We are all works in progress. No one is born complete with all the wisdom and skill sets to make through life. We are on a constant journey to develop as individuals, requiring us to engage in self-development across all areas of our life to help us adapt and improve.

Fact: As we traverse through life, we will experience emotionally, mentally and spiritually devastating events (well, most of us will) that make it necessary for us to engage in healing wounds left by them. If left unhealed, traumatic wounds can make it difficult to go through our lives.

This post is the first of a limited series I’m calling “The Layla Project,” in which I am exploring different activities, both physical and spiritual, to help me, Insha’Allah, get to a better place. The past few years have been full of traumas that have adversely impacted my ability to develop as a person. I’ve spent a lot of time working to heal from them and grow spiritually and emotionally, with the grace of Allah (S).

I’m still striving to get better and be better, and I am thrilled the Haute Hijab is allowing me to share some of the things I do to facilitate healing and personal development. I hope readers will join me on my journey. Four times this year, I will share activities that I’ve tried to develop and heal myself. Some may be more beneficial than others, and I am excited to share which ones have helped me.

As I begin this endeavor, let's explore what it means to go on journeys of self-development and self healing.

Self-development is enhancing one's knowledge, skills, and overall well-being through intentional and deliberate effort. It is a journey of self-discovery, growth and improvement that can help individuals achieve their personal and professional goals and lead a fulfilling life.

There are many different approaches to self-development, but some common elements include setting personal goals, acquiring new knowledge and skills, engaging in personal growth activities, and seeking feedback and support from others.

Setting goals (backed by thought-out intentions, which helps motivate us to keep working on our goals) is a key component of self-development, as it provides direction and purpose. When setting goals, it is important to be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound (SMART). This will help individuals stay focused and motivated, and track their progress.

Acquiring new knowledge and skills is another important aspect of self-development. This can be achieved through formal education, reading books, attending workshops and seminars; or, simply trying new things. Learning should be a lifelong pursuit, as it can help individuals grow, adapt and keep up with the changing world.

Personal growth activities, such as meditation, journaling, or therapy, can help individuals gain greater self-awareness and insight into their thoughts, feelings, and behavior. These activities can also help individuals identify areas for improvement and develop a deeper understanding of themselves.

Finally, seeking feedback and support from others is a crucial aspect of self-development. Surrounding oneself with supportive friends and family, seeking mentorship or coaching, or participating in support groups can provide valuable feedback and help individuals grow and improve.

Self-development is a lifelong journey that requires intentional and deliberate effort. By setting goals, acquiring new knowledge and skills, engaging in personal growth activities, and seeking feedback and support from others, individuals can achieve their personal and professional goals and lead a fulfilling life. These are the things I am keeping in mind as I am pursuing self-development in a variety of areas this year as a means for more personal growth and healing.

I’ve hit a major stumbling block in my writing. My novel writing has suffered greatly, and once was a steady stream of books for readers to enjoy has turned into less than a trickle I’m ready to embark on a journey that will get me back to clicking the keyboard and delivering stories to readers.

Healing is a journey that requires patience, courage, and determination. It involves not only physical recovery from injury or illness but also emotional and mental restoration. The path to healing can be challenging, but the journey is ultimately rewarding and empowering. Here are some steps that I am taking for myself and can also help guide you on your healing journey.

1. Acceptance: The first step in the healing process is accepting that you are in need of healing. This may involve acknowledging and processing emotions related to your situation and coming to terms with any limitations or changes it may bring.

2. Seek help: Reaching out for help can significantly impact your healing journey. This may include seeing a doctor, therapist or another healthcare professional, and seeking support from friends, family or a support group.

3. Mindfulness: Engaging in mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep breathing, can help calm the mind and reduce stress, both of which are important for the healing process.

4. Nourish your body: Eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and engaging in gentle physical activity can help support the body's natural healing process.

5. Find purpose: Engaging in activities that bring you joy, purpose and meaning can help you feel more positive and empowered, even during challenging times.

Be kind to yourself: Remember to be gentle and compassionate with yourself as you navigate your healing journey. Allow yourself to rest and engage in self-care when needed.

Celebrate progress: Celebrate the small victories and milestones along the way, and acknowledge your strength and resilience.

Healing is a personal and unique journey, and it's important to remember that there is no "right" or "wrong" way to do it. Embrace the ups and downs, and trust that you can heal and find your way to wellness. With patience, self-care and the support of those around you, you can overcome obstacles and emerge stronger on the other side.

The past few years have been full of traumas that adversely impacted my ability to develop as a person. I’ve spent a lot of time working to heal from them and grow spiritually and emotionally, with the grace of Allah (S). I’m still striving to get better and be better, and I am thrilled the Haute Hijab is allowing me to share some of the things I do to facilitate healing and personal development.

I hope you will join me on my journey and, Insha’Allah, learn from it in whatever ways can be helpful to you in your path to self-development, healing and self-love.