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Nadir Keval

Poem: True Beauty
Poem: True Beauty 2560 1703 Nadir Keval

They ask me,
“What makes her so beautiful?”

I say,
“Her soul.”

They ask,
“But what of her appearance?”

I say,
“It is given value through her soul.”

They ask,
“What of her mind?”

I say,
“It is but a nomad guided by her soul.”

They ask,
“And what of her faith?”

I say,
“Ah, now that is the question.
It is the water and the sun that nourishes her soul.
It is the strength that flows truth to her ever-loving heart.
It is the soul of her soul.”

They ask,
“Then what matters to you most?”

I smile,
“That her faith be her purpose,
her constant epiphany,
and the essence of her happiness.”

Copyright © Nadir Keval

Poem: Struck By An Arrow
Poem: Struck By An Arrow 960 854 Nadir Keval

There is that simple moment,
When a man sees the woman he fancies,
Open her eyes with a smile in her heart,
Hoping she is thinking of him.

She turns a light pink,
As the tips of her lips
Reach for the skies,
And her smile makes the moonlight
Seem like it’s shine isn’t too bright.

This is the dream I hold deep in my heart,
To have as my truth and my fantasy.
She is like an arrow through my heart,
Except unlike cupid,
She’s a dream turned reality.

I do pray that one day,
I could show her my all,
And let her see that my words,
Are my lesser quality,
As my actions will prove,
That I will always try
my best to be worthy
Of her
And her family.

God-willing, one day,
We will find our way,
And our families will love
Each other as though
they were part of each others’ destiny.

I will pray and pray,
And ask Him to guide us.
So we can see
If we should be
Each others’ passports
To a Heavenly Eternity.

Copyright © Nadir Keval

More Than Mediocre
More Than Mediocre 1440 964 Nadir Keval

As children, most of us are privileged and fortunate enough to hear and believe that we are capable of accomplishing anything we put our minds to. Our minds are free, full of imagination and limitless possibilities. We don’t concern ourselves with the opinions of others, or the risks of failure. We simply follow our hearts and intuition, and move freely towards what we want, driven to get what we want, no matter the costs.

Then, we begin to interact with people. We begin to see that our dreams and goals are something others have attempted and have failed at. We begin to question if it’s really worth it to take so many risks. We learn about the way things are “supposed” to be, and how we’re “supposed” to live our lives, and are brainwashed into believing that there isn’t much out there for us to achieve, beyond what has already been accomplished by others. Honestly, to call this bullshit would be an insult to bullshit.

Growing up, I was the type of person that had a great deal of potential, and would be reminded of it often by teachers and relatives. The problem, however, was that I would be placed in the most conventional and typical scenarios to fulfill that potential, that I wasn’t able to find a space where I was able to be my true self. In the eyes of teachers and relatives, I was an academic flop, but simply for the reason that they believed I wasn’t trying hard enough. Parent-Teacher interviews usually went like this:

Teacher: Nadir is one of the best young men I’ve met. He’s smart, he’s intelligent, he gets along well with others, and he is always there to help when needed.

Parents: (grinning) Thank you.

Teacher: But…he seems to be very distracted in class, is often late with his assignments, and seems to struggle with tests, even if he understands the material.

Parents: Oh…

The conversation would then lead to my parents asking the teacher how they could help me, the teacher suggesting tutoring, a schedule, my parents checking and signing my homework book every night, etc. I tried every single one of those things, but nothing seemed to work. It worked for some others, but for me, it just didn’t work. This continued all the way into university, until I came to a point of making the conscious decision to find a new way.

That was when things seemed brighter in my eyes, despite the fact that I was now being called, “A jack of all trades, and a master of none.” That didn’t sit well with me, because I knew that it was possible for me to become more than just one thing. I didn’t want to be mediocre. I looked at the lives of those around me and those I heard about on TV or in the dreadful gossip circles you see at most events. Most people seemed to be miserable with their lives. They hated their jobs, they had lost all romance in their relationships (if they were in one at all – some find singlehood to be the ideal lifestyle, by the way…for me, having someone to share a life with and to be completely comfortable with is one of the most beautiful things life has to offer), they always wanted what they didn’t have and were upset and unsatisfied with what they did have. I looked at that and saw horrifying examples of what following the societal path to “success” looked like.

I decided that enough was enough. I decided that I would go after my goals, and create more dreams and goals as I went along. I decided that if someone told me that I would never be able to accomplish one of my goals, it would then be a personal challenge to make sure that I accomplish it, simply so I can know in my heart that I’m capable of more than what’s expected of me.

I quickly learned that being mediocre was something that just didn’t work for me. I believe I am destined for greatness, destined to be more than mediocre. Why let others dictate what I am and am not capable of?

“Never let anyone’s thoughts, words, or actions towards you dictate the value of your life. Do right by God and do right by you. Focus on those two things and, by the will of God, the rest will come together in the best way possible.” – Nadir Keval

The world is filled with people with lives that are so incredibly similar, while having the potential of being so incredibly unique. What takes us away from being the best we can be is the fact that we become accustomed to living according to what others tell us is okay, acceptable, and realistic. Personally, I call bullshit on that again! I often tell this to my mentoring clients, and I’ll share it with all of you: The key to success lies in a balance of two things…knowledge of your beliefs and values with the action to back it up, balanced with a ridiculously driven and unfaltering work ethic towards making your dreams and goals a reality.

I hope you can take this information and go after your dreams, knowing that every single one of us is capable of being far more than mediocre. You have your own unique purpose in this world, and the best way you can achieve it is by never giving up on becoming better at being you. I’d love to hear your stories on how you’ve come up against the challenges of being your best you, and how you dealt with it. Leave a comment below to get the conversation started!

Quote: The Most Beautiful Rose
Quote: The Most Beautiful Rose 1536 2048 Nadir Keval

“I’m beginning to learn that it is often the most beautiful of roses that acts as our greatest test of patience, as it works up the courage and confidence to bloom, not knowing the potential it holds.” – Nadir Keval

The Most Beautiful Flower - watermarked

Poem: Wind
Poem: Wind 1280 800 Nadir Keval

The winds rush through the trees,
swift and driven.
They often say little,
but sometimes are deafening.
Their impact always remains,
but we only see their wrath,
never seeing their blessings.
They seem to exist simply to shift and sway,
leaving distraught anything that comes in their way.

The winds flow through the trees,
calm and smitten.
They break weak branches,
and sacrifice their fluidity,
to protect those who depend on the strength of trees.
The coolness they bring on a hot summer’s day,
and the seeds they carry
to help continue the cycle of life,
if often unseen or forgotten.
By the will and generosity of God,
they are what connect nature’s life and death.

The wind is like the love we experience in life,
sometimes it breaks us, sometimes it leaves us light.
Regardless of if it comes,
or if it leaves,
love and wind bless us,
with their existence and ease.
Imagine how it would be,
if you would simply love…
no reservations, expectations,
or reciprocation needed.
You would become like the wind.
Not everyone will embrace you.
Sometimes you may intimidate.
But, when the thoughtful and sincere,
take their moment to breathe,
they will feel your presence,
and all the bliss it brings.

Copyright © Nadir Keval

Poem: Reflective Growth
Poem: Reflective Growth 2560 1600 Nadir Keval

I learned very recently of a truth.
that one cannot expect another
to repeat what those of the past would do.
Not in that it is an impossibility,
but that every person should be given the opportunity,
to rise above the rest,
and show their worth
by opening their heart
and cleansing it of dirt.

My life has thrown me obstacles,
one after the other,
but God has blessed me
with the strength and courage
to jump hurdles
once thought to be indestructible.

Ah, how blessed I am,
to have been given the friendship
of the Most High.
He protects me from evil,
and sometimes let’s me indulge,
so that I may be grateful,
and at other times may be left in a state of epiphany.

I have learned to take a moment,
before every day,
before every breath,
to ask your heart who I am
and why I’m driven to be me,
and then go out there,
live out my life to the fullest,
while letting some into my heart,
and letting others live their own destiny.

Copyright © Nadir Keval

Recipe: Gnocchi in Pomodoro Sauce
Recipe: Gnocchi in Pomodoro Sauce 1536 2048 Nadir Keval

So, this has to be one of the best and most enjoyable dishes I’ve made, simply because it’s easy to make, takes hardly any time, and is so filling! And most importantly, it’s my best friend’s mom’s recipe, and she’s an Italian chef that has kept this Gentle Giant (or GG as some have chosen to nickname me in the past haha) fully attached to the wonderful world of Italian cuisine.

Often, when you think of Italian food, you think pizza or pasta. One dish that’s often forgotten is the deliciously filling and fulfilling Gnocchi. This potato-dumpling is very easy to make, and even easier if you buy it ready-made. In this case, I made it using ready-made gnocchi, and then called up my second mom (my best friend’s mom) to ask how to make the best possible sauce to go with gnocchi. Here are some pictures, along with the recipe.

Gnocchi in a Pomodoro Sauce

Gnocchi in a Pomodoro Sauce

Serves: 3-4 people

Ingredients:

  • 500g Gnocchi (see below for pic of which one I used)
  • 5-7 medium Roma Tomatoes
  • 1-2 small white onions
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • Parmesan cheese

Directions:

  1. Dice tomatoes, onions, and garlic. Put aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in medium sized pot at medium heat.
  3. Add onions. Stir until almost golden brown.
  4. Add garlic. Stir until both garlic and onions are golden brown.
  5. Add tomatoes (some like to boil and peel the tomatoes, but I like the skin on there, so I left it on).
  6. Cover and let the sauce cook for 20-30 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally, to make sure nothing sticks.
  7. When the sauce seems about 5-10 minutes from being cooked, begin boiling a pot of salted water, large enough to hold the gnocchi.
  8. Once the water comes to a boil, add the gnocchi.
  9. Strain the gnocchi when ready – you know the gnocchi are ready when they begin to rise and float. Don’t forget to keep stirring the sauce!
  10. Add to sauce. Stir together slowly (you don’t want to break the gnocchi!).
  11. Cover and let it cook some more for a few more minutes. This isn’t necessary, but I personally like to give the sauce and gnocchi a chance to marinate together, get to know each other better 😛
  12. Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with parmesan cheese (I like it cheesy, as you can tell from my jokes :P), and enjoy!

 

 

This is the Gnocchi I used. Let me know if you have suggestions for any others!

This is the Gnocchi I used. Let me know if you have suggestions for any others!

Diced Garlic and Onions

Diced Garlic and Onions

Diced Roma Tomatoes

Diced Roma Tomatoes

Olive Oil heating (do not use Extra Virgin Olive Oil!)

Olive Oil heating (do not use Extra Virgin Olive Oil!)

Getting the onions and garlic golden brown

Getting the onions and garlic golden brown

Tomatoes added and cooking for about 15-20 minutes already

Tomatoes added and cooking for about 15-20 minutes already

Start adding the cooked Gnocchi

Start adding the cooked Gnocchi

Stir and let it sit at low heat for a few minutes

Stir and let it sit at low heat for a few minutes

Gnocchi in a Pomodoro Sauce

Gnocchi in a Pomodoro Sauce

Poem: I am happy
Poem: I am happy 2000 1500 Nadir Keval

Today, I wanted to yell out to the world,
“I AM HAPPY!”
But I refrained,
because I knew that there existed beings
who felt inclination and satisfaction
in seeking out my every smile,
and tearing it into so many pieces,
that it would take me another series of sleepless
and tear-filled nights,
trying to piece it together again.

You see, the thing that was interesting about these people,
was that they would tell me to be my best.
They would say that I should take hold of my life,
and go after what I believed would make me happy.
Then, as though they were waiting for me,
to hand them the gun that would puncture
and burst open my heart,
they would tell me that by living for me,
and seeking out happiness
instead of taking on more responsibilities,
was an act of selfish arrogance and being inconsiderate.

I’ve heard people say that misery loves company,
but it’s beginning to get crowded.
The world is filled with unhappy people,
and I’m here, trying to break through the barrier.
I love to meet people, even for the first time,
giving them my smile, even if it’s only mine.
The reason being because I know what it’s like,
to want happiness, but to be reminded that life is strife.
So maybe, just maybe,
my smile, as crooked and as simple as it may be,
could cause a crack in a world of hardened hearts,
to share a moment,
a mere moment,
of happy.

Today, and every day onwards,
I will remind myself to be happy.
Because I have learned that there is no purpose in worries,
or letting the harshness of others get to me,
when I accept not my fate,
but the fact that God is always with me.

Copyright © Nadir Keval

10 Tips for Daily Happiness
10 Tips for Daily Happiness 2560 1532 Nadir Keval

In the world we live in, it’s very easy for us to become overwhelmed or sidetracked by the smallest of things. Still, that is no reason for us to allow our circumstances or the words or actions of others deter us from being happy. Life is a roller coaster of ups and downs, as I mentioned in my video a few months back (The Roller Coaster of Life – Nadir Keval), but the thrilling results are worth the struggling climb.

Throughout my journey in entrepreneurship, faith, health, and the other aspects of my life, I’ve found that there are certain things that are great ways to strengthen our relationships with our own selves. Here are 10 tips I’ve come up with over the years:

1. Keep it simple

When you’re ambitious, or have a lot of things on your plate, it’s fairly easy to overfill our daily to-do list. I did this for years, before I realized that the saying, “Slow and steady wins the race,” is one of the wisest things ever said, especially for one who leads a life in need of self-discipline and unrelenting drive. My suggestion would be to stick to no more than 3-5 things on your daily list of tasks. I guarantee, that will be enough to keep you busy, because in a day, things are bound to come up that are out of your control, and keeping a semi-short list of tasks will help you accomplish your daily goals, while also not leaving you feeling overwhelmed or unaccomplished at the end of the day. If you finish those things, you can always add more things, one by one.

2. Pray

A relationship with God is one of the greatest blessings one can have. It is something that is available to all of us. All that’s required of us is that we reach out for it and respect it. Every person has their own faith, but I can only speak of my own experiences as a Muslim. Amongst the things I love most about my faith is the beauty of prayer and supplication. Through five daily prayers, I am blessed with 5 short vacations, where I can detach from my struggles and goals, and connect with Allah and with my self. Through supplication, I always have someone to speak to when I feel overwhelmed or need help in coming to a decision. The beauty of whom I speak to when supplicating is that He, Allah, is capable of all things and wants what is best for me. How beautiful a feeling it is, to know for certain that I will be okay, and will never be alone, as long as I have faith and prayer.

3. Eat

We live in a world that confuses me. Either we eat too much or we eat too little. Personally, I consider food to be the artistic tools God has given us, with which we can create pieces of art to not only enjoy through vision, but can enjoy as nourishment. Some of these artistic pieces God has given us are art in themselves (try a cold mango on a hot day, and you’ll see what I mean)! My advice: eat well, eat often, and eat pure. Strike balance in your meals and in your day. As the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “The vessels the children of Adam (AS) mistreat most is the stomach. Eat as though your stomach is in three parts. One part for food, one part for water, and one part for air.” (paraphrased)

4. Stay Active

To love food is a great adventure, but just as important as it is for us to enjoy the food that nourishes us, it’s just as important for us to stay active and take care of the body we’re nourishing. Even if it means doing something active for 30 minutes a day, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. Start small, and keep moving forward. Do this for you. For some ideas, and more to come, check out my food adventures!

5. Reflect

We live in a day and age that’s all about constantly being on the go, constantly doing “productive” things in order to stay afloat in this world of constant competition. What only the successful realize is that there is a huge amount of benefit to simply taking a few moments for you every day. Turn off all of your electronics, wear something comfortable, and do simply sit and relax. Think about your life, your experiences, your goals, your heart, and your faith. Just think, and find the good in all aspects of your life, especially the things that seem bad, all in order to find peace within.

6. Me-time

I can’t express enough how important it is to do something every day that is just for you. It makes all the difference in your life, in your mental health, in your happiness, in your success, in your peace. Designate one hour per day, without fail, towards doing something just for you. The pressure of the world and of life and those who surround you will make this a difficult task, but do it for you. It’s of the utmost importance.

7. Interact

Solitude is sometimes a phenomenally beneficial thing, and I can attest to how much it’s helped me get things done in my journey towards the fulfillment of my dreams. That said, at times, it could also result in loneliness. We are creatures of companionship. Interacting with others helps us feel and stay connected. It helps us come up with new ideas, and new understandings of the world and the people in it. As I mentioned before, life is about balance, and in the matter of interacting with others, this balancing concept is very important. Spend time on your own, take time to take care of yourself, but be sure to interact with others, to make friends, and to spend time with those who make you happy and inspire positivity in your life.

8. Write

Growing up, we would always hear about girls keeping diaries or journals, and if a boy were to do it, he would be teased for being girly – absolutely nonsensical and childish behavior. Some of the most successful people in the world, men and women, have kept journals as they strived towards achieving their goals. Begin writing. It’s a therapeutic way to keep your self focused, disciplined, and of clear mind. If it were not for my starting to write, by the will of Allah, I probably wouldn’t be where I am today. Though I still have a long way to go, I hope to one day be the owner of a library full of my journals, insha Allah.

9. Sleep

We’ve heard about the importance since we were children. They say you must get 8-10 hours of sleep every night for the sake of your body, mind, and soul. There are many benefits to sleeping well, and that involves more than just the amount of time you spend sleeping. It also includes your conditions of your environment (a hot or cold room, lights being on, your computer buzzing away, etc), what you sleep on, whether or not you go to bed refreshed and calm, and so much more. Be sure to sleep well, and listen to your body. You may be early bird or a night owl. Regardless of which one you are, listen to your body.

10. Smile!

Sometimes, one of the best things we can do when we’re feeling down is force a smile. It can act as inspiration for a real smile 🙂 A smile is one of the things in life that can alleviate pain and sorrow at times when we feel like there is no reason to smile. Not only that, the Prophet (SAW) said that a smile is a form of charity. I’m not sure of how it is in other parts of the world, but I often try to smile at everyone I meet or cross eyes with, and the return of those smiles and the happiness it brings is indescribable. Smile, you’ll change lives…if not the lives of others, it’ll change your own life.

Now, I’d like to hear from all of you! Do you have any ideas or tips of your own as to how to bring about daily happiness? Leave a comment below and get the discussion started :)!

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