My Return to Islam - It's Never Too Late

As-salaam alaykum, I’m using a throwaway for obvious reasons. This is a long one. I’m nearly 40 (male). Seven months ago I was as far from Islam as I could be. I know Islam teaches we shouldn’t advertise our sins, but I want to be honest so others can see how life can change. I committed terrible sins, the worst being zina many times (I paid for it). I didn’t pray at all, not even Jummah. Lying was a habit, and there were plenty of other shameful things I did. In January I suddenly felt a strong desire to do Umrah, but I doubted myself - I couldn’t remember how to pray properly, I couldn’t read Arabic like I used to. Who am I to go? There are people who deserve it more than me! Still, I spent the next couple of months preparing. The week before leaving I finally learned how to pray without needing slips of paper to follow. Umrah itself was very emotional. I cried more than I ever have. I read my duas and prayers without missing them and felt real peace in Madinah and Makkah. I went alone - no group, no one with me. It was a personal search. After returning I began to make small changes and sincerely repent for the awful things I’d done. For 3–4 months I started praying five daily prayers (Fajr used to be my weakness). I began learning Islam’s basics, studying the lives of the Prophets and the Quran, and for the first time in over 20 years I finished reading the Quran in English. Lately I’ve been keeping Fajr regularly and it makes my heart feel whole. I used to feel guilty reading Dhuhr if I’d missed Fajr, but good habits keep growing. I want to be a good example for my family and kids, and I hope I continue on this path. I’ve learned about adhkar and now include them in my day, which brings peace. I avoid music, stop myself from lying, and look for ways to improve how I live. I’m proud of the progress, but I also remind myself of what I missed for over 30 years. I still don’t fully understand every aspect of sincere repentance, but learning the basics mattered to me. It’s amazing how one Umrah trip has changed my life. The point I want to share is: it’s never too late. I will always have sins between me and my Lord that I can’t undo, but I will focus on how I live from now on and the example I set for my children. All I can ask is that Allah forgives me. It’s never too late. 🥹🥹🥹🥹