Dear Reader, Cut Yourself Some Slack

Lately, life has thrown some big changes my way—some beautiful, some challenging and all of them stretching me in ways I didn’t expect. I’m learning to adjust to a new reality, a shift that’s pushed me out of my comfort zone and shown me parts of myself I hadn’t quite met before. I used to believe I knew myself well, that I had it together, that I could keep every ball in the air with a steady hand and an open heart. But if there’s one thing these changes have taught me, it’s this: I’m human, through and through. And as much as I used to aim for perfection, I’m realizing now that it’s okay to be far from perfect.

It’s so easy to get lost in the weight of everything when life pulls you in every direction. When people look at you and see someone strong, dependable and capable, there’s an unspoken expectation that you’ll rise to that standard every time. And after a while, you start to believe it yourself—that you’re supposed to be that “together” person, holding everything down without a crack in sight. But the truth is, life doesn’t work that way, and neither do we. In moments where I felt the most pressure, I realized that perfection was not only unrealistic but also unnecessary. We don’t have to have it all figured out to be enough.

There are days when I feel strong and grounded, but there are also days when I feel like I’m just barely getting by. And if I’m honest, it’s been a relief to realize that this is what it means to be human: to have days of strength and days of struggle, and to be kind enough to yourself to embrace both. We’re so quick to extend grace to others, to be there for them in their hard times, but when it comes to ourselves, we’re often less forgiving. But if I can give others that understanding, then I owe it to myself to give myself that same gentleness. You do to.

If you’re feeling the weight of expectations—your own or others’—take a moment to remind yourself that you’re allowed to be imperfect. You don’t need to have everything figured out and it’s okay to take things one step at a time. Some of the strongest people have moments when they feel vulnerable too. Even those we admire most have had times when they felt lost.

What keeps me going on the days when I’m overwhelmed is the reminder that Allah is Ash-Shakoor, the Most Appreciative. He values every small effort we put forth, even when we feel like it’s not enough. Every time we try, every moment we push forward, He sees it all. Allah doesn’t expect perfection from us—only sincerity, effort and the willingness to keep trying. And He rewards even the smallest acts, those little moments when we keep going, even if no one else sees.

So here’s my gentle reminder to you, and to myself: Be in tune with your human self. You don’t have to be everything to everyone, and you don’t have to meet every expectation. Take a deep breath, pause and remember that you’re enough, exactly as you are. You were fashioned by Al Musawwir, weren’t you? You don’t have to define your worth by how perfectly you manage it all.

Give yourself permission to rest when you need it, to forgive yourself when you stumble and to celebrate even the small wins. You’re doing the best you can, and that truly is enough. Life is a journey and with Allah’s help and guidance, we are more than equipped to walk this path—one step, one day, one prayer at a time.

With love and gentleness, remember: you are human, and that’s more than enough.

I guess what I’m trying to say in a nutshell is, I see you even if nobody else does.

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*ladies only, give yourselves a high five for me*