It was my mum's 77th birthday so I took her and my dad for prayers and lunch. My son Tawfiq had an Coastal Cup award ceremony in the afternoon and I took him there.

I had few deadlines to meet today and was running way behind.

The time spent with my parents and my son actually gave me some time to reflect. This brought clarity and allowed me to complete my assignment with relative ease and I managed to meet my deadlines by the evening.

The key learning for me was not to panic when you get a little behind.

If your children are safe; you are in good health; and there is love in your family - you are gifted and blessed!

This holiday season, take a moment to think about the gifts that you have received this year and be grateful that some of life's greatest joys and miracles are indeed ours for the taking.  Let's be thankful for the bounty we have in our midst.

A while ago, I was getting ready to travel for some speaking arrangements.  After much planning and preparation, my flight to London was cancelled due to landing problems at the destination airport. I had checked my bags in and was at the airport for a few hours. It meant going through the process of getting my bags - even more strenuous than normal arrival from overseas. Nonetheless the extra time I got with the family far outweighed the inconveniences.

When you are called to give, you will rationalize to give or not to give.

You might say, 'the economy is bad', 'my circumstances are not good', 'the time is not right', 'I gave a lot in the past', etc, and you might pass this time.

Alternatively, you will rationalize: 'I am healthy, enjoy peace, breathe fresh air, have support from my family, am blessed. Therefore I must give something.'

You can rationalize either way and justify your actions. I hope you will rationalize to give instead of not to give.

This morning my son Tawfiq was taking his time getting ready for school. I am an early bird and I do not like rushing in the morning. Also, I had a very busy day ahead of me.

Tawfiq's laiser faire approach was, therefore, unsettling! As I was dropping him at school, after ensuring that he had his breakfast and we were there just in the nick of time, I noticed that he had forgotten to wear his gloves and it was a freezing day. It was very tempting for me to go in my "lecture mode". I almost did!

We can potentially learn at least one, if not several lessons, every day!

Where do we learn these lessons you may ask?  Here are three ideal places where lessons are learned daily.

Last night we went for late night dessert with my daughter Sahar who had just returned from University.  We had a great family bonding, however, we ended up eating too much.

The next morning I was feeling guilty of eating too much.  At the same time I was feeling good about the great family time.  After going back and forth with these two emotions, I decided to focus on feeling good about the great family time.

This shift made me feel happier, resulting in far superior work productivity and better food control.

Most mums I know are rock solid - hard working, loving, managing the household.

Most of their work is taken for granted.  But if one was to take into account everything they do, it is phenomenal!

My mum turned 75 today!

It is a good day to reflect on her contribution to the family.

She has been our anchor!  Even though my Dad, in his prime, was well known, a leader in the community, an entrepreneur; it was my mum who provided the foundation at home.  She was undoubtedly the CEO at home!

Our children have their own journey.  They need not be the same as the parents.

We as parents have expectations of our children, and we get disillusioned when they fall short.

They have their own heart, mind and soul.  They also have their own desires and goals.  When we curb their desires, they rebel knowingly or unknowingly.

This creates tension and frustration between us as parents and our children.  So instead of a loving, harmonious and positive relationship there is sometimes a less cordial relationship.

My father is 80 + years old.  We live together.  He is a fine gentleman.

In his prime, he used to be a successful businessman, a well respected community leader and an energetic man.

What I remember most of his prime years was his selfless approach to living.   He would give of his time, wisdom and resources to one and all.

People used to come to him with all kinds of problems - marital, financial, emotional.   He had a way of making everyone feel touched by his insights, warmth and authenticity.