12. When Do You Let Go of a Dream? [Pt. 2 of 2]
Letting go doesn’t always mean giving up. Sometimes, it means opening your hands to allow something even greater to take hold...
The Evolution of a Dream
Sanad’s dream is not confined to the walls of a building; it’s about fostering an environment where hearts connect, minds flourish, and a community thrives. It’s about empowering children to reach their full potential, nurturing a love for learning that transcends traditional boundaries. It’s about providing a sanctuary for families, a haven for seniors, a space where everyone feels a sense of belonging. It’s about planting seeds of hope that will blossom into a future filled with compassion, understanding, and service to others.
And sometimes, to truly realize a dream, you have to release your grip on it.
Imagine a beautiful balloon, vibrant and filled with your hopes and aspirations. You hold it tightly, protecting it, keeping it close. But it yearns to rise, to soar, to be seen by the world. Sometimes, you have to open your hand, allow the dream to ascend, to expand, to draw others towards its radiant beauty. As it rises, it attracts more eyes, more hearts, and more hands to hold the dream at an even higher place eventually. It becomes a shared vision, a collective endeavor fueled by a tapestry of dreams.
An Invitation to Dream Together
So… I am letting go of Sanad.
Not in the sense of stepping away or abandoning our mission, but in the sense of opening it up, inviting others to share in this vision and contribute to its realization. I don’t know who will read these words, who will feel a connection to this dream. But I trust that there are those out there who long to build something meaningful, who yearn to make a difference in the lives of others.
Perhaps you’re a young person with a burning passion for education, eager to shape a brighter future for generations to come. Perhaps you’re a community leader seeking to create a space where people feel welcome and connections are forged. Perhaps you’re a parent longing for an environment where your children can thrive academically, spiritually, and emotionally. Perhaps you’re a donor who is looking to make an everlasting impact. Or perhaps you’re simply someone who believes in the power of dreams and wants to be part of something bigger than yourself.
A Call to Action
We need your support, your ideas, your energy. We need dreamers who are unafraid to let go, to reach higher, to build together. Whether you can contribute financially, offer your skills and expertise, or simply spread the word about our mission, your involvement matters.
As Shaykh Ibrahim Osi-Efa so eloquently reminded me recently, those who understand the urgency of our times and have the capacity to act, bear a responsibility to do so. So, we press on with renewed determination, fueled by faith, inspired by the countless dreamers who have come before us, and united by a shared vision for a brighter future.
May Allah bless all those who dare to dream and those who have the courage to let go, so that their dreams may soar to even greater heights. And may He grant Sanad Trust Foundation a permanent home, a beacon of light and hope for generations to come. Ameen.
Until the next step,
with profound gratitude and hope,
Rehan
P.S. If you’re inspired by our vision and want to join our efforts, please reach out and learn more. We’d love to hear from you and explore how we can collaborate to make this dream a reality. Together, we can build a legacy that will last for generations to come insha’Allah.
I’m an organizational psychologist, father & founder. After completing graduate school at Teacher’s College, Columbia University in New York I spent formative time with students & scholars at Dar al Mustafa in Tarim. I’ve worked with the UNHCR in Geneva & taught social sciences as an adjunct professor in Miami. I write, speak, & consult on parenting, education, & institution-building. I’m honored to serve as the executive director of Sanad Trust Foundation, a nonprofit that provides education, wellness, & community programs for children, families, & elders.