Voice Notes from Maryam �‪�‬ Maryam

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A lot of people today think that they NEED therapy. This is mainly due to the high-stress lives we’re living, but therapy isn’t a NEED for everyone. It’s a nice-to-have for everyone. In fact, it’s a strong nice-to-have. But is it a NEED? I doubt it is.
Now, are there cases where people do NEED therapy? Of course! 100% yes!
This voice note is not for those who do need therapy. Please, please seek the help you need from a professional. Ok?
This voice note is for the rest of us who think we need therapy.
Cool? Cool.
Also, by the way, if your primary care provider says you do need therapy but can't afford it yet, journaling can be a great first step.
Think you need therapy?
So, why do ‘the rest of us’ think we need therapy?
* We’re stressed out!!!
* Our mental health is lowkey falling apart…
* We’re spiralling
* We need to process our emotions or unpack stuff, because “what is all this?”
* We’re stuck and want to find clarity on our next steps
* We want a safe space to feel heard with zero judgment
If you’re nodding along to these points, this voice note is for you.
The power of journaling
The good news is that journaling can help you with all the points above. Here are 6 ways I use journaling to get similar results. Not the same, but similar.
* Journaling for Stress ReliefI recently learned that the stress we feel is not always due to the situation at hand. We usually feel stress because we don’t know how to cope. My husband for example is so chill when something happens because he believes most things have a solution, but my brain sees many situations as a threat to my entire existence. What journaling does is, it helps me break down my stressors and see them from a different perspective. Is my homeschool REALLY falling apart? Am I REALLY messing my kids up forever? Is the workload REALLY going to make me lose my mind? Journaling helps me talk back to the stressful situation and channel my inner chill.
* Journaling for Mental WellbeingWriting down my thoughts and feelings gives me a clearer picture of my mental state. It’s like having a conversation with myself, and sometimes, that’s all I need to feel a bit better. When I’m feeling stuck and my mental health feels kinda mental, the process of writing things out feels like someone is holding up a mirror to help me see a way out, to remind me to be grateful, to remind me to call on Allah.
* Journaling When I’m SpirallingSpiraling is “a cycle of negative thought patterns that can escalate and become overwhelming”. This is my internal state a lot of the time, especially around that time of the month. Before I know it, I’m imagining worst-case scenarios for everything! So when I feel like I’m spiraling, journaling acts as a grounding tool to remind me to be here now. I write and write and write down those overwhelming thoughts, and somehow, writing them down with pen and paper helps me slow down and think more rationally. I usually end the journaling session with “Here’s what I think the problem is, and here’s a solution I could try. Ya Allah, help me…”
* Journaling to Process EmotionsI’m usually quiet when I get offended, but my brain does not stop! I have used journaling to unpack some deep feelings of envy, anger, hurt, rejection… We all have those moments when we feel big emotions inside and don’t know what to do with them. Journaling gives me space (and time) to analyze, step-by-step, what’s under the big feelings. A few years ago, I felt envy which I knew had no place in my heart. I was so bothered by it and started journaling. Then I realized I felt envious because there were things I wanted for myself but in reality, I wasn’t working towards those things, so I put my big girl pants on and got to work! And alhamdulillah that’s history now.
* Journaling to Find ClarityWhenever I’m stuck or confused about my next steps, about a big

Assalamu alaykum dear friends! Today’s Letter isn’t actually a letter 🙂 it’s a perfectly imperfect heart-to-heart Voice Note from Maryam!
It took multiple attempts to record it… multiple attempts to edit it… and multiple attempts to convince myself to publish it anyway… but Alhamdulillah, we did it!
I’m looking forward to reading your thoughts on it in my inbox or the comments inshaAllah.
Listen on Spotify | Listen on Apple Podcasts
Please remember me and my family in du’a 🌸
Love + Du’a,Maryam


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Assalamu alaykum, friends!
_
The other day, I picked up my pen (keyboard) and wrote in my journal…
“Should I ask Allah to reduce how much I love?”
I knew I was hurting inside because… what is this deep question, please? 😆
Listen to my Sunday Morning think-out-loud to find out how I’m trying to navigate (instead of fight) my heart for loving a little too deep, too much, too fast.
_
May Allah control all our hearts, forgive our shortcomings, and may He bless us with the best in dunya and akhirah.
May Ash-Shakoor help us renew our intentions multiple times every day, and may He save our reward for us.
May we be of benefit to the ummah, and may Allah love us, always.
Ameen.


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sistersflourish.substack.com

Life can throw unexpected challenges our way, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to cope. In this episode, I share a personal journey that starts with a dental appliance and leads to powerful life lessons that apply to us all.Join us as we navigate the emotions of a child struggling with a new dental appliance, and learn valuable insights about patience, trust, and perspective.We draw inspiration from the Quran, reminding ourselves that Allah's wisdom is beyond our comprehension. We explore the importance of staying patient during life's storms and how these trials will eventually lead to growth and appreciation.Whether you're dealing with family challenges, financial difficulties, or career struggles, the 3 tools shared will provide you with the strength to face adversity, bi idhnillah. Remember, Allah won't leave you in pain without reason, and there is goodness in every test He gives us.May Allah grant you patience, ease your burdens, and guide you through every hardship. Ameen!Links:Maktabah (Book Club)Join my Substack newsletterSign up for the 12 Week Du'a Free Crash CourseCome say Salam on Threads


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Join me on a transformative journey of exploring life from the deep end!
In this episode, I share personal stories and reflections on moving beyond the shallow-end mindset. Just like learning to swim confidently, we'll discover how to approach our deen, relationships, health, and wealth with intention and excellence.
Discover the power of one stroke at a time, whether it's deepening your faith, nurturing relationships, prioritizing your health, or taking bold steps in your career as a Muslim woman.
Life may sometimes challenge us, but with patience and perseverance, we'll dive into the depths of our potential.
Like, share, and subscribe for more inspiring content.
May Allah bless you with abundance and strength in every aspect of your life. Ameen.
* Join my Substack newsletter: https://sistersflourish.substack.com
* Sign up for the 12-Week Du'a Free Crash Course: https://www.sistersflourish.com/crashcourse
* Come say Salam on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@sisters_flourish


This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sistersflourish.substack.com

I went on a scary walk a few days ago.
It was an icy winter trail and I was scared to slip and fall.
I was scared some animal would come out of the forest and jump at me.
It was dark, so I needed a flashlight but my phone battery was low.
I wanted others to help me, I could see them, but they were way ahead.
My heart was racing, my eyes wide open…
Listen to this episode where I share my adventure, but also what I learned.
And our Lord is forgiving and merciful ❤️



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sistersflourish.substack.com