Escape to the Country

Perhaps one of the surest signs of getting older is when you realise you would prefer a rural retreat over a city scene. Whilst I’ve always felt both those scenarios as magnetic pulls, the idea of leaving behind noise, traffic, buildings, the internet and people, is something that appeals to me more and more. InContinue reading “Escape to the Country”

The Denim Jacket

So what’s the big deal about a jacket? It’s only an item of clothing. Perhaps so but, for me, purchasing this addition to my wardrobe had a far greater significance than for most other people. Growing up, through my teens and beyond, the denim jacket was perceived as a symbol of rebellion. Whether this wasContinue reading “The Denim Jacket”

A Personal Paradigm Shift

When I made the decision to move from working online at home to working in an office, I trusted my instincts and knew it was the right thing to do. As convenient as it was to simply shift from one room to another and log onto my working life at the switch of a button,Continue reading “A Personal Paradigm Shift”

Just Below the Surface

In Ramadan, we are well-acquainted with the advice to keep negative thoughts and actions well at bay. Given the heightened spiritual ambience that this month brings into our homes and hearts, for the most part, it is a much easier thing to do than in times outside of Ramadan. However….. I cannot feign perfection. ThereContinue reading “Just Below the Surface”

…and then comes Ramadan

In recent weeks, months and dare I say years, I have reiterated privately and publicly about how I feel Allah has shown me an alternative version of happiness. Perhaps ‘happiness’ isn’t even the right word. Perhaps I should say, ‘contentment’. Because happiness implies a constant state of feeling positive and the reality is, nobody canContinue reading “…and then comes Ramadan”

A Week of Work

This is an appropriate time to reflect and assess how I got on this past week in my new part-time job. One thing I promised myself was that work was not going to consume my life. So far, so good. Being a part-time role, I know that is a huge factor in allowing me toContinue reading “A Week of Work”

Up, Up and Away

It might seem like a totally reckless thing to do but I am planning to escape for a short break to Iceland very soon. I am so tired of routine and the relentless pressure of managing money. I am determined to take control of it before it takes control of me. Therefore, although it mightContinue reading “Up, Up and Away”

How Happy is Mum?

The answer to that question lies with her kids. It’s true that a mother is only as happy as her saddest child. I guess that statement will always be a reliable gauge to my own happiness. And so, I have good days and bad days depending on how my own children are feeling. When theyContinue reading “How Happy is Mum?”

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”

See Yourself for Who You Are

A common theme that runs through all my blog posts. I’ve learnt that nobody is going to take as much care of me as me. So, here goes…! In fact, I’ve been on the journey of looking out for myself for a few years now. Ever since I learnt the harsh lesson that I couldn’tContinue reading “See Yourself for Who You Are”