After spending the past year laying the foundation and sharing insights into my mindset, it’s time to fully break down what my elevated lifestyle truly looks like. I move through my daily life by meeting three core needs—mental, physical, and spiritual—not always in that order, but intentionally ensuring each is honored every single day.
I begin my mornings around 4:30–5:00 AM. The routine starts gently but with purpose: affirmations playing softly, washing up, praying Fajr, and—if I’m feeling extra grounded—adding dhikr or journaling. I take my vitamins with a warm cup of tea, expressing gratitude for the quality of life I’m blessed to live. These moments anchor me and set the tone for the day before the world begins asking anything of me.
Before I know it, it’s time for my morning workout. Depending on the season and what I’m training for, the intensity varies—from cardio to strength training. And yes, ladies, it is feminine to lift weights. Moving my body is a privilege, and once I’ve honored it, I’m ready to fully lock in and conquer the day.
Conquering the day is like a box of chocolates—I never quite know what detours or shenanigans I’ll encounter as I drift in and out of work at my laptop. I have clear objectives while continuously building and expanding my brand, but I also leave room for life itself. I fought hard for the peace and joy I feel waking up each morning, and I’m intentional about balancing work with living and experiencing.
The quiet truth about advocacy and sharing the realities of my life is that it heightens my anxiety. Transparency comes at a cost. In this elevated lifestyle, cannabis plays a valued role in helping me show up as fully and honestly as I do. It eases my overthinking, clears my mind, and allows me to focus on my priorities—not outside opinions. Finding the right product matters, especially as an active woman. Many edibles come with an uncomfortable crash, which simply doesn’t work for my lifestyle.
Because after the day’s work, I still need energy—I need to get to the gym and box. Boxing is my happy place. The guaranteed intensity and controlled environment allow me to literally fight back against the negativity and limitations life once tried to make me accept. I often end my day in the gym, tying everything together like wrapping your hands before gloving up. It’s a physical reminder that I can handle hard things—and that strength, both mental and physical, must be continuously cultivated.
After giving the gym everything I have, it’s time to take an edible and head home. My night routine is just as sacred. Dinner is usually already prepared; I plate my food before settling into the ritual. I unpack my gym bag, shower, apply skincare, and put in my eye drops—often singing love songs to myself. Around 9:30 PM, I stop responding to texts and turn inward, reflecting on the day. The goal is simple: to be a little better each day, and reflection is how I get there.
Insha’Allah, I end the night with prayer before crawling into bed, exhausted yet fulfilled. The beauty is knowing that after a restful sleep, I have the privilege to do it all again the next day. The same foundation and discipline—but with new experiences and deeper understanding.
This is the rhythm of my life: existing at the intersection of structure and exploration, discipline and softness. Living as The Misunderstood Afro Muslimah—or simply, Kareema. I truly have the best of both worlds.
The Misunderstood Afro-Muslimah 
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