right amount of light, and the after-storm calm ambient. Not only does it make my mood great, but it also makes me more productive, i dont want to be sitting around doing nothing in this great weather. Sometimes I feel like packing my things up and going for a picnic, but it is somehow a very big move for an introvert like me, or maybe just a lazy me. So I tend to wake up earlier, not wanting to waste the beautiful day, and I'll tackle everything that has pilled up over the past few days and complete everything by the afternoon. and then I'll get the rest of my time to enjoy the day. 

It also made me think of something. Of speaking up. 

I know ive been saying to everyone that im an introvert, or make being an introvert my whole personality. While that is true at some point, but I dont know if I should label myself that way anymore. If there's a venn diagram of all these things, i'll be at the edge of the "introvert" circle. Well, sometimes I am shy and reserved, so saying "I’m an extrovert" wouldn’t make sense, and people would laugh and think I'm crazy, but sometimes, I do want to say im not. actually these personality things itself is a whole commercial game anyway. Why have one when you can be both? 

If there's one thing I am sure of about myself is I am bold. I do what I want, I don't do what I dont want to do or I will ask why? should I do it? of everything, speak up whenever i want. and the speaking part is what I want to highlight here. 

I will always speak up whenever there's something coming my way. and I am always honest to people of what I feel and what I want and not bothered of what the other person would think of me. We sometimes worry people would think bad, judge and even scared of people not liking us. But we all know its not the reality. Sometimes, people do appreciate you speaking up instead of just accepting, they'd be very happy to explain or discuss with you, but its you against your victim mentality. I'd rather people say no to me, i'd rather people suggest their opinions to me and i'd rather discuss with people. 

As introvert as I am, I think I am a bold one. I may not go around and sit with a group of people and tell stories and have good social skills, but I know I will not shut myself up when there's something wrong or when im curious abt something. and this trait really helped me grow a lot while at the same time being a shy girl i am. 

when im at work, in a meeting, i'll first wait for my team leader to speak about whats going on with our project, but if there's anything wrong or lacking or I felt unfair, i'll speak up and explain more on it. If there's no one speaking up, i will. If there's no one questioning, I'll ask. If there's no one giving opinions, i will. That will not just help myself, but also the people around me to learn too. 

or when im doing something for myself and im curious about something, I directly ask people for the information i need. In arguments, i'll just go and directly ask and try to settle it right away. or sometimes when something's wrong, i'll directly say to that person, "no, you cant do that....how about this blablabla". Even if I’m wrong most of the time, at least I gain a better understanding.

I want people around me to be like that too. Speak up if you feel its unfair for you. Ask why. Ask what went wrong. Be curious and ask. I want you to have your own ideas of things. Speak for others too. in Islam Allah told us to always be just and stand on the right side even if it means standing with the non-Muslims.

u can't be passive in your life. you can't just sit and accept everything thrown to you. first, you wont grow, next, people will always take advantage of you. We have to have our own stance on everything.  

If your boss doesnt give you your rightful annual leaves, ask him why. say that you have the right. stand up for yourself instead of saying okay and continuing your work. If you have to do work outside of your working hours, you do know its wrong and you should atleast get paid for it, speak up or don’t entertain such requests. Know your rights. Please, don’t be complacent. Once you show them that you will do whatever they ask, they’ll continue to do it.  

and ofcourse, you gotta be polite in every way. dont go around marah marah orang pulak. Use the right words, find something good in them first, be respectful and with empathy, then say your points. that way, we can say "no" without offending anyone, and even create a more positive result. Dont be "biarlah" everytime. thats my biggest pet peeves. 

Stand firm in your beliefs, ask questions, and never stop being curious. Let’s all strive to be more proactive and assertive in our daily lives. and at the same time, be open to people's suggestions and opinions, and accept that you can be wrong. may Allah help, and allow us to have clear and gentle speech. 

so, don't let your fear or your self-doubt make your voice smaller. Speak up for yourself and for others, and that will significantly create a positive ripple effect in your life. 

p.s  sometimes i do have my own "idgaf" moments too. Im human. pls dont use my words against myself.

i want to go travel please help me i can cry i need holidays