Healing: My Story of Resilience
Updated: Aug 4
Life can throw unexpected challenges our way, and how we respond to them often defines our journey. For me, faith, humor, and self help became a lifeline during some of the toughest times. In this post, I want to share my story of what helped me and still helps me through the most difficult times in my life.
My Personal Journey
My journey toward resilience was not without its challenges. I faced a series of setbacks that tested my strength and resolve. Here’s a glimpse into my story:
The Setback
A few years ago, I experienced a significant loss that left me feeling shattered: my husband. The grief was overwhelming, and I struggled to find a way to cope amidst suddenly becoming a single mother while living in a gigantic stressful city.
The Turning Point
It was during this time that I realized I needed to shift my perspective and accept help. Through family, faith, friendships, and therapy, I realized it was OK to move forward and to laugh again or smile. I realized that part of healing is taking care of oneself, which feels scary and wrong in the beginning but alleviates some of the stress and anxiety that accompanies grief.
Surrounding Myself with Positive People
I made a conscious effort to surround myself with individuals who had a positive outlook on life. Their laughter was infectious, and it encouraged me to see the brighter side of everyday life.
Practicing Gratitude
I started getting closer to Allah swt during this time and being more grateful. I would reflect on life more, journal, and pray even more than the required amount. This helped me feel less alone and more connected to my husband actually. The more I learned about Islam and began getting closer to Allah swt, the more at ease I began to felt about his passing.
The Power of Laughter
Laughter is often described as the best medicine, and for good reason. It has the power to lighten the heaviest of burdens and bring people together. When I faced with the most painful experience of my life, I discovered that humor was not just a coping mechanism; it was a vital part of my healing process. It always had a way of lightening the mood slightly, even if it was only for a moment.
Incorporating Healing Everyday
In the midst of chaos, I learned to find humor in the mundane. Whether it was a funny mishap at home or a light-hearted conversation with friends, these moments became my refuge. Here are a few ways I incorporated not just humor but healing into my daily life:
Listening to Podcasts: I began making it a habit to listen to religious inspirational talks and interviews on Spotify. The works of Yasmin Mogahed and Omar Suleiman have helped me clear away my anxiety and refocus my life on what's important amidst the grief.
Watching Comedies: I made it a point to watch comedies that made me laugh out loud. Shows like Frasier or old movies from the eighties became my go-to sources of low stakes lighthearted joy.
Sharing Stories with Friends: I found that sharing stories with friends created a bond that made our struggles feel lighter. It also made me realize that a lot of people around me have been through really difficult moments but still are able to show up and function. Something at one time I didn't think I would be able to do.
Sharing My Story
I want to share my story of resilience with others. But not just about the worst event that has ever happened in my life, but also all the other challenges we all face as humans everyday. By opening up about my experiences, some excruciatingly painful while others are more typical, I hope to inspire others to find healing in their own challenges.
Conclusion
My healing journey has taught me the importance of resilience and the power of laughter and surrounding yourself with positive reminders about life. As I move forward, I carry the lessons learned and some humorous moments as well.
Remember, no matter how tough life gets, there is always ease that comes along with the hardship. As stated In the Qur'an:
إِنَّ مَعَ ٱلۡعُسۡرِ يُسۡرٗا
"Inna ma’al ‘usri yusra"
"truly where there is hardship there is also ease"
Surah Ash-Sharh Ayat 6 (94:6 Quran)
Sincerely,
With Hardship and Ease
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