A Quick Eid Note

Hello dear readers,

As Ramadan has come to an end and we're all celebrating Eid (for those who observe it), I just wanted to say a quick note of thanks to the readers and people who have supported this endeavor. I know it's only two weeks old as of today, but this has given me a sense of direction and drive that's long been missing in my life, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Seeing as how this blog is about growth, I just wanted to briefly highlight some of the spiritual growth I've had over this last month. During this Ramadan, I have:

• Set a new Taraweeh record for myself, having gone six nights this year. Last year I had gone two nights, and before that I had not really gone at all. So even though it seems kind of like minimal progress, I still did better than last year. And that's what it's really about, isn't it? I know I still have a long way to go, and getting to where I go thirty nights each Ramadan will take time, but I am happy to just have improved.

• Spent a good deal of time with family. Being home for the summer between work and school makes that seem like it's a walk in the park, but I really tried to make sure I spent time with family during the time in the year where being together is a really integral part of the experience. Breaking fast with your loved ones is really a beautiful thing. Throughout the year, schedules get hectic, but it's nice for 30 nights to have everyone sit at the table at the same time to break fast.

• This last one is an intangible, but I really feel it has been the cornerstone of what will retain my progress and build on that for the future. I started getting in the habit of just making honest and sincere dua (prayer) before going to sleep, outside of the regular dua I make when I do my five daily prayers. I was talking to an aunt, who's really like a second mother to me, and she recommended that I just talk to God and ask for whatever I need and let out what I want. And I felt a little silly doing that at first, but for someone whose faith had wavered over the last few years, I feel like it's been an integral part of increasing just general spirituality. I feel like that's kind of a second form of journaling for me, and it's been nice. I hope to keep that up as I move forward.

So I just want to say thank you for reading and supporting, and growing with me. I wish you the warmest of days in celebration of Eid, for all of you and your families. Today is a day to celebrate our accomplishments of the past month, and get back at it tomorrow!

Eid Mubarak!