Change begins with the next step

"To be what we are, and to become what we are capable of becoming, is the only end in life."
~Robert Louis Stevenson~

"In the power to change yourself is the power to change the world around you."
~Anwar Sadat~

The need for rules and routine

Every child is different. Every child learns in different ways.

I am all for giving them more choice and flexibility to cater to their individual preferences.

But I cannot fathom why schools allow children to do as they please, claiming that they are being "child-friendly."

When schools encourage practices that can be detrimental to development, simply because they do not want to appear "rigid", can they still be considered "child-friendly?"

I think not.

I am a self proclaimed addict

I reckon these must be some of the most addictive things in the world. What is your nemesis?

Curious. Delighted. Happy.

The expressions

on these little faces

is exactly why

I so enjoy doing

what I do.

I am in and out of schools

this fortnight,

helping schools be better places of learning

for these little children.

The next two weeks

Preparing myself

for a fortnight

of rushed madness

Inspiration... wherefore art thou?

Deviation from my morning routine threw me for a loop.

Because I need to learn patience

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ اسْتَعِينُواْ بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلاَةِ إِنَّ اللّهَ مَعَ الصَّابِرِينَ

~The Qur'an, 2:153~

فَإِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا
إِنَّ مَعَ الْعُسْرِ يُسْرًا
~The Quran, 94:5-6~

Where I Am

Many of my newer visitors have asked me where I am, and so, I would like to show you on the map, exactly where I live. The islands that I call home are the tiny dots circled in red (just in case you fail to notice!) on the Indian Ocean. If you would like to see more, I am sharing a six senses tour of the Maldives over at Felicity's today.

I don't need perfection

"You come to love not by finding the perfect person, but by seeing an imperfect person perfectly."

~Sam Keen~

I like it hot

I like it hot.

Fire inside my body kind of hot.

Don't you?

While out walking...

On the quiet shady street

i came across this feline beauty

completely relaxed and enjoying her morning

right on the middle of the street.

Screwpine

Green, in the tree

Red, on the ground.

Why is it so hard to lose weight?

Okay, maybe it is not hard to lose weight for everyone

but for me, it seems to be an impossible goal to attain.

But, this has gone on long enough. I need to get something done.

So, from today,

out goes the unhealthy temptations

and I am focused on eating well

drinking plenty of water

and being more active.

What do you do

to keep focused on your goals

and not be led astray in moments of weakness?

Relaaaaaaaaaxed

sitting on the beach

watching children play

and splash in the water;

or walking along the shore, watching the boats coming in

some with rather unusual names.

~

Grateful for sun, sand and sea.

Click on the button to find out what others are grateful for this week.

Sand on my toes

Quiet day at the beach.

Perfect start to the weekend.

Char

I am in shock since I read Julochka's post and finding out that Char is no more. Char was one of the sweetest, kindest friends I have been blessed enough to know through this blogging community. I had no idea at all that she had passed away on the 6th of June, until I read Julie's post today. Char was an amazing photographer and an inspiration to many. She was always full of encouragement and positive thoughts. I may have never met her in person, but I considered her a good friend and am deeply saddened by her sudden death. She will be very much missed.

I will not drown

I am surrounded by water
swirling, turbulent, rising
flooding me, yet not drowning.
Amidst the fierce current
is my rock onto which I cling
drawing hope from its strength
keeping me steady, focused, controlled
so I gain an edge over the waves
that attempt to pull me under.
Underneath the churning flood,
I lose my footing on the slippery surface.
I am awash with a sense of betrayal
for letting me lose my balance
for a fraction of a second.
It is a small heart ache
but the hurt always starts small
burgeoning into a swell of pain
that rises and rises into a flood
drowning all hope of dry land
where green grass live under sunny skies.
I scan the horizon for hope
and summon every last ounce of courage
to convince myself that I can let go
and let myself be swept away
to reach a safer destination.
I will not let myself drown.

~

One Shot Wednesday

Without trust, words are hollow

“To be trusted is a greater compliment than being loved.”
~George MacDonald~


“We're never so vulnerable than when we trust someone - but paradoxically, if we cannot trust, neither can we find love or joy”
~Walter Anderson~

At the end of my day

sitting down with a cup of tea

sooothing

relaxing

reflecting

Weekend smiles

scribbling love notes to mumma

who can go the highest?

spread thick with butter and drizzled with honey

admiring a slice of banana bread :)

alfresco breakfast

climbing trees

and jumping for joy

cooling down with a cold falooda