@Abu Abdillah Abdul Lateef Ma'sha'Allah, thank you for the question. To answer honestly, ✍🏼catching myself usually happens after I've already drifted a bit, rather than always before it happens. I still look at it like piloting an airplane. You know you have to land, and you have to position yourself for it, but it's all about how you touch down. You don't just slam a plane to a halt like you're driving a car; you bring it down softly, allow it to run smoothly along the runway, and gradually slow down until it comes to a natural stop.🫸🏼🛑 For me, catching myself is like that smooth landing. I realize I've gotten slightly off course or distracted, but instead of panicking or dropping out of the sky—which causes a hard fall and a lot of emotional or spiritual damage to repair—I try to gently correct my course. It's about bringing myself back down smoothly, running out the runway with patience, and steadying myself so I can continue my journey in Islam without unnecessary hardship.🧕🏼🛫

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To be honest, I can’t speak for 'we' or what everyone else should do—I can only speak for myself. Other people might have a completely different path, but I can only control what I do. For me personally, the one change I focus on is guarding my time and attention right inside my own home. That means intentionally stepping back from the rat race, putting away the distractions, and refusing to let society’s pressures dictate my life. I make it a point to pour my full presence and energy into my family—the people right under my nose. If I can keep my own heart grounded, stay present for my family, and do what's right in my own four walls, that’s my main responsibility. That's where my work starts. 🧕🏼

@Abu Abdillah Abdul Lateef For me, unplugging and staying focused comes down to simple, practical boundaries. Escaping the Corner-Street Noise__ Living on a corner means downstairs is constantly bombarded with street-level distractions—cars passing by, loud music, or people arguing. It's just too much background noise. The Desk vs. Couch Mindset__ I move upstairs to my desk because sitting in an office chair means business; it signals to my brain that it's time to focus. 🧠 Downstairs on the couch, you get too comfortable, and there are too many temptations like the TV or falling asleep. It’s not some elaborate ritual; it's just about intentionally removing myself from the chaos so I can actually get things done. 🤷🏼

Assalamualaikum Because I have a canvas mind I use vision. .The Tree of Identity: Roots, Water, and the West. When we look at our Muslim youth in the West, I visualize it like a tree. Everything that grows has a root, and that root has to be watered. You cannot have leaves and limbs without a strong root system. Let's speak on the Roots and watering- The Roots & The Water: 💦 🌊 🌊 The biggest hurdle is that many youth are struggling because their roots are not being properly watered. Even when a stream of guidance passes by, the roots aren't always taking it in. Who is nurturing those roots, causing them to grow, and helping the blooms flourish in a western environment? ???🧐 Now the parts that is above ground seen by others but is discomforted. 🌴🌴 🌿 🌿 The Limbs & Leaves (The Youth): The limbs represent our children. Sometimes they have leaves, but the leaves fall off at the wrong time or change inappropriately with the seasons. The 🥅 end goal🧐 The Goal (An Evergreen Faith): Ideally, our faith and identity should act like an evergreen tree—steady and enduring through every season. But instead, we often see a seasonal tree, struggling to stay grounded against the elements. The disconnect isn't just about what the youth are facing out there; it's about whether the foundational watering and connection are happening at home to keep them deeply rooted. 🤲🏼

At a ripe old age my students stay in contact with me through social media by contacting my children. Alhamdulliah. I missed them a lot. Many have good jobs, own their business, one quickly became a millionaire. I was the hen that spread my wings so that each child had a feather. I'm so proud to have been a part of their lives...I open my home for girls that had children during their schools years. I want everything to have a chance at getting an education. No fees, no food, no clothing was necessary. I provided it. Jum'mah I feed the neighbors for that month with ask and seeking anything in return. It was charity and I took like a responsibility for those less fortunate. Seeking nothing in return 3 meals a day starting with early breakfast at 8am🤲🏼 all praise to Allah s.a.w that provided for me.

@Abu Abdillah Abdul Lateef I also work on the Air Force military base located in Warner Robins as a cager_ I was one of the few people that collect all monies that is return in the end of the day. . No money leaves until I count it .There were rotating shifts and I was on the night shift. Every dollkar every penny pass through my hands... Alhamdulliah Allah has given me many positions for me to reach this point in my life... I didn't have a plan but He did. All praise to to Allah 🤲🏼