When Starting Again Feels Overwhelming

Sometimes life feels so heavy that even the thought of trying to change feels impossible. You might look at yourself and think, “I have so many bad habits. My imān feels low. I can hardly focus in my Salaah. My marriage is strained, or my divorce has left me feeling broken. My relationship with others is shaky. My health is not where I want it to be. I feel anxious, drained, and lost. I am struggling with my finances. I cannot control my emotions. I feel distant from Allah. I do not even know where to start. everything just feels too much.”

And because it feels like too much, we end up doing nothing at all. We wait for the “perfect moment” to change, or we convince ourselves that we must be perfect before we can even come back to Allah.

But change rarely comes all at once. Most of the time, it begins with one small step, taken with sincerity.

Allah does not expect perfection from us. He expects effort.

He tells us in the Qur’ān:

“So fear Allah as much as you are able, and listen and obey and spend in charity; it is better for your souls. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul – it is they who will be successful.”

[Qur’ān 64:16]

Notice that He says “as much as you are able”. He knows some days will be harder than others. He knows your heart is still healing. He knows your struggles and your circumstances.

For many sisters, especially when coming out of a painful season – whether it is the heartbreak of divorce, the exhaustion of motherhood, feeling spiritually disconnected, or simply being weighed down by stress and loneliness – the hardest part is rebuilding without feeling like you are failing before you even begin.

Here is where you start.

1. Choose one anchor habit.

Pick one thing that connects you to Allah and make it your non-negotiable. It could be praying one fardh on time, reciting one verse of Qur’ān, or saying a short du‘ā every morning. Do that one thing every day, even if nothing else happens.

2. Build slowly.

When that first habit feels natural, add another. Maybe you start praying two fardh on time, or you recite a few more verses. This is how you build consistency – step by step, not all at once.

3. Keep your heart soft.

Speak to Allah often, even if all you say is, “Ya Allah, guide me. Do not let me go.” That connection matters more than ticking boxes on a to-do list.

4. Stop comparing yourself to who you used to be.

Your journey now is not meant to look like your past. This is a new chapter, with new lessons and a different kind of closeness to Allah waiting for you.

And most importantly, remember that Allah sees every effort. Even the smallest act can carry immense weight when done with sincerity.

“Whoever comes [on the Day of Judgement] with a good deed will have ten times the like thereof, and whoever comes with an evil deed will not be recompensed except the like thereof; and they will not be wronged.”

[Qur’ān 6:160]

You do not need to transform your entire life overnight. You just need to begin, and to keep beginning as many times as it takes.

Take one step today, no matter how small. Make that your start. Trust that Allah will meet you along the way and carry you further than you thought possible.

And if you feel like you need guidance or support on this journey – whether it is to rebuild your routine, heal from emotional pain, or reconnect deeply with Allah. I offer one-to-one sessions where we can work through it together. It can be a space for you to feel supported, find clarity, and take gentle, meaningful steps forward.

www.faatimahm.com/coaching

Because no matter where you are, it is never too late to start again. Allah is always near, and every step you take toward Him is a step toward peace and healing.