3 simple ways to draw closer to Allah (and gentle reminders)

Assalamu’alaykum wa rahmatullah, I hope this finds you with strong imaan and good health (Insha’Allah). Remember this life is a test - your thoughts, your nafs, everything is being tried. Picture yourself in an exam hall; the final results are on the Day of Judgement, and the ultimate reward is Jannah, if Allah azza wa jal wills. Keep telling yourself: “it’s all a test.” Put your trust (tawakkul) in Allah, have firm intention, and act on what you learn. Don’t let bad thoughts play on repeat in your mind - gently turn them off and don’t give them your full attention. Sins can block du’a, so prepare your heart. Ramadan is coming soon; try to be a better version of yourself for the sake of Allah. I’ve been working on getting closer to Allah, and Alhamdulillah these three things helped me: 1) Read the Qur’an with tafseer so you understand it. Even one verse a day is fine - start small. When you read a book you feel closer to its author; the Qur’an feels like letters from your Lord to you. 2) Learn Allah’s names and attributes - the 99 names, in Arabic and in your language too. Know their meanings and call upon Him using them in your du’as. Remember the hadith/statement: “I am as My servant thinks of Me, and I am with him whenever he invokes Me,” and the reminder that Allah has the Most Beautiful Names, so call on Him by them. 3) Contemplate His creation. Take a walk, look around, and reflect on what Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala has made. Beautiful landscapes, the sky, even small signs of creation remind you of Him. I also want to share a hadith of the Prophet ﷺ narrated by Abu Huraira: “Take up good deeds only as much as you are able, for the best deeds are those done regularly even if they are few.” Start with the smallest deeds and be consistent. Don’t overwhelm yourself - begin with intention. Ask: who are you doing it for? Let your actions be fi sabilillah, with taqwa and ihsan. Do each task to the best of your ability. You can do it - I believe in you. Jazakallahu khairan for reading. Any mistakes in this message are from me; please forgive me and correct me. All faults are mine and all rights belong to Allah. May Allah grant you and your family aafiyah and bring us closer to Him in this life and the next. Assalamu’alaykum wa rahmatullah, I love you for the sake of Allah.