"If I had set my alarm last night, I would have woken early enough to get to work on time…
If I had attended classes, I would have not failed my exams…
If I had..."

In life, you set targets and have expectations. Sometimes they are successful and other times, unsuccessful.

Things may not be the way you expect them, people may disappoint you (including loved ones) but that should not deter you from being hopeful and trust that brighter days are ahead.

Remember, you are a shining star. Remind yourself each time you look into the mirror. You may be the only one that sees and knows that now and that is all that matters. The trees around you are rarely watered, yet they survive.

Know that you are built strong, to survive any storm. The more you overcome, the stronger you become and the more storms severer will come your way. So you keep striving and never give up.

You only remember your struggles when you are going through them. When you get to the end of the tunnel and see that light, you forget all that you have been through to get there. Your heart is warm and there is a big smile on your face.

Through it all, remember to be grateful. Remember that you are awake and alive - several others do not have the same opportunity. Remember to reflect. Remember to go back to the drawing board - erase some things if need be, put more color on something else. Remember to say Alhamdulillah, Subhanallah, Allahu akbar. All you have been through, will go through is by His will and mercy alone.

In school, you have to pass tests and exams to move on - graduate, same is with life. Allah tests you so you can grow.

'If' limits you, rather say 'when', then even the sky cannot be a limit.

So do not despair and trust in your Lord.