I think we can all agree it has been a shocker of a summer and for the first time since I moved back to the UK, I’m genuinely missing life in Dubai – namely the weather! I am back with a flurry of blog posts that I have not had the time or chance to put up until now. There have been some brilliant highlights recently, including the UN Women Awards 2024, a beautiful evening at Rosewood London with Female Narratives, a special address with the British Ambassadors to the Philippine and Indonesia (with work), not to mention an impromptu trip to Milan and Lake Como. As always, here are some key takeaway points that have been on my mind over the past month or so:
The power of acceptance. There is so much power in acceptance. That certainly does not mean forgoing your agency, resigning yourself or allowing things to happen ‘to’ you rather than ‘for’ you. No. What it means is accepting the reality of a situation. Accepting others for who they really are – good or bad. Most of all, accepting yourself, flaws and all. Sometimes, there is something massively liberating about simply accepting things as they are, rather than trying to resist them or fight against the tide.
Be grateful when things are simply ‘okay’. I guess one of the uncomfortable aspects of the human condition is that there will be tough times ahead. For us all. Sometimes, when things are simply okay, I try to take a moment of gratitude to acknowledge it. I know when I have been in the throes of a tough time in my life, I would wish anything just to feel the respite and relief of things simply being ‘okay’ once again. Life isn’t and shouldn’t be one perpetual high of excitement, despite what glossy images online may lead one to believe. If, at this moment, you are simply ‘okay’ and your family are too, then you really are winning.
It’s a small, mysterious world. As I’ve gotten older, one thing that has stuck me is the fact that we lived in such a small world. You never know when you are going to connect with someone over the most unlikely coincidence, or when your life may go completely full circle. I guess it is almost comforting knowing we are all connected in some way, shape or from. Also, that our actions have impact, no matter how small, they ripple out to the universe.
Plumes of hydrangeas at the National Botanic Gardenes of Wales.
Transitioning into a new season.
A last-minute getaway.
Tranquil scenes at Lake Como.
On the tourist trail in Milan.
Media drinks reception with Andrew Marr.
Moments in Mayfair.
Bond Stree in the sunshine.
A special reception with the British Ambassadors to the Philippine and Indonesia.
A fascinating lecture at the Royal Institution on space waves. I’m a big fan of their RI science lecture series on YouTube, so it was brilliant to attend in-person at the iconic theatre where great minds such as Humphry Davy, Michael Faraday and JJ Thompson have held audiences.
A peek inside the Royal Institution.
Drink your greens.
A little trip to the Cotswolds and some welcome autumn sunshine.
A wonderful evening with UN Women UK at Meta headquarters, London.
UN Women Awards 2024 – featuring a special address by both UN Women Executive Director, Tabitha Morton and Chair of Board, Michele Oliver.
A beautiful evening hosted by Female Narratives at Rosewood London, featuring a panel discussion with a lineup of incredibly inspiring women on all things creativity and culture.
Stunning spaces at Rosewood London.
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