In the last few years, I have found that being surrounded by young people, namely my sons, has been a blessing that even I can’t begin to appreciate fully. Although right now they are away from home (minus my youngest), Alhamdulillah, we keep in touch through video and phone calls. The support that this regularContinue reading “My Child, My Teacher”
Category Archives: Islam
The Company You Keep
Sometimes we all get a little distracted with life and its highs and lows – especially the lows. The stresses we face can force us unexpectedly and relentlessly down a twisting flume whilst we hang on desperately trying to catch our breath. But even then, after all the twists and turns, we are more oftenContinue reading “The Company You Keep”
Twenty-One Years a Mother
Alhamdulillah. For everything. Today, my oldest sons are on the cusp of completing twenty one years, inshaAllah. Whilst a big deal is made in Western culture of reaching a 21st birthday, I don’t celebrate them as such but I do acknowledge that a year is another milestone reached. How could I not when I amContinue reading “Twenty-One Years a Mother”
The Funny Thing about Laughter
Today, I want to express a few words regarding this ambiguous thing called ‘ a sense of humour’. Not everyone has the same definition of it but, for the most part, I’m sure people would agree it’s about having the ability to laugh. In doing so, we let go of stresses especially when there’s aContinue reading “The Funny Thing about Laughter”
The Future in Focus
Last week, I wrote about my attempts not to lapse into an emotional quagmire of the past. In a conscious effort to avoid that, this week I have busied myself in other things. The first of those is a full focus on my own ‘children’. I use that word ‘children’ in its loose sense sinceContinue reading “The Future in Focus”
Aiming for Perfection
Five years ago, when I was just emerging from the ashes of my marriage, I recall a few friends telling me to keep myself occupied. The idea was that being distracted would prevent me from sliding down the slippery slope into the past and into despair. “Easier said than done,” I thought as I silentlyContinue reading “Aiming for Perfection”
Sick of the Sycophant
There are several lessons I have learnt in the last few years since I started life out on my own with my children. All of them have been rude awakenings and the one I want to focus on today is no exception. Despite my best efforts to tell – or rather, show – the worldContinue reading “Sick of the Sycophant”
Blessings Are a Test Too
We all know the need to bear patience when things don’t go to plan. Our plan. How many times have we heard someone give that timeless advice to keep positive, understand that when things go seemingly wrong, it’s Allah’s way of testing us to remain calm? We need to put our wholehearted trust in Him. Continue reading “Blessings Are a Test Too”
The Catapult Effect
It’s a known fact that parenting does not come with its own handbook. There are no hard and fast rules about how to raise your children. There is also no single approach to this daunting task and that’s true whether you are working from within cultural, societal or religious boundaries or not. For the mostContinue reading “The Catapult Effect”
40+ years and a Cup of Coffee
This is one of those blogs where I am simply going to write as the thoughts come to my mind, minus the typos inshaAllah. Today, I met up with a school friend from my childhood after 41 years! Over a cup of coffee, we settled in our seats ready to enlighten the other about ourContinue reading “40+ years and a Cup of Coffee”
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