No matter what hardship you go through, always say Alhamdulillah. Make it a habit to praise Allah instead of letting your emotions take control. Gratitude in every situation strengthens the heart & reminds us that every test has wisdom.
the first revelation wasn't "pray" or "give charity." it was "read." Islam began by honouring knowledge. every time we learn something that brings us closer to Allah, we're continuing a legacy that started in the cave of Hira.
i think long-term stress changes people quietly. you become less expressive, less excited, more tired, more detached, until one day you barely recognize the version of yourself that existed before survival mode.
Omar Suleiman in one of his Ramadan series episode said;
If Allah can be patient, waiting for you to return to Him and doesn’t punish you immediately after you commit a sin, why can’t you be patient with His plans and trust Him over your own desires?