The Struggle Lessens When You Start Moving

There are moments in life when we feel like we’re drowning in our struggles.

Sometimes it is a sin we can’t seem to let go of.

Other times, it is a toxic habit we keep returning to, even when we know better.

Maybe we’re fighting our own nafs, our ego, our desires, our laziness.

Maybe it is the constant mental battle with anxiety, anger, resentment, or self-doubt.

Maybe it is emotional eating, weight gain, addiction to our phones, or constantly seeking validation from people who do not even care.

Maybe it is navigating the pain of divorce or a broken relationship.

Maybe it is feeling like an overwhelmed mother trying to be everything for everyone.

Maybe it is financial stress, feeling unworthy, loneliness, or carrying guilt over past mistakes.

Maybe it is procrastination, being stuck in survival mode, or replaying memories that we wish we could forget.

Whatever your version of struggle looks like, there is something that needs to be said:

It is not the struggle itself that breaks us. It is standing still in it.

When we are not taking any action, when we are just stuck in the cycle of overthinking, self-blame, hopelessness or avoidance, the weight of our struggle feels ten times heavier.

It consumes our thoughts. It makes us feel like we will never change. It creates shame, guilt, fear, and more disconnection from Allah and from ourselves.

But the moment you do something, even if it is small, it changes.

When you stop just thinking about the problem and start moving toward a solution, no matter how slowly, a shift happens.

You stop obsessing over how far you have fallen and start focusing on how you are trying to rise.

You stop asking “What is wrong with me?” and start asking “What can I do to become better, even if just a little?”

And that subtle change in direction, from self-punishment to self-effort, makes all the difference.

Because now you are not just sitting in the darkness, you are holding a torch.

You are not just battling with your nafs, you are training it.

You are not just doubting yourself, you are building trust and belief.

You are not just angry, you are learning to express it in a healthier way.

You are not just hurt from your divorce or heartbreak, you are choosing to heal.

You are not just exhausted from motherhood, you are seeking balance and gentleness for yourself.

You are not just stuck, you are climbing, slowly but surely.

This effort does not need to be grand.

It can be as simple as:

• Saying “Astaghfirullah” sincerely after slipping up.

• Replacing one unhealthy snack with something nourishing.

• Putting your phone down and making du‘ā instead.

• Sitting with your emotions instead of numbing them.

• Praying one sunnah today when you did not yesterday.

• Journaling your thoughts instead of exploding at someone.

• Choosing to walk away instead of react.

• Reading one verse of Qur’ān when your heart feels far.

• Reaching out for help instead of suffering in silence.

• Making a sincere du‘ā asking Allah to guide and heal you.

These little actions matter. They realign your soul. They rebuild your heart.

And with each effort, Allah sees you. Helps you. Lifts you. Rewards you.

So if you are struggling right now, do not wait until you feel strong. Do not wait until you fix everything before you start.

Just take the first step.

Because the struggle only starts to feel lighter when you start to move.

And with every step you take, Allah takes you even further.

“Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.”

[Qur’ān 13:11]

“As for those who strive in Our path – We will surely guide them to Our ways. Indeed, Allah is with the doers of good.”

[Qur’ān 29:69]

Let your effort be your proof that you believe in your own healing.

Let your actions, however small, be a sign that you still believe in your return to Allah.

Because that is where the true victory begins, not when the struggle ends, but when you choose to rise within it.