Skip to main content

A mirror’s reflection


Today, we had our FINAL primary school assembly before the summer holidays and in the very beginning of the gathering, our school principal spoke about reflection.
He mentioned something about looking in the mirror, reflecting on the school year that is coming to an end and seeing how much everyone has changed and grown over the past 10 months. 
Of course this message was geared mostly towards our young students, however it really got me thinking about what I would see if I looked in the mirror...


There was a time during this academic year
When I thought the conclusion to my UAE experience was near
My 3-year contract was coming to an end
And I really wasn’t convinced I wanted to extend



But things have changed
A new contract has been arranged
I’m staying on for yet another year
I’m making a commitment to persevere


I’m not ready to say goodbye
To this very special place called Dubai
My time here has allowed me to grow
While facing many highs and lows


I know that life’s a journey
Nothing is supposed to be easy
And being far away from my family
Doesn’t always make me happy


Luckily I have made some friends
A few of them, really good gems
They pick me up when things are tough
And stick by my side interestingly enough


Over here, I’ve been able to take action
With regards to exploring some of my true passions
I exercise quite regularly
Football, running and strength training particularly



Balance in my life is something I’ve learned to seek
It’s the best way to live every single week
“Work hard, play hard”
Is truthfully a thought not to discard


I’ve come to realize that I’m capable of much more than I ever thought
As long as I’m willing to give it everything I got
Risk taking goes a long way
When motivation and determination are on display



So, with all that said
What do I see today in the mirror ahead?
An honest, compassionate and respectful individual
Whose courage and confidence are becoming more and more visible



SEE YOU ALL AGAIN IN AUGUST!

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Living Outside The Box

"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I believe I’m on the path I’m meant to be." As we get older, it’s easy to get trapped in society’s idea of what life "should" look like. By the time we hit 40, there’s a well-defined picture of success: owning a home, starting a family, climbing the career ladder. But as I approach this milestone, I’m choosing to remind myself that true happiness isn’t found in checking off someone else’s list. It’s found in stepping outside the box, embracing the unexpected, and allowing life to unfold in its own unique way. Sure, my path hasn’t always been conventional, and I’ve often found myself comparing my journey to others, wondering why I’m not where they are. But when I take a step back and reflect, I see how much I’ve gained by stepping off the well-worn road. Life may not have gone according to plan, but I’m proud of the unexpected milestones I’ve reached along the way. I’ve traveled to over 40 countries, lived in three (ye...

The runner in me

“Mind over miles.” A few years back, I was all in. I was that person signing up for every race that came across my radar—10K’s, half-marathons, marathons—you name it. The thrill of crossing the finish line, the camaraderie at the starting line, the way the crowds cheered you on, it was all so energizing. I didn’t even need music to get through a run, even a whole 42km marathon, which, I know, sounds crazy to most people. But there I was, in my zone, taking it all in and doing something I enjoyed. I collected lots of medals and racked up plenty of podium finishes, but most importantly I had some memorable international races, and met tons of amazing people along the way. I discovered that running was a really accessible sport; all you needed was a pair of shoes and the will to go. I could literally show up to a race, put one foot in front of the other, and—boom—be part of a community of people all working toward the same goal. So, what happened? Why did I stop running? For me, it came d...

Locked in.

“ The successful warrior is the average (wo)man , with laser-like focus. ” Life’s been feeling a little dull lately, but there’s one thing keeping me fired up; the experience of a lifetime is just around the corner. In just four weeks, I’ll be heading to Chicago to compete in the Hyrox World Championships, and I’m locked in. For many competitive and athletic kids, the dream is to make it to the Olympics or stand on a world championship stage in their sport. While Hyrox may not be the Olympics, for me, this is kind of that moment. This is my ‘world stage’; I can’t wait to soak it all in and add it to the list of things I’m proud of. This idea sort of started on my 40th birthday this year. While most people celebrate with a party and cake or a getaway, I made a wild choice: I booked my place in the Hyrox World Championships with my doubles partner. Bold? Definitely. Crazy? Probably. Worth it? Without a doubt. The last time I pushed myself this hard was back in 2019 when I trained for a C...