When Nothing Else Worked, Two Rak'ah Changed Everything

Salam, everyone. I've struggled with a bad habit since I was a teenager, and having more freedom as an adult only made it worse. It started small, maybe once a week, but slowly it took over. The worst part was that I let my salah slip away. Hearing the adhan or seeing others pray would fill me with guilt, but after a while, even that feeling faded. Making wudu, standing on the prayer mat, reciting the surahs-it all started to feel strange and difficult, like I was learning for the first time. My Ramadans were wasted, just days of hunger without any real worship. I began forgetting the surahs I used to know so well, until I could only manage the 30th Juz. I tried to quit so many times, but my resolve never lasted more than a day or two. Then, one night, I prayed just two rak'ah. I'd done it before, but this time, Alhamdulillah, my intention was different. I told myself during that prayer that so many problems in my life came from this, and if I let it go for the sake of Allah, things would get better. I made a sincere promise to Allah to stop, asking for His help in return. A few days later, I noticed a change. What was a daily compulsion became a bother. Temptations on social media lost their power-I'd just scroll past. After a while, I couldn't even remember the last time I felt the urge. I even tested myself one day, searching online, and felt… nothing. Just boredom. I closed the tab and haven't looked back. Now, I feel so much better, even on days I don't realize it. I'm more motivated to do good, productive things. Listening to the Quran doesn't make me uneasy anymore. Salah is starting to feel natural again. It's a process, but I can see improvement, and for that, I am truly grateful to Allah. I remember when I was younger, I watched all those videos about quitting bad habits. They might help some people, but if they're not for you, don't waste your time. Just turn to Allah. Pray with a real, sincere intention to change. Have trust in Him, and In Shaa Allah, He will make a way for you.