There were so many dishes I cooked today Saturday 8th March 2925 and my husband also cooked some of the dishes and my sons made a few toom

It was a team effort.

We were entertaining tonight having my husband’s two cousins and their family over.

Ramadan I find it is easy for me to cook.

I find it effortless on weekends although I am fasting perhaps because I can catch up on sleep.
i.dont have to wake up for work and go to work.

I know God also helps me.

There’s is so much abundance and blessings,  one sees in this month that the Qur’an was revealed.
Yes the Qur’an was revealed in this month over 14 hundred years ago.

The first ten days of Ramadan are going fast.

Soon one third of Ramadan the month this blessed month will be over.

And this is not to say that I find cooking easy in other parts of the month.

Being a social worker, running a business and still being there for my family does get difficult.

However I would not be able to cook, if my husband and sons didn’t pitch in.

I am blessed not to be in a household where the traditional rules.

Each member understands their role and the fact it is completely unfair to expect me to do all the cleaning and the cooking whilst they sit there and read the Qur’an.

Balance is what life is about.

I am blessed because being the only woman in this family, if that was the case, I would be very burnt out.

Sometimes I forget how blessed I am to have an understanding husband and sons.

I know many women are not as blessed as me.

So many women in so many families are taken for granted.

On this international women’s day I salute women who despite being taken for granted are still continuing to being there for their partners whoever they are, their children etc.

I come from a family where the women are strong and wise and so generous.

I also have friends who are powerful and wise women.

Even though sexism and misogyny is  rising, I know women continue to do what they are best at doing, caring and loving and although that care and love is sometimes undervalued, this is what makes the world function. The wise men partner with the women to value that love.
I am realising that more and more. When it stops being about ego and power and status and is about partnership and teamwork and community well then it really starts being transformative, that’s when growth occurs.

Wonder how your spring is going?
It was a warm spring day in London here?
It’s Ramadan for Muslims
It’s Lent for Christians
It was Shabbat for Jews.
How is your Ramadhan?
How is your Spring if you are in the  Northern hemisphere?
How is your Autumn if you are in the Southern Hemisphere?
I really want to know!
Fill in the contact form on this website and let me know.


#ramadanandthemuslimalchemist

#womensdayandthemuslimalchemist

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Did You Love This Article?

Did it really resonate with you? I have a feeling it did because you finally found someone who understands you—someone who can see the importance you place on reflection and has some awareness of the fact that we live in a hustle culture that actually feels very claustrophobic and can see past the superficiality of 21st century life and over reliance on being online.

Acknowledging The Lies of 21st Century life!

In our society, work and personal development are idolized, while drug addiction, alcohol addiction, and sex addiction are viewed as obvious villains. Yet, working is often celebrated in the 21st century, and self-improvement has become a multi-billion dollar industry.

The Limits of Self-Help

However, self-help can only assist you to a certain extent. While it’s important to spend time reflecting and sitting in silence, we are not islands. We are social beings, living in communities—both offline and online.

Many religious and spiritual traditions, some centuries old, teach that you have all the answers within you if you only look deep enough. This is contrary to the New Age Spirituality movement, which often suggests that you need to do certain things to heal. Most religious traditions teach that we come into the world whole and complete, but sadly, we forget this. That’s why it’s crucial to unlearn what we’ve been taught and much of what we see online and in modern psychology.

The Importance of having a reflective space

Unlearning requires investing in a reflective space with a professional or a set of professionals. In social work and therapy circles, this is common practice and is known as reflective practice or supervision. While many professionals engage in this to understand their clients, I have found that many do not do this for themselves. This applies to innovative change-makers, high performers visionary entrepreneurs, high-performing leaders and creatives and high achievers, who often hire professional help for their teams, families, and pets but neglect their own needs.

In today’s world, where information overload is common and scams are on the rise, discerning who to hire for your personal growth takes time. As a leader, I understand that you need to carefully select a consultant, coach, healer, or therapist who is not only competent but also highly skilled.

The Quest for Transformation

Honestly, I know that what matters to you isn’t just my identity or qualifications, but how quickly I can facilitate your transformation from point A to point B. And you want that transformation yesterday, am I correct?

While I can’t facilitate it overnight, I can certainly do it FASTER than my competitors.

– What takes others minutes takes me seconds.
– What takes others hours takes me minutes.
– What takes others days takes me hours.
– What takes others weeks takes me days.
– What takes others months takes me weeks.
– What takes others years takes me months.
– What takes others decades takes me years.

The Muslim Alchemist

I brand myself as The Muslim Alchemist, not out of arrogance or because it sounds cool, but because, as one of my coaches pointed out, I truly embody this title. With over thirty years of experience as a practicing social worker in London, United Kingdom, I have learned how to use limited resources to provide opportunity and hope. Even when faced with challenging situations, I have witnessed my clients transform their lives for the better.

By the way, alchemy is the process of transforming base metals into gold. It comes from the Arabic word “Al Chemy.” The ancient Arabs discovered this practice from the Egyptians, who found ways to turn base metals into gold. From alchemy, chemistry and other sciences emerged. Social workers are modern-day alchemists, and through my extensive experience with countless individuals—children, teenagers, parents, and professionals—I have seen many turn their struggles into success.

Personal Experience Matters

My lived experience as a parent of three sons, including one diagnosed with Developmental Language Disorder in 2013, adds depth to my understanding of being a parent and working with children and young people with special education needs. You can trust that I empathize with your struggles if you are a carer and have the insight you seek.

Moreover, I have been married for three decades. You know from your own experiences that long-term relationships come with their challenges, both good and bad. This extensive experience, combined with my knowledge of the human condition, offers you immense wisdom to tap into.

A Non-Judgmental Space

Having studied Islam, Judaism, and Christianity with various religious leaders since 1993, I provide a non-judgmental service rooted in traditional religious and spiritual wisdom.

I offer you **THE REFLECTIVE SPACE** in various forms. No matter how you choose to enter this space, the typical results are profound, rapid, and lasting transformations in health, wealth, or relationships. Many clients have embarked on this reflective journey since I started my business in 2018.

Diverse Transformational Journeys

Some clients, like Zahra*, have completed the personal alchemy journey which leads you to a life style which is the right pace for you because you digitally detox instead of being addicted to the screen..Others, like Liz* and Asma*  have undertaken all four journeys personal, identity, practical and emotional alchemy journeys.

What use is an adventure if it doesn’t equip you with practical skills for everyday life? Many personal development programs foster dependence on a coach or therapist, but I don’t believe in that model. Some of my clients have rehired me, but usually for entirely different challenges.

To complete the adventure—one that delves into your life and business in depth—there is the emotional alchemy journey. Transmuting repressed feelings requires confronting painful thoughts and emotions. This process demands skill and years of experience, especially if you have buried these feelings deep within. Doing this alongside someone who understands emotional pain can be incredibly liberating and nurturing.

Finding Peace in Vulnerability

I know from personal experience how difficult it can be to face emotional pain. For most of my life, I avoided feeling my own pain, immersing myself in work and family responsibilities until I slowed down in August 2017. The emotional alchemy journey is the hardest path to walk, especially if you’ve numbed your feelings with work and success.

Investing in a professional who understands that there comes a time when you can no longer carry the weight alone can feel incredibly peaceful. It’s like finding a friend who truly understands.

Building a Friendship Takes Time

However, I recognize that building a friendship takes time, and it cannot be established through a single article. I invite you to take a moment out of your busy life to watch or listen to some Video resources I recorded. Whether you are an entrepreneur, creative, professional or healer or a leader, you will relate to the interviews I recorded in 2018 as they explore the subject of identifying burnout, preventing burnout or overcoming burnout. As a High Performing LEADER or High Achiever or High Performer we are prone to burnout and only when you watch me or listen to me, then a friendship can be formed. There is also an interview with Michael John Shoeman that I recorded on 14th February 2025 that you can listen to or watch that explains the challenges for us heart centred professionals, creatives and leaders.

Below are a list of secure vimeo links which take you straight to the video or audio interview with some top professionals, leaders, authors. 23 were recorded in 2018 when I prepared, hosted and launched the BeatBurnoutSummit.
The first video is the launch video explaining that this Summit is for health care professionals and social workers.
Although now I realise the video interviews are for those outside this demographic because burnout affects every single industry including entrepreneurs. However if you are a health care provider or a social worker who I have met in person recently, I know you will resonate with them.

https://vimeo.com/user84925978/beatburnoutsummitlaunchvideo

The next video was recorded in Day 22 of the series, the last in the series and is with the Overwhelm coach Susan Rumack. If you are an empath and do hands on therapy or heads on therapy, you will really learn about vicarious trauma. And even if you don’t, you will understand being a sensitive person you are sensitive to the energy of your patients and clients or those around you. Sometimes you can have a good life but you are being affected by the trauma of others.

https://vimeo.com/user84925978/susanrumack

The next video is an interview with Dylan Murray and Tania Adams, two business owners from South Africa. This video interview shows how burnout doesn’t just affect the individual but the whole family. You will learn sometimes your biggest burnout can be your biggest breakthrough. There is alot of shame and embarrassment when you are experiencing burnout. However this interview will show you that literally your biggest burnout can be your biggest breakthrough. The story provides so much hope even in the brink of despair. This is for you if you are wanting to overcome late onset of burnout.

https://vimeo.com/user84925978/dylanmurraytaniaadams

The next video is with Facebook Expert Sherri Lee. She tells her personal story of how her husband walked out on her and how she had to turn her life around and built her business with hardly any money. Feeling so burnt out and having young kids, she did make it. In the interview she tells you how she did. The walk out came without any warning and you will learn the amazing persistence she mustered.

https://vimeo.com/user84925978/sherrileewoycik

The next video is especially for social workers or health care professionals who have desk duties or feel chained to their screens and find it difficult to take breaks because their job requires lot’s of administrative tasks and not just in person face to face interaction with clients or patients or customers. I interviewed Peggy who used to be a social worker and then she became a therapist and now is an online coach working with survivors of child sexual abuse.

https://vimeo.com/user84925978/peggyoliveira

The next video is with an online coach who works with women leaving the corporate sector and entering the world of entrepreneurship. In the corporate sector burnout is hardly spoken of compared to social work or health care. However her story shows the importance of speaking about it in the corporate world and when you don’t what are the consequences.

https://vimeo.com/user84925978/denisehansard




The next video that you watch or listen to you will learn the importance of self care and that it is not taking a bath now and then or treating yourself to a massage but it is a whole lifestyle. Self care Coach Deb Crowe explains this in detail. If you struggle with self care because you are an extremely ambitious person this is a must watch.


https://vimeo.com/user84925978/debcrowe


The next video you will find helpful if you have experienced narcissistic abuse and also if you love writing. Stacy explains how writing can be so therapeutic. You will learn writing your life story can be one of the best strategies to overcome trauma even complex trauma such as narcissistic abuse.

https://vimeo.com/user84925978/stacybrookman


The next video is with Lisa Marie Grantham who explains how one of her clients said, you can only give from your overflow. As a woman who is a healer you will find so many other gems when you watch this. Sometimes as high performers we give even when the glass is empty because we are used to pushing hard, pushing forward but this approach has long term consequences.

https://vimeo.com/user84925978/lisamariegrantham


The next video is with Alex who speaks about being naked. Not in body. When you are vulnerable even when you are in the Entertainment industry, you have loads to lose. Alex is well known in Nigeria. She stripped off her mask that she was successful in all areas of her life and only then did she find freedom.

https://vimeo.com/user84925978/alexokoroji


In the next video interview with Bill he explains as a Christian and as an Entrepreneur he had to find his own way to overcome burnout.

https://vimeo.com/user84925978/billsimmons


In the next video which is for those who are carers of relatives, how self care is very difficult to practice. Rita tells her own story and inspires other carers to adopt strategies that work for them. The subject of being a carer is not really explored by many in the online space so this is an invaluable free resource.

https://vimeo.com/user84925978/ritagarnto


In the next video, Wani a lawyer speaks about abundance and the myths around abundance and how she ended up in Paris although she grew up in Miami Florida. Wani is a change expert and I know as humans we find change difficult. This is a must watch for any individual whether you are an entrepreneur or not an entrepreneur.

https://vimeo.com/user84925978/wanimanly


In the next video you will hear the remarkable story of Tiphanie of how she built her online business whilst being in a violent marriage. Tiphanie is a lawyer and she explains how burnout affected her but how she overcame the most adverse of circumstances.

https://vimeo.com/user84925978/tiphaniejamison


In this next video you will find out how perfectionism can be the cause of burnout. As high performers and high achievers many of us are perfectionists and this video you will learn how to prevent burnout by dealing with perfectionism and still being productive.

https://vimeo.com/user84925978/deborahhurwitz


In this next video if you are Muslim you are going to love it and even if you are not you are going to love it too..Mamoon explains there is a small verse hidden away in the Qur’an that can cause burnout and prevent burnout. It can actually stop you from over promising as many of us heartcentred leaders do often.

https://vimeo.com/user84925978/mamoonyusaf


In this next video you will hear Dr Jones story. This is especially for doctors and these who are in the top of the medical profession. Dr Jones even though he was burnt out carried on performing surgery. It was only when his wife noticed that he was not functioning that she stopped him from going into work. He was lucky he had a wife he lived with.Some doctors live by themselves. This video shows how burnout can be identified by family members and how to have friends and family nearby is crucial to identify it or prevent it.

https://vimeo.com/user84925978/drshawnjones


In this video you will find out how burnout affects entrepreneurs and the importance of asking for help and not falling into the trap of trying to do everything yourself.. Marina a top business coach explains how she was left crying on the bathroom floor because she couldn’t delegate.

https://vimeo.com/user84925978/marinastamos


In this video you will find out how burnout manifests in the public sector. So if you are a professional in the public sector you will really relate to this. Louisa is now a Top Coach and Healer but she never forgot her professional background and how personal bereavement can affect you so profoundly. Many carry on after the death of a family member when resting, pausing could prevent burnout.

https://vimeo.com/user84925978/louisahavers


In this video Henrietta explains her way of dealing with burnout, overwhelm and stress. As a coach of many years she details strategies that have worked for her and her clients.

https://vimeo.com/user84925978/henriettaszovati


In this video, SharRon who is a Christian pastor explains the importance of boundaries and saying no. If you are an imam, rabbi or pastor, you will easily relate to her video interview on how burnout affected her and how as a leader of a congregation it was hard for her to reach out for help. Pastors, Rabbis and Imams though are human like us and this video is a timely reminder of this. Burnout is not often talked about in this community of high performing leaders so this is a valuable resource.

https://vimeo.com/user84925978/sharronjamison


In this video Imani Evans speaks about the importance of reflection and reflective spaces. She is a coach and consultant for non profit organisations and is an experienced counsellor. Working with survivors of sexual abuse, she speaks about how her skin came out in rashes due to vicarious trauma. Physical manifestation of trauma is not often spoken about when we discuss the subject of burnout. So this video interview is a timely resource.





https://vimeo.com/user84925978/imanievans


In this video Lisa Hartwell a former nurse and psychologist speaks about the importance of community. This video resource is a timely reminder how supportive communities can prevent burnout.

https://vimeo.com/user84925978/lisahartwell




Lastly here is the video interview with Michael John Shoeman recorded on 15th Fe