Good vs. Bad

Bism Illah wa as salaamu alaykum wa Rahmat Allah wa Barakatuh!

I took a little time to "pay a (cyber) visit" to a dear friend who I'd been neglecting and, sure enough, Allah sent me great benefit and inspiration.

I struggle with my imperfections. I don't mean things like whether I vacuumed this week or if I'm a pound heavier or lighter. I mean things that I know go on my left-hand side account, like my lack of self control when it comes to my emotions and behavior upon seeing things that shaytaan loves. I am going through a serious "process" about all this and desperately seeking Allah's Help and Guidance.

However, what I got from my visit was a reminder of how the good deed outweighs the bad deed. Instead of focusing on what I always do wrong, I took a moment to think of what is good in me. I reaffirmed that there WAS a whole lot of good in me, through the Mercy and Generosity of Allah, subhaana wa taala. If I focus on that good and let it flourish, it will not only outweigh the bad, but eventually it will, inshaa'Allah, strangle it. Not only that, if I focus on the good in others rather than react to the bad, inshaa'Allah that will be able to flourish as well.

Okay, okay...I know this is basic psychology (positive reinforcement) and hardly something new. However, I had lost sight of it for myself. How on earth can I practice it on others, if I cannot even help myself? So, I say to you all:

Look for the good, every ounce of it. 

Embrace the good, love it, and nurture it so that it will grow and flourish. 

Allah says, in Surah Al Rahman : "Is there any reward for good but good?" No, there isn't. It just grows and grows. Subhaan Allah! "Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?"