Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Motivation.

🎬 Cillian Murphy: The Quiet Fire Behind the Blue Eyes
Part 1 – Before the Fame Cillian Murphy was never meant to be a movie star. He was meant to be a musician — a poet who sang, not an actor who spoke.
By Frank Massey 12 months ago in Motivation
“Life: The Silent Teacher”
Introduction Education is often associated with classrooms, books, and teachers who guide us with spoken words. Yet, beyond the walls of schools and the pages of textbooks, there exists another teacher—one who speaks no language, carries no chalk, and writes no lesson plans. This teacher is life itself.
By Ihtisham Ulhaq12 months ago in Motivation
three big myths about women`s weightlifting
As a little girl, I loved playing sports. I also loved painting my fingernails and parading around my mother's house in her high-heeled shoes. From the beginning of time, I have lived in contrasting worlds. Contrasting and often conflicting ideas about what women should and shouldn't do, or maybe how we should and shouldn't look.
By Mahboubeh Fallahi12 months ago in Motivation
Self-made People Don’t Exist
Google says: “Self-made” describes a person, such as a self-made man or woman, who achieves wealth and success through their own efforts rather than by inheriting money or relying on others’ help.
By Annelise Lords 12 months ago in Motivation
The Ultimate Home Workout Plan: The Day Emma Changed Everything
When Emma woke up that Monday morning, she was exhausted... not because of lack of sleep, but because of how heavy her life felt.
By MIGrowth12 months ago in Motivation
The Prophet’s Model: A Timeless Guide for Humanity
The Prophet’s Model: A Timeless Guide for Humanity BY: Ubaid Hakeem Muhammad Saeed once reminded us that the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is not just history—it is the most perfect example for all of humanity. When we look into the Qur’an, the Hadith, and the chronicles of history, one truth becomes very clear: obedience to the Messenger of Allah lies in following his noble example. What he loved, we should love. What he disliked, we should avoid. The Prophet emphasized unity, brotherhood, and compassion. He urged Muslims to treat each other like family, to protect the weak, and to stand together as one body. He was not only the guardian of orphans, the supporter of widows, and the guide of believers, but also a mercy for non-Muslims, even those who opposed him. His life was filled with kindness, patience, and forgiveness—values that make him the true teacher of humanity. The Measure of Obedience True obedience is not in words alone but in embodying the Prophet’s character. Only he is the rightful guide for Muslims; no one else can take that place. For Pakistan—built in the name of Islam—this lesson carries even greater weight. Every citizen bears the responsibility of preserving the nation, guarding it against enemies, and working tirelessly for its growth. If Muslims unite like a wall of steel, no power in the world can break them. The Highest Standard of Morality The Qur’an itself bears witness to the greatness of the Prophet’s character. In Surah Al-Qalam, verse 4, Allah declares: “And indeed, you (O Muhammad) are of a great moral character.” The Prophet himself said: “I was only sent to perfect good character.” History shines with the brilliance of his moral excellence. Never before and never again will the world see such a complete example of integrity and kindness. Even non-Muslims have been compelled to acknowledge his greatness. The British philosopher George Bernard Shaw once remarked that if Muhammad were alive in his own time, the world would have found peace. The Prophet’s kindness extended beyond his companions and family. He treated his enemies with the same fairness and mercy. His patience in the face of hostility, his forgiveness when he held power, and his ability to win hearts through character rather than force—these qualities make him unique among leaders of all time. A Model for All Humanity As Muslims, we are blessed to call ourselves his followers. His life is the perfect model in every sense. If we live according to his teachings, we will succeed in both this world and the next. Yet the Qur’an also reminds us that, despite being Allah’s Messenger and His beloved, the Prophet was a human being. In Surah Al-Kahf, verse 110, Allah commands him to say: “I am only a human being like you.” This declaration carries a deep message: if the Prophet could live such a righteous life, then every human being can strive to follow his path. His actions were never beyond human reach. He taught us a way of life that is simple, practical, and full of blessings. The Simplicity of Islam Islam itself is a religion of ease. It does not burden people beyond their capacity. Instead, it offers a path of balance—where discipline brings peace, and faith brings joy. The Prophet showed us that religion is not about hardship; it is about living with purpose, kindness, and fairness. He also declared that the pursuit of knowledge is an obligation for every Muslim, man or woman. True wealth is not gold, silver, or property. Money comes and goes, but knowledge is everlasting. It empowers, uplifts, and guides. A learned person carries a treasure that no thief can steal and no poverty can erase. The more we seek knowledge, the happier and more content we become. A Call for Today In our times, when the world is divided by conflict, greed, and mistrust, the Prophet’s life stands as a shining beacon. His example reminds us that unity, compassion, and knowledge are the pillars of a healthy society. For Pakistan in particular, his message is crucial: only by following his model can we protect our homeland and secure a prosperous future. Our duty, then, is simple but profound. We must live the values he lived—mercy, honesty, justice, and kindness. We must teach our children that true success lies not in wealth but in knowledge and good character. We must see every Muslim as our brother or sister, and treat every human being with dignity, regardless of faith. Conclusion The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was more than a religious leader. He was the embodiment of mercy, the teacher of knowledge, and the guide to morality. His life offers a path of light for all humanity, Muslim and non-Muslim alike. If we, as his followers, truly strive to adopt his character, then both our personal lives and our collective destiny will be transformed. The choice is before us: to live in the shadows of division, or to step into the light of his example. And in that example lies the secret of peace, prosperity, and eternal success.
By Ubaid 12 months ago in Motivation
The Promise of a Candlelight Dream
The Promise of a Candlelight Dream BY: Ubaid It was a quiet night in Lahore. The clock had just struck three in the morning, and the entire household was wrapped in sleep. The streets outside were silent, the world resting under a heavy blanket of night. But in a small corner of a dimly lit room, a boy sat hunched over a worn wooden table. A single candle burned beside him, its flickering flame casting shadows that danced on the walls. His eyes were fixed on the pages of an old book. This boy was Sikandar. At only fifteen years old, he carried dreams far greater than his age or circumstances. Born into a poor family, Sikandar’s world had been shaped by hardship. His father worked as a servant in the home of a wealthy landlord, whom everyone called Sardar Sahib. Life had never been easy, and money was scarce. Still, Sikandar’s heart burned with a deep hunger for knowledge. Education was his greatest dream, yet also his greatest challenge. His family had no means to pay for school fees, uniforms, or new books. But Sikandar refused to surrender to despair. His resourcefulness kept his hopes alive. Sardar Sahib’s son, Haider, studied at a nearby school. Each time Haider finished a grade, Sikandar would carefully gather the old textbooks and notebooks left behind. In this way, he managed to study up to the fifth grade, teaching himself by candlelight late into the night. But after the fifth grade, the gap between dreams and reality widened. The subjects grew more advanced, and the old books no longer aligned with the lessons. Sikandar felt trapped—his thirst for knowledge stronger than ever, but his path forward blocked by poverty. That night, as the candle burned low, he lost himself in thought, wondering whether destiny would allow him to study further or if his dreams would forever remain out of reach. When morning came, he joined his father at Sardar Sahib’s house for another long day of labor. His hands worked, but his mind remained heavy. His usual spark was missing. Noticing the boy’s sadness, Sardar Sahib’s friend—an older man visiting the house—asked him gently, “Why do you look so worried, my child?” At first, Sikandar hesitated. His voice faltered. But eventually, his heart spilled open, and he told the man everything—his passion for learning, his sleepless nights, his inability to afford schooling. The visitor listened intently, his eyes softening with memory. After a pause, he said something that Sikandar would never forget: “Son, time changes in ways we can never predict. Do you know, there was once a time when I was exactly where you are now?” Sikandar stared in disbelief. “You?” The man nodded. “Yes. I was poor and hopeless, but one kind-hearted person came forward and helped me. He gave me a chance to study. But along with that gift, he made me promise one thing—that when my time came, I too would help a student in need. And now, Sikandar, I see in you the very reflection of my younger self. Today is my chance to fulfill that promise. But in return, you must also make me a promise: that one day, when you are able, you too will lift up another child in need.” Tears welled in Sikandar’s eyes. He nodded silently, a deep fire rekindling in his heart. That very day, the man took him by the hand and led him to a school. For the first time, Sikandar’s dream of education no longer seemed like a faraway star—it was finally within reach. --- Ten Years Later A decade passed, and life had changed its face entirely. Sikandar was no longer the boy with tattered clothes and borrowed books. He had grown into a man of success—educated, polished, and respected. Dressed in a fine suit, he sat at a restaurant table, enjoying a meal with colleagues. To anyone looking, he was the image of accomplishment. But then, across the street, something caught his eye. A young boy was crouched on the ground, carefully picking up torn scraps of paper. The boy’s lips moved silently as he tried to piece together words from the fragments. His eyes gleamed with the same hunger for knowledge that had once kept Sikandar awake under candlelight. In that instant, Sikandar’s heart trembled. He was no longer in the restaurant. He was back in his small room at fifteen, back in front of the candle, back in that moment when someone’s kindness had changed his entire life. He remembered the old man’s words and the promise he had made: One day, you too must help a student in need. Without hesitation, Sikandar rose from his chair. He walked toward the boy, his footsteps steady with purpose. Gently, he placed his hand on the child’s head. The boy looked up, startled, and Sikandar smiled. He saw not just a poor child with scraps of paper but a future brimming with possibility. He saw himself. At that moment, Sikandar knew the cycle of kindness was continuing. Just as a promise once gave him the wings to fly, he was now ready to pass that same promise forward. For in every struggling child lies the seed of greatness—sometimes, all it takes is a hand stretched out in compassion to let it bloom. And so, under the glow of memory and hope, Sikandar’s story came full circle—not just the story of a boy who dreamed by candlelight, but of a man who kept his promise.
By Ubaid 12 months ago in Motivation
The Fisherman and the Caliph: A Timeless Lesson in Contentment
The Fisherman and the Caliph: A Lesson in Contentment and Generosity BY:Khan Many centuries ago, during the golden age of Baghdad, there lived a famous Caliph named Harun al-Rashid. His name has echoed through history not only because he ruled one of the most powerful empires of his time, but also because he was a just ruler who genuinely cared for the welfare of his people. Harun al-Rashid had a habit of disguising himself and moving quietly among his subjects. He believed that the only way to truly understand the struggles of ordinary citizens was to see them with his own eyes, unrecognized and unguarded. One evening, while wandering along the banks of the great river that flowed through the city, Harun al-Rashid noticed a fisherman standing by the water. The man was simple in appearance, his clothes patched and faded, yet he seemed calm and steady as he cast his net into the river. The Caliph, still disguised as an ordinary traveler, approached him with curiosity. “Tell me, friend,” Harun asked gently, “have you caught any fish today?” The fisherman shook his head. “Not yet,” he replied with a faint smile. “Do you think you will catch some soon?” the Caliph pressed. The fisherman’s answer was unusual. “By nightfall, I will surely have three fish.” “Only three?” Harun al-Rashid asked in surprise. “Why not more? What makes you so certain?” The fisherman chuckled softly. “For years now, it has been the same. Every day, by God’s grace, I catch exactly three fish. No more, no less. That is how I make my living. When the three are caught, I pack my net and go home.” This answer intrigued the Caliph. “And what do you do with these three fish?” he asked. The fisherman explained, “One fish I take home for my family’s meal. The other two I sell in the market to buy bread, clothes, and whatever else we need. It is enough for us. Why should I desire more than what the Almighty provides?” Harun al-Rashid was deeply impressed by the man’s contentment. But his curiosity and sense of humor got the better of him. With a thoughtful smile, he said, “What if I become your partner? You keep your three fish, but any fish you catch beyond that will be divided between us. You keep three parts, and I will take the fourth.” At first, the fisherman refused politely. “I have no need for partners, sir. I am satisfied with my life as it is.” But the Caliph insisted, and after much persuasion, the fisherman agreed. Harun al-Rashid even gave him money for a new net and better fishing tools. Then he revealed his true identity: “My name is Harun al-Rashid. If I am unable to come here, you must bring my share to me in Baghdad.” The fisherman was astonished, but he kept his word. From that day forward, something miraculous seemed to happen. His catch increased. Where once only three fish would land in his net, now many more appeared. The fisherman would carefully separate his three fish, sell the rest, and set aside the Caliph’s portion. Over time, the coins he collected for Harun al-Rashid filled an entire jar. Months passed, then years. The fisherman often wondered why the Caliph never returned to claim his share. At last, feeling uneasy, he decided to take the heavy jar of gold coins to Baghdad himself. When he arrived at the gates of the grand palace, he was overwhelmed by its splendor. Guards, soldiers, and courtiers filled the halls, but when he asked to see the Caliph, they let him through. For Harun al-Rashid had instructed that any common man who wished to meet him should never be turned away. Inside the magnificent throne room, the fisherman felt small and nervous. Yet as soon as Harun al-Rashid saw him, he recognized him instantly and welcomed him with warmth. “My friend! It has been a long time. What brings you here?” The fisherman bowed respectfully and said, “My lord, I have come to deliver your share of the earnings. For all these years, I have been keeping it safely for you.” Harun al-Rashid smiled, deeply touched by the man’s honesty and loyalty. The fisherman placed the heavy jar of gold before him, but the Caliph pushed it back toward him. “This is yours,” Harun said. “Not only this, but also accept these gifts.” He ordered that fine clothes, food, and more gold be given to the humble fisherman. Then he explained: “The day I first met you, I realized you were a man of true contentment. You believed that God had destined you three fish each day, and you were grateful for that provision. I, on the other hand, have been blessed with riches beyond measure. When I joined you as a partner, I was not truly investing in your trade. I was sharing in your good fortune. The abundance that followed was not only because of your labor but because of the blessings in your contentment. The reward belongs to you.” The fisherman’s eyes filled with tears. He left the palace richer than he had ever dreamed, but more importantly, with a heart full of gratitude and faith. --- Moral of the Story Children, this story teaches us a timeless lesson: Contentment is true wealth. The fisherman was never greedy. He trusted in God’s daily provision and lived a life of peace. When the Caliph partnered with him, his blessings multiplied—not because of wealth or power, but because of honesty, gratitude, and divine favor. Generosity and kindness, when shared with others, always return in unexpected ways. Just as Harun al-Rashid said, sometimes fortune grows when it is shared. We must all strive to live with the same humility and contentment as the fisherman—grateful for what we have, while never forgetting to extend kindness to others.
By Khan 12 months ago in Motivation
Sculpture of Bones
I used to think bones were just silent things, hidden under the surface, holding us up without asking for recognition. But when I stood in front of my grandfather’s old workshop, staring at what he left behind, I realized bones could tell stories. My grandfather was a carpenter, a man whose hands knew wood better than they knew softness. He built tables, chairs, cabinets—things meant to last a lifetime. But tucked away in the corner of his dusty shed was something different, something no one in the family knew about until he was gone. It was a sculpture. Not of wood, but of bones. At first, I thought it was some kind of dark art project. The bones were arranged carefully, almost delicately, shaped into the figure of a bird mid-flight. Its wings stretched wide, ribs overlapping like feathers. Skulls formed the base, holding it steady, while vertebrae curved like an arched back. It was haunting, but beautiful. I couldn’t stop staring. The detail was impossible to ignore. Whoever built it—whoever he became in his private hours—wasn’t trying to scare anyone. He was trying to say something. For weeks, I avoided the workshop. The sculpture sat there, silent and still, but it filled the air with questions. Where did the bones come from? Why did he make it? Why did a man who built cribs for babies and tables for Sunday dinners spend his quiet hours piecing together something so strange, so fragile? One evening, I finally found the courage to pull out his old notebooks. They were covered in sawdust, the pages yellowed and fragile. In his careful handwriting, I discovered the answer. The bones weren’t human. They were collected from the fields around his childhood home—cows, goats, chickens, even a fox. He wrote about walking the land as a boy, finding bones bleached under the sun, carrying them home in his pockets. He wasn’t afraid of death; he was fascinated by what it left behind. The sculpture, I realized, wasn’t about death at all. It was about memory. He called it "The Bird That Carries Us." In his notes, he wrote: "Bones are what remain when the flesh is gone. They are proof that we were here. And if I can shape them into something that looks like flight, maybe it means nothing ever truly stays buried." Suddenly, the sculpture didn’t look eerie anymore. It looked like a story—a reminder that even the most fragile remnants could be shaped into something strong, something that carried meaning. I brought my mother to the workshop a few days later. At first, she couldn’t look at it. "It’s morbid," she whispered. But when I showed her his words, when she read the line about memory and flight, her eyes softened. She reached out, brushing her hand over the delicate curve of the wing, and for the first time in months, she smiled. The sculpture of bones became part of our family, not hidden in the shed but displayed in the living room. Visitors didn’t always understand it. Some found it unsettling, others were moved. But for us, it was a bridge—between what we lost and what we still carried forward. I think about my grandfather often when I see it. The way he lived, the way he built things to last. And I realize now that bones, like wood, tell stories. They are the frame of a life, the quiet evidence that we walked this earth. And in the end, that sculpture of bones wasn’t about death at all. It was about love. It was about the human need to leave something behind, to turn silence into a story, to shape what is broken into something that looks like flight.
By LUNA EDITH12 months ago in Motivation
The Truth About Supplements No One Told Me
For years, I believed supplements were the magic bullet for health. I saw ads promising glowing skin, boundless energy, sharper minds, and faster fat loss. The supplement aisle at my local store looked like a treasure trove of quick fixes. Vitamins, minerals, herbal extracts, protein powders, probiotics—the list was endless. If I took the right combination, I thought, I could unlock my best self.
By Lena Vale12 months ago in Motivation
To the Weary Mom
Dear Mommas, Your role as a nurturer is nothing short of extraordinary, and it's time you take a moment to embrace the magic you create. Truly, you are the heartbeat of your home. You are the ones coordinating love, laughter, and all the chaos with grace—even on the days when it feels like nothing is going according to plan. Navigating the ups and downs of raising our little ones can be challenging, exhausting, and sometimes overwhelming, but it is also holy work. And I am here to remind you (and myself) of a few things.
By Rachael E Shields12 months ago in Motivation
The Success Myth I Had to Unlearn to Actually Succeed
Success used to wear a suit, drive a German car, and answer emails at midnight. It took me years — and nearly everything I had — to realize that wasn’t success at all.
By Asif shah12 months ago in Motivation