When two of my sons recently returned on their separate but consecutive trips abroad to see their father, the question that family and friends asked me was, “How do you keep calm?“ The truth is, I knew a time would come when my sons would voluntarily travel to visit their father. I have been bracingContinue reading “A Leap of Faith”
Category Archives: Muslim mother
The Cost of Living
Contrary to what I’m sure most people would expect me to be writing about here, I will not be talking about the insanely expensive utility bills that many of us have been floundering in over the last few months or so. My discussion today is more obscure than that. There is another intangible cost ofContinue reading “The Cost of Living”
Running To Stand Still
Today marks the first of those days I have been secretly looking forward to – when I can finally push my ‘back burner’ goals to the forefront of my life. The plan is finally in action, Alhamdulillah. The thing is, all those goals will not be achievable in a short time span. I’m acutely awareContinue reading “Running To Stand Still”
Out of My Comfort Zone
It’s no secret that refusing to try something new is never going to allow us to develop as discerning people. Whether it’s cooking the same curry, driving the known route home or even wearing a limited style of clothes, repeating the same routine is going to limit our experiences of life and even perceptions ofContinue reading “Out of My Comfort Zone”
25 Years Without a TV
This is not a call for a pity party. It is not even meant to be a lament. It is simply a statement of fact. I recently succumbed to the purchase of a TV after so many years and yet I had resisted having one for different reasons. The main justification for this decision hasContinue reading “25 Years Without a TV”
A Year On from Snowdon
7 August 2021. An unforgettable day in my life. I accomplished something I had never even dreamt of doing…climbing Mount Snowdon. Exactly one year on and in my mind, I have often returned to that moment when I was descending the mountain with my troupe and suddenly realised the enormity of what I had justContinue reading “A Year On from Snowdon”
Wise Counsel
With a title like that, one would be forgiven for thinking of a few examples of people who would fall into that esteemed category: mother, father, grandparents, teachers, religious figures and perhaps older people generally. However, I want to challenge that preconception and argue that wise counsel might also be found in the places weContinue reading “Wise Counsel”
The Lighthouse
Recently, a good friend of mine generously described me as ‘The Lighthouse’. I was genuinely touched by the accolade. My goal in life is not to fish for compliments but my goal in life is to be in the service of others. I don’t mean in the form of a sycophantic deference to another humanContinue reading “The Lighthouse”
Positive With Covid
Last week, I ended on the note saying, “Alhamdulillah“. Today, I return and again I start with where I ended. Alhamdulillah. I am in the throes of Covid along with my sons. We have all finally succumbed to this stubborn viral infection and none of us have escaped it this time. So why the gratitude?Continue reading “Positive With Covid”
Summer Vibes
The academic year is almost over and it couldn’t come soon enough. I am feeling pretty exhausted. Although many people have plans to escape for the summer, I haven’t made any plans as such. The economic drudgery continues despite the balmy weather and that is a stark reality not many of us can pretend isContinue reading “Summer Vibes”