First Anniversary!

When I first came to Dubai, I didn't know how long I'd last out here in the desert. Came here feeling forlorn, lost and abandoned. But in just a matter of twelve months, things have changed tremendously. Today, I am no longer the person I was before, dependent, clinging onto others, afraid of letting go. Instead, bit by bit, I have  begun to trust my own decisions, becoming more independent, discovering more about God, who I am, and the ways of the world. It is indeed a lot to celebrate. 

Not so long ago, I defined my sense of identity through my profession. If somebody removed me from my designation, I wouldn't know who I'd be. Can I assume another role, other than that of an engineer? Today, I found the answer. Yes, I can. I can be a daughter, a sister, a friend, and a blessing.  I am human after all. Not a working machine. We work to live, not live to work. Frankly, it took me a long time to get that into my perspective. 

No matter how we, as professionals, seek to be perfectionists when it comes to work quality and deliverability, we shouldn't do it at the expense of our families and colleagues. We have our own lives to lead, families to care for. Leave whatever happens at work in the office and resume resolving it the next time you're at work. 

I used to think that I was elastic. Work could pile up on my desk as tall as Mount Everest, and I wouldn't even be deterred. I held onto the 'çan-do' spirit, grit my teeth, bent all the way backwards, to finish everything up. Yet, stress is a silent killer. It steals into your life, like the termites, slowly acidizing your nerves, robbing away the nutrients, eating away at the roots of your hair. 

Since I came here, I have a much more balanced life. Learning to focus on my priorities. 

The thing called work? I will just juggle it along the way.