Hannah’s Daily Note

I will admit something to you. I am a procrastinator. It links closely to my perfectionism. I often feel like I need the right mood and a big wave of motivation before I start anything important.

One thing I have a terrible habit of delaying is making up missed fasts before Ramadan begins. Somehow there is always a reason to push it back a little further. In fact, I still need to squeeze in another one before Ramadan arrives.

Many women quietly carry the same pattern. The fasts sit in the background of the mind, creating pressure and low level guilt. Over time, that guilt can start to feel heavier than the action itself. It can even feed a wider sense of feeling disconnected from Islam.

This year feels slightly different for me. Instead of just feeling annoyed with myself, I notice some sadness. Sad that I left them so late. Sad that something meant to reconnect me with Allah started to feel like a burden instead of an act of worship.

So I am choosing a different response. No spiralling guilt. No harsh self talk. Just an honest mental note. I do not want this to be my pattern going forward.

Small changes still count. One fast completed with presence still counts. A gentle return to salah and fasting habits still counts too. Progress in faith is often quieter and slower than we expect.

InshaAllah, this year will be different. Not perfect, but more intentional.