You can't eat or drink at all for thirty days? Not even water? What if it's raining and you can't see the sun, then can you eat? What's the point of all this?

These are just some of the questions I get asked upon the beginning of Ramadan.

For those who don't know, Ramadan is a month-long fasting from sunrise to sundown from eating and drinking, cursing, acting in inappropriate behaviors, and being rude. It's a time to reflect on yourself and have an appreciation on what you have because many out there aren't as lucky. Everyone has their own meaning and interpretation on what Ramadan means to them, but here is my version on the true importance of Ramadan in my life.

For me personally, I take this month to increase my closeness to God by making more time than I usually would (as much as I hate to admit it) to strengthen that bond. My fasting helps me to be more present and aware and helps me reflect upon my strengths and weaknesses. It helps me to understand that I have a place in this world, and that I have much more to offer than I may think. And sometimes it is about learning to go outside my comfortable, little bubble and take chances that can be beneficial to myself and others. In our daily lives, we get so caught up in the little things and often take for granted what we do have (which I am constantly guilty of). We flip through the news and see yet another heart wrenching story of families being ripped apart and left on the streets because of a deadly conflict, and decide to turn it off because sometimes its just too sad to see. There are people out there who aren't even able to get a full meal on a regular day, the least we can do is take a minute and think "what if that was me?"

I've grown up extremely blessed. And yes, I often take that for granted. I have the most amazing, funny, and supportive family a girl could ever ask for. I have my extended family living in Lebanon, which gives me an excellent excuse to visit the beautiful country. But also, I was given another family, the community that my parents brought me into, I’ve never felt alone in this world because the second family I was given has always been there for me.

Ramadan gives me a chance to really reflect on the relationships I keep, to decipher which are beneficial to me and which are toxic. In reality fasting from food and drinks is about the least important part of Ramadan, it’s about showing self-control, being more grateful, and becoming morally empowered. It’s about truly cleansing your body from the toxins in your life. Now this is not to say I won’t be caught complaining a bit because sometimes more often than not my hunger takes over my emotions. But there’s nothing quite as great as sitting around the table with people you love, over a meal you are thankful for.

So whatever Ramadan may mean to you personally, I wish you a Ramadan Mubarak, and hope this month brings you more than just hunger.