I had long forgotten about this pen when she messaged me a few days ago. However, I will never forget an incident that happened with her. (Sharing with her consent)
🌱
She was a good friend of mine who loved fasting. She used to fast every Monday and Thursday without a miss.
🌱
She called me just before Ramadan a few years ago.
I expected her to be excited because I knew she loved fasting.
Instead, she told “Sharika… I’ve decided not to fast this time. I’m just… tired.”
🌱
I was stunned in silence for a few moments, knowing the gravity of what Ramadan meant for Muslims.
I wasn’t a coach back then who had knowledge on how the brain, emotions, and mindset worked.
The only thing I knew back then was to choose compassion over judgement.
🌱
I understood that this wasn’t about a lack of knowledge or faith. She already knew all the virtues, and she believed deeply.
🌱
So I didn’t remind her of all the things she already knew. That would’ve been pointless.
Instead, I reminded her of who she already is.
Kind. Giving. Deeply good.
🌱
She didn’t need to be told to “do better.
She didn’t need advice. She needed compassion.
The beautiful part of it was that the next Ramadan, she was back in full swing fasting.
She just needed time. Safety. Love.
🌱
I’m glad I responded that way back then because now I know better that this wasn’t an issue on faith. It was the brain processing a difficult life event.
🌱
Her system was in survival mode, overwhelmed with stress, grief, and emotional fatigue over a life change.
🌱
So if someone isn’t on their spiritual high that you expect… pause.
They might just need safety, not shame.
With love and compassion,
Sharika
#compassion #islamicreminderseries #ramadan2025 #Ramadan #coach #coaching #spiritualcoaching #stress #grief #healing