We Grow Through What We Go Through

We often hear that pain shapes us, challenges build us, and struggles teach us. But when you’re in the thick of it’s hard to believe that growth is happening at all. I know this because I’ve been there too.

There was a time in my life when I felt like everything was falling apart. I had zero self-confidence. I was afraid to speak up, afraid to be seen, and uncertain of my worth. Life in the capital city was exhausting; the high costs, the pressure to keep up, the noise, and the expectations. I was in debt, struggling emotionally, and trying to meet everyone’s expectations but my own.

But then I made a decision that changed everything.

I moved back to my island after marrying my now husband. Alhamdulillah. Not to escape, but to rediscover myself. I knew deep in my heart that I needed to find my purpose. I wanted to live a life aligned with my faith, my values, and my vision for a better future.

Faith was my foundation. I turned to Allah (SWT) for strength and guidance. Through prayer, sabr, and tawakkul, I found healing. Alhamdhulillah. I began to focus on my health, physically, mentally, and spiritually. I started simple: I focus on praying all obligatory prayers, making dua daily to Allah SWT, reciting the Qur’an daily, zikr walks after Fajr prayer, practicing gratitude, and eating balanced meals. Slowly, I began to feel whole again.

And from that place of healing, I began to grow.

I pursued further education, started a tuition center, and became a certified life coach. I learned to speak publicly, which was something I once feared. And now I use my voice to uplift and empower others. I started building a business from home, turning my pain into purpose. Which I have always dreamed about.

I now teach women how to take control of their finances, their habits, and their mindset. But more than that, I remind them that they are not broken, but they are becoming. That they can flourish with faith, even in the face of adversity.

You can grow through what you go through. Not just survive it, but grow through it.

Every hardship you’ve endured carries a hidden lesson. Every failure, every heartbreak, every setback — it can either break you or build you. The choice is yours.

To every woman reading this: I see you. I know life hasn’t always been fair or easy. But you are more powerful than you know. You are capable of rising, of healing, of becoming everything you were created to be. Don’t run from the struggle. Sit with it. Learn from it. Grow from it.

Your story has purpose. Your pain has value. And your future? It’s written with strength, with faith, and with grace.

Flourish, no matter the season. Grow, no matter the soil. And remember, everything you go through is preparing you for everything you’ve prayed for. In Sha Allah.

With Love and Dua,

Sofwa