Older But Younger

It’s been a lifetime of going through long periods of low self-esteem and then short-lived bouts of positivity but finally, at this late stage of life, I feel I have finally sown the seed of confidence within. It’s the type of confidence that tells me that I don’t need validation from others; lately I’ve foundContinue reading “Older But Younger”

Thankful for Friends

If it weren’t for the select sentient beings in my life that I hold dearly in my inner circle, my days would have passed very differently especially these past few years. I am not one for collecting acquaintances and then deluding myself into thinking these people will stay the course of the journey through time.Continue reading “Thankful for Friends”

An Even Newer Chapter

Earlier today, my son set off for his next chapter in life. He has found a new place of work and hence has had to leave home to be nearer to it. What has been home for him for the last ten years or so, is no more. This is a new phase not justContinue reading “An Even Newer Chapter”

A Gentle Exit from Ramadan

This year, Ramadan entered my home like a gentle breeze and soothed me into a state of submission and the desire to purge the excesses of life. The month has an ineffable ability to do that for Muslims all over the world. Even those who struggle to keep up the pace and follow their goodContinue reading “A Gentle Exit from Ramadan”

Hot Coals

As I continue to move through my latter life, I realise that I am surrounded by a lot of chaos and discord. This is playing out in the wider world and sometimes it feels even uncomfortably close to home. Whilst I can’t always take pre-emptive action against it, my coping strategy is to remain quietContinue reading “Hot Coals”

From Both Sides of the Fence

It’s almost ironic that over the last few days, I have been the confidante for someone close who shared with me that she is finally coming to terms with the impasse in her marriage and the need to call it a day. On the other hand, I’ve been dealing with people close to me whoContinue reading “From Both Sides of the Fence”

Imposter Syndrome

It’s no secret that women – more than men – often undersell their skills and abilities when applying for jobs. They underplay their achievements as mothers raising children and running a home at the same time. They usually need someone else, observing from the outside, to tell them that they’re doing much better than theyContinue reading “Imposter Syndrome”

Reminders in a Dream

Every so often, I will have a dream which is very poignant and yet, a clear reminder to me that my current situation in life is a true blessing. Today, I want to speak candidly about such a dream. I saw my previous mother-in-law introducing a new potential wife to my then-husband and suggesting thisContinue reading “Reminders in a Dream”

Learning from Others’ Mistakes

When going through life, we inevitably come across encounters with others which cause us to reflect on our own lives. I’m no exception to that. Recently, I was engaged in a conversation with someone who was expressing their viewpoint about a sticky family situation. Whilst listening, I was coming in and out of focus andContinue reading “Learning from Others’ Mistakes”

Lessons from My Mother

Looking back at my own mother’s life, I wonder about the parallels between mine and hers. In all honesty, the only thing we have in common is that we were both divorced in our 40s. Of course, we share other things in common given the common blood that runs in our veins. However, whereas myContinue reading “Lessons from My Mother”