What I wish I knew in my 20s as a Muslim

Assulamu Alaykum,

I wish I had reminded myself that I’m not meant to be perfect all the time. I just have to try.

Same with my daily prayers. They don't have to be perfect right now; I just have to try and work towards what Allah expects of me, little by little.

Allah the Almighty said: I am as My servant thinks I am (1). I am with him when he makes mention of Me. If he makes mention of Me to himself, I make mention of him to Myself; and if he makes mention of Me in an assembly, I make mention of him in an assembly better than it. And if he draws near to Me an arm's length, I draw near to him a cubit, and if he draws near to Me a cubit, I draw near to him a fathom. And if he comes to Me walking, I go to him at speed.

You don’t have to become someone else to be worthy. You are worthy.

You don’t have to earn peace through exhaustion. Rest when you need it. And when you need rest from people, communicate it — and don’t break that boundary. Stay strong.

Everything you create makes you better. Never stop your hobbies just because something isn’t getting noticed. Every piece of art you make is preparing you for what’s to come. And if you do let something go, say: “I hope we meet again — I had so much fun.” Show gratitude instead of sinking into depression. Then move forward. Your early 20s are the beginning — they’re meant to prepare you. Once it clicks, you’ll be ready to move.

Gratitude is everything. Practice not complaining. I noticed that more comes your way when you pause, remember what you have, remember God, and trust that whatever feels bad right now won’t last forever. It’s not easy — but if you start now, you’ll see things bloom in your work, school, and everyday life.

I wish I understood the power of words — how speaking badly about myself convinced my brain that I was those things. Uplift yourself more!

Not everyone who loves you will know how to love you well. There’s only one you. One life. Don’t lose it trying to fit into someone else’s limitations. You’re too special.

When my therapist labeled my struggles, I wish I knew that diagnosis was the first step toward healing — not a life sentence. These things don’t have to last forever. The body is powerful. Healing is possible.

I wish I knew I was an incredible machine with a soul — capable of learning, changing, and rebuilding. Failure isn’t the opposite of success. It’s the road to it. Showing up matters. But slowing down and reflecting keeps you aligned.

I don’t have to be there for everyone. I don’t have to reply to every DM, watch everyone’s life, or save the world. I can be a hero in small ways — helping the people around me, showing kindness at work or school, picking up trash, choosing better each day.

Your energy isn’t meant for every person you meet. Some people drain you. When your body starts sending signals, listen. Protect your peace early.

Reach back out to family. Cousins, aunts, uncles. Check in. What you give will return — if not immediately, then when the timing is right.

I wish I didn’t consume so much trash online. Reading books teaches you more about people, life, and yourself than endless scrolling ever will.

If you’re anxious and hard on yourself, remember: most people are fighting quiet battles while putting on a show.

When you need to step away, you don’t need to apologize. Becoming your best self sometimes requires distance. The people who truly love you will understand — because they want you healthy, whole, and growing.

Healing has no deadline. Feel everything. Move slowly. Breathe.

You are human — and capable of incredible change.

Most of all, I wish I read more Quran. It really is a reminder, and at a time like this, with what is happening in the world, I need it all the time.