Measuring Happiness

The idea to write about this in today’s blog post was inspired by the fact that I was recently asked a question in a group discussion of divorced Muslim women. “Where would I place myself in terms of happiness post-divorce, on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest score?” Without hesitation,Continue reading “Measuring Happiness”

Nature, Nature Everywhere

Withouth doubt, it is the simplest of things in life that give me the greatest pleasure. Added to that, I love things ad hoc. Spontaneous decisions are the spice of life. Who wants to wake up every day knowing exactly what they’re going to do and when? That kind of predictability is actually so uninspiring.Continue reading “Nature, Nature Everywhere”

Memories or Materials?

One of the advantages of being older is having greater wisdom. It isn’t always a guaranteed attribute a person accrues with age but it would be rather strange if it didn’t occur as well. I’d like to think I haven’t totally missed out on that score. At this end of life, it becomes more evidentContinue reading “Memories or Materials?”

Converging Lives

For a world where we can live in relative harmony and to understand one another better, I am convinced that people need to connect and converse more. Bigotry and intolerance are invariably born out of ignorance and dogma. Although there should never be any compulsion to agree with the other side, or feel the needContinue reading “Converging Lives”

Family Reunions

Families come in so many different forms and sizes. This weekend was all about coming together, both for short and longer term periods. I went to collect my middle son from university which he has finally finished. So, for now, he is going to be at home with us whilst he makes plans for hisContinue reading “Family Reunions”

Escape to the City

It’s a strange irony that I have recently found myself actually enjoying heading into the big metropolis that is London when many people would do anything to avoid it! It’s not something I do often so the opportunity, when it arises, to venture into the city is one I now relish. I know I feelContinue reading “Escape to the City”

Addendum to a Post-Divorce Life

Many years ago, a younger me would never let another person to have had the last say in a dispute, especially when I felt I was unjustly dealt with. I would have dug my heels in and made sure they retreated only after I had been given the chance to explain the details of myContinue reading “Addendum to a Post-Divorce Life”

Introspection

In the journey of finding out about the self, I have learnt one salient thing. It is that I enjoy the company of others, be it family or friends or beyond. That’s not to say I like big crowds or to be amongst random people. Actually, I prefer smaller gatherings where meaningful conversations happen andContinue reading “Introspection”

A Cup of Tea, A Biscuit and Me

One of the simplest formulae for bliss. In all my years of motherhood, a cup of hot tea and a biscuit have been my best friends, my counsel and my therapy. I have to confess that hardly a day has gone by in the last twenty years or so when I have not had thatContinue reading “A Cup of Tea, A Biscuit and Me”

Too Old for New Friends?

A question I ask myself many times and always the answer would be ‘yes’. Why would I want to try to make new friends at this late stage of my life? How could two people possibly catch up on all the previously missed years of each other’s growing up, schooling, marriage, having kids etc etc.?Continue reading “Too Old for New Friends?”