Are you ready to beat fear?
Join me on this journey of overcoming fear and achieving your goals together.
Consistency and Calm
بِسْمِ اللّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
Note: Next week I will feature a piece on writing your own narrative and feature Palestinian and Sudanese writer.
It’s November, and that means that NaNoWriMo or National Novel Writing Month, has officially kicked off. This year I am challenging myself to write 50,000 words which would mean completing my book, inshaaAllah. I’d love to invite you to join me on this journey toward greater consistency and courage in our work. While I’ll be focusing on writing my book, Becoming a Tranquil Soul: Practical Lessons for a Distracted Heart, I welcome you to bring whatever goals are on your heart. Whether it’s writing, another creative project, or even a step toward a personal ambition, let’s support each other in striving for that steady consistency we’ve been seeking.
Becoming a Tranquil Soul began as a heartfelt inspiration during the last ten nights of Ramadan in 2022. I poured myself into those nights, longing for a closeness to Allah, and felt that this book might be one way to capture and share those lessons. I already felt the when the idea was conceived that my fear and inconsistency would get in the way but during those blessed ten nights I was on a spiritual high and certain that I would get it done, within no time.
But each time I sat down to write I felt impostor syndrome creeping in. Plus a lot of personal things to work through. I realized at some point early this year that I would need to clear out the personal stuff first before I could really give it a honest go. The first small step I took was this very newsletter and my commitment to writing it consistently every Sunday and I am proud to say that by the Will of Allah I have published a newsletter every week since 4 February 2024, Alhamduliah.
But what about the book? That is the thought the kept coming back up for me.
Last year during , NaNoWriMo I made really good progress, and I was so proud of myself but then once the month was over, my working on the book slowly dwindled. I recently have written a fourth chapter and it was rather easy. The ease came because I stopped holding myself back.
Can you remember a time when you stopped holding yourself back and things just flowed. Didn’t it feel great?
I’ve realized that inconsistency, and the fear that fuels it, has been a major and life defining stumbling block for me. Fear of judgment. Fear of planning, that I wrote about in last week’s newsletter, What do you need to let go of? is at the root of the negative thoughts of “what if it fails,” and even fear of success and the responsibility it brings. Reflecting on this fear, I thought of Surah Baqarah, Ayah 155:
2:155
وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُم بِشَىْءٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلْخَوْفِ وَٱلْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلْأَمْوَٰلِ وَٱلْأَنفُسِ وَٱلثَّمَرَٰتِ ۗ وَبَشِّرِ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَ ١٥٥
We will certainly test you with a touch of fear and famine and loss of property, life, and crops. Give good news to those who patiently endure—
I used to be so afraid that for years I misread this ayah thinking it meant “fear of…” but actually the first test Allah mentions is “a touch of fear, and…”. Once I understood that things began to change for me because I understood I was being tested and that in the test lies great blessings. I won’t tell you it has been an easy journey. To get to this point of sharing this part of my journey with you have required a lot of deep work fraught with fear, anxiety, tears, hopes, failures, successes, a lot of stumbling, and getting back up, as well as, many duas for me to keep track of and small consistent steps no matter what!
The ayah reminded me that fear is part of life’s test. By gripping it so tightly, I was holding myself back from fully relying on Allah. Every day that I let fear rule, I missed out on the simple joy of writing and the peace that trust in Allah brings. How often do we hold back because of fear—knowing deep down that the journey to peace lies in turning to Allah?
This journey taught me that turning away from fear and toward Allah doesn’t mean fear won’t resurface. It might show up in different places and forms, but I can respond with trust.
I ask you, are there fears or worries you’re holding onto that have kept you from achieving consistency or joy in your work?
Let’s reflect on how these fears can be part of our test, one that strengthens our connection to Allah. Imagine taking one small step in overcoming a fear you’ve been facing, and make dua as you step forward.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said,
حَدَّثَنَا عَلِيُّ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا وَكِيعٌ، عَنِ الأَعْمَشِ، عَنْ مُجَاهِدٍ، عَنْ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنِ أَبِي لَيْلَى، عَنْ أَبِي ذَرٍّ، قَالَ قَالَ لِي رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ " أَلاَ أَدُلُّكَ عَلَى كَنْزٍ مِنْ كُنُوزِ الْجَنَّةِ " . قُلْتُ بَلَى يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ . قَالَ " لاَ حَوْلَ وَلاَ قُوَّةَ إِلاَّ بِاللَّهِ " .
It was narrated that Abu Dharr said: "The Messenger of Allah (saas) said to me: "Shall I not tell you of a treasure which is one of the treasures of Paradise?' I said: 'Yes, O Messenger of Allah.' He said: 'La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah (There is no power and no strength except with Allah).'" (sahih)
This hadith reminds us that our ability to overcome these fears and find calm comes directly from Allah’s strength. I’m beginning to feel a deep, subtle shift within myself. Alhamdulillah, even with the tests I’m currently facing, I feel a calm that comes from knowing I am taking action while leaving the outcome in Allah’s hands. Despite having known this truth, living it brings a unique peace.
So this November, let’s walk this path together. Let’s take a step, trust Allah, and focus on our progress, however small. If you’re ready to work toward consistency, to feel the gentle peace of submitting to Allah’s Qadr, join me on this journey. And inshaAllah, may our small, steady steps lead us to success—both here and in the Hereafter.
So, are you ready to let go of what’s holding you back? Share your biggest fear or goal, and let’s take this journey together—step by step, trusting Allah with every word, every prayer, and every intention.
May Allah grant you peace, courage, and the strength to overcome your fears. Ameen.
Much Love,
Nour Cauveren
P.S. How to join me on NaNoWriMo but…. what is NaNoWriMo click here to learn more
Step 1: Click on the link HERE and if you do not have an account you’ll need to make on
Step 2: Search for me my username is nourcauveren and add me as a buddy. To learn more about adding a buddy click here
Step 3: Enjoy and give me your feedback as the book unfolds, inshaaAllah.
Excellent post!
My biggest fear I think is having commitments. Being tied to things. That I must show up, that I must do things at specific times and structjre my day around my commitments.
That's why I think I'm afraid of med school. Because of how much of a commitment it is and how it'll force me to become a different version of myself.
Ameen. Thanks for sharing this. I think my biggest fear is that I'll never overcome my fears, that I will always give in to them and never know the feeling of getting over them. Thank you for the reminder of the hadith. I do turn to it in moments of fear and it is always helpful alhamdulillah.