Sincerely, Sumayah

What happens when you are going through a challenging time and your closest people let you down? What does it mean when they don't show up for you? Can we acknowledge our personal limitations around being there for our people, and extend that compassion to them when it's our turn?

All of our timelines for understanding and growth differ and we can't rush or control our own timing or those of others. Instead of questioning whether we could have done more to get a message across, a different question would be whether our audience is ready to hear it.

Where's the line between playing the part and being an entire human being? Thoughts on navigating vulnerability, openness, reality and truth in the context of social media and marketing.

Allah (awj) is inviting you to come back to Him. He has not given up on you. He still wants you. He sees the good in you, even when you no longer see it in yourself. Even after a million mistakes. All you need to do is to turn to Him

You aren't unworthy, corrupt or so lost that you should just give up on yourself. You're not too far gone. If you have nothing else, hold on to the one last thing. It may be the thing that saves you.

Where's the line between trusting in Allah and tying your camel? How do you know when you've done enough? What if you miss out on a chance?

This one is for all of the kindhearted, naturally giving, generous people who have become afraid of being used or taken advantage of. You can set boundaries that protect you and allow you to decide when and how you help others. It doesn't make you withholding or selfish, it just makes you human.

This episode is about the fear of being too needy in relationships and how to manage our expectations and emotions.

A lie has a mother & father. Let's examine our role in creating a safe environment in our marriages, families and the community at large.

What happens to a couple when one person makes their partner the center of their universe? Where are the lines between our individual lives and being part of a couple?

It makes it a lot easier for them to show up for you in the right way when you tell them how you want to be loved, and vice versa.

We can both accept things that are outside of our control, and allow ourselves to feel how we do about them happening.

Just like you understand its natural to spend time getting to know someone you just met, you also need to take the time to get to know yourself. It isn't arrogant or selfish to ask questions, reflect or pay attention to your inner world.

A person who gives with the expectation of getting the same in return will feel resentful and empty when they don't get that. When you don't love and respect yourself it can actually drive healthy people away from you. Securely attached, emotionally healthy people aren't usually drawn to people-pleasing or martyr behaviour.

It's really hard to mentor someone who isn't willing to get curious about themselves. People tend to be focused on analyzing others' behaviours and choices. A key qualifier for effective healing and growth is being open and curious about your own inner world.

Taking responsibility for the process of your growth and healing means dealing with triggers and setting healthy boundaries.

I haven't met anyone who meets my criteria without deal-breakers. Does this mean I'm being too picky? Where's the line between having impossible standards and settling?

Each person comes with their gift. Can you be receptive to the gift and let the experience go with grace? Can it mean that Allah (swt) is showing you that you are worthy and that this is possible for you?

There are relationships that primarily take from us, others that nourish us and some that do both. Which is which?

You can always come back home. You've never gone too far or changed too much to be welcome.

In the story of Musa (pbuh) and Al-Khidr in Surat Al-Kahf, we witness an interaction between a Prophet who is also a distinguished leader of his people, and a slave of Allah that had been given knowledge and a special understanding of matters.

Reflecting on Ayah (7:43) from the Quran, and how feeling all that we do is part of the Human experience in this world. It doesn't mean anything about who you are or your character.

Do you pause after an experience to check in with yourself and see how it leaves you feeling? Do you pay attention to the effect people, media, places or even food have on you afterwards?

For everyone who apologizes before sharing their thoughts or feels like what they're thinking isn't normal or probably not even acceptable.

Look at the bigger picture.