The Story of Azza
For years, I carried the weight of my past like a shadow I could never escape. My mother’s harshness had left deep scars, shaping my sense of self and distorting my identity. That pain carried into my own life, affecting the way I related to my children and myself. I struggled with guilt, self-blame, and the fear that I was destined to repeat the cycles of pain I had inherited.
On top of that, I endured a long-term toxic marriage, filled with emotional and physical abuse, and faced societal judgment for finally separating. Every day, I felt fragmented, disconnected, and unsure of who I was or what my purpose could be. I found myself suffering from psychosomatic illnesses and a constant inability to focus or accomplish tasks.
Reaching out to Arab Woman Today (AWT) marked the beginning of a transformation I never imagined possible. From the first session, I felt seen, heard, and guided with patience and compassion. The AWT counselor created a safe space where I could confront my past without fear of judgment, exploring emotions I had long suppressed, anger, guilt, sadness, and confusion. For the first time, I realized that my past didn’t have to define me.
Through counseling, I learned to sift through my thoughts and emotions, gaining clarity and control over recurring patterns. Various exercises helped me reconnect with myself, rebuild self-esteem, and rediscover my sense of purpose. I began to reject the negative influences of my upbringing and focus on the positives in my life, gradually reigniting passions I had abandoned. Little by little, hope started to replace despair, and I could envision a future where I felt empowered and capable.
Faith became a cornerstone of my healing. The counselor helped me understand the loving nature of God the Father and encouraged me to embrace daily personal devotion. My quiet time with God became a source of comfort, strength, and guidance, teaching me the transformative power of forgiveness, not only toward my parents but also toward myself. Each prayer and reflection was like a small step out of the darkness.
The counseling also reshaped my understanding of motherhood. I learned practical strategies to rebuild meaningful, balanced relationships with my children, focusing on emotional connection, healing, and guidance rather than guilt or fear. I realized that nurturing myself and caring for my own well-being was essential to nurturing them.
As I continued to grow, I prioritized self-care in every aspect of my life, emotional, spiritual, and physical. I became aware of my own needs and boundaries, learned to assert them with confidence, and started to cultivate inner peace. By the fifth session, I could feel the change radiating through me. I would hear people say, “There’s something different about you… your eyes are sparkling.” I had begun to shine again.
Today, I am no longer defined by the pain of my past, the weight of abuse, or societal judgment. I am a woman who forgives, who heals, and who embraces life with faith, purpose, and joy. AWT didn’t just support me, they helped me reclaim my life, rediscover my identity, and step boldly into a future filled with hope.