The Definition of Success

This isn’t a lesson in how to use a dictionary in the English language. This is a lesson about life, or moreso a lesson to be taken from life. I had an interesting conversation recently with one of my nieces – a family member who obviously knows me well. Although I don’t remember the fineContinue reading “The Definition of Success”

Would I Have Changed Anything?

A question many people ask themselves in latter life. Looking back, in retrospect, I’m sure they would produce a litany of regrets which make them hanker for their youth all over again. I’ve learnt not to go down that dangerous path. Although life hasn’t been a walk in the park, it hasn’t all been jeopardyContinue reading “Would I Have Changed Anything?”

Home is Where…?

I return here today after a hiatus of two weeks. It’s been an interesting time away; I’ve managed to fulfil one of my life’s ambitions which is to be somewhere else in the world on behalf of a charity and helping those less fortunate than me and in desperate situations. My recent trip found meContinue reading “Home is Where…?”

A Leap of Faith

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”

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”

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”

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”