As a Muslim writer (self-declaration at its best =D), I hope my writings inspire and help others. The thought of being a Muslim writer is something I never imagined possible. Sharing my words with the world, reaching people across continents, feels like a dream I didn’t even know I had. Writing, for me, is more than just putting words on paper—it’s an expression of feelings, a reflection of experiences, and a way to uncover the puzzles within myself.

I’ve kept a diary since primary school. I wrote about special moments, including the sad ones, because sadness is just as valid and important as joy. When I read those entries now, I laugh. I feel proud of that little girl who poured her heart onto the pages. But those flashes of emotion, those memories, are fleeting. They fade over time, leaving behind a void where the joy of writing once thrived. I lost myself in the pursuit of being someone else, constantly comparing myself to others. I chased an unknown ideal, wandering aimlessly through my thoughts, until I finally stopped writing altogether.

At one point, I felt like a sinking ship, drowning under the weight of my own insecurities. What was holding me back? My thoughts? My self-doubt? That inner voice that screamed, “You’re not good enough”? It all boiled down to a lack of self-esteem. I was lost—lost in my own thoughts, lost in my own mind.

I should have been loving myself more. But the truth is, I wasn’t. Doubts dragged me down, leading to procrastination and endless cycles of uncertainty. I spent so much time circling my fears when I should have been taking steps forward. Writing—just writing—could have been my lifeline, but I let it slip away.

High expectations are a sure way to starve your inner peace. They lead to a defeated state of mind, and I had to remind myself not to be conquered by them. Accepting reality when it doesn’t meet our expectations is hard. Accepting reality when it’s painful to let go is even harder. Accepting reality when we feel like failures is frustrating. And accepting reality when we feel left out? That’s just heartache.

But accepting reality, in all its forms, takes courage. It requires a strong will to refresh our purpose in life. For me, that purpose is writing.

A conversation with a friend hit me hard. I realized I had been hating myself for a long time. My lack of self-love had piled up, layer upon layer, until the pieces no longer fit together. They were broken, scattered, and I knew I couldn’t force them into place. So, I decided to let go. I chose to love myself, despite the uncertainties and self-doubts. I decided to live life lovingly, surrounded by positivity and the people who matter most.

Of course, life is full of ups and downs. We can’t avoid them, but we can choose how we respond. For me, that means reaching out to friends, spending time alone to reflect, and going for nature walks. These small acts help me reconnect with myself and find peace.

Breathe in. Breathe out.
Take a moment. Pause.
Look up. Look around.

As a writer, I believe self-growth is a journey of self-discovery. It’s about identifying who we are and embracing creative expression, no matter the platform. Every feeling we experience—happiness, sadness, frustration, brokenness, calm, excitement—is valid. Embrace them all. When it’s time to be happy, be happy. When it’s time to cry, cry. Don’t let your emotions disable you. Take small steps, one at a time, and you’ll begin to understand yourself better. Try new things. Go with the flow.

We often hear, “Learn to love yourself first so you can love someone else.” But what does self-love really mean? According to Google, love is “an intense feeling of deep affection” or “a great interest and pleasure in something.” It’s not just about others; it’s about ourselves, too. Self-love isn’t about being self-centered or selfish. It’s about accepting who we are, embracing our emotions, and expressing them in creative ways that align with our true selves.

Tips to Summarize:

1. Open Up to Reality
   Accepting life as it is, with all its imperfections, is the first step toward self-growth.
2. Living with Crushed Expectations
   Struggles and emotions are part of the journey. Embrace them rather than fighting against them.
3. Embracing Your Flaws
   Fully accepting ourselves means acknowledging our flaws and loving ourselves anyway.
4. Living Lovingly
   Surround yourself with positivity and people who uplift you. Choose love over doubt.

Writing is my way of navigating life’s complexities. It’s my tool for self-discovery, my outlet for emotions, and my way of connecting with others. Through writing, I’ve learned to embrace every feeling, every experience, and every part of myself. And in doing so, I’ve found a deeper sense of purpose and peace.

So, to anyone feeling lost or overwhelmed, remember this: your feelings are valid. Your journey is unique. And your story matters. Take small steps, embrace your emotions, and let your creativity guide you. You are enough, just as you are. 🌟