A Gentle Review Of The First Half Of Ramadan

It is Day 16. Can you believe it?

Me right now:

Ramadan so far has been such a blessing, gratitude to the most merciful, the most compassionate. Alhamdulillahi robbil alameen, being able to let go and not constantly beating myself up has opened doors to an experience I'm very grateful for.

What has striving differently looked like for me in the first half of the holy month?

Choosing one main goal this Ramadan. A goal that's realistic, practical, and obligatory. One that will also be relevant post-Ramadan.

Focusing on just one Surah as opposed to trying to understand the entire Quran in a month. I linked this to my Ramadan read and ensured that too is the Tafsir of the Surah I chose..Alhamdullilahi.

Sticking to the Ramadan plan for AA plus and not being tempted to join many others. Didn't and will not rush to sign up for anything new. There's a ton to leverage in the AA Plus community and that’s my focus.

Letting go of mindless and hurried Quran reading just to record that I completed the Quran multiple times. Don't get me wrong, I'm still determined to read as much as I can, but at a slower and more mindful pace. So far, I'm amazed to see the gems unfolding, was wondering the other day why it seemed like I've never read Surahs like Baqarah before.

Planned to host one or two Iftar dinners that's clearly not going to happen, my introverted side has won the protest. I plan to attend an Iftar dinner or two though, Insha Allah.

Refusing to be dragged into lectures of any sort and consoling myself with the fact that there are always replays. Backing this up with intentions to watch for the sake of Allah.

Logging out of IG because pressure ti poju(Yoruba for the pressure is just too much) ..lol ..Anything I miss isn't for me.

Restraining the urge to feature on multiple platforms. Instead, I am only speaking on one show. Okay two sha, but the first one was recorded a while back.

Knowing when to join the crowd and when to pull back. This is such a critical piece and I'm grateful for the awareness my Rabb has granted me regarding this. I just don’t have the capacity to survive in gatherings for too long and that’sokay.

What Could Be Better?

Time Management. That time between Iftar and Taraweeh for me needs a strict plan and discipline for me to achieve anything without feeling completely drained after.

Consistency with Pre Ramadan Habits. Slipped up a bit on my nightly routine the recitations, gratitude notes, etc. Those need to come back ASAP. May Allah make it easy.

LinkedIn is social media. There is nothing left to say here.

Fixing Eating Habits. Just because it's Ramadan does not make eating at 12 midnight right..lol

This and a few more personal things.

One of the best things for me has also been this platform, Ibadah Plug, bringing it to life and seeing the vision take shape has been a major gratitude point for me this Ramadan.

Has everything listed above been easy? Nope. Slowing down doesn't mean easier it's just a completely different battle with your Nafs. In the end, I pray that Allah accepts it and grants us all the full benefits of this Ramadan.

Over to you, how's the journey going? Looking forward to your comments.