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Real growth often comes when we strive to overcome our weaknesses and flaws.

That’s the essence of Tawba.

Tawba comes from the arabic root word, tâba, which linguistically means to return, recurrence, and reversion.

We are naturally disposed to the purity of heart and soul.

Hence, when we succumb to our desires or animalistic urges, we fall out of our innate nature, and when we repent, we return to that nature.

Forging a new path is not easy.

Yes, resilience and consistency are essential, and self-forgiveness is paramount.

But we also need to adjust our environments.

There are three key strategies to this.

1. Distance From Triggers and Negative Environments.

   If we’ve stumbled in our dealings with relationships, we should avoid situations and places that put us at risk of repeating the same mistake.

   Likewise, if our wrong action involves certain habits, like drinking, smoking, or backbiting, we should avoid the company and situations that stir that temptation.

2. Suspect Our Self Continuously.
   

   Remember, each of us harbors remnants of our old desires, a shell of our former selves still clutching to those things we’re trying to eliminate.
   

   This is where vigilance comes in – we must never let our guard down or become complacent.

   
   Even after making Tawba, never underestimate the capacity of the human soul to slip back into old behaviors.

   That’s why the suspicion and scrutiny of our inner selves are critical.

3. Channel Energy Elsewhere.
   
   Occupying ourselves with other things can distract us from habits or behaviors we strive to leave behind.
   
   If our struggle is sensory—to stave off physical temptations—we could occupy ourselves with constructive and engaging other sensory experiences.
   
   If it’s about overcoming immaterial faults, we should find other meaningful interests to fixate on.
   
   This redirection should be done without hesitating or procrastinating—the most critical thing is getting beyond the wrong action.

Our struggle to discard old, harmful habits should always be complemented by ongoing remorse.

If we genuinely want to move past our past mistakes and build a wholesome way of life, we must renew our remorse about past actions every time they cross our minds and practice self-forgiveness.

Every reminder should renew our resolve to stay clear of repeating it.

Understanding and internalizing these strategies allow us to better ourselves and become the improved versions we aspire to be.

We are imperfect, and there lies the beauty in life.