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May 7, 2025 11 mins

EPISODE 1: Gratitude Nearly Broke Me | Reflections & Realizations Podcast

Have you ever whispered Alhamdulillah while everything inside you is screaming?

In this debut episode of Reflections & Realizations, I share my personal struggle with gratitude. We explore what real gratitude looks like beyond the clichés, and I break down a practical, psychology-meets-faith-based Gratitude Framework you can actually use.

If you’ve ever felt like you “should” be grateful but secretly aren’t, this one’s for you.

In this deeply personal episode, I share the moments that almost shattered me — losing my job, struggling in my marriage, and trying to hold onto gratitude when it felt impossible. Through tears, therapy, and tawakkul, I discovered how practicing gratitude in the darkest moments transformed my mindset, saved my marriage, and led me to pursue a Master's in Psychology. This episode is a reflection on faith, neuroplasticity, and the power of choosing to see the good.

To accompany my podcasts, I’ve been working on a series of simple, faith-rooted tools to help you realign your thoughts when life feels like it's coming apart.
Today, I’m sharing the first one with you:

✨ The Gratitude Loop
Reframe. Pray. Repeat.

This 3-step loop helped me move from spiralling into softening. It's not a quick fix — it’s a practice. And it works, little by little.

➤ Step 1: Reframe the moment
Ask yourself: What am I missing here?
Is it something small and easily overlooked? Your health. Your child’s laughter. A hot cup of chai. Just notice what’s there.

➤ Step 2: Pray two raka'ah of shukr
Even when you don’t feel it. Especially when you don’t feel it.
This act of gratitude isn't about waiting for the right moment. It’s a choice.

➤ Step 3: Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.
Gratitude is a muscle. It’s not just a mood, not just a vibe. And like any muscle, it gets stronger the more you use it.

💬 COMMENT below:
What does gratitude look like to you on your hardest days?

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