Some of us learned how to carry more than we were meant to… quietly, without ever questioning it.

In this episode, I reflect on the emotional weight of growing up as the “strong one." Something many eldest daughters may recognize but also anyone who has ever felt responsible for holding things together.

This is a gentle conversation about unspoken expectations, emotional weight, and learning to acknowledge what we’ve been carrying so we can move with more softness and intention.

If you’ve ever felt like the one who carries everything, this is for you.

A few terms used in this episode for those unfamiliar:

Allah - God in Islam

Subhanahu wa ta’ala (SWT) - “Glorified and Exalted is He” (used after mentioning Allah)

Duaa - Supplication; a personal prayer or calling upon Allah

SubhanAllah - “Glory be to Allah” (often said in awe or reflection)

Alhamdulillah - “All praise is due to Allah”

Yusuf (alayhi salaam) - Prophet Joseph (peace be upon him)

Yaqub (alayhi salaam) - Prophet Jacob (peace be upon him)

Qalb - Heart (spiritually and emotionally)

Rahma - Mercy, compassion

InshaAllah - “If Allah wills”

Assalamu alaikum - “Peace be upon you” (a common greeting)