Nervous To Visit Masjid

[SishFish]

Assalamu alaikum,I have considered myself Muslim for almost a year now, but have yet to go to a masjid as I have pretty bad anxiety about going new places. I have so many questions. I understand the basics like take off your shoes, makes sure you've done wudu, ladies usually have a separate area, but I have extremely basic questions like "Where do I put my personal belongings?" like where do I put my purse? If I'm supposed to leave my purse in my car, where do I put my keys? I don't have many masjid friendly clothes with pockets, so do I just put them on the floor when I pray? Isn't that distracting to others? Can I bring a small purse? Where exactly do I put it when I pray? I know I'm overthinking this a bit but it's genuinely the only thing (besides the obvious Shaytan) stopping me from going, and I'd really enjoy a community in real life I could be a part of. Thanks a bunch.

[Muhammad]

Wa alaykum assalam sister,

The Masjid is actually a very relaxed and easy place to go. So try not to worry about the minor details. People do whatever they feel comfortable with - some will put keys, small bags etc on the floor in front of them whilst praying, others might keep them on their person, others will leave things at the back. So rest assured that there is flexibility. Be brave and take the first step, in sha Allah things will get easier. Perhaps you can introduce yourself to someone and they might be able to assist you on the day in sha Allah.

[SishFish]

Thank you so much for your reply, it has really put my mind at ease. I have been making dua everyday for Allah to send me someone to help, and a couple of days ago a woman walked into my shop and asked if I go to the Masjid and if I needed someone to go with, so alhamdulila! I am planning on going as soon as possible, Inshallah.