One Year Back

Today marks one year since I returned to work after taking a long, unpaid leave. Taking that leave was one of the best decisions I ever made. It provided me with solitude, precious time with my children, and the opportunity to learn more about myself.

During that period, my mental health improved significantly, and I gained valuable experiences and wisdom. On the last day of my leave, I wrote the following:

1. I’m so nervous about tomorrow, as if it’s my first day of work ever. I just want to document my feelings today.
2. I don’t know what I am doing with my life.
3. It’s hard to be an adult.
4. I’m grateful to have my children with me until today, A & H.
5. I’m grateful to be alive, wise (and not crazy), healthy, and pretty.
6. I’m grateful to have food to eat, a home that I love, a reliable car that takes me to many places, and to be surrounded by people who love and care for me.
7. I’m grateful to be surrounded by good people who always remind me of Allah SWT.
8. I’m grateful to still be able to do things that I love, like writing and watching YouTube (which is quite funny to write here).
9. I’m grateful to enjoy the creative process; it’s my fuel, always.
10. I’m grateful for the experience of this extended leave – to be able to rest (goodbye to luxurious sleep now), to spend more time with my kids, write, do hijab modelling, speak to people about minimalism, meet new people, and devote more time and energy to Tarbiyyah. I’m grateful for the experience of super slow living; I’m going to miss this so much.

Reflecting on that time now, I see how far I’ve come. Returning to work was challenging, but it was also a period of growth. I had to readjust to the fast-paced environment and balance my professional responsibilities with my personal life. This transition made me stronger and more resilient.

I also realised the importance of gratitude in my life. Writing down my feelings and acknowledging what I was thankful for helped me maintain a positive outlook, even during tough times. My children, my health, my creativity – all these aspects of my life brought me immense joy and kept me grounded.

The support from my family and friends, as well as my faith, played a crucial role in my journey. They reminded me of the bigger picture and kept me motivated. Engaging in activities I love provided a creative outlet and a sense of fulfilment.

Looking back, I’m proud of how I navigated this past year. It wasn’t always easy, but it was worth it. My experiences have taught me to appreciate the little things, stay grateful, and embrace each moment with a positive mindset.

As I continue this journey, I hope to inspire others who might be going through similar transitions. Remember, it’s okay to feel nervous and uncertain. What matters is how we choose to move forward and make the best of our circumstances.

For anyone else returning to work after a break, know that you’re not alone. Take it one day at a time, stay grateful, and keep pushing forward. You’ve got this.