My Convert Journey and Hopes, Salam

As-salamu alaykum brothers and sisters, I’m Kadir, a new Muslim taking things slowly and wanted to share some steps I’ve taken and how it’s been so far. I once managed to do all five prayers in a single day (the longer ones took about 25 minutes each), and I try to read the Qur’an whenever I have the concentration. Lately I’ve even been wearing my kufi outside the house - it makes me happy, though it still feels a little intimidating. I’m learning how to organize my prayers into my daily routine; it’s going to take time and I’m moving at my own pace, even if it’s slow. A longer-term goal for me is to get the greetings right - saying salam properly and responding the right way - and I know that might take months or years. About my experience: when I looked for people to talk to about Islam or tried joining online groups, I often ended up pushed away from the faith because of how people treated me. I felt pressured, ashamed, and scared, but I’ve come to realise the problem was their behaviour, not Islam itself. There isn’t a mosque or Muslim community near where I live, so I’m mostly on my own in real life. It’s lonely sometimes, but I trust Allah is with me. I haven’t told anyone I’m Muslim yet because I worry about their questions and expectations. I have clear personal goals and also limits - for example, I’m not aiming to learn Arabic, become a qari, or pursue scholarly study right now. I just want to be a good person, treat people kindly, and live a quiet, modest life in the faith of Allah. I’d like to tell some friends or family eventually, but I’m not sure how to start that conversation yet. Any duas would be appreciated.