Preparing for Ramadan: A Personal Journey
- Jan 23
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 22
1. I’m Using PTO for Fridays (and Not Feeling Guilty About It)
One of the biggest changes I’m making this Ramadan is putting in PTO for Fridays. Not to rest. Not to “catch up.” But to slow down.
Fridays already hold spiritual weight, and during Ramadan, they feel even heavier in a good way. Having that time back allows me to:
Attend Jummah without rushing.
Reset mentally before the weekend.
Protect my energy instead of burning it out mid-month.
Ramadan isn’t a productivity competition. It’s a season of intentional living.
2. I’m Restructuring My Workday Around Suhoor & Iftar
Instead of forcing a normal routine during this month, I’m building my schedule around Ramadan.
Here’s what that looks like:
Working right after Suhoor while my mind is clear and quiet.
Reducing unnecessary meetings.
Keeping evenings after Iftar open for prayer, reflection, and religious duties.
This shift alone changes everything. It honors my energy instead of fighting it.
3. I Want to Learn More and Talk More With My Community
Ramadan isn’t just personal for me this year; it’s communal.
I want to:
Learn new topics tied to faith, history, and personal growth.
Ask better questions.
Have deeper conversations with people in my community. Less surface-level small talk. More meaning.
Ramadan creates space for conversations we avoid the rest of the year. I want to step into that.
4. My First Ramadan With My Parents and the Conversations I Want to Have
This is my first Ramadan with my parents, and that alone shifts the weight of this month. I don’t want it to pass quietly.
I want to:
Instigate important conversations.
Talk about faith, life, healing, and growth.
Ask questions I never slowed down enough to ask before.
Ramadan has a way of softening hearts. I want to use that softness wisely.
5. Reading the Quran As Much As I Can, Without Pressure
Yes, I want to read the Quran as much as possible. But more importantly, I want to connect with it. Not rushing. Not checking boxes. Not comparing myself to anyone else. Even a few intentional pages a day, read with presence, feels more powerful than speed.
6. One Big Goal for the Entire Month
Instead of setting dozens of goals, I’m choosing one big goal to focus on this Ramadan.
One goal:
That aligns with my faith.
That challenges me.
That feels achievable and meaningful.
Ramadan is short. Focus makes it transformative. Lock in twin.
Embracing the Spirit of Ramadan
As I prepare for this sacred month, I remind myself of a few key truths:
You don’t need to do everything to do enough.
Rest can be spiritual.
Structure creates freedom.
Intention matters more than perfection.
Ramadan isn’t about becoming someone new. It’s about returning to who you already are without distractions.
Final Thought
As Ramadan approaches us fast, ask yourself one question: What needs to shift so this month doesn’t pass you by? Not what you should do. But what you need.
Until next time, Peace 🫶🏼
Additional Reflections on Ramadan
As I think about my journey through Ramadan, I realize it's not just about the rituals. It's about the connections we foster. The relationships we build. And the growth we experience together.
The Importance of Community
Community plays a vital role during Ramadan. It’s a time for gathering, sharing meals, and supporting one another. I want to be more present in these moments. Whether it’s breaking fast with friends or attending community events, I aim to immerse myself fully.
Mindfulness and Reflection
This Ramadan, I’m also focusing on mindfulness. Taking a moment each day to reflect on my intentions and actions can be powerful. I plan to journal my thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This practice will help me stay grounded and connected to my journey.
Nourishing the Body and Soul
As I navigate fasting, I’m reminded of the importance of nourishing both my body and soul. I want to be mindful of what I consume during Suhoor and Iftar. It’s not just about filling my stomach; it’s about feeding my spirit.
Seeking Balance
Finding balance is crucial during this month. I want to balance my spiritual practices with my daily responsibilities. It’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle, but I’m committed to staying centered.
Embracing Change
Lastly, I’m embracing change. Each Ramadan brings new lessons and experiences. I’m open to whatever this month has in store for me. Whether it’s challenges or blessings, I’m ready to grow.
In closing, let’s remember that Ramadan is a journey. It’s a time for reflection, growth, and connection. Let’s make the most of it together.



I really appreciate how intentional and honest this feels, especially the focus on slowing down and choosing one meaningful goal instead of chasing everything at once. With Ramadan in 2026 approaching, this kind of thoughtful preparation and community-centered mindset can truly turn the month into a deep, lasting reset rather than just a routine.