Every 1 January, people are starting to change their life. They’ve set their New Year’s Resolution: Lose weight, do more sports, stop smoking, spend more time with friends and family, work less… If you’re like me, you’ve probably set some for yourself at some stage. This year, there are no New Year’s Resolutions. Except the elimination diet! And it’s not the one you’re thinking off!
Today’s Thanksgiving in the US and folks are sharing their gratitude and thanks. For some, today is the day in the year to reflect on what they have. Others do it more often or regularly. Do you know what you are grateful for? Do you keep a gratitude journal?
“Focus on what’s important to you!” That’s my new motto. In recent weeks and months, I’ve had so many things on my plate. Everything required time and efforts from me and at times, I felt like a circus performer juggling 15 little oranges. Despite managing most of the time, I lost my vision and wasn’t focusing anymore. It was almost like auto pilot, just get it done.
It’s my birthday and it’s my favourite day of the year! Birthdays are a big deal and if you’ve met me, you know I love birthdays. Birthdays are a great way to celebrate and be celebrated.
Each year, I’m grateful for what I’ve achieved. Although, I admit at times, it doesn’t appear as an achievement. Celebrating another birthday today, I’m grateful. I’ve set up my own company, am getting work in, live in a beautiful home, have plenty of food on the table (and consequently a bit too much on my hips), wonderful loved ones and friends who I cherish, am healthy. I’m good!
Chances are you have a friend who moved to a different city since you’ve met them. If you’re in the Middle East, this chance seems to go up substantially and many families are using the summer to relocate. Earlier in the year, two good friends told me they’d be moving back to their home country. I was shocked! If you’ve met me, you know I can be built very close to the water and these days, can cry for every possible occasion (tears of joy included).
In less than a week, the holy month of Ramadan will start. Muslims will bring daily sacrifices by fasting and will be rehearsing the Koran. It’s a time where friends and family come together. Regardless of their religions, Iftar meals are enjoyed throughout the country. The holy month is also a time for reflection which we so often neglect. This special month can also be a very busy one.
How can you prepare for Ramadan 2016?
First of all, please let me apologise for not publishing on Monday, and then again, yesterday. It was a tough and frustrating decision to not publish a blog post this week.
As my loved ones say, I have a tendency to overcommit and want to do a good (note, not perfect!) job. Last weekend, I had to complete a couple of projects and I also had some engagements this week. Knowing that my energies were running low, I chose to not publish this week.
It was part of saying my approach of “Say No to say Yes”.
February was my no spending month. While I had built in some provisions, it was a totally new journey and I’m glad I ventured out for 29 days! The results were rather surprising, despite not knowing what to expect from and for myself even. Here’s what happened:
I’ve read a number of articles where folks experimented how long they’d last not buying something. Often, shopping has a very calming effect. In the short-run, it gives you that pleasant feeling. Almost like a reward. You’ve made it through another tough day at work. Treat yourself to that nice handbag, that lipstick or that dress. You are worth it. It will make you feel so much better!
Yet, shortly afterwards, this positive feeling changes into guilty. Did I really need that handbag? How can I justify spending so much on a lipstick? Is that dress really looking that good on me?
It’s simple. I love my weekends and what better way to start it than by attending a concert with my friend? Simple Minds were playing at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium. Wow! The stadium was packed, the band put on a great show and we were just soaking up the fun surrounding us.
As I looked at the stars during one song, I realised again how lucky I am. It’s late January and we were outside (I admit the 21C/70F did feel cold though). It was a Thursday night, last day of our working week, and we were being entertained by a fabulous band from my childhood. I was spending the evening with one of my closest friends. I was simply grateful for what life gave me.
Gratitude which is defined as “being aware of and thankful for the good things that happen; taking time to express thanks.” can be such a cool thing. What are you grateful for?