Being the eldest daughter of immigrant parents in the West came with its own set of struggles and expectations. I learnt I had to work harder and be better to achieve anything in the world. I felt the pressure of being the perfect daughter, student, career woman etc. in order to prove my parents' struggles were all worth it. I had so many conflicting thoughts on my self identity. I was raised by parents from two different Asian cultures, in the UK, as a Muslim. I never seemed to fully fit in anywhere.
Limiting beliefs like ‘I’m not good enough’, ‘I’m not worthy’, fed my self doubt and led to low self esteem. I grew up to become a hyper independent woman, who would never ask for help. I chased perfection, over committed, had no boundaries and lived to keep the harmony in the family and please people. I ended up burning out, depressed, anxious, physically ill and my Emaan suffered.
I remember crying and making dua to Allah; I was so tired of living like this, I was overwhelmed and felt all alone. I wanted it to stop, but I didn’t have the luxury to stop, I had to keep going, I believed I was the glue that held everything together, too many people relied on me, I didn’t have time to break down or rest. Right? I had lived in a state of survival for so long, I didn’t know how to slow down or look after myself or what I wanted anymore. I was so far from my purpose. What was my purpose?
Then Covid hit and the whole world came to a halt. For once in my life, I couldn’t physically leave my house and was forced to slow down. Suddenly I had time to spare and now had to find things to fill it with. Allah had answered my dua in the most unexpected way. That Ramadan I ended up taking Islamic classes and began to reconnect with my Creator by studying the Quran and Sunnah. I became more practicing and discovered the concept of coaching and consultation in Islam.
After Ramadan, I got my first Muslim life coach, she helped me work on my connection with Allah and reconnect to my inner child. I rediscovered my self worth, worked on my limiting beliefs and learnt how to work on my mindset and start my healing. This led to the start of a journey of self discovery and moving from a state of surviving to Thriving. I was able to turn my life around and align myself with my true purpose as a Muslimah.
I know the amazing impact a faith based coach can make. I became a Muslim life coach to be the older sister/guide I once needed, to create a safe place, void of judgment, where you feel heard, comforted and empowered to Thrive at your full potential without compromising your faith or health.