#Eid: Don't forget to make it personal

It's that time of the year where we get together to celebrate a public occasion. Right now, it's Eid Al Adha...in a few months, it will be Christmas and a few days after that, it will be the new year.

Advances in technology have been making it very easy for us to stay connected with another; possibly even to be connected to much more people than before. The norm today is to broadcast a greetings message over WhatsApp, or to post a season's greetings on your Instagram or Facebook. Though all this is good because you are probably being able to reach out to a lot more people, let us be careful about sufficing yourself with it.

Give them a call
One of my favorite traditions that I have picked up from my family over the years is calling relatives and close friends to greet them during occasions. When I was younger, we used to visit relatives and neighbors too. Today, with the fast pace and hardship of life, I understand that devoting soo much time (and effort) might be somewhat impractical, especially if all your relatives and close friends don't live close to you as they used to before. But despite this, try your best as much as possible to remain personal; obviously not with everyone on your phonebook, but with those who matter the most to you.

Stay humble
During times of celebration such as Eid, people like to flaunt the good moments they spend whether with family or friends. With soo much going around the world nowadays, let us remember that there many out there who aren't having it as easy. Eid Al Adha is about connecting with loved ones, and also about being connected spiritually. Let us remember to keep it that way. I'm not suggesting to stop sharing all together, just be more picky about what you post. 

Remember others
I think the value we take away from being connected with those who matter the most to us is that for a small glimpse, we are more engaged in sharing either happiness or empathy with them. Living in the UAE had given us the privilege of not facing some of the hardships of life that others live on a daily basis in other places in the world. But sometimes, a thoughtful phone call to an old close friend, or a visit to a relative you haven't seen in ages would mean the world to them; especially if they are going through their own life battle.

So what are you waiting for? Pick up the phone, and make it more personal! :)

Eid Mubarak to everyone, and may you always spend it in blessings, good health, and joyous moments.