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# Shireen Gheba

Positivity, creativity & philanthropy.

## Sitemaps

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## Posts

- [Scrolling through life, what are we losing?](https://shireengheba.com/scrolling-through-life-what-are-we-missing/) - It is about what we all are experiencing these days. Extreme distraction from the goals we set ourselves. Quality of work is suffering too. We have to take steps to improve personal work output.
- [March 2026 - a world view in a nutshell](https://shireengheba.com/march-2026-in-a-nutshell/) - This blog post is trying to sum up the events of the last few weeks. Situation is quite mind boggling. Its happening ripple effects all over the world. US and Israel playing a central role, causing undue war and harm to Iran, and the Middle East. Iran, because they have a 'thing' for them, and
- [Miracle of Ramzan I've experienced](https://shireengheba.com/miracle-of-ramzan-ive-experienced/) - Today, being the first day of fasting in Pakistan, I'm sharing the experience of my past Ramzans with you. It is indeed a month of rejoicing and joy. That is mainly because you give a lot of charity this month .
- [How to handle the dangers of life in your sixties](https://shireengheba.com/how-to-handle-the-dangers-of-life-in-your-sixties/) - My last blog, about life in one's sixties painted the rosy side of being in your sixties https://shireengheba.com/?s=sixties, this one shows the other dangerous side. Once you are aware of the dangers, you will learn how to handle them safely, and fly through them. Yes, each one comes with its own solutions. In fact, every This post takes you through all the dangers that you face while being in your sixties. Each danger is equipped with a solution to it. It is good to be aware of these, only then you can manage them.
- [Life in sixties full of surprises](https://shireengheba.com/life-in-sixties-full-of-surprises/) - Are your sixties, the new fifties? Certainly feels like that. In this blog post I've gathered seven ways to sail through your sixties.
- [2026 is here, now what?](https://shireengheba.com/2026-is-here-now-what/) - Its about this new year 2026, and importance of making formal 'new year resolutions'. Having it all written down in black and white is important. Especially, when its hand written - even though I normally type my words - I have a personal diary for expressing my feelings etc. Its also important to keep your resolutions to yourself. Only share when these are done. Not before that.
- [Its time to own your successes](https://shireengheba.com/its-time-to-own-your-successes/) - While women are good at supporting family members to their success. When they are successful themselves, they are shy to own up to it. Always giving the credit to someone else. It is time to now stand up proudly and own up to all the successes of your lifetime. Especially now, in 2026 onwards. If there is one thing I want us to take forward, it is to be unapologetically proud of your successes.
- [All good things arriving at once](https://shireengheba.com/all-good-things-arriving-at-once/) - Everything comes with its side work. So, when dreams come true, we have to work on them later too. In all our rushing around getting things done, remember, this is what you had dreamed of. Stop cribbing and complaining. Enjoy it for what it is. What did you think, a dream will come true, and there will be nothing left for you to do about it? Exactly! Just enjoy what you already have, use it with appreciation and care. Value the good relations you have and do the needful in a grac eful way.
- [When Trump played the Trump card!](https://shireengheba.com/when-trump-played-the-trump-card/) - It is about the four-day war in May 2025 between Pakistan and India. A validation of events that happened, and could have gone so wrong, had it not been for Trump. I know, there are many reservations about him and what he does, but this time, he did save this region and the world. (Believe it or not!)
- [Adjusting to being a senior](https://shireengheba.com/seniors/) - An awareness of 'getting on in years'. Yet, I can't help loving my life more with each year. Counting my blessings, also realising that age isn't there for everyone. .
- [Life surprises.](https://shireengheba.com/life-surprises/) - A post sharing my current challenging situation of getting back to my blogging. The handicaps faced recently were a big surprise and have taken their own time to get me back to my normal state. Lets hope I can finally get back on track of my writing life.
- [Life in today’s world.](https://shireengheba.com/life-in-todays-world/) - Today, I’m living in a world where my eyes see, but still it is hard to believe. I don't want to spoil your mood immediately, so I'll share a 'good' unbelievable story first. A few months ago, I saw my female cocker spaniel Duchess actually feeding kittens of a stray tabby. The mother had suddenly
- [Happy New Year, 2025](https://shireengheba.com/happy-new-year-2025/) - A round up of 2024 here, as most of the time I wasn't here. Losing my Mother during that time has been the most heart wrenching part of it. Otherwise, God blessed me in every way, as you see. Ending with sharing of my aspirations for this year 2025. May God bless each of you and myself, along with our families. May our dreams come true. May sanity prevail in the world. It gets pretty scary sometimes. As my mother always said, 'Life is as you make it!' Happy new year!
- [Disheartening times.](https://shireengheba.com/disheartening-times/) - Honestly, seeing the current political scenario in Pakistan, one does feel disheartened. Its sad, but that is how it feels. When all that you have believed in, and all that you’ve lived by is turned upside down. When suddenly black is white and white is black, you wonder where you stand in all this. If
- [Election scenario Pakistan 2024](https://shireengheba.com/election-fever-in-pakistan-2024/) - Writing a blog post in an everchanging scenario is challenging. Yet, I’ve started it, and want to complete it now. It is 11.00 am, Friday 9th of February. I started this post a couple of days ago, and kept writing, as I went to vote. Now, let me complete this. Firstly, illiteracy and democracy doesn’t
- [Alternative cancer treatments.](https://shireengheba.com/alternative-cancer-treatments/) - Conventional cancer treatment is very expensive, and very unpleasant to go through. The treatment itself can feel as if it will kill you! Still, as I write, it is the most effective treatment for cancer. Hopefully, in time, some new scientific invention will get rid of the chemotherapy. However, not everyone can afford this treatment,
- [What now?](https://shireengheba.com/shireen-gheba-blog-post-what-now/) - Its end of January 2024 already, have I got my bearings yet? My dear, we got to do some self-counselling and get on with our lives. In spite of all that is happening around us. Locally and internationally. No matter how hard it may seem, we have to keep going. In uncertain times, we need
- [New Year 2024 feelings](https://shireengheba.com/new-year-2024-feelings/) - You can't say 'Happy new year' during a genocide, can you? So, it’s a strange feeling these days. Specially at this end of the world. Look at it from any perspective, from any angle. In such situations, when there are too many dichotomies around me, I need to have a one-on-one chat with myself. ‘Where
- [Joys & Sorrows Oct/Nov '23.](https://shireengheba.com/joys-sorrows-oct-nov-23/) - This is life in todays’ world. It has been a roller coaster time for all. I'm sure you will connect with me, no matter where you are living and which place in life you are. Things are quite topsy turvy. This post is an amalgamation of the good, the bad and the ugly; both in
- [Cancer causing factors.](https://shireengheba.com/cancer-causing-factors/) - . How can this book on My Cancer Journey be completed without touching upon the factors that caused it, in the first place. In fact, throughout the time you are undergoing cancer treatment, you are asking yourself, ‘where did I go wrong?’ and ‘how could I get it?’ I didn’t smoke, drink, or even had
- [Watch out for general well being, after cancer.](https://shireengheba.com/watch-out-for-general-well-being-after-cancer/) - Once cancer has struck one's body, you become so focused on it, that you forget that other parts of your body may also be needing attention. We need to realize that this body has taken a lot of beating, while the treatment was on. It is time now, to also give attention to other part of our body, to stay fit.
- [We are the choices we make](https://shireengheba.com/we-are-the-choices-we-make/) - Honestly, it is our choices and decisions that make us what we are today. So, we must choose wisely. Develop the instinct to make right harmonizing choices. Not choices that take us in all directions. But choices that combine to make a wholesome life for ourselves.
- [Mid-year self-analysis.](https://shireengheba.com/mid-year-self-analysis/) - Oops! Six months of this year are already gone. It is time to do some self-analysis. So, stop. Stop whatever you (and I) are doing, and let us re-align ourselves to check if we are moving in the right direction. It is like saying, ‘I want to go to Karachi this year.’ And you are
- [Sixty-sixth HBD](https://shireengheba.com/sixty-sixth-hbd/) - It is important to come to terms with one's stage in life. To value and appreciate all that we have been blessed with. No one can remain twenty five years old, all their lives. Birthdays are milestones to be acknowledged and put into perspective. Here is my take on my sixty sixth birthday. This was just before My birthday. Actually, I had a blast on my big day, my friends and family gave me a great time. Alhamdolillah. More on that in my next post.
- [Resilient Pakistanis](https://shireengheba.com/resilient-pakistanis/) - Sharing my thoughts on the current scenario in Pakistan. As they say, 'this too shall pass.' We can hope for better times, right now we need to do our best in every way that we can. Here I've shown the resilience of Pakistanis in the past, and I'm sure it can help us pass through these times also. It is important to stay strong and be resilient.
- [Arriving in Pakistan](https://shireengheba.com/arriving-in-pakistan-with-a-bang/) - There I was on cloud nine, after a lovely journey back home on PIA, on 8th May, 2023. I was received at the airport by Waliya, my daughter. Then I found out from my friend Sadia that her son Ahmad was visiting from UK, so I invited all my friends for tea on 9th.
- [Halifax revisited Part III-  patchwork of Stars on Ice, lakes, friends.](https://shireengheba.com/halifax-revisited-part-iii-patchwork-of-stars-on-ice-lakes-friends/) - The last part of my Halifax revisited series, encompasses highlights of the rest of the trip. More than anything, the relaxation I got was literally out of my world. It was a treat to relax and being given an amazing time in Halifax. My Son-in-law Haaris and Nadiya my daughter, went out of their ways to make my trip memorable. It definitely was.
- [Halifax revisited 2023, Part II](https://shireengheba.com/halifax-revisited-2023-part-ii/) - So, I can’t believe that I’ve been here for over three weeks now. It went in a whirlwind; the last two weeks of Ramzan were left, when I came on 7th of April, Eid was on 21st. I kept my fasts for two weeks here in Halifax. Ramzan always has a different connotation to life,
- [Journey to Halifax, 2023.](https://shireengheba.com/journey-to-halifax/) - My journey to Halifax on PIA mainly, remembering the historic tragic events that took place in Halifax, including the Explosion and Titanic graveyards, along with the Swissair plane crash. I went in Ramzan, and spent Eid within two weeks with Haaris, Nadiya and Nyra.
- [Why I love being in Pakistan](https://shireengheba.com/why-i-love-being-in-pakistan/) - You must be wondering if I’ve gone off my mind. ‘Why does she love living in a country like Pakistan?’. I’m saying this with a sound mind and body. This post will tell you why. It will illuminate what living here is all about. Yet, I’ll not keep a blind eye to the challenges of
- [Getting back to normal life after cancer.](https://shireengheba.com/getting-back-to-normal-life-after-cancer/) - This post is all about my fresh new life now. Starting with a big Thank You to my Allah, and my wonderful doctors, and nursing staff. Another big thanks to all my family members, my daughters and my mother for their untiring prayers, and giving me support in every way they could. Same for my
- [Decision making is vital](https://shireengheba.com/decision-making-is-vital/) - Developing good decision making skills is crucial for success in life. Here, some favorite methods are discussed.
- [Limited time and energy](https://shireengheba.com/limited-time-and-energy/) - These days, I’m really hit by the thought of having limited time and energy. The realization came to me when I was reading this book by Angela Dukhworth called Grit. In that she was quoting Warren Buffet, and how he says that our time and energy is limited. (I mean, do we have to be
- [New Year Resolutions & detailed planning!](https://shireengheba.com/new-year-resolutions-detailed-planning/) - When you venture out, you've got to know where you are going. It is vital to plan ahead and work out the little details before hand. Only then can one be successful in what one plans to get done in the coming year.
- [First blog post of 2023](https://shireengheba.com/first-blog-post-of-2023/) - Honestly, I just feel so grateful for this new year 2023. Last year at this time I was getting my radiations. Fifteen of them. Now I’m free of cancer (though at that time too, I was cancer-free, but they were continuing with the treatments,) and now I am enjoying a normal life mostly. Side effects
- [Stud farm mares & my Dad’s legacy](https://shireengheba.com/mares-in-okara-my-dads-legacy/) - Over three decades, of my life, I saw my father going to Okara and Sahiwal to look over his stud farm. At first in early eighties, there was Linda – the mare he bought from Austria for his farm. She was a real beauty, and quite large in size. She bore many foal for the
- [Ending the year rightly](https://shireengheba.com/ending-the-year-right/) - This year also flew by. Yet, it was beautiful for me. (I completed all my cancer treatment, and have been clean throughout.) I really hope it has been a good year for you too. Somehow, at the end of a year, one becomes rather emotional. It is a time to reflect about one’s self and
- [Last two weeks of 2022](https://shireengheba.com/last-two-weeks-of-2022/) - A brief round up of this year, as just two weeks are left. A few ideas of how to spend these last two weeks, to make space (literally,) for coming year,
- [The First Follow Up](https://shireengheba.com/the-first-follow-up/) - The first follow up check ups were scheduled for three months after completion of entire treatment, of fifteen months. So, it is time. It is natural to feel apprehensive.
- [The New Normal](https://shireengheba.com/the-new-normal-2/) - A post about noting the distractions that are keeping us from achieving our goals. It is vital for us to feel good about completing the projects we begin efficiently and with good quality.
- [Love Your Now](https://shireengheba.com/love-your-now/) - It is vital to be in the present of your life, whatever it is, and wherever you are right now. Most of our lives we spend in looking back into our past or wondering about our future. Due to this our present gets lost somewhere, till that too slips into our past. Then we wonder what happened?
- [Celebration  Trip to Turkey](https://shireengheba.com/our-family-turkey-trip/) - Finally, here is my Turkey trip post. Somehow, till I've not shared my own perspective with you, I'm not satisfied. So, here is how much I loved this trip of ten days in Istanbul. You can see why, :)
- [About Turkish Trip and Pinktober 2022](https://shireengheba.com/about-turkish-trip-and-pinktober-2022/) - It seems as if my life is running ahead of me. I barely come to grips with one reality when something else happens. As a result of it, my home office and desk is full of my income tax papers, and so many cartons of the Bridal Project things. So, I did something smart today,
- [Happy 75th Birthday, Pakistan!](https://shireengheba.com/happy-75th-birthday-pakistan/) - I’ve been feeling emotional about these seventy-five years of Pakistan on 14th August, 2022, this year. In another twenty-five years, we would make a century! I know it hasn’t done as well as it should have; But we need to understand that India was lucky having its’ founding fathers there to establish its fledgling self,
- [Ten-Year-Marriage Pitfalls](https://shireengheba.com/ten-year-marriage-pitfalls/) - This post is for those who have been married for ten years or more. Here are points to keep in mind as you manage yourself and your family. Lots of issues do crop up and it is up to you to find ways to strengthen this bond. several ways are suggested, mainly it is to build your awareness of the situation you are in, and the dangers lurking around you and your family. Only then you can do something about it. Be strong and full of energy.
- [Stress free in a Stressful World](https://shireengheba.com/stress-free-in-a-stressful-world/) - We live in a world today, where we face not only our own stresses of life, but that of all people around us, and even those living across the world. You've got to learn how to combat that, or you can become a jumble of nerves. Lots of ways are mentioned here, to help you stay cool and calm, while enjoying your own life too.
- [Need to Re-motivate Myself](https://shireengheba.com/need-to-re-motivate-myself/) - After facing a personal battle for a long time, a time comes when you get tired of it all. This is the time for you to re-motivate yourself, so you don't lose this battle. It can be any situation in your life, Currently I've been battling with cancer for over a year now, so I need fresh motivation. What about you? I'm sharing some ways I've found are working for me.
- [HBD to Me 😊](https://shireengheba.com/hbd-to-me-😊/) - I can’t believe it, I’m actually sixty-five years old. Honestly, I’m told not to be so honest. ‘Your readers will run away’ they say, or they will start ‘labeling’ you. I feel that it is time, the readers and writers grew up. Both need a reality check. Truth must prevail. It clicks. Let us shake
- [Single Life](https://shireengheba.com/single-life/) - It is time to accept the fact that some people prefer lives as bachelors. Being single is not a crime, and must be accepted by the society as such. Too many girls are pushed into marriages which are horrific, only to avoid remaining single. This isn't fair.
- [HBD Waliya](https://shireengheba.com/hbd-waliya/) - Availing this opportunity to say…. It’s your birthday, on June 22nd 2022. I had scheduled this post two weeks ago. But somehow, it disappeared. So, now I'm re-posting it. Hope you will forgive this mishap. It has to be posted, because I want to say a special thank you for all that you’ve done for me
- [Healing Through Reading, Writing & Yoga](https://shireengheba.com/in-retrospect-the-act-of-writing/) - The importance of writing in one's life is highlighted here. How through writing in diary or journaling, one can solve one's issues, and feel better through this process.
- [Dream trip to Skardu – Part II](https://shireengheba.com/dream-trip-to-skardu-part-ii/) - Moving from Shigar to Skardu and our place in Shangrila, we were full of excitement to visit all the popular places. Here you will be taken along to all the tourist attraction places seen in Skardu.
- [Dream trip to Shigar & Skardu - Part I](https://shireengheba.com/dream-trip-to-shigar-skardu-part-i/) - I’m feeling ecstatic. Finally, one of my biggest dreams has come true. I’m in Skardu. We all have our personal battles, and such trips give one a relief. It is the tonic I needed after going through my cancer and it’s consequent hospital visits. Coming here to Skardu has been the best healer and morale
- ['Familiar' things & people change.](https://shireengheba.com/life-takes-you-places/) - Random thoughts during my 14th Dual Targetted Infusion today. How the 'familiar and unfamiliar changes with time and experiences. Thoughts to think which will help you feel better about your present and your past.
- [My Refreshed Life](https://shireengheba.com/my-refreshed-life/) - Having gone through the mill, now I'm coming to a point where I'm feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Yet, I have to consciously make sure I'm aligned to my new refreshed state now. Need to be aware of my previous 'bad habits' and stick to a new lifestyle.
- [The Key to Good Relationships.](https://shireengheba.com/the-key-to-good-relationships/) - Sharing something I read in a beautiful book called the Transformational Power of Crisis. Specially, what is said about The Key to Hell, it is something that often happens among couples, unknowingly. Here is information that could save your marriage. If it is already stable, make it more stable by remembering these points.
- [HBD 2022 Nataliya](https://shireengheba.com/hbd-2022-nataliya/) - This birthday needed to be celebrated specially, as I have some more feelings and experiences with you, which are worth sharing. So, much has happened in this last year, that some more needed to be added. Happy birthday my first born child. Love you so much, may Allah bless you at every step of your way. Ameen.
- [Life after cancer](https://shireengheba.com/life-after-cancer/) - One's life changes completely after cancer treatment. You and your body have had quite a thrashing. Now that you are out of this illness, it is important to mindfully step back into your new 'normal' life. Here are some points to help you get back your life.
- [Caregivers of Cancer Patients](https://shireengheba.com/caregivers-of-cancer-patients/) - So far, I’ve written about the cancer patient. Since I’ve been one. Yet, I specially want to write about the caregivers, now. Because I’ve been that too. From the moment you heard about this deadly disease, to any time during the caring of the patient, you know it isn't going to be easy. Usually, cancer
- [Your Place in Life Now](https://shireengheba.com/your-place-in-life-now/) - Before getting judgmental about others, know yours and their place in life. Each one of us is at a different place in our lives. That's why we are behaving the way we do. Our place in life defines how we behave and what we do.
- [Our Coping Strategies.](https://shireengheba.com/our-coping-strategies/) - A coping strategy is an action that one resorts to, when faced with an unpalatable situation. Something that you find unbearable, but still have to bear it for a time, which seems too long. It maybe just half an hour or months and years. So then, you find some activity to do, to help you
- [Food for cancer prevention](https://shireengheba.com/food-for-cancer-prevention/) - You are now going to fight this illness with your choices of food, for rest of your life. It is best to get into these habits as soon as possible. It will be good for you and your family.
- [My Radiation Experience](https://shireengheba.com/my-radiation-experience/) - Finally, reached the radiation stage in my treatment, which is usually the last. My fifteen days of treatment in January, were over soon. Here is a detailed perspective of it, which would be useful for anyone having to go through it.
- [Two Dozen Ways to deal with ‘C’ word.](https://shireengheba.com/two-dozen-ways-to-deal-with-c-word/) - I’ve written this blog post on request of my oncologist Dr. Farrukh, at Shifa International Hospital. He found my demeaner different from most of his patients. He wanted me to share how I’ve stayed motivated and kept myself feeling good throughout. Sometimes, while I’d be tapping away at the laptop during my chemo sessions, he would send some prospective patients to my cubicle, to show her that it isn’t so bad, it can be like this also!
- [Surgery  - eazy peazy part](https://shireengheba.com/surgery-eazy-peazy-part/) - Just want to say a big Alhamdollah to my Allah. How He brought me to it, and led me through it. Kept me focused on the positive. He Brought the best solutions to each of my problems. The Chemos, all done, and now surgery which was the lumpectomy. It was the next step to overcome.
- [My 6th chemo – the last one](https://shireengheba.com/my-6th-chemo-the-last-one/) - At last the final chemo and sixth cycle was on 25th October 2021. I felt very indebted to Allah for bringing me finally to this day. As usual I had specially given charity for this day. Mostly in the form of food for 100 or 160 persons. This is very important.
- [Fifth Chemo day.](https://shireengheba.com/fifth-chemo-day/) - Continuing with my posts on my cancer story, here are more details about the dreaded chemo. I'm sharing it, in the hope that it may help someone. Ironically, my fifth and sixth chemo took place in October, the month dedicated to breast cancer!
- [The ‘C’ word](https://shireengheba.com/the-c-word/) - Here is my cancer story.
- [Setting Boundaries & giving space.](https://shireengheba.com/setting-boundaries-giving-space/) - This is a vital aspect in any relationship, to keep boundaries and give space to each other. I mean, specially in a country like Pakistan, where people are diving into other peoples' businesses, as if it is their own. People think nothing of interfering in other people's lives. Going into people's homes and looking into
- [Gut Feelings](https://shireengheba.com/gut-feelings/) - Most of us are born with this gut feeling. In fact, I’ve seen, that children are really good at it. It’s the same thing with animals. They instinctively know, if a situation, or a person is dubious or not trustworthy. There may be no logical reason for it, but they are quick to know the
- [My Daughters, my Mentors.](https://shireengheba.com/my-daughters-my-mentors/) - Reverse mentoring is something I love to do. It is the concept of learning new things from youngsters in our lives. Mainly these are our children. After all, we taught them a lot when they were young. Now, it is their turn to teach us. We just need to be more patient and tolerant. The benefit is definitely ours!
- [Writing process or catharsis...](https://shireengheba.com/writing-process-or-catharsis/) - You have noticed that I’m writing lesser blog posts these days? - Or you didn’t, as you don’t read anyways! It's okay if you don't. You can read them another time. But, its me who has to keep writing. I’ve found that it is a catharsis for me. Writing is a process for deep cleansing.
- [Staying High spirited in Corona times](https://shireengheba.com/staying-high-spirited-in-corona-times/) - Over a year into the Covid19 times, in spite of the vaccinations, people are feeling the stress. Here are a few tried out ways to keep your spirits high, in spite of the times we are living in.
- [Life changes and My YouTube Channel](https://shireengheba.com/life-changes-and-my-youtube-channel/) - Hi Everyone! Ramzan is going on as usual since it started on April 14th. 2021. I’m wide awake at 1.45 am now, just tapping away at my laptop as I’ve still got an hour and a half till Sehri, ( it is the breakfast which we have at this hour.) Thought I might as well
- [Empty Nest - fresh phase in life.](https://shireengheba.com/empty-nest-or-liberation/) - A blessed time in life when the children have moved to their own homes. While we are facing an empty nest, we need to realize that it is a sort of a liberation for us. It is also a time to celebrate the success of one of life's greatest projects that we took on, having children and helping them to grow into successful and responsible citizens of this planet.
- [Haseena Moin -the legendary script writer.](https://shireengheba.com/haseena-moin-the-legendary-script-writer/) - Haseena Moin has been one of the legendary script writers of Pakistan Television. Her block buster plays are still loved. She ruled the Pakistani television screen during the seventies, eighties and nineties. Her humor and characters are still fondly remembered. Her death is a great loss to this industry. In this post I've shared an article which I wrote on Haseena Moin which was published in The Nation, from Islamabad, in 1998. I had interviewed her in Karachi.
- [Beautiful Days](https://shireengheba.com/beautiful-days/) - Hi Everyone! Isn’t the weather just perfect these days in Pakistan? I'm loving every minute of it. It is a time for picnics, drives and enjoying your garden. So, due to Covid19 and the weather, I’ve held my art classes in my garden. (It feels strange calling it a garden when it is without any
- [Happy Birthday Haroon](https://shireengheba.com/happy-birthday-haroon/) - Hi, Everyone! Today, while you stand by, I'd be talking to Haroon, whom I've grown to respect and admire a lot. Through this post I'd be sharing things about this wonderful person in my life, from whom we all can learn so much. Yes, Haroon, on your birthday on February 20th, you stand at the
- [Faisal Naveed gets new arms](https://shireengheba.com/faisal-naveed-gets-new-arms/) - Finally, the sad story of Faisel Naveed has come to a happy ending. He and his wife Nosheen found good arms for him. You know, he had lost both upper limbs in an accident last January. It is a momentous and epic moment for us all who have been involved in this case.
- [When Life suddenly changes…](https://shireengheba.com/when-life-suddenly-changes/) - Suddenly, our whole world changes, and we are left to fend for ourselves. You know and I know. It happens. Yes, it could be the loss of a loved one, or a complete change of scene like marriage. It could be that you found out you have a big illness. Or you migrated to another
- [Is Life Something Else?](https://shireengheba.com/is-life-something-else/) - Hi Everyone! Why do we feel a bit dissatisfied all the time? Isn’t it so? As if something is missing. Someone is missing. Always. Never perfect. But then, there is no such thing as perfect! Why don’t we understand this? It is always the something else that is happening in our lives, which adds the
- [Am I to blame?](https://shireengheba.com/am-i-to-blame/) - Hi Everyone! I’d love to believe I’m perfect. It puts me on a pedestal, while everyone else isn’t. Great feeling! So, whenever whatever happens I blame it on everyone else. Great. I think most folks are like that. Only problem is; If I’m not part of the problem, how can I become part of the
- [We are ‘Work in Progress’](https://shireengheba.com/we-are-work-in-progress/) - Hi Everyone! You know something? Well, I didn’t know either! I never knew life in one’s early sixties could be so amazing. I’m actually feeling so happy. Alhamdolillah! Why didn’t anyone tell me? - it is because no one confessed their age! Even I'm breaking some rules while confessing now, but I believe we have
- [Are my children becoming orphans?](https://shireengheba.com/are-my-children-becoming-orphans/) - Whether you work or not to work outside your home, this is a possibility. Calm down please! I know, it is an emotional topic. - But very important. There are busy spells in everyone’s life. You can get caught up in your job or your husband’s job or it may be a family event, and
- [Power of Taking Small Steps](https://shireengheba.com/power-of-taking-small-steps/) - Already two weeks into 2021, and one is wondering what to do next. Where to begin? We have all our resolutions and dreams in place, but where and how to begin. We have to begin right now, with taking small steps in the right direction. That’s all. Take baby steps: The power of small steps
- [Annual, Five and Ten year  plans](https://shireengheba.com/annual-and-future-plans/) - Hi Everyone! Congratulations, we made it to 2021! Alhamdolillah. Why are you so apprehensive about 2021? Let us give it our best shot. We can do an exercise now. A good annual plan needs to be integrated with one's future plans. This is why first we make our ten and five year plans, then make
- [Power of Kindness….](https://shireengheba.com/power-of-kindness/) - This topic has been on my mind for a while. What triggered it was a parcel that arrived for me a few days ago - that too, during a delicate conversation going on in my lounge – so it was even more welcome. My friends in Lahore, never forget me when they exchange gifts
- [What a year- 2020!](https://shireengheba.com/what-a-year-2020/) - Hi Everyone! This year 2020, if you are well along with your family, then you have achieved the highest goal. Yet, it is a fact, that there isn’t a single family who hasn’t been hit by this pandemic in one way or another. This year has seen so much tragedy. No part of the world
- [Happy new year- 2021](https://shireengheba.com/happy-new-year-2021/) - It is past 12.00 am in Pakistan now. One by one each country of the world will enter 2021. The new year has begun. I’m feeling a bit emotional today, like on all New years. Somehow, one feels like making some promises to oneself. Yes, new year resolutions. Knowing fully well that like the last
- [Brig. M. M. Sarfaraz Khan's battle in East Pakistan, 1971.](https://shireengheba.com/brig-m-m-sarfaraz-khans-battle-in-east-pakistan-1971/) - Hi Everyone! 'Time,' they say 'is the greatest healer.' However, December 16, is a date that no Pakistani can be immune to. First was the loss of East Pakistan, which became Bangladesh, after 25 years. Then, just a few years ago was the terrible tragic killing of students in a school in Peshawar. However, we
- [Ruksati of Waliya](https://shireengheba.com/ruksati-of-waliya/) - Hi Everyone! The way you were involved with the Ruksati event of Waliya, it felt like we are one big virtual family. This Ruksati event was the smallest function of its kind that I've ever hosted! What's the Ruksati event: The Ruksati event marks the moving out of the bride from her parent’s home, to
- [Intermittent fasting](https://shireengheba.com/intermittent-fasting/) - Hi, Everyone! Join me in my battle against the bulge. I’m fighting an old battle with weight. If you have the same problem, then join me. I’ve found something that makes a lot of sense. Yes, intermittent fasting. I mean, all Muslims know how good fasting is. Yet, we also know, that it isn’t easy
- [Unmentionable feelings](https://shireengheba.com/unmentionable-feelings/) - This one is about dealing with unfinished elements in your relationship with the departed soul. How to find peace within, and find ways to move on, after dealing with this situation.
- [The Source](https://shireengheba.com/the-source/) - Today, I’m wanting to tell you how I came upon The Source, in my life; The Source for everything, the good, the bad and the ugly. It is about the One who brought me into this world, and who sustains me in it. Every time, I had different assumptions. I kept giving credit to different
- [Tips for Income tax returns](https://shireengheba.com/tips-for-income-tax-returns/) - I know you don’t want to hear about income tax returns now, as we have been going crazy with these lately. But many of you have got extensions done, so we have another two weeks. I’ve realized, this wouldn’t have happened if: I had known/remembered the last date! - Got prepared earlier.If I had followed
- [Best of East and West](https://shireengheba.com/best-of-east-and-west/) - Hi, 😊 I love traveling. My record is that after ten days (or two months at the most), I miss home and my country, badly. What are the things that I miss? In this post, I’ll note these. Yet, when one is back, I miss many things that were enjoyed while I was abroad. It
- [The new 'normal'.](https://shireengheba.com/the-new-normal/) - Every few years, life changes, and with those changes, another ‘normal’ becomes a part of your life. Isn’t that so? First it takes some time to adjust to the changes, and then it all becomes ‘normal’. Once you’ve faced it, you learn to adjust. Soon you even start enjoying it. Covid19 norms: You are thinking
- [Build your Confidence](https://shireengheba.com/build-your-confidence/) - Hi Everyone! Many of you want to be more self-confident. Actually, it is all about building one’s self esteem. Frankly, that is what parents do for their children. Unfortunately, if your parents or your circumstances didn’t do a good job of it, then you’ve got to build it yourself. This post will help you build
- [Staff and home management.](https://shireengheba.com/staff-and-home-management/) - This post is on your request. You wanted me to share my staff time table with you all. As you might have noticed that my own daily time table hasn’t specified any cooking or household stuff in it. It is because I’ve delegated that work to my staff. I just manage it, giving me time
- [Time table and daily routine](https://shireengheba.com/time-table-and-daily-routine/) - Hi Everyone! ‘How can someone stay so positive all the time?’ - Many of you have asked me this question. Time table includes needs. Today, I’ll show you how I do it. It is done, by making a daily time table, in which I take care of basic needs of well being; I take care
- [Build fresh memories](https://shireengheba.com/build-fresh-memories/) - Salaams Everyone, Isn’t it great that after going through this horrid Covid19 (and we are still in it,) a semblance of ‘normal’ life has returned? It feels good to see more cars on the roads. More shops are open and for more hours. Schools shall be opening soon also. Was that due to these reasons:
- [When my phone dies…](https://shireengheba.com/when-my-phone-dies/) - On November 4th 2020, my smart phone fell off the bed. Palat! When I picked it up, the screen was black. It was unusable. Dead. What now? Literally, everything in our lives today is done with its help. Suddenly, I realized, how completely my life is run by my smart phone. Literally. Every night when
- [Thrill of buying a mare.](https://shireengheba.com/thrill-of-buying-a-mare/) - Hi Everyone! Actually, I feel that I’m going through one of the best phases of my life, these days. (A big Alhamdolillah for that!) Just loving every minute of it. Can you believe, I bought a mare last week? I guess it was the climax of it all. Otherwise, managing family, household, staff, assets and
- [The Void](https://shireengheba.com/the-void/) - Hi, Everyone! Probably, the most painful thing about any life changing event is the void that is created. A void is a real part of our lives. It keeps happening from time to time. It can happen even without a life changing event, but usually with a sad or happy change in one's life. The
- [Bullet blogging & Sept 2020](https://shireengheba.com/bullet-blogging-september/) - Hi Everyone! If Edvard de Bono could write a book in four days, I can jolly well write a blog post in forty-five minutes and upload it before it becomes tomorrow. Yes, I’m challenging myself. I’m telling you, I’m done with myself and what keeps happening in my life to take me far from my
- [Start your own bridal project.](https://shireengheba.com/start-your-own-bridal-project/) - Hi Everyone! Hope you are facing this resurgence of the Corona virus nicely. I’ve found the best way is to stay away from crowded places, and get busy with social work. It is so satisfying, keeps you fully engaged in a useful activity, and Keeps you away from viruses! Many of you have asked me,
- [Drive Safely with Children!](https://shireengheba.com/drive-safely-with-children/) - I've loved driving ever since I learnt it. It is a 'me time' which I love. It has its own rules of safety and fun attached to it. In the last three decades I've driven in almost all kinds of circumstances. I can safely write this post on safe driving. Always starting with the 'safar
- [The end of an era of my life.](https://shireengheba.com/the-end-of-an-era-of-my-life/) - It is that time of the year again. The time of horrible flashbacks and remembering moments of pain, the time before and after my husband left this world – exactly five years ago. “You must have been mentally prepared.” a friend of mine remarked. "No, I wasn’t. It was the greatest shock.” I told her.
- [Finding peace in Hectic life](https://shireengheba.com/finding-peace-in-hectic-life/) - Hi, Everyone! Going about your life, suddenly one finds that the 'peace' factor is missing. Life is all about comings and goings. But got to be at peace with one'self while going about one's busy-ness, business. Sighhhh, now after the Covid19 was getting controlled, we are finding the numbers rising again. It is all over
- [One day in my life](https://shireengheba.com/one-day-in-my-life/) - I'd like to share something with you first: this blog post was to go before the last one! But what happened the next day I uploaded immediately. This blog, has indications of what was to follow next . But I didn't know it then. So, I just went and uploaded the occurrences of the day after
- [Feeling sad](https://shireengheba.com/feeling-sad/) - Hi, Everyone! Hope you all are well, alive and kicking. Well, I’m that too, but as you know, my black cocker spaniel Pepper is lost, and I’m very sad. Honestly, he would keep me so much company and give me so much love. Such a sweet personality. My only hope is that he is alive
- [How to start a food drive](https://shireengheba.com/how-to-start-a-food-drive/) - Hi Everyone! Many of you would love to start a food drive of your own. It is basically a spiritual act. I heard a beautiful talk by an Alim who said that giving food is Islam. How beautiful! It is. Because you are offering blessings to others. This act is for Allah’s sake, alone. However,
- [Freedom and I](https://shireengheba.com/freedom-and-i/) - Salaams to All! 😊 You know what Pak-istan means, right? Land of the pure. So, a lot of purifying needed here! It is time for each of us to cleanse ourselves first. Then do a bit of attitude change; Stop this blame game we are going on with. (It seems as if everyone is busy
- [Me-Time](https://shireengheba.com/me-time/) - Hi Everyone! Life moves at such a pace that it is hard to stay on one’s feet. We are going one way and end up elsewhere! This is why it is even more important for us to keep ‘re-aligning’ ourselves on a regular basis; which is only possible when one is alone. Instead of wallowing
- [Take a break consciously](https://shireengheba.com/take-a-break-consciously/) - Salams, Eid greetings and Hi! In a way, celebrating Eid with family and friends is also a way of taking a break. Somehow, when you attach ‘fun and smiles’ to any ‘work’ then it automatically becomes fun and relaxing. Yes, there is some 'work' involved with Eid-ul-Azha, as all Muslims know. Lots to do. It
- [Enjoying the fruits of labor!](https://shireengheba.com/enjoying-the-fruits-of-labor/) - Hi, Salaams, Good morning and Namaste to all! It is so funny, people saying that I’ll feel lonely and sad due to departure of my youngest daughter after her marriage. It was my greatest wish to see her settled happily in her own home in my lifetime. So, when Allah grants my wish, I’m so
- [Remember the journey…](https://shireengheba.com/remember-the-journey/) - Assalam o Alaikum, to all! 😊 Today, this post has taken on a special meaning for myself too. I've realized how important it is to be kind to yourself in this world where everyone has harsh expectations from you. So much so, that you too start bashing yourself up for all that you didn't achieve;
- [The Journey & Surah Kahf](https://shireengheba.com/the-journey-surah-kahf/) - Salams to all! Today, being a Friday, Mum and I sat to read the Holy Quran as we normally do, I noticed that it was Surah Kahf. Read Surah Kahf every Friday: I explained to Mum how it is believed that one needs to read this Surah Kahf every Friday for a reason; The reason
- [Mahira Rea Khan my childhood friend.](https://shireengheba.com/mahira-rae-khan-my-childhood-friend/) - Reconnecting with my childhood friend through the internet. I’m feeling stunned - with happiness. Just can’t believe the series of events which brought you, Shib back into my life ( everyone preferred calling you Shib, instead of Mahira,) Was it the sofa ? Or was it my latest book? … I suppose it was EVERYTHING!
- [Raise the level of your life!](https://shireengheba.com/raise-the-level-of-your-life/) - Hi Everyone! Sigh… I know life these days is tough. I get so many of your messages crying for help. Thank God, I’m not God. Can you imagine how many calls for help He receives? Well, He is God. I’m definitely not. So, here is a combined response to all of you who are reaching
- [Life Happens!](https://shireengheba.com/life-happens/) - Hi Everyone! Hope and pray you all are well. So, you see, this is what life is like. It happens. As we sit and make our ‘to do list’ and the ‘monthly plan’ or ‘new year plan’… Life happens. Normally, life happens only to you, while the world is going on its own way…. But
- [Why Food Drives….](https://shireengheba.com/why-food-drives/) - Salaams to all! Listen, neither you have much time, nor do I. We both are such busy people. Yes, in these days our most ‘important’ things begin with online engagements. Especially, Instagram, then doing household chores, then online meetings, school, classes and what not! Surprising how much occupied we have become within these limitations of
- ['Do not let it damage you'.](https://shireengheba.com/do-not-let-it-damage-you/) - Hi Everyone! We all are in this Covid19 dilemma together. Yet, many of you are facing even bigger battles, in your lives. Victims of domestic violence are stuck in their homes with hubby dear. Even worse, are those who are stuck with their husband and his family. Together, they all are having a 'party' at
- [Time to make amends.](https://shireengheba.com/time-to-repent/) - Eid Mubarak Everyone! Ramzan and Eid is over now. In spite of everything, and the sad fact that mosques were almost closed, quite surprisingly, it still was a good Ramzan. It was free of all distractions like the iftar parties and lots of shopping trips for Eid . We realized for the first time, that
- [Lock-down and Food Drive.](https://shireengheba.com/lock-down-and-food-drive/) - Salaams to Everyone! How are you faring so far? I’m sure most of you are doing well, in spite of all the apprehensions. It is almost a month since the lock down happened in Pakistan. It is not that bad here, as the grocery shops, chemists, fruit and vegetable shops are open. So, basic necessities
- [Goodbye past, welcome future!](https://shireengheba.com/goodbye-past-welcome-future/) - Getting back to a new ‘normal’ life: After fifty four days of Food drive during the lock down, I’ve realized, we are here for the long haul. Better get back to the ‘new normal’ life. What is ‘new normal’? Well, our lives, actually. I’m glad people are getting married, (since deaths are taking place anyway!
- [Cyber Security by Muhammad Asif.](https://shireengheba.com/cyber-security-by-muhammad-asif/) - Millions of people have been falling victim to online scams all over the globe by different frauds and schemes executed wholly or partly by technology. Where this progression of technology has eased our lives in almost every aspect, it has also birthed new means to swindle people. To help the victims I have come up
- [Online Crime and Heartbreak – Part II](https://shireengheba.com/online-crime-and-heartbreak-part-ii/) - Hi Everyone! Hope you all are holding on tightly to all Corona precautions even though many countries have eased. Continuing with Part II of my blog post on online crimes, I'm sharing a few more types of crime that you may encounter. These can specially happen now when we all are rather vulnerable. Also we
- [Online Crime and Heartbreak – Part I](https://shireengheba.com/online-crime-fake-identities/) - Hi Everyone! I’ve been dying to write about online crime, but so many people started dying these days with and without the Corona Virus. So, I thought I’d give this topic a break. (Recently, Irfan, and then Rishi Kapoor.) On Facebook constantly one sees more persons falling ill. Then I realized, that at such times,
- [Ramzan and Corona.](https://shireengheba.com/ramzan-and-corona/) - Salaams, Everyone! Peace and blessings be upon you. Together we are living through a new world. I’m loving this silence, this peace and this giving our time and thoughts to others. What with all this Corona business, and now its Ramzan – the month of fasting. Alhamdolillah! Situation these days: Believe me, at a time
- [Twenty-first April 2020, Iqbal and My Self.](https://shireengheba.com/twenty-first-april-2020-iqbal-and-my-self/) - Salaams to all! How is life these days? How are you adapting to your new life? Believe me, I was actually looking forward to this lock down. (What more can an artist or writer want?) Previously,great writers would go into the woods and lock themselves up in a cabin for days to get that artistic
- [Singaporean Rice - a favorite dish](https://shireengheba.com/singaporean-rice-a-favorite-dish/) - This is my daughter Waliya’s favorite dish. She is a connoisseur of food. So, when I’m feeling very loving towards my child, I like to make this for her. Once, we were going through a tough period in our lives, I decided to make this for Waliya, as a surprise. So, when I went to
- [Abdul Rahim my cook, my strength](https://shireengheba.com/abdul-rahim-my-cook-my-strength/) - Salaams Everyone! Today, I’m sad because I lost my cook Abdul Rahim, last year. He died exactly one month after my father last year on on Friday, March 22nd 2020. He took care of all the guests who kept coming for afsose and condolences for my father. Then he left our world too. Joined me
- [Facing current financial hardships](https://shireengheba.com/facing-current-financial-hardships/) - Hi Everyone! We are into the third week of ‘voluntary lockdown’ in Pakistan. Today, I’m talking about something that is on everyone’s minds; Whether we talk about it or not, it is one of the biggest fears. Let us face this second biggest fear during this extended ‘lockdown’. (The first fear is of losing one’s
- [Fighting Corona Virus War.](https://shireengheba.com/a-blog-post-to-show-how-life-has-changed-after-the-corona-virus-has-hit-the-world-it-has-been-compared-to-a-world-war-with-a-death-toll-which-is-rising-daily-ways-are-shown-here-to-combat-it-how/) - Hi Everyone! We are living through a nightmare. Can it be called the World War III? A war, having the entire world on one side, the Corona Virus (enemy) on the other side. The death toll is rising daily. Today, I’m writing about what we are going through now. Everything is changing so fast that
- [Crazy Corona Virus Situation](https://shireengheba.com/crazy-corona-virus-situation/) - The current scenario of battling with the Corona Virus and holding on to our sanity; it is vital to realize all blessings and stay positive.
- [Harmony between thoughts, speech and feelings.](https://shireengheba.com/love-and-the-love-triangle/) - Something struck me about the connections found between our thoughts, feelings and what we say. How the related organs are as connected too. This post could change your life, as its' realization has changed mine!
- [Focus on important issues for Women’s Day 2020](https://shireengheba.com/focus-on-vital-issues-for-womens-day-2020/) - This Women's Day on March 8th 2020, needs to be with awareness of specific goals that we need to achieve. Together, we must work towards the goal of making a better life for the downtrodden in our society. Women need to help each other and have the cooperation of men to get where we need to get to get basic human rights.
- [Success Secrets of Brig Sarfaraz](https://shireengheba.com/success-secrets-of-brig-sarfaraz/) - Dear Daddy, You left me speechless. It has been hard living without you. We do accept Allah’s decision, yet we miss you every day. Today, on your ninety-third birthday, I’ve decided to accept gifts from your life - the secrets to your successful life - it will help my readers and myself in our lives.
- [Waliya and Faizan’s Nikah](https://shireengheba.com/waliya-and-faizans-nikah/) - Hello Everyone! I’m back, after a longer break than usual. So, most of you know why, it was due to nikah ceremony of my youngest daugher, Waliya. Nikah is the actual marriage contract or certificate. I’ll give a little insight into the concept of it, for those who live in a different world from ours.
- [Love my Followers](https://shireengheba.com/love-my-followers/) - Assalam-o-Alaikum, Everyone! This post is dedicated to each of you, who read my blog posts, and follow me on Instagram and Facebook. Most of you are young and bubbling or ever green - like myself! ;) Well, since I have friends and associates of all age groups, here is a typical remark I come across
- [Faisal Naveed loses both arms](https://shireengheba.com/faisal-naveed-loses-both-arms/) - Hi Everyone! Hope you are having a great day? Alhamdolillah, life is good. Allah is kind. Each of us is facing his or her own struggles. None of us know what kind of peril we may face at what time in our lives. We really must be grateful for all His blessings, on a daily
- [Allama Iqbal and  I](https://shireengheba.com/allama-iqbal-and-i/) - (an article of mine printed on February 7th, 1997 in The News:) Iqbal’s poetry gives purpose to one’s life. Shireen Najib discovers self after reading the English translations of the poet of the East. I was never touched by Iqbal’s poetry. - Simply because I never understood it. No English medium person can. Our education
- [Reality Check Necessary in Life.](https://shireengheba.com/reality-check-necessary-in-life/) - Life has new ways of teaching you new lessons. Otherwise, I’m telling you, we’d never learn. This winter, I've learnt a lot due to being a bit ill with a sore throat and that fall I had earlier. Life carries, on and that's what you do, no matter what hurdles come your way. https://www.facebook.com/shireen.gheba/videos/pcb.3079092062124065/3079091302124141/?type=3&theater But.
- [Minimalism and Me](https://shireengheba.com/minimalism-and-me/) - Theoretically its great. Minimalism. But actually, it is almost impossible for me. I’m so bogged down with myself, and my stuff. It’s the same in my mind too. So many things I’ve got to share with you. Though I write pretty often, still there is so much more I’d love to share with you. Believe
- [Lets Restart Ourselves in 2020!](https://shireengheba.com/lets-restart-ourselves-in-2020/) - Salaams to Everyone! When we begin this new year, it still has the taste of the end of last year in it. So, let me begin with the ending of last year.... The ending and the beginning: Life has been so good, and was the happiest for me in a long time, when my son-in-law
- [Closing 2019 with a touching story](https://shireengheba.com/closing-2019-with-a-touching-story/) - Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year to all my wonderful Readers. What a year! Like you, for me too, it has been full of sorrows, joys, fun and some hard parts, all rolled into one beautiful year. Starting with gratitude: Alhamdolillah! Let us join hands to thank Allah for everything. We know the hard
- [Self Analysis 2019](https://shireengheba.com/self-analysis-2019/) - Hi Everyone! The end of 2019 is here. So, lets quickly ‘wrap it up’ now…. How to do it? Lets see. The good thing is that this year, I'm thinking, instead of just marking what happened, lets go a step ahead of that and see how we fared during all the events that happened. What
- [Talking appropriately with special people](https://shireengheba.com/talking-appropriately-with-special-people/) - It was enlightening to meet Asifa, a few days ago, (her name is changed here). She sat on her wheelchair saying that a friend of hers who is special, sat in a taxi and the driver says, ‘Baji, kiya hua tha?’ (Meaning what happened? (that you are without a leg.) So, she has a sense
- [My health and fitness tips](https://shireengheba.com/my-health-and-fitness-tips/) - I’m feeling very self-conscious while writing this blog post. It is only because many of you have asked me about my fitness. So, I’ll tell you what I do and why; I’m into simplicity in every form – sorry to disappoint you. Basically, I am blessed from both sides genetically. More than that, it is
- [How to strengthen faith.](https://shireengheba.com/how-to-strengthen-faith/) - The actions that got me out of my toughest times. Every November since 2011, it gives me the creeps. The flashbacks… and everything. If you are new here, you can know what I’m talking about here. Its not important. What is important is that today I’m stronger and so happy. Alhamdolillah! Often, I wonder what
- [Packing & Travel abroad](https://shireengheba.com/packing-travel-abroad/) - When I’m packing for a trip abroad, I’m freaking out. ‘Will I forget something?’, biggest question is ‘How to fit everything into this suitcase?’ Biggest apprehension is: ‘Will it burst open on the way?’ Once the journey begins, Immediately, I move to ‘enjoying travel’ mode. Instagram and Facebook time, full time! Almost.😉 I’m conscious of
- [Mahira-Rea and I, after 41 years - (Part II)](https://shireengheba.com/mahira-rea-and-i-after-41-years-part-ii/) - Hi, Everyone! I’m sure you were waiting for this post. You know, while being in Halifax I watched many videos on health and how to keep one’s brain at it’s best. It is all about having good relationships. As you know, my trip to Canada was surely about that! Did you read my last two
- [Mahira-Rea after 41 years. (Part I)](https://shireengheba.com/mahira-rea-after-41-years-part-i/) - We hugged each other tightly. Each one pulling away slightly to look the other in the eyes. Was it true? Finally! Our beaming smiles and laughter were unaffected by the onlookers watching us. My new acquired family, and Shib’s own were watching us, it was truly a great moment for us. A big Alhamdolillah and
- [Our new-found family in Canada.](https://shireengheba.com/meeting-my-mothers-family-in-canada/) - Hi, Everyone! I wrote this post during my flight to Islamabad. So, I'm going to tell you how I met my mother's family in Sylvan Lake, near Calgary. Especially the details of how we are related, and how we found each other. Then a a bit about Sylvan Lake,and finally, my meeting with my friend
- [Relax – take a break!](https://shireengheba.com/relax-take-a-break/) - Why are we so cruel on ourselves? I should know. Every ‘to do’ list is made to grind ourselves a little more. We are merciless with the work we keep piling on ourselves. Then at the end of the day, instead of appreciating ourselves for all that we did, we feel bad for all
- [Life in Halifax & now going to Calgary ...](https://shireengheba.com/life-in-halifax-now-going-to-calgary/) - Living abroad, here in Halifax, literally, I’m afraid to step on the road. There are rules about everything. Stand here, don’t stand there, cross road here, like this, but not like this on the other crossing. Everyone seems to know all the rules…. Except me. I need to learn everything. All this takes time! In
- [Enjoy funny moments in life.](https://shireengheba.com/enjoy-funny-moments-in-life/) - Hi Everyone! Are you enjoying my travel posts? I’m so glad, as I love travelling. Even while travelling or when going through any time in life, I believe in enjoying the humorous side. By the way, a specialist says that you need to laugh twenty three times a day. So, let us do it. In
- [Islamabad to Halifax, Canada.](https://shireengheba.com/islamabad-to-halifax-canada/) - Hi Everyone! You must be wondering what I’ve been up to. It has been a month since my last post on August 10th 2019 here. Well, it’s not because of anything except that I was going on a holiday to Canada, and was busy preparing for it. When I reached here, the lead of my
- [My stress management strategies.](https://shireengheba.com/my-stress-management-strategies/) - Every family goes through stressful phases in life; We too, have been through our fair share. Recently, Rammal Mehmud and Sajida Waheed asked me on Facebook to conduct a workshop on my stress management techniques. Since, the workshop cannot be done right now, so I’m doing my next best thing – a blog post. My
- [Sleep is vital for vitality.](https://shireengheba.com/sleep-is-vital-for-vitality/) - 'Sweet dreams!' - They say, that you can only have dreams if you are in deep sleep. My sleep was always great. No matter what happened. But during last few years, I go to sleep and wake up every couple of hours. So, I wasn’t getting that straight six hours' sleep. As a result, I’ve
- [Drive into the clouds](https://shireengheba.com/drive-into-the-clouds/) - Drive into the clouds All my life, I’ve loved mountains. When I look at them, my heart skips a beat. I feel so much gratitude, and happiness. Just looking at them, makes me feel happy. The closer I get to them, the happier I get! Is it the same for you too? Every few weeks
- [The Fighter pilot's beautiful home.](https://shireengheba.com/the-beautiful-home-of-nabila/) - A home in Islamabad built with pride and love. I don’t know about you, but I’ve always loved interior design magazines, and books. More than that, one loves visiting beautiful homes of friends and acquaintances. It just makes you feel great. As you know, I’ve been writing on different homes in Islamabad. You can
- [Domestic violence](https://shireengheba.com/11738/) - What do you do, when the world’s best relationship turns into the worst? Suddenly, I feel impelled to write on this topic. As I write, the Mohsin Abbas Haider and Fatima Sohail case is blazing on our screens. Yes, this is the ugly side of a toxic relationship. You are getting a demo of how
- [Promises to myself](https://shireengheba.com/promises-to-myself/) - Do know, that I’m still fulfilling promises to myself, made several decades ago? Actually! This is how long it can takes, if you get too busy elsewhere, living your life. Two promises: 1. Help improve lives of poor people: ‘As God is my witness, I’ll make a difference in the lives of these poor people.’ I
- [Girls, Financial Planning is crucial](https://shireengheba.com/girls-financial-planning-is-crucial/) - This subject is very close to my heart. So, when a follower on Instagram Yumna Sardar asked me to write on finance, I was thrilled. Dil ki baat kardi jenab! How I realized my plight: When I was hit on the head with it! Actually, all my life, my husband asked me to take interest
- [Solving traumatic ‘office procedures.’](https://shireengheba.com/solving-traumatic-office-procedures/) - - Sorting ourselves out and helping the offices out of their ML and DFM work ethics. Life is so very short. We all have so much to do, before we leave this world. (I've just returned from the funeral of a person known to me. She died suddenly, last night. She was fine.) So, is
- [Facing Traumatic 'Office Procedures'.](https://shireengheba.com/facing-traumatic-office-procedures/) - Survival tactics in Pakistan – or anywhere else! When the going gets tough, the tough get tougher. How much tougher? Hmmm … lets find out. So you know, life has been basically fine. But the office procedures, after my father's death, have been literally killing me. When my Dad passed away in February
- [An only child!](https://shireengheba.com/an-only-child/) - What you don’t have, you don’t miss. Hello Everyone! I’m wanting to explore the 'only child' situation today. The idea came to me through a remark by someone. So allow me to enlighten you. As a second generation only child. I guess I'm qualified. I mean, my mother was an only child, and so
- [Why care for the poor?](https://shireengheba.com/dare-to-care-for-the-poorest-among-us/) - Discussing here why it is vital for us to pull up the poorest socio-economic level of our society. Unless we do it as quickly as possible, it will ultimately pull us all down. Small steps are shared here, by which each one of us can make a difference. This is bound to have an over-all impact. We have to start by helping them intelligently and in a focused manner.
- [Surprise trip to Muzzafarabad](https://shireengheba.com/surprise-trip-to-muzzafarabad/) - The drive to Muzafarabad was great. There is a rough patch yet to be completed, but mostly in good shape. On the way we saw lovely views, driving along the Jehlum River. Water falls, streams and pine trees, the bushes along the winding roads, bursting with pink flowers, daisies, and lovely wild flowers. Crisp clean
- [Eid greetings to all!](https://shireengheba.com/eid-greetings-to-all/) - Eid Mubarak Everyone! I'm sure your Eid was as wonderful as your Ramzan. As I write, it is Sunday night. Ramzan is over, and so is the last day of Eid holidays. You all are nicely tucked into your beds, ready to start a 'normal' week tomorrow. So, who reads a blog post about
- [Miracles of this Ramzan 2019](https://shireengheba.com/miracles-of-this-ramzan-2019/) - Assalam o Alaikum to you all! We are half way through Ramzan, the month of fasting for Muslims. Here in Islamabad it is from around 3.30 am till 7.07 pm. So it is 15.5 hours. I know it is up to eighteen hours in other parts of the world, like in Seattle. Surprisingly, It has
- [How my Mentors helped …](https://shireengheba.com/how-my-mentors-helped/) - All of us go through times when we feel we are stuck in an ‘impossible’ situation. It feels like a dead-end in life. You need someone to talk to. Someone, who is not judgmental. Who will listen to you with empathy, and offer the best solution. With time, I’ve gathered mentors in every field of
- [This Mother’s Day 2019](https://shireengheba.com/this-mothers-day-2019/) - Hi, Everyone! Yesterday was mother’s day, and yesterday, I completed a milestone in my Instagram account – yes, the coveted 10 k followers! It happened so rapidly and suddenly. But what was more momentous was something that I shared in my stories, it was a message on mothers’ day for all mothers. Surprisingly, it had
- [Dealing with hateful ‘things to do’.](https://shireengheba.com/dealing-with-hateful-things-to-do/) - No matter what we do in life, we still have to swallow some bitter pills. So, this blog post is about how to do it as smoothly, quickly and efficiently as possible. So, what is the ‘bitter pill’? It is anything that you HATE to do! No matter how much you hate it, you still
- [The happiness formula ](https://shireengheba.com/the-happiness-formula/) - Are you feeling unhappy? Are you in session with a psychiatrist but find it hard coping with the days in-between? Well, I have a homespun ‘therapy’ for all types of sadness and sicknesses. It happens because we all want happiness. All we have to know is that we have it inside of us. It comes
- [Living within glass walls.](https://shireengheba.com/living-within-glass-walls/) - It is about the glass walls that we are living in. No, you don’t realize that you are living in it, but you are. We all are actually living within compartments made of these glass walls. Occasionally, we share the compartment with others. Mostly, we live separately. Actually, no one knows about it. Only you
- [The upholstery project](https://shireengheba.com/the-upholstery-project/) - Hello Everyone! You gave me such a wonderful response to my previous blog post on how I revamped my parents’ room here. I was flooded with questions about it afterwards. Yes, I get most on my Facebook and Instagram accounts where I share the blog posts also, as well as on WhatsApp with various groups.
- [Reboot yourself by re-upholstering.](https://shireengheba.com/reboot-yourself-by-re-upholstering/) - Salaams to all. This one is more about getting yourself back to normal after a difficult spell in life. It maybe a personal tragedy, or just a terribly busy spell in life. When you come back to your own life, you find that almost everything has changed. Nothing is as it used to be. So,
- [Mindset - a book I'm reading now.](https://shireengheba.com/mindset-a-book-im-reading-now/) - Buying books and visiting libraries in Seattle: My love for travel and family is almost equal. Love to merge the two by visiting my family in the States as often as I can. Naturally, being with my family is my biggest motive, but after that is the thrill of books. Just love it. Can’t get
- [Happy memories, at Nataliya's home.](https://shireengheba.com/happy-memories-at-nataliyas-home/) - Hi Everyone! I'm so thrilled to find that Shehzeen - the Desi Wonder Woman has chosen to do a home tour of Nataliya and Bilal's home. It is beautifully depicted. It is especially wonderful, coming from Shehzeen, whose taste and style I really love. So, naturally, I've shared her post, those who are interested, please
- [Take care!](https://shireengheba.com/take-care/) - It is all about fitness and good health. Trying to have a lifestyle which brings out the best in oneself. I'm sharing some tricks and tips that have worked for my family and myself .
- [At Home With Nataliya (The Most Soulful Home Tour)](https://shireengheba.com/at-home-with-nataliya-the-most-soulful-home-tour/) - Source: At Home With Nataliya (The Most Soulful Home Tour)
- [Spring 2019](https://shireengheba.com/spring-2019/) - Feeling the message of spring; to savor the blessing of God in all settings. To know that along with every hardship is ease and comfort. He brings us flowers and blooms to make us believe that after every hardship there are blessings too. Let us savor the flavor of HIs blessings.
- [Self-talk II](https://shireengheba.com/self-talk-ii/) - Self-talk is a way of controlling your own thought processes. To find ways to use your thoughts positively to protect you, instead of harming yourself. It is a vital process in self improvement, and for success in any matter.
- [Dealing with Overwhelming work.](https://shireengheba.com/how-to-deal-with-overwhelming-work/) - Overwhelming workloads invariably put a gash in relationships, if you aren't careful. So, while being happily 'busy' with success of your projects, do remember your loved ones. Take your concurrent responsibilities seriously too. Its all about self management skills. Your awareness of it, can make a big difference.
- [Women’s day 2019](https://shireengheba.com/womens-day-2019/) - On this Women's Day 2019 lets set the record straight. We all are going to get our rights together. Our struggle is against cruelty and injustice. We can only win by fighting for success together, with each other's support.
- [Self-talk to heal](https://shireengheba.com/self-talk-to-heal/) - Sigh! I’ve begun to love my readers. Writing is a labor of love anyway, but to be writing for you, is a privilege because I know you are amazing. Let me say, that your responses have made me feel so close to you all. In the past two weeks or so, (after my father passed
- [Allah kay hawalay ….](https://shireengheba.com/allah-kay-hawalay/) - My father passed away on 22nd of February. It has been a great source of comfort for my family and myself to find you all sharing our grief. It is a time to find ways to get one's bearings after this great setback. May Allah help us all while facing sad times. Thank you so much for your messages and help.
- [Realization & writing journals.](https://shireengheba.com/realization-writing-journals/) - Realization plays a major part in our lives. It is important to know where we are going. A reality check with one's own conscience is necessary sometimes. It is best done with the help of writing regular journals.
- [Social Media & My Playlist](https://shireengheba.com/social-media-impact-my-favorite-videos/) - We are in a world of social media whether we accept it or not. Like everything else, it has its good and bad side. And like everything else it also needs to be used with care. That's all.
- [Watch Out Girls!](https://shireengheba.com/watch-out-girls/) - An important blog post on safety measures you must take at all times. Know that you can be in danger in your home as well as outside it. The more you move around, the more you've got to be street smart. Take responsibility for your own safety. Be alert and be prepared. Take steps and measures for your own safety and protection. Some tips are given here which I'm sure would help you.
- [Extraordinary  relationships.](https://shireengheba.com/extraordinary-relationships/) - Your relationship with people in your life, (whether your blood relations or not,) depends on your own attitude. Your decision to make the best of a given situation can make all the difference in your own and their lives. This is what living is all about!
- [Art Classes in Shireen’s Studio](https://shireengheba.com/art-classes-in-shireens-studio/) - Its all about why art is so important in our lives. An introduction to how painting can make such a positive impact. You will find ways in which art can change your life. You will see glimpses of some art sessions at Shireen's Studio. Looking forward to you joining in too.
- [Starting a writer’s meet-up.](https://shireengheba.com/organizing-a-writers-meet-up/) - Writer's Meetups are a wonderful way to interact with other writers and poets. This can also include screenwriters. It is good to share experiences, and get inspired by other authors and writers.
- [Writer’s Meet-up and Matthew Vaughan.](https://shireengheba.com/writers-meet-up-and-matthew-vaughan/) - It was a Writer's Meet-up held at Shireen's Studio in honor of Matthew Vaughan. He is a missionary who has lived in Pakistan for over eight years now. He is sadly, leaving next month. So, it was a pleasure having him with us, and listening to him reading from his latest book.
- [Good memory takeaways](https://shireengheba.com/good-memory-takeaways/) - A post about lovely events and its takeaways. You see every event has something which is of use to us all. So, I've noted these too. There is the bonfire writer's meet up, the wedding of my loyal staff member Abdul Rahim's son. Also, the gifts of paintings I've received. All these are takeaways of life.
- [How I brought up my three daughters.](https://shireengheba.com/how-i-brought-up-my-three-daughters/) - Today I'm sharing my parenting style with you. I’m gaining fame these days. Not because of myself, but because of my daughters. Yes, I’m the proud mother of three star daughters. They are all grown up now. Nataliya has a photography business in Seattle, and was the first blogger in our family. She is married
- [Elephant in the room?](https://shireengheba.com/elephant-in-the-room/) - Why is nothing being done about about population planning in Pakistan? Everyone is ignoring the monster of over-population. Our people are producing like rabbits. So, it’s a rabbit in the garb of an elephant in the room! On December 6th I was invited by Nathalene Reynolds of SDPI, to be a discussant at their panel.
- [Closure](https://shireengheba.com/closure/) - When life gets rocky, face it, make a quick closure and move on. Here is a blog post to show you how to make it a quick closure so you can easily move on to the next chapter of your life. While facing life's challenges, it is smart to make quick closures over any 'bad nuts' that come in your way. Just move on fast.
- [Over three trimesters of life.](https://shireengheba.com/over-three-trimesters-of-life/) - This one is about three trimesters of life. How the media gives us misconceptions about 'age' and its stages. It is time to reboot that bit about how we are being perceived by others. Our own perceptions about how we feel should be our own prerogative and not based on whats dished out by media. Its a brief new look at life as we see it today. They say a cat has nine lives, how can we have the same?
- [Ejaz Art Gallery](https://shireengheba.com/ejaz-art-gallery/) - My visit to the art gallery was a great joy for me. When you walk through an art gallery, it is like witnessing the true thoughts of each of these artists. The experience is of a deep connection. Have you tried it?
- [Ending 2018 - starting 2019 !](https://shireengheba.com/ending-2018-starting-2019/) - Ending a year right and beginning the next one with a blast. All I can say is a big 'Alhamdolillah'. Hope all is well at your end too. Praying for everyone's well being and health.
- [Holidays - opportunities for bonding with children.](https://shireengheba.com/holidays-opportunities-for-bonding-with-children/) - If life is difficult for us in these times, consider how hard it is for our children. Remember ‘for love, you need time’. When you get the time, don’t throw it away, by putting children into ‘summer classes’ and ‘winter break activities’. Spend the time with them. Otherwise, later on don’t wonder why there is
- [Car maintenance tips for girls!](https://shireengheba.com/car-maintenance-tips-for-girls/) - Hi my delicate drivers! Most of us want to drive a car, so let us be responsible for maintaining it too. I’m telling you, it is not that big a deal. Watch the guys … do they repair the car themselves? No, they don’t! Precisely, they get it done. So, can you! Here is what
- [December 16th 2018](https://shireengheba.com/december-16th-2018/) - Did you think of it like this? This date should make every Pakistani contemplate for a while. Just as we celebrate our good times; a wise nation also ponders over its failures and mishaps. A wise nation learns from its mistakes, and makes sure these are never repeated in living history again. In today’s world
- [Let’s make our 2019 Annual plan.](https://shireengheba.com/lets-make-our-2019-annual-plan/) - Let us prepare year 2019 Annual Plan now. It is just a fifteen to twenty minute exercise. A quick round up of this year, then make the Annual Plan. Believe me it will be worth it. Unlike this year, at least we will be clear where we are going next year. :)
- [‘My baby is mine!’](https://shireengheba.com/my-baby-is-mine/) - It is about the decision to let your baby go or not! Yes, a painful subject. Listen to your heart when it says 'no!' Its all about many brave girls who managed to do very well when they decided to keep the baby .
- [The joy of driving in Pakistan or anywhere else!](https://shireengheba.com/the-joy-of-driving-in-pakistan/) - Its all about my love for driving. The liberation I feel, and how it is my medium to get me all that I want to do. It helps me be spontaneous. It also helps me with any spontaneous acts of kindness.
- [My Work life balance](https://shireengheba.com/work-life-balance/) - How I became an artist, educationist, and writer. In this post I’m showing you how I did the ‘work-life balance’. My childhood was fully inclined towards art. My parents didn’t let me go to NCA for its ‘open’ environment, and my mother put me in College of Home Economics. I was the typical daughter
- [Creating and living with beauty in your home.](https://shireengheba.com/creating-and-living-with-beauty-in-your-home/) - It is all about managing to bring beauty into your home. We are surrounded with art and beauty in nature. Nature is an artists’ greatest inspiration. It is only natural to want to bring this beauty inside our homes as well. I've shared some beautiful homes with you, and have lined up some more
- [November 2018: Happenings and Reflections.](https://shireengheba.com/november-2018-happenings-and-reflections/) - Salaams to everyone! Hope you are enjoying this lovely November. I get very reflective in November. Is it the same with you? What with the year-end nearby and the changing season, the leaves turning to gold all makes one ponder about life! After November 20th 2011, my life changed. It happened, when I took my
- [Truth about Lies](https://shireengheba.com/truth-about-lies/) - The journey from lies to truth. How do you feel when someone lies to you? How do you feel about that person? Yes, awful. You dislike that person! Next question: how can you do your business like this? (Is it halal if your income is gained through lies?) Why do we trust people abroad, more
- [WordPress Conferences, Birthdays and More!.](https://shireengheba.com/wordpress-conferences-birthdays-and-more/) - Just so grateful for these happy moments of joy. When I’m getting involved with ‘lots to do’, I just fast-forward myself by asking, ‘How will I feel afterwards?’ If my answer is: 'Yes'. Then I just go ahead with it. I know I can squeeze most of the activities; The trick lies, in delegating, and
- [Fight your way out of Depression](https://shireengheba.com/fight-your-way-out-of-depression/) - (This article was published in Woman’s Own Magazine from Karachi, Pakistan, in June 2011.) I’ve just updated this article while posting it for you. Recently, I met a lovely young girl who mentioned that she was depressed for three years. This inspired me to re-write this article and put it on my blog, just for
- [Caring for Elderly Parents](https://shireengheba.com/caring-for-elderly-parents/) - Dealing with issues while caring for your elders. Very few of us are blessed with the responsibility of caring for one’s parents. I cannot express the rewards and blessings that I enjoy just due to their presence in our home. My parents have been with me for five years now. It is heartbreaking to see
- [Monthly Plans  inspired by  Iqbal.](https://shireengheba.com/use-monthly-plans-inspired-by-allama-iqbal/) - How to achieve our monthly goals. Somehow, I know that you have a talent, or an objective in life. If you do, then you have to give it time and space in your life too. On an important day like Iqbal day, I am choosing to write on the subject of Monthly Plans. It is all about achievements.
- [My Latest Screen Writing Course.](https://shireengheba.com/my-latest-screen-writing-course/) - What I've learnt through it. Now, watch how ‘fate’ plays a role in our lives; As you know, my trip to Seattle was recently cancelled by the mysterious loss of passport. Two months earlier, while planning the trip, one of my top priorities was to attend a screen writing course in Seattle. There was another
- [My Visit to Citizen Service Center.](https://shireengheba.com/my-visit-to-citizen-service-center/) - It is a 15 Police Facilitation Center in F-6/1 , the heart of Islamabad. It is great to see improvements in different organizations in one's country. Islamabad has usually had an edge over the rest of the country. The latest improvement has been in the establishment of this Citizen Service Center. It was good to
- [What to look for in a Life Partner.](https://shireengheba.com/making-the-life-partner-decision/) - The scary business of choosing a life partner. Making the decision to choose a life partner is the toughest decision of one’s life. It has to be a decision which is straight from the heart – preferably, keeping both head and heart in sync. It is even tougher if you are choosing one for your child,
- [Lost Passport and Dealing with Loss](https://shireengheba.com/lost-passport-and-dealing-with-loss/) - When my passport got lost, remembering other losses, I went on to my plan 'b'. In today’s world we are so well-organized and streamlined, that when the unexpected happens, we feel like grieving. We get upset and ask ‘Why did it happen to me?’ (Meaning,'I’m so perfect, why?’) It's best to respond with: ‘So what?’
- [Marriage Safety Valves](https://shireengheba.com/marriage-safety-valves/) - It is about making your story as ‘Happily ever after’ as possible. (Warning: This is my longest blog post - why not grab that cup of tea or coffee you've been wanting to have? It is can important topic, almost as important as life itself. So, here goes: ) I asked my eighty-four-year-old
- [Café Garage - a refreshing addition.](https://shireengheba.com/cafe-garage-a-refreshing-addition/) - - A perfect place to hangout for the youthful among you. ‘ Cafe Garage, is a new place in E-11, which is quite interesting. It has a garage look and is called ‘garage’ too!’ My daughter mentioned it to me, some time back. I made a note, to check it out, and forgot about it.
- [Helping Street Children Become Street Smart.](https://shireengheba.com/helping-street-children-become-street-smart/) - Once, a beggar child came to Allama Iqbal, and his friend asked him, ‘can’t something be done about them?’ He said, 'their lives will not change, because no one is doing anything for them.' This is why the street children, have continued to have the same fate for centuries. No one did anything, and another
- [Four Secrets of Success](https://shireengheba.com/four-secrets-of-success/) - - I love it when a deep point is simplified! The other day, I saw this video of a sermon by Tariq Jamil. It has the secrets of success in both worlds. It is based on the sayings of Holy prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It gave me the answer to the secret of success of my
- [How to Make Life Exciting.](https://shireengheba.com/how-to-make-life-exciting/) - Almost every person I meet, he tells me he wants to do something special in his life. Something that will make him feel more satisfied and fulfilled. Believing in his talent, he finds its hard to pursue one's interests due to lack of time. Often I'm asked, how I do it. There is nothing special,
- [Ijaz Ahmed Khan – a great man of valor.](https://shireengheba.com/ijaz-ahmed-khan-comparing-a-good-word-with-a-good-tree/) - Perhaps, I met Mr. Ijaz Ahmed Khan once or twice in my life. It was enough to change my life… It was a freezing cold rainy day, when I drove over in my Alto, to his office with my daughter Waliya. I had left, my husband admitted in CMH, in the competent hands of Nadiya
- [An Elegant Home - Part II](https://shireengheba.com/an-elegant-home-part-ii/) - After my last blog post on this Elegant home in Islamabad, many people wanted me to do more posts like it. (Actually 87% of you!) So, here is the rest of my friend Munazza's home. In case you missed the last post Here it is. A beautiful home is probably everyone's dream. We all would love
- [Barbecue at Trail Five.](https://shireengheba.com/close-to-nature-to-unwind/) - At least once or twice a month, I need to be very close to Nature. My daily walks, combined with these trips, keep me fresh and energetic. It is the oxygen, the breathing in of the fragrances of different plants and lovely views, that make me feel fresh and happy. Whatever. It makes me feel
- [Meetings sheetings!](https://shireengheba.com/meetings-sheetings/) - Whether a meeting is within an organization, your home, family and its staff or even with your own self - the result is the same!
- [An Elegant Home in Islamabad.](https://shireengheba.com/an-elegant-home-in-islamabad/) - Truly, I cherish my friends. Especially the ones whom I’ve known for a long time. Maintaining these friendships is my greatest happiness and joy. AVM Qasim and Munazza have been known to my husband and myself since 1992. (I’m sure my husband has known bhai for a much longer time.) But I met him
- [Folk Heritage Museum and complex](https://shireengheba.com/folk-heritage-museum-and-complex/) - It was Uxi Mufti, the son of Mumtaz Mufti, who established this place many decades ago, in Islamabad. Uxi Mufti is the guru behind it all. The one who convinced the government to take responsibility to make a place where folk art of Pakistan is archived, preserved and presented. Here is also a theater where
- [Defenders and Creativity](https://shireengheba.com/defenders-and-creativity/) - Yesterday, it was hard for me not to write a blog post on 6th September, 2018. As the daughter of an army officer, and wife of an air force officer, the day means a lot to me. It means a lot to every Pakistani. More so for me. But…. I was determined to get started
- [Alone or Lonely?](https://shireengheba.com/alone-or-lonely/) - Finding the difference between being alone and lonely. It is while you are alone that you can be truly creative; It is fine being with like minded souls. Then you can never be lonely.
- [Enjoy the Beauty of Every Age](https://shireengheba.com/enjoy-the-beauty-of-every-age/) - It was my birthday last year, and daddy asked me, ‘what age are you now?’ So, I didn’t say, ‘you should know!’ Instead I asked him ‘which age? My spiritual, Intellectual, emotional, physical one, or my experiences’ age?’ That gave me enough time to slip off as he was trying to figure out the complications
- [Staying Connected](https://shireengheba.com/staying-connected/) - No matter where you choose to live, it is important to make time to be with your near and dear ones. It’s obvious why you left Pakistan (or whichever country you left) - for greener pastures abroad! Actually, you left your country for many reasons: Interfering ‘family network’, lack of punctuality, challenging job situations, flies,
- [How to Keep Your Energy level High!](https://shireengheba.com/energy-shenergy/) - 'How do you get so much energy?' I'm often asked. I'm nothing, I know people who are far more energetic. It is all a matter of focus, interest, and flow. It is a matter of knowing where you are going, and not letting other things/people get in one's way. In 1997, I had asked the
- [Words, Deeds and Trees...](https://shireengheba.com/words-deeds-and-trees/) - This blog post is almost a continuation of my last blog post Ijaz Ahmed Khan – comparing a good word with a good tree.. Thinking it would be too long for you all, I decided to break them up into two. So, here it is, I know I'm late by a few minutes, but you
- [Is My Life Meaningful?](https://shireengheba.com/is-my-life-meaningful/) - What is life? Is it just this noise of the daily rushing around? Completing the ‘things to do’ list? Meeting deadlines, going from one rushy hour to the next? Always, counting to see if one can make ends meet, or get that little bit of extra too? Loving food, dresses, make up, handbags, car, house
- [Imran Khan, our new Prime Minister](https://shireengheba.com/imran-khan-our-new-prime-minister/) - Here is a genuine man at last, wishing him all the success. He truly looked like a Greek god, back in 1980 when I saw him for the first time, in the cricket field, next to Rawalpindi Club. He stood nearby, while fielding. I could see him clearly, as my friend Samia and I
- [Election Day, 2018](https://shireengheba.com/election-day-2018/) - My voting experience today. Under slept, tired and highly motivated, my daughter and I drove off to Rawalpindi to vote this morning. I knew the drive would take an hour. Weather is hot and humid these days, so we wanted to be there much earlier. But I had to bathe and change my eighty-three-year-old mother,
- [Elections and Life Dichotomies .](https://shireengheba.com/elections-and-life-dichotomies/) - In this blog I quickly take you through the past weeks’ events right into the election fever. Now it is Wednesday 18th July, 2018 , late evening. As usual so much is going on, in the international world and within the country. On top of it all that, there is one’s personal life. Many times
- [The Rain Water Conservation Project](https://shireengheba.com/the-rain-water-conservation-project/) - Do, I have to emphasize why we need to conserve rain water? This is why: To save rain water is to save lives. When the water goes splashing out of your house, it gets wasted by flooding the roads and gutters. Just think, if every house conserved all that rain water which falls on it, none
- [Ramzan, CSS school and Art classes 2018](https://shireengheba.com/ramzan-css-school-and-art-classes-2018/) - Activities of last ten days of Ramzan. During last ten days of Ramzan, it seems both type of people put on another gear! The worldly types move towards the bazaars and shops and more iftar parties. The shopping areas, and roads are packed till late night. The spiritual types completely detach themselves, and go into
- [Birthday Bash, Mushtaq Yousefi and International Widow's day.](https://shireengheba.com/birthday-bash-mushtaq-yousefi-and-international-widows-day/) - How do I put such topics together, which are almost poles apart? For the simple reason that …. …I can! Why not? In life, there are the sad and the happy parts all going side by side. I’m telling you, the happy parts must never be given up due to the sad parts. So, actually,
- [Great Rules to live by!](https://shireengheba.com/great-rules-to-live-by/) - I know, because I've tried them out for many decades. As a teenager, in Lahore, the word ‘ADVENTURE’ was painted on newspapers pasted on one side wall of my bedroom. An only child, I had a childhood filled with Enid Blyton books. I was raised with plenty of routine and discipline by my parents. As
- [Rain water control, tree plantation, elections and my life.](https://shireengheba.com/rain-water-control-tree-plantation-elections-and-my-life/) - July 2018 thoughts… I guess, I better accept that real life isn’t so streamlined. Half the year is over, I’m already behind schedule on lots of things. But then, I’ve also done a lot of things which were not in the 'schedule' but far more important; like engagement of my youngest daughter Waliya. Giving time
- [Blessings of Domestic Help.](https://shireengheba.com/blessings-of-domestic-help/) - Domestic help in Pakistan, and this region (India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Gulf States,) are a point of discussion all round. This is so because they are an integral part of our lives. Like them or not, we can’t live without them. Driver, servant, maid, gardener, cleaning maid, cook, guard – you name it we have
- [Maintaining Relationships](https://shireengheba.com/maintaining-relationships/) - “Love your relations” Said General Jilani to my father, then he added with a twinkle in his eyes, “ - but only from a distance!” General Jilani, was my father's senior, when he joined the army. Later, he became the Governor of Punjab, however their closeness continued. By the way, his home was always full
- [Eid Preparations' check list.](https://shireengheba.com/9195/) - No matter how well organized you are, Eid comes as a bit of a surprise. As I write, Eid hasn’t been announced even at 11.00 pm Pakistan time, on June 14th,2018. So, obviously, Eid won’t be on fifteenth June here. A couple of hours ago, as I was busy doing up the home for
- [Spiritual Awakening Session of Aitekaaf.](https://shireengheba.com/spiritual-awakening-session-of-aitekaaf/) - - Fasting and aitekaaf, even during the year- can help us in many ways. This blog is all about how you can try out aitekaf even at home. The other point is that it is good to do it during Ramzan; However, it is possible to do it even during the rest of the year,
- [Water issue in Islamabad](https://shireengheba.com/water-issue-in-islamabad/) - It is vital for each of us to do our bit to improve the water situation in Islamabad. Otherwise, it will become like any other unplanned and badly managed city of Pakistan. Karachi has been hit by this issue badly due to settlers from all over the country. Now, it is Islamabad which has to be ready for the onslaught. Water is the biggest issue facing us now.
- [Joy of Charity Work](https://shireengheba.com/joy-of-charity-work/) - Somehow, you always receive more than you give! This topic is so close to my heart, I don’t know where to start! I suppose charity begins with empathy. Yet there are so many beginnings to it. Why give charity? It can be any of these reasons: To help others out of their dilemmas. To
- [Take it easy!](https://shireengheba.com/take-it-easy/) - A lot of the toughness in my life is caused by me! Seriously, I am my own worst enemy. So many of the things that are driving me crazy weren’t necessary in the first place! I mean I could have achieved my goal with just half the effort! Why did I over-do it? Was it
- [Best Cancer Prevention video](https://shireengheba.com/best-cancer-prevention-video/) - By the Indian nutritionist Luke Coutinho. No matter how happy-go-lucky we all seem to be, on the back of our minds, is this horrid fear of cancer. All those who follow me, would know that my husband died of Cancer. So, naturally, this word has a deeper connotation for me. It is natural to
- [First Week of Ramzan](https://shireengheba.com/first-week-of-ramzan/) - It is important to begin this month right! So, with great hype and resolutions we started Ramzan. Weather has been amazing in Islamabad, I’ve had days without fans even. Yes, I know, it has touched forties in Karachi and other parts of the country. Anyhow, as usual, it is miraculously possible to keep the fast,
- [Paintings, Nasreen, riverside views, and a puppy named Bingo.](https://shireengheba.com/paintings-nasreen-riverside-views-and-a-puppy-named-bingo/) - "Islamabad the Beautiful" Today was rather 'perfect' if I may say so! Usually, I include more than one program at a time, so that if plan A doesn't work, plan B is all set. So, plan A of celebrations with brunch at PC Rawalpindi didn't work, (Mum wasn't up to it). So, on with plan
- [Why am i like this?](https://shireengheba.com/why-am-i-like-this/) - We all are so achievement based.” I did this.” “ I did that.” “I will do this.” But the best one is: “I want to write a book. But I don’t get the time!” Ok. Suppose I do not do anything like this. Then what? Is it for acceptance? Or is it for something to
- [Need to stand back](https://shireengheba.com/need-to-stand-back-3/) - In life there comes a time when you want to just detach yourself from everything and everyone -to get your own perspective. Perspective of what? Life. -What else! To find out that after all that running from and running to different things, where exactly am I in life. As in RIGHT NOW. Am I really
- [The Need to become a recluse.](https://shireengheba.com/the-need-to-become-a-recluse/) - It is hard to pursue your interests while being in the middle of a city. - Especially in our caring culture like ours. Where others interfere with your time schedule, sometimes you, yourself interfere with your own time schedule. You can become a victim of your own goodness. Between the deaths and the marriages
- [“Do not talk to strangers!”](https://shireengheba.com/do-not-talk-to-strangers/) - The destructive impact of media and internet on our lives and families …. I’ve gained a lot of weight lately - mainly due to television. Those dairy milk chocolate ads are playing havoc on my waistline. I thought I was immune to the impact of media. I’m not. The daily dose of violence
- [Knee jerk!](https://shireengheba.com/knee-jerk/) - The story of my knee problem and how I’ve avoided the knee replacement operation so far….this might be of help to anyone with a knee problem. On way to the Desert Safari ride April 2014. You won't believe it, but I was in excruciating pain! - yet, I wasn't ready to miss the
- [My Dad's friend comes to visit.](https://shireengheba.com/my-dads-friend-comes-to-visit/) - Life is full of paradoxes, and the unexpected bits are the best! Well, so here was my 88 year old Daddy (he insists he is almost 90! – ) He was so excited that his friend is coming. I was busy with trying to settle into a proper work routine in my Studio. (After
- [Life in the other side of the world](https://shireengheba.com/life-on-the-other-side-of-the-world/) - Just do this, pick up a globe, and see where Pakistan is…then put your finger across on the other side of the world. And you will find Seattle, a little to the North. That is the place I’m talking about now. It is not only across, it’s the opposite, or nearly opposite of the world
- [How we survived our ordeal](https://shireengheba.com/how-we-survived-our-ordeal/) - Four years ago, I lost my husband to cancer. It was the most horrendous experience of mine and my daughter’s lives. Losing a relationship spanning three decades is tough. Tougher to bear was the behavior of three siblings of my husband who didn’t leave out a single chance to bring more pain and unhappiness into
- [Meeting friends in Lahore .](https://shireengheba.com/meeting-friends-in-lahore/) - Trip to Lahore January 2016 Just love going to Lahore. Once, I belonged to it. I’ve spent many years in Lahore. - Most of the formative years of my childhood, and my teenage too. Later on, I’ve been going there regularly. So, this time when Nudrat Tariq rang me up to ask me what date
- [The fragrance of life.](https://shireengheba.com/the-fragrance-of-life-2/) - I think we all react. We are made like that. I have laughed so much during last two weekends, going to Abbottabad with friends, and then to Lahore, with college friends it was so much fun. Then, came home to sort out some ‘baggage’ that I’ve been carrying for last few years …. I already
- [Life is an adventure](https://shireengheba.com/life-is-an-adventure/) - In college, my room in Gulberg in my Dadi Ji's home, had a huge painted word on one wall.... ADVENTURE. A great Enid Blyton fan, since my childhood, the adventure series were my favorite. Living a very routine life, where order was the order of the day. I yearned for adventure and excitement as a kid.
- [Flashbacks and Important details](https://shireengheba.com/flashbacks-and-important-details/) - After four years, I’m breaking my silence to share my story for these reasons: For you, or your loved ones: I believe, Allah made me go through all this so that perhaps it could make a difference in someone else’s life. We all learn from others. Me: Perhaps someone can help me with the Out
- [Air Cdre Najib Khan writes....](https://shireengheba.com/air-cdre-najib-khan-writes/) - OUR FAMILY’S STRENGTHS (This write up was just meant for ourselves, but I want to share it now. This was written in 2009 - two years before he passed away, it was just a family activity which Nataliya asked us all to do. The way Najib wrote it, was just awesome. He summed up our family's
- [Relationships - a time to move on ….](https://shireengheba.com/relationships-a-time-to-move-on/) - We are constantly growing… no matter what age we are. And in the same way every relationship we are in, is also growing. We are constantly in a state of movement. A state of motion or lagging behind in some way or the other. Look closely, your relationship with your father, mother, sisters, brothers, boss,
- [Put your loved ones in 'To do' list](https://shireengheba.com/put-your-loved-ones-in-to-do-list/) - “Take care!” we end most conversations meaning, take care of yourself. You won’t be happy if you don’t ‘take care’ of your loved ones too. But you can’t do that if you don’t put them in your ‘to do’ list. That is what this blog is all about. “Darling, I don’t have time, too much
- [How to forgive?](https://shireengheba.com/how-to-forgive/) - Now comes the hard part of life. Learning to forgive those who have harmed you or tried to! All my life, I’ve tried to be a forgiving person. But sometimes, some people really do some very unforgivable things to you, and that too, deliberately, with the desire to inflict pain and hurt. Due to
- [Ideas on art and its value.](https://shireengheba.com/ideas-on-art-and-its-value-in-life/) - An article written in 1996 printed in Dawn’s Sunday Magazine, now I’m sharing it with you after updating it. Only a few years ago, if someone had said I was going to be a writer, I’d say 'Me, a writer? Never! I am only an artist. And an artist cannot write - she paints!' But
- [Art classes by Hajra and Mansoor Rahi](https://shireengheba.com/art-classes-by-hajra-and-mansoor-rahi/) - These days, I’m making another one of my dreams come true. Attending art classes by the world famous artists of Pakistan: Mansoor Rahi and Hajra Mansoor. Their art classes are like getting a ‘two in one’ deal! The moment I enter the class I feel quite happy to have made the
- [A Writer's work!](https://shireengheba.com/writers-work/) - Its about my experiences as a published writer of features for newspapers and magazines ..... I always thought that what you read in an article is exactly how the writer planned it. It isn't. In fact many a times when a writer sees his or her work in print - it comes as a
- [Forgiving one’s own self](https://shireengheba.com/forgiving-ones-own-self/) - Do these following remarks seem familiar? “I’m always making a fool of myself!” “Mein to hoon hi aisi!” (I am like this!) “Meray saath to hamesha aisa hi hota hai, kiyon keh mein itni bay waqoof hoon!” (This always happens with me, because I’m such a stupid fool!) “Idiot” “Total nut case!” These are a
- [Enjoying the changing patterns of life](https://shireengheba.com/enjoying-the-changing-patterns-of-life/) - Going with the flow, and learning to enjoy it. As a kid, climbing trees and roofs was my passion. I absolutely loved it. The moment we came to a new house (my father, being in the army, we shifted to many places….) I’d size up the roof. The trees outside were checked out for ease
- [Painting wisdom, friends & tenants.](https://shireengheba.com/painting-wisdom-friends-tenants/) - “I might as well accept my life as it is, and stop calling it ‘crazy’…. I mean that is how it is, and that’s exactly how I love it.” Let me show you what I mean. Yesterday morning…. as usual I had my breakfast in bed. Porridge, aumlet (made deliciously with chopped tomatoes and onions
- [Essense of your being](https://shireengheba.com/essense-of-your-being/) - How to keep it alive through the storms of life? What is it about you, that is the real you? I’ve met many folks who say “You haven’t changed!” I take it as a big compliment. It is confirmed by the fact that persons I’ve met after many years, still recognize me. I can
- [Uncle Murphey](https://shireengheba.com/uncle-murphey/) - Its’ all about what is on your mind! Honestly, life is really something. There is a lot of ‘The Secret’ in it. If you’ve’ read that book you’ll know what I’m just going to say. What is on your mind, and what you really don’t want to happen - will happen. The Murphey’s Law is
- [Dealing with the ‘D’ word – Divorce.](https://shireengheba.com/dealing-with-the-d-word-divorce/) - How to go about it without mudslinging. When divorce became legal in Islam, it is believed that it is the worst thing that became legal. -Naturally, because it is the breaking up of a home. However, if staying in it becomes worse than breaking it, then it needs to be done. However, there
- [Walks, dogs and sense of responsibility.](https://shireengheba.com/walks-dogs-and-sense-of-responsibility/) - How can we have that level of sense of responsibility? I’m waiting for my bus in Redmond, near Seattle, USA. My girls and I are going to downtown Seattle today, and we got off at the wrong stop. So, next bus will be in twenty minutes or so. What to do but wait?
- [Living with terrorism.](https://shireengheba.com/living-with-terrorism/) - When I went to Seattle, USA the first time, several years ago, I was struck by the peace in USA. It was so beautiful. Like a dream world. How could an American feel the fears that we feel on a daily basis? It is so easy to blame a person who is in
- [Papita and papiti](https://shireengheba.com/papita-and-papiti/) - Story of my papaya tree Four years ago, when we moved into our own home, my parents got fruit for us, and there was a huge papaya in it too. My cook planted those seeds, and very soon twelve ‘trees’ were growing one foot tall in my tiny ‘lawn’. When he wasn’t looking, I pulled
- [Nataliya](https://shireengheba.com/nataliya/) - Birth of my precious first child. Your grandfather called you ‘my princess’. Your grandmother, loved singing lalabyes to you ‘meri jaani, meri raani, I love you! ...... ’ (My princess, I love you.) Of course, you were the apple of your parent’s eyes too! When you were one year old, we travelled through Europe
- [Trip to Sunday Bazaar](https://shireengheba.com/trip-to-sunday-bazaar/) - We need to encourage the efforts of the small businessman and benefit from the competitive pricing. I wanted some ‘family time’ with my Nadiya and Waliya. Also, I wanted to do something different with them. “Let’s go to Sunday Bazaar.” I murmured… We hadn’t been there for ages, due to the road construction nearby. Surprisingly,
- [Why suicide?](https://shireengheba.com/why-suicide/) - I've been there. ( Who hasn't?) We all have faced moments in life, when you feel there is nothing left to live for. Better to be dead, than to live this life day in and day out. Finding every moment in life unbearable. - And all that sort of thing. Suddenly, the question arose.
- [Is Silence Golden?](https://shireengheba.com/is-silence-golden/) - Having been an extrovert and a chatterbox all my life, losing my voice is quite a dilemma. As long as I know it is for a few days, its fine. The funny part is, the moment someone finds out you can't talk...... they stop talking! Hey, come on, I've done monologue conversations many times, but
- [Labor Day – a tribute to laborers in Pakistan.](https://shireengheba.com/labor-day-a-tribute-to-laborers-in-pakistan/) - Laborers I got to know….. In 2010 when my husband and I moved into this locality, it was a relatively new colony. -Lots of construction going on all round. There was dust in the air and more laborers seen around here, than the residents. Watching these laborers working and walking around, holding their fearful looking equipment
- [Life begins at Fifty!](https://shireengheba.com/life-begins-at-fifty/) - Phases and Stages in Life. Life is a one-way journey, with no u-turns. As you go, the journey has different phases and stages. One can say that the phases are like childhood, teenage, adult, middle age and then old age. But you see, all the books and media mainly caters to babies, children, teens
- [A freelance writer in Pakistan](https://shireengheba.com/a-freelance-writer-in-pakistan/) - Found this article about how my life began as a writer. I became a writer quite by accident. And like all accidents… it happened rather suddenly. One fine morning Najib (my dearly beloved husband) walked into the room, the shaving foam still on one side of his face, and announced that “Kuwait has been taken over!”
- [Advice to my younger self?](https://shireengheba.com/advice-to-my-younger-self/) - “What advice would you give to your younger self?” is something I read, which got me thinking. I think, no one is in a position to advise anyone. Not even ’ I’ to ‘me’ of my past. I think everyone is intelligent enough to know what is the best thing to do in a situation.
- [My exercise bicycle](https://shireengheba.com/my-exercise-bicycle/) - My experience of the exercise bicycle. “Uff! - this bicycle is constantly coming in my way.” I mentioned to Waliya. Now, it is getting on my nerves. I’ve put it near my bed, writing desk, and chair. The idea is that I’ll use it on way to each of these. What a hope! Its
- [Give taxes, as proud Pakistanis](https://shireengheba.com/give-taxes-as-proud-pakistanis/) - It is vital for development of our country. “I’m not signing, till you write the number of the hundreds of kanals of lands I am giving you all.” I said furiously, to my rivals. ”You have written about every inch and yard of my property. But kept all yours’ hidden! “ “Who will pay the
- [How God helps!](https://shireengheba.com/how-god-helps/) - This happened last week... I am sitting in this strange office, in a very familiar building in Islamabad. I’ve finally signed a peace treaty and have what is mine. The man in this office, who used to help me, is no longer in this world. I’m suddenly feeling insecure. As I feel insecure, I shake
- [Fairy Tales (and video games) are true.](https://shireengheba.com/fairy-tales-and-video-games-are-true/) - As a kid aged nine, I remember standing outside my gate, in Lahore’s Cavalry Ground, waiting for the newspaper man to bring the latest magazine of ‘Bachon ki Duniya’ and ‘Taleem-o-Tarbiat’. Mom made sure I read these to improve my Urdu. I don’t know if it improved, but my friends and I loved the
- [Ursula Ansari’s Cottage in Nathagali](https://shireengheba.com/ursula-ansaris-cottage-in-nathagali/) - “I’ve been inspired by you to drive to Nathiagali myself!” I said when I met her last weekend. “Oh, so you have driven all the way from Karachi, too?” asked Ursula Ansari. “Oh no! - From Islamabad.” I said sheepishly. I guess, I can’t beat her record! I can’t beat her age record either.
- [Facing car maintenance problems!](https://shireengheba.com/facing-car-maintenance-problems/) - Daniyal’s workshop: GT Garage in E-11 Northern Strip, Islamabad. I had opted to drop my friend Zeni, we were on 9th Ave, on our way to F-11 and E-11. She was admiring my car, and I proudly told her, it has driven over 250,000 km. She couldn’t believe it. I told her, that 1,50,000
- [Mount Everest in my Home.](https://shireengheba.com/mount-everest-in-my-home/) - Collection of items to be looked into ‘later’…. “Oh my God!” whatever I do, there is this pile of papers that need to be seen in my ‘minimalistic’ room, spoiling the whole impact. I hate it! It is like a Mount Everest for me. Mount Everest has become a symbol of surmounting an impossible task.
- [Miracle of Ramzan](https://shireengheba.com/miracle-of-ramzan/) - - The month of fasting. Everything is fine, about Ramzan. But the thought of staying without water for almost 17 hours is just too much. I’m one of those ‘water freaks’ who guzzles water all day long. If I go out, my bottle of water goes with me. I had panic attacks once, and
- [The ‘W’ word](https://shireengheba.com/the-w-word/) - - When a wife turns into a widow. My husband and I would visit ladies who had lost their husband. Going for ‘afsos’. Never in our wildest imagination could one think that it could happen to us too. It was always something that happens to ‘other’ people. So, when the ‘W’ word happened to
- [Happy Birthday Waliya](https://shireengheba.com/happy-birthday-waliya/) - for June 22nd, 2016.... You came into our lives, and broke all rules. With your elder sisters I was a strict mom, but with you, it didn’t work. - You had your two sisters and Papa’s support. – your grand parents’ too. Your Papa spoilt you hollow. I’m glad I never came between you
- [Happy birthday!](https://shireengheba.com/happy-birthday/) - (My fifteen points of happy living.) We all love to celebrate our birthdays. But we don’t want to get older. We want a long life, but we don’t want wrinkles. We want to eat our (birthday) cake, and have it too. So what’s wrong with it? It is the most human perspective after all!
- [Abdul Sattar Edhi has departed our world.](https://shireengheba.com/abdul-sattar-edhi-has-departed-our-world/) - (Spirit of Edhi lives on in each Pakistani from now onwards…) Ever since I heard of Abdul Sattar Edhi’s passing away last night, I couldn’t sleep. In the morning, I didn’t feel like getting up and stepping into a world without Edhi in it. - Just watched his ‘namaz-e-janaza’ in National Stadium, Karachi, on television.
- [Media Power - eventful two weeks of July 2016](https://shireengheba.com/media-power-last-eventful-two-weeks-in-july-2016/) - How their ‘coverage’ has exposed the media of the world. Within the last couple of weeks, so much has happened. First, Abdul Sattar Edhi – the greatest philanthropist in Pakistan, passes away on 8th July 2016. We were still reeling from that, and we hear on 12th July that Agha Nasir, the great
- [Master Painter](https://shireengheba.com/master-painter/) - Just read these verses by Rumi.... . I think reading Rumi’s verses can actually make one a bit dizzy. They really tend to hit home. As life goes on, you realize that there are times where you just have to surrender and trust Him. Many times we do not understand what is happening to us.
- [Hocus Pocus – without any Focus](https://shireengheba.com/hocus-pocus-without-any-focus/) - When you are trying to do what you really want to do! Abbas Husain my mentor and friend often uses this terminology which is so blatantly true about our lives today. How can we focus? “Nothing can be achieved unless you allocate a time and place to it. –even if one of these is
- [The Pakish Identity - A Book Review](https://shireengheba.com/the-pakish-identity/) - A book dedicated to the teachers of Pakistan. By Danish Rahi. Last week, when I received a call from Danish Rahi asking me to speak on the occasion of book launch of The Pakish Identity. I found out the book was 364 pages, and my speech was to be between 3-5 minutes. I
- [Negative propaganda hurts ....  life can get scary anywhere.](https://shireengheba.com/why-negative-propaganda-hurts/) - Scenes of places around Seattle, when it got heavy snow during winter of 2008 (An article which I wrote while I was in USA in December 2008). Pakistan. Does the name ring a bell? Does it remind you of something you saw on television? Something which has some other words attached to it like ‘terrorists’,
- [How I built a Studio apartment in my house.](https://shireengheba.com/how-i-built-a-studio-apartment-in-my-house/) - - The synergy factor! Sometimes, you are faced with a situation which feels overwhelming, and quite impossible. But the fun part comes, when you end up doing something even more ‘impossible’ due to it. A synergy takes place, and you come up with an idea, which is completely new and thrilling. That is what happened
- [My visit to National Library of Pakistan.](https://shireengheba.com/my-visit-to-nlp/) - (My overwhelming visit to The National Library of Pakistan, Islamabad.) I have experienced in life, that …. everything really does happen for a reason. You may get to understand it or not. It certainly isn’t all coincidence. A few weeks ago, my mentor turned friend Abbas Husain called up, as he does, when he
- [Nadiya, Happy Birthday](https://shireengheba.com/nadiya-happy-birthday/) - “I think God changed His mind right at the end.” My Mom said to me when you were born. While expecting you, I was sure you were a boy, as you were very active. It seems she was right. You grew up to be a real tom boy, your favorite dress was tee-shirt with
- [Helping others ….. and the gender issue](https://shireengheba.com/helping-others-and-the-gender-issue/) - While driving home in driving rain. Just love driving in the rain.... I am going back home after teaching art to twin girls. It is so much fun. While I was busy with the painting work, this morning, my mother sent me a text that we are having my cousin and his family over for lunch.
- [My first Renton Writer’s Salon Meetup.](https://shireengheba.com/my-first-renton-writers-salon-meetup/) - Held in Evergreen building, on September 18th 2016 When I come to USA, my greatest thrills are the books, travel and the ‘meet-ups’. – Besides meeting my family and friends of course! Firstly, Seattle is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Spectacularly beautiful! Well, staying in Renton, nearby this time, meant that
- [Mt.  Rainier and Starbucks.](https://shireengheba.com/mt-rainier-and-starbucks/) - Mt. Rainier : highest mountain of Washington State. First Starbucks is in Seattle. Sitting in Starbucks and writing a blog on Mt. Rainier - two dreams being fulfilled together. Nataliya is a photographer in Seattle, and is having a meeting with a client at the next table for a prospective wedding shoot. I haven’t ordered yet,
- [My Mentor and My Ideal: My Father.](https://shireengheba.com/my-mentor-and-my-ideal-my-father/) - I had to share my thoughts with you now, when I found out that you are unwell and I was missing you so much. You have always been such a central part of my life. I don’t like knowing you are lying in hospital now, and I’m here across the world from you. I’m a little comforted
- [Fall in Seattle and the pumpkins](https://shireengheba.com/fall-in-seattle-and-the-pumpkins/) - Most of my life in Pakistan, autumn has been a sensitive topic. My Mom would come up with: “You call this autumn? You haven’t seen anything!” telling me about the autumn in her school in Darjeeling, India. The way she kept on talking about those autumn trees, she made me feel as if it was
- [The Seattle Storm that Wasn’t](https://shireengheba.com/the-seattle-storm-that-wasnt/) - Facing special danger alerts in one's region. About ten days ago, there was a storm warning in Seattle, Washington State. - A very serious one. There were live inputs on television in and around Seattle on the ‘worst storm of the century’ and ‘the worst storm in fifty years’. Specially the funny one on
- [Happy birthday Mummy.](https://shireengheba.com/happy-birthday-mummy/) - It is about your awesome journey so far… you are 82 years old on November, 7th 2016. Your getting married to a Captain in the army in East Pakistan, made it a news story in the papers. You were so courageous. Your Muslim friend Surraya, had warned you “these Muslims can be quite awful, don’t
- [ 60th Wedding Anniversary.](https://shireengheba.com/60th-wedding-anniversary/) - Here are points for any married couple to learn ....... My parents celebrated their golden anniversary on June 25th 2016. On that wonderful day, their daughter (that's me) and granddaughters took them out to dinner, and afterwards my father presented my mother with a beautiful diamond ring. Every married couple would like to know how
- [Letter of Chief Seattle to the US General in 1852](https://shireengheba.com/letter-of-chief-seattle-to-the-us-general-in-1852/) - As my trip to the US is coming to a close, I want to wrap up my trip with significant moments spent here. So, there shall be a series of short posts on different aspects of life here in Seattle. It has to be admitted that the objective of my trip was to
- [Post election scenario.... Leaving America?](https://shireengheba.com/post-election-scenario-leaving-america/) - After my fourth visit to the USA, I’ve come back to Pakistan on America’s election day, with mixed feelings. Somehow life in today's world is rather mixed and transitional. I visited earlier in winter of 2007/2008. Then again next winter again; In 2009 I went to Washington DC to see preparations to receive Obama then
- [Thoughts on 4th of July: This country we call home](https://shireengheba.com/thoughts-on-4th-of-july-this-country-we-call-home/) - Loved it. Having recently visited you in the US ... I can appreciate it more.
- [Outside the box](https://shireengheba.com/outside-the-box/) - Sometimes you need to think inside the box! After spending a lifetime of thinking outside the box, I had to accept that sometimes, it is vital to think ‘inside the box’. It happened when my two-month dream holiday in Seattle, came to an end. It was time to pack my stuff into my suitcases.
- [The sub-conscious mind](https://shireengheba.com/the-sub-conscious-mind/) - ‘Block/delete’ memories or say Alhamdolillah?' No matter how strong we think we are, life has a way of getting you. Here I am, having the time of my life with my daughter Nataliya, Son-in-law Bilal and little Anya in Seattle, USA. Suddenly I got dizzy spells yesterday. I got these after I cooked my favorite
- [It’s a mad, mad, madder world.](https://shireengheba.com/its-a-mad-mad-madder-world/) - When I was a kid, there was this blockbuster film called ‘It’s a mad, mad, mad world.’ Now, that I’ve grown on… I’ve realized it’s even more so now. The world is quite mad. What with Hillary who was winning and then she lost. Then Trumps won, but he and his people are still
- [World disability day](https://shireengheba.com/world-disability-day/) - Each one of us has a responsibility towards them A couple of years ago, I had a first-hand experience of what it means to be ‘disabled’. I had fallen from two steps, in the school where I taught English. The doctors said, that I need knee replacement operation within a week if possible. It was
- [Living tomorrow today](https://shireengheba.com/living-tomorrow-today/) - The home office will become a reality in almost every home. The world is changing. Well it has been changing all along. But more so now … within ten to twenty years, the following drastic changes would be seen more prominently: Companies and organizations offering pensions will be reduced only to the forces
- [Pakish hospitality abroad](https://shireengheba.com/pakish-hospitality-abroad/) - Travelling from the most beautiful city in Pakistan, to the most beautiful city in America, has been an awesome experience. My heart is full of the joys I’ve experienced in Seattle. During my two months, the most remarkable feeling perhaps has been of enjoying Pakish hospitality; (the term 'Pakish' is introduced by Danish Rahi.
- [Weathering the storms in married life.](https://shireengheba.com/marriage-survival-tactics/) - When married life becomes rocky… You know what? There is nothing better in life, than a good marriage. So, when it goes bad, - there is nothing worse . The good news is: all marriages are a bit of both types. So, when the ‘bad’ patches happen, what do you do? How do you survive through these?
- [Jimmy Engineer - a dynamic artist and social worker.](https://shireengheba.com/jimmy-engineer-a-dynamic-artist-and-social-worker/) - Last week Jimmy called me, “I’m here for a week, so I’d like to meet you and see what is going on in Islamabad.” It was great to hear his voice after 1982. Last time we met in Lahore, when my exhibition of paintings was opening next day in Shakir Ali Museum. He wanted to
- [Caring for elderly parents and parents-in-law.](https://shireengheba.com/caring-for-elderly-parents-and-parents-in-law/) - I have a mentor with a great sense of humor. She said "Why is it written in the Holy Quran, that you must take care of your parents without a single 'uff' from your side? - (He never said that for taking care of your children!) Because He knows, your parents will create situations which
- [My visit to Tacoma Art Museum near Seattle, WA, USA.](https://shireengheba.com/my-visit-to-tacoma-art-museum-near-seattle-wa-usa/) - Checking out online before choosing which gallery to visit is a good way to know how to find what suits you. I watched the video of the Tacoma Art Museum and loved it. Tacoma is 45 miles from Seattle, the city is a harbor and very scenic. Most museums are located near each other, quite
- [Happy birthday Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah](https://shireengheba.com/happy-birthday-quaid-e-azam-mohammad-ali-jinnah/) - Today is your birthday, I want to thank you for all you have done for me. I’m truly indebted to you for giving me this country of my own. A country where I belong, and which is mine. I know, that you and many others with you gave your tomorrows to give us our todays.
- [Acquiring a new car and becoming a tax filer too!](https://shireengheba.com/acquiring-a-new-car-and-becoming-a-tax-filer-too/) - “Faizan, can you come with me to see a car?” “Why not, but I don’t know anything about cars.” “You can pretend that you do! Just keep quiet and go with me.” “Ok, I’ll go with you.” we were anyways going to the ETO office to try to find a way out of the
- [Why and How of New Year Resolutions...](https://shireengheba.com/the-why-and-how-of-new-year-resolution/) - A conversation between Me and Myself here, begins with Me saying.... “Why make new year resolutions?” “Why not?” Asks Myself. “One never follows it.” Me, again. “Ok don’t. But at least there is a record of what you planned, and what didn’t work out. Otherwise, there isn’t any record of your ‘doings’ and ‘not doings’….!”
- [My December 2016 & start of January 2017](https://shireengheba.com/my-december-2016-start-of-january-2017/) - As far as I can remember, life has been fast paced, yet exciting. The end of last year and beginning of this year have been no exception. Attended SDPI conferences December 6th to 9th, 2016: Starting from early December when I was invited to the annual conferences by SDPI (Sustainable Development Policy Institute.) Well,
- [Transitional phases in life.](https://shireengheba.com/transitional-phases-in-life/) - It is like being thirteen years old again. There is an uncertainty in it, a confusion of identity and a physical transformation along with an emotional one too. Yes, lots going on here! It starts with that familiar ‘unfamiliar’ feeling. When you don’t seem to fit in with your environment or you feel you would
- [Mind your mind!](https://shireengheba.com/__trashed-2/) - I’m talking to all of us smart phone holders. Our minds have been taken over by forwards, quotes, jokes, pics, and what not. Just like our phone starts ‘crashing’ due to so much useless stuff being stuffed into it - our minds do too! Then there are Whats App groups with their barrage of forwards.
- [Touring an Assyrian Palace at the Metropolitan Museum of Art](https://shireengheba.com/touring-an-assyrian-palace-at-the-metropolitan-museum-of-art/)
- [More respect for the man in our lives…](https://shireengheba.com/more-respect-for-men-in-our-lives/) - I know all the feminists would want to kill me, for this blog. But sweetie, I believe in truth. The fact is that people are cruel, whether they are men or women. There are the good, the bad and the ugly among both genders, and I’m sure among the in-between genders too! About six
- [I love gooseberry jam!](https://shireengheba.com/i-love-gooseberry-jam/) - Gooseberry jam has many associations for me. It is one of the highlights of spring time. Usually, I’ve found it in the fruit shops towards end of March. This year it was such a surprise when two days ago, (it is end of February) I found it in the fruit shop inside a well-known medical
- [Went to Rawalpindi - the twin city of Islamabad.](https://shireengheba.com/went-to-rawalpindi-yesterday/) - Avoiding visits to Rawalpindi is my forte. Even though it is my birth place, I think it’s the birthplace of all humanity. If you pick up a stone - a human being comes crawling out from under it - in fact you will find one sitting on top of the stone also! All of them are on
- [A pilgrimage journey from  Islamabad to Makkah by land.](https://shireengheba.com/niaz-husains-umera-trip-by-land-from-islamabad/) - Last year, Niaz Husain, my gardener was missing and I was furious…… as usual! “This time I’m going to fire him.” I said. "I've been here for three years, you have been wanting to fire him every month!" Remarked my mother. I was very upset. So, I tried to call him on my mobile phone. By mistake
- [Of car servicing, hospital, art and Monal restaurant.](https://shireengheba.com/of-car-servicing-hospital-art-and-monal-restaurant/) - Isn’t life just awesome? So many surprises round the corner. - Might as well enjoy them, even if some of them are quite horrific. Yesterday, I got the fright of my life. I was busy finally getting the car serviced when I got a call from our batman Sabir, “Baji, your mother’s condition doesn’t look
- [International Women’s day celebrated with ABPAW](https://shireengheba.com/international-womens-day-celebrated-with-abpaw/) - My friend Riffat Naim had come from Lahore to stay with me, to attend a couple of conferences. Of course I opted to drive her around, and ended up in Gymkhana Club of Rawalpindi on 11th of March - over 30 km from my home. Now that I was there, I thought I might
- [My first trail 5 trek with friends](https://shireengheba.com/the-trail-5-trek/) - Walking on the trails in foothills of the mighty Himalayan mountain range. Who wouldn't want to touch the foothills of the great Himalayan mountain range? Margalla Hills in Islamabad, are part of the foothills. So, almost everyone in Islamabad, has to go for a to trek in one of its trails, in the Margalla Hills.
- [Shah Allah Ditta near Islamabad](https://shireengheba.com/shah-allah-ditta-near-islamabad/) - Finding beautiful, historical and ancient caves next to streams in the mountains near my home in Islamabad.
- [My Dad gets a new life!](https://shireengheba.com/my-dad-gets-a-new-life/) - Wondering why I’ve been so quiet? I’ve been through the works, last week. Taking care of two elderly parents is a responsibility with its beautiful moments and very difficult moments also. Last week had the difficult moments…. Remember, when my mother fainted last month, when I’d gone to service my car? Well, this time
- [Let us get financial acumen.](https://shireengheba.com/let-us-get-financial-acumen/) - Getting aware of the pitfalls that can happen, and knowing how to avoid them. “I’ve witnessed a lady lose nine million rupees, and nothing could be done about it!” My bank manager Umer Malik mentioned. Immediately, I decided to learn more about this. The remark made me realize how vital it is for us to
- [The banker’s story:](https://shireengheba.com/the-bankers-story/) - As the interview for my last blog post on ‘Let Us Get Financial Acumen’ progressed, I was deeply touched by the story of struggles and hardships that came through. I felt like sharing it with you. It is also a story worth reading for those young men and girls who have foreign degrees and expect
- [Tenants!](https://shireengheba.com/tenants/) - “You should write a blog on tenants!” my friend Nigar Nazar said, “Everyone has problems with them, and you are having such a good time.. You MUST write about it.” Ok, Nigar, I'm writing ...... Actually, I had told her how sad I was when my tenants were leaving, and how sad they were. It
- [Dealing with loved ones in pain](https://shireengheba.com/dealing-with-loved-ones-in-pain/) - Life has a way of testing you in different ways. As they say, “our lives in this world is like an examination, yet each one has a different paper.” Yes, a different paper, and that paper keeps changing also! “As you get used to one channel, life changes the channel!” Is another one of my
- [Being good at Change Management](https://shireengheba.com/be-good-at-change-management-making-space-for-the-future/) - Aren’t my blogs turning into text books? I hope not! I have to be careful, I’ve been an educationist for too many years. My blog on transitional phases in life is actually all about change. One’s ability to do it well revolves around the skill in change management. As they say, the only constant thing
- [Yazd: An Incredible City in The Desert](https://shireengheba.com/yazd-an-incredible-city-in-the-desert/) - Really admire and love the work of this blogger.
- [Panic Attack!](https://shireengheba.com/panic-attack/) - How to get yourself out of it. It comes on you from nowhere, and suddenly engulfs you with fright and terror. You become at once frozen and yet you want to run out of the enclosed environment as soon as possible. Only that person can relate to it, who has been through it. It’s
- [A Dozen Ways to Reverse Mentoring](https://shireengheba.com/a-dozen-ways-to-reverse-mentoring/) - “You actually take make-up tips from your teenager?” Asked one of my fellow travelers, we were chilling in Ayun, one starry night in Chitral, in 2004. “Yes.” I said. “What do they know?” I was asked. “Well, they do know a lot - considering the fact that they use present day products, a lot better
- [Weekend with poetry and writings.](https://shireengheba.com/weekend-with-poetry-and-writings/) - Usually, weeks and months go by without connection with other writers and poets. The weekend of 6th and 7th May was an exception, I attended two literary events. On Saturday, May 6th was the book launch of Untouched Octaves with poetry written by Amin Hashwani and photographs by Bobby Hager, a Jewish photographer from the US
- [Why it is best to avoid arguments.](https://shireengheba.com/why-it-is-best-to-avoid-arguments/) - (The best policy in any relationship: husband and wife, friends, boss and subordinate or any other.) It is a fact that arguments weaken a team. It is best to avoid it. Come to think of it. It never takes you anywhere, except to get even further apart. I don’t know why, but that is
- [Ramzan 2017 is a time for introspection](https://shireengheba.com/ramzan-2017-the-holy-month-of-fasting/) - Its all about fasting and feasting and self improvement too. For once, in the whole year we have this opportunity during Ramzan, to look inwards. Lets make the most of this, and stay focused on self improvement. Are we ready?
- [Brig Jaffar Khan, My Debonair Uncle](https://shireengheba.com/brig-jaffar-khan-my-debonair-uncle/) - When someone near and dear to you, suddenly leaves the world, its hard to accept. We say 'Inna lillahe wa inna ilaihe rajiun' (to Him we belong and to Him we return). It takes time for the words to sink into ourselves and our lives. There is this complete form of inertia that you suddenly
- [Waliya's dream trip to Hunza and Fairy Meadows.](https://shireengheba.com/armchair-travel-to-hunza-and-fairy-meadows/) - In this sizzling heat, let us enjoy a trip to the mountains! Lets go along with Waliya Najib and her friend Amal Iqbal on their trip to the mountains this April, 2017. Yes, we are in this time machine now.... Most of us have travelled abroad. We have been to
- [Powerful weekly plan.](https://shireengheba.com/powerful-weekly-plan/) - The weekend is here, you have a lot on your plate, and here is another blog from me! Well, I’m going to let you into something that is part of my ‘time management’ or ‘self-management’ strategies. I’ve met people who have been successful in their careers who regretted not giving enough time to their families.
- [Its Friday again!](https://shireengheba.com/its-friday-again/) - “Assalamo Alaikum!” My friend Seema had called. “What’s going on?” she asked. “I’m celebrating my Friday.” I told her happily. (Meaning: end of week, weekend, fun-time.) “Celebrating Friday or …..” Her pause made me pause too. She is one of my very religious friends. Actually she is an authority on it. She spent not only one
- [Happy birthday Bilal! :)](https://shireengheba.com/5829/) - Today, a strange thing happened: Nataliya had asked me to make a video for you, for your birthday. Believe me, I made three videos. Each time it would get too long. I was literally flooded with memories…. I was already considering writing a blog post on you. This did it. I realized a two-minute video
- [A Little More Petra](https://shireengheba.com/a-little-more-petra/) - Always wanted to visit Petra. Here is some arm chair travel with a brave young girl doing it on her own.
- [A Strange happening](https://shireengheba.com/a-strange-happening/) - during my walk in the park this morning... What happened today was different. I’ve been going for walks to F-9 Park or Fatima Jinnah Park for many years. You can say its’ my favorite haunt. As I drove into the car park, I had to be careful as three young boys were getting in my
- [Irun Zahra: Aspiring to become Pakistan's biggest publicist!](https://shireengheba.com/irun-zahra-aspiring-to-become-pakistans-biggest-publicist/)
- [Happy Birthday Haaris](https://shireengheba.com/happy-birthday-haaris/) - You know, something Haaris? I wrote three blogs on you and all disappeared! That’s the computer world for you. Is it called, getting jinxed or something like that? Now, I’m feeling quite low, so this is my fourth attempt. Writing needs to be done in a fresh mode, but I’m not letting go that easily.
- [Life, during Ramzan 2017](https://shireengheba.com/life-during-ramzan-2017/) - The last few days of Ramzan are on. It was almost like yesterday, that it began. As usual there were great expectations, resolutions and apprehensions. “How will I fast for sixteen hours in 43 degrees centigrade? Will I lose some weight?” The few walks I had can't possibly make up for the
- [Fantastic birthday ideas](https://shireengheba.com/fantastic-birthday-ideas/) - My daughter Waliya and I share the same birthday. So, we have a blast together, all thanks to our family and friends. Its always been this way, but this year's birthday really took the cake! May I say I had one of the happiest birthdays of my life – that’s saying a lot – because I’ve
- [Allama Iqbal's Tulip of Sinai](https://shireengheba.com/shireen-studios-first-book-is-published-now-what/) - Shireen Studio’s first book is published! – My friend tells me, “Now the real work starts!” The most EXCITING thing in my life is the printing of my first publication: yes, Allama Iqbal’s Tulip of Sinai, illustrated and published by Shireen Gheba Najib. It contains the first two poems from Iqbal's Persian book ‘Message from the
- [Dealing with too much ‘to do’](https://shireengheba.com/dealing-with-too-much-to-do/) - (…. you too?) How do we cope with daily challenges in life? - Of course with our ‘to do’ list! My mentor Mahjabeen says "You cannot do anything unless you allocate a time and place for it." Then she adds, "Even if one of them is missing, it will not get done!" That being
- [How the 'powerful weekly plan' happened](https://shireengheba.com/how-was-weekly-plan-formed/) - The last blog on Powerful weekly plan. received a good response. Yes, I've used the weekly plan for many years, especially it took me through tough times. I found it extremely effective. You must be wondering how I got to it? Well, actually it’s an amalgamation of several theories, and then making some adaptations to make
- [Problems or opportunities?](https://shireengheba.com/problems-or-opportunities/) - Why am I telling myself not to write a blog this week? (“Stop everything else and concentrate on my studies?”) But still, I am writing a blog post, telling me that I’ll just do it in a jiffy? (Is that going to the computer lingo too?) … just like so many words, like apple, window,
- [Financial Accounting with national progress](https://shireengheba.com/financial-accounting-with-national-progress/) - All my Facebook friends know that what I'm doing these days. Yes, here I am studying financial accounting. I’m sure you know much more about it than I do. You had it as a subject, I didn’t. Everyone says that the subject is ‘useless’, ‘not used in real life’ and what not! So far, whatever
- [The flying flying-saucer!](https://shireengheba.com/the-flying-flying-saucer/) - Formal functions can be so funny In the College of Home Economics, we had to live in a house and manage it on our own. It was called ‘the residence.’ All Homec students have many stories about their residence experiences. What do you expect when a bunch of novices try to behave as ‘pros’? So,
- [Happy 70th Birthday, Pakistan](https://shireengheba.com/happy-70th-birthday-pakistan/) - (May you live forever, Ameen.) The documented sacrifices of all people during partition are there for all to witness and feel their pain. Jimmy Engineer (the famous artist) devoted his life to document the hardships faced by those who had to give up everything for the sake of Pakistan, and move over here. You
- [  My friend Unzila’s home](https://shireengheba.com/my-friend-unizilas-home/) - Unzila has a lovely home in Islamabad. I often drop in at her place and feel like sharing what I see. So, this time I thought I better go ahead with it. We both enjoyed ourselves, as I sipped the tasty lemon grass green tea. Hurriedly, I snapped away with my mobile phone’s camera and
- [Mentors of Art, Wisdom, Spirituality and more!](https://shireengheba.com/mentors-of-art-wisdom-spirituality-and-more/) - Why does everything happen together? I mean, there could have been some space in-between - ideally speaking. But that’s life. So, I decided to enjoy it! To start with, my spiritual mentor Mahjabeen had had an operation and was seriously ill. I couldn’t think straight. Just felt like praying for her, that’s all. So, I
- [Regional Exhibition at National Art Gallery, Islamabad.](https://shireengheba.com/regional-exhibition-at-national-art-gallery-islamabad/) - "Takht Bhai to Potohar" (Exhibition opened on 22nd August, it will continue till 10th of September 2017) My association with the National Art Gallery is a long one – long before this building was constructed in 2007. Previously, it was located in houses in F-7. 1n 1981 when my first solo paintings exhibition was held
- [The Sparkle in One’s Life](https://shireengheba.com/the-sparkle-in-ones-life/) - -Brought by valuing relationships with our land and loved ones. It rained yesterday. We put off the air conditioner, opened the windows to let in the wind and the sound of pouring rain into the lounge. Yes, a typical downpour of Islamabad. The curtains moved with the wind. Irresistibly, Nataliya was drawn close to the
- [It is Tax Time, People!](https://shireengheba.com/tax-time-people/) - A timely blog to help you decide to become a tax filer, and do it asap. As the time is NOW. If you are already a filer, then I'm sure you'll be doing this years' filing on time too. Kudos to you, in that case. :)
- [TDCP Hilltop Resort at Khajut, near Murree.](https://shireengheba.com/tdcp-hilltop-resort-at-khajut-near-murree/) - One of my favorite spots near Islamabad. I’ve been here so often that by now my girls almost hate it. Yet, they will never refuse to go, as it’s a lovely outing for someone living in Islamabad. I love the drive on the Expressway, from Islamabad to 17 km short of Murree. It takes about
- [My Ten Good lifestyle points that work....](https://shireengheba.com/my-ten-good-lifestyle-points/) - ... at any stage or phase of life. In life there are so many milestones. Once you’ve crossed most of them…. you think: “Been there, done that!” (With great satisfaction and gratitude,) then the big question emerges: “Now what?” First thing I’d say: “Past ko goli maro, (shoot the past) - get on with the
- [Make Space for the Passion In Your Life](https://shireengheba.com/make-space-for-the-passion-in-your-life/) - Its all about strengthening your resolve your intent for doing what is very important for you.
- [Workshop, walk and weekend!](https://shireengheba.com/tax-time-and-me-time/) - Weekend with friends.. All writers work with the four 'W's: "What, When, Where, Why" But when I thought of last week and the weekend, I realized this too had four Ws in it! ..... You see, towards end of any week, one wants to complete everything in order to have a free weekend. Then one
- [Pillar to Post](https://shireengheba.com/issues-and-kindness/) - ... and kindnesses too. Going to sleep has never been a problem for me. Never. Having been through many tough phases in life, yet, I have been able to sleep well through it all. I’ve inherited this quality. My parents sleep well, and so did my grandfather Gerald William Flynn Young. He’d say “it’s due
- [Harvard Students Visit Pakistan](https://shireengheba.com/harvard-students-visit-pakistan/) - Adnan Afaq, living in Lahore had worked it all out. He even hosted the group at his home. It was all possible due to Sobia Maqbool who was studying at Harvard. The duo had worked things out together. She was doing her Masters in Public Administration, Harvard, Kennedy School of Government (2017). As Sobia put
- [Mid-October 2017 in Islamabad.](https://shireengheba.com/mid-october-2017-in-islamabad/) - How time flies! Can you believe it, this year is almost ending. One day you feel there is the whole year, ahead of you, and suddenly, it is almost gone. I ask myself, what have I achieved so far? How are we feeling nearing the end of this year? Meanwhile Pakistan has celebrated its’ seventieth
- [A visit to Golra Sharif Railway Station](https://shireengheba.com/a-visit-to-golra-sharif-railway-station/) - A charming railway station near Islamabad, that deserves a visit. It’s a six to ten km drive from Islamabad, on a bad road. Yet, I was charmed to get there, to see the station which was built in 1860 looking in good shape. The breeze lifted the leaves of the Banyan trees lying on the
- [Visiting Khewra Salt Mines with College Friends.](https://shireengheba.com/khewra-visit-with-college-class-fellows/) - The second largest salt mine in the world. Khewra trip with college friend's fun trip. Last Friday, I visited one of the greatest tourist attractions of this region. Somehow I hadn't seen it, inspite of living just two hours' drive from there. When my college friends were going there, I siezed the oppertunity of meeting
- [How do I define 'myself'?](https://shireengheba.com/how-do-i-define-myself/) - What is my strength? Autumn leaves always remind me of change; of shedding those leaves (and parts of our lives) which are outdated. To get ready to make space for what is to come into our lives. It is a time to ponder and realize… Last week, I realized that it is important to define
- [Book launch and Painting’s Exhibition.](https://shireengheba.com/book-launch-and-paintings-exhibition/) - How, in a miraculous way my book launch and 11th Solo Exhibition took place at AQS Gallery, Islamabad.
- [Verna - a suspense thriller by Shoaib Mansoor](https://shireengheba.com/verna-by-shoaib-mansoor/) - A review of the latest film Verna by Shoaib Mansoor, casting Mahira Khan, Haroon Shahid and rest of stars and crew who have shown brilliance at all levels. Kudos to the script written and directed by the maestro himself!
- [Walking is the best!](https://shireengheba.com/walking-is-the-best/) - It’s my favorite form of exercise . Ok, come with me for a walk today - only online. Otherwise, it is my ‘me time’. Always has been. This is my time for reflection, and the deflection of problems. Yes, I refuse to let my 'me time' be spoiled! This walking is the unwinding and
- [One’s book selection is personal.](https://shireengheba.com/ones-book-selection-is-personal/) - Let me help you choose what to read A lovely girl named Aneeza Huma wrote to my daughter Nadiya, ‘just came across your blog. I’m so inspired by your mother. God bless her. I know she is a good writer and I really want her to suggest some good books to me. ‘
- [Compromise for Peace.](https://shireengheba.com/compromise-for-peace/) - How we made the Out of Court Settlement. Recently, Humans of Pakistan have shared our story once again. Also, UN has shared it as part of a sixteen day session of sharing strong women's stories. This has brought it all back, once more. What we went through was so horrific that I wish it doesn't
- [Seven Ways to End the Year.](https://shireengheba.com/seven-ways-to-end-the-year/) - https://www.facebook.com/shireen.gheba/videos/1775770175789600/ The countdown has begun… clock is ticking away …. ending this year. I don’t know about you, but for me this year, literally flew. Let’s try to end this year right. So, we are set to start a proper new year. How? I can suggest the following … Seven ways to end the
- [First Writer’s Meet-up at My Studio.](https://shireengheba.com/first-writers-meet-up-at-my-studio/) - Remember my blog on Renton Writer’s Salon, which I joined when I went to Seattle, in 2016? I wrote about it. My first Renton Writer’s Salon Meetup. I really wanted something like it in Pakistan. Finally, I found the time to initiate it. I hope it continues, as the first one was absolutely wonderful! So, it was
- [Why I love driving](https://shireengheba.com/why-i-love-driving/) - My recent drive to Lahore. https://www.facebook.com/shireen.gheba/videos/pcb.1816521325047818/1816517135048237/?type=3&theater Driving a car is my ‘me time’, my fun time. It is a time which is exclusive for me. I love taking along friends for drives too. As a small kid I remember going for long drives. It was always fun with my parents. At the age of
- [The One Who Loved Humanity](https://shireengheba.com/the-one-who-loved-humanity/) - Something happened during our pilgrimage and Umra trip. Want to sit with me in a time machine? Do you want to go to Makkah and Madina? Join us in 1987 when my husband and I went there from Kuwait by road. Today, I’m feeling very emotional. It is birthday of Muhammad (PBUH) and I’m
- [Happenings of November in Islamabad 2017](https://shireengheba.com/happenings-of-november-end-islamabad-2017/) - Life is just rushing by. So, this year has gone pretty well for me, I hope it was the same for you too. During December we still have time to re-align ourselves - and finish off what we can - to the original resolutions for this year. I’m sure we might have surpassed ourselves
- [Islamabad After Metro and Dharna.](https://shireengheba.com/islamabad-after-metro-and-dharna/) - Save Islamabad by tight administrative control before it is too late. I found this blog written, a few months ago - but never posted. As I read it, I realized how much more pertinent it is today. How scary this whole scenario is. I am one of the few people who has been with the
- [Sustainable Development Conference - 2017](https://shireengheba.com/sustainable-development-conference-2017/) - Attending one of my favorite conferences... SDPI: Almost every December since 2005, I have attended the annual three-day conference of SDPI. This year the theme was: Seventy Years of Development- The Way Forward, it was held on December 5,6th and 7th . I just love going there, it is a great experience. The director Uzma
- [My Mum, Cheema & Chatta and Islamabad.](https://shireengheba.com/my-mum-cheema-chatta-and-islamabad/) - Trying to get my mother to love Islamabad as I do. Suddenly it happened in the most unexpected way!
- [Last blog of 2017?](https://shireengheba.com/last-blog-of-2017/) - Nine days till end of this year! Don't you think its been an amazing year? Alhamdolillah. Here is probably my last post of this year.... though I do have my doubts! https://www.facebook.com/shireen.gheba/videos/pcb.1777904115576206/1777898785576739/?type=3&theater Thank you so much for your response to my blogs. I’m over whelmed. Even though many of you do not comment, I know you
- [9th National Paintings Exhibition, NAG.](https://shireengheba.com/9th-national-paintings-exhibition-nag/) - https://www.facebook.com/shireen.gheba/videos/pcb.1779872468712704/1779871295379488/?type=3&theater After thirteen years, the National Exhibition took place at National Art Gallery, at PNCA, Islamabad. It was an evening of the fulfillment of dreams of so many artists in Pakistan. Somehow, National Exhibition has its own aura. There was a time I remember, when one just took it for granted. Conceived in 1973 by
- [Mustafa’s trip to Lego Land in Denmark](https://shireengheba.com/mustafas-trip-to-lego-land-in-denmark/) - Mustafa and his friends' science project of saving the snow leopards. They were selected by their school to represent Pakistan in Lego Land in Denmark, this year.
- [My Year turns into 2018!](https://shireengheba.com/my-year-turns-into-2018/) - Isn’t it wonderful to be celebrating something together? The New Year of 2018…. Lots of folks talk about how backward this country is. Yes, in many ways. But in many ways it has taken many leaps forward. I know, I’ve witnessed the process. Lots of progress witnessed by myself: As I look, I see…. The
- [Start 2018 right](https://shireengheba.com/start-2018-right/) - Let us prepare this year's annual plan right now. I'll show you how I've made mine. So, now you can do it too. Get set and lets get going!
- [Reproduction or Fake Art?](https://shireengheba.com/reproduction-or-fake-art/) - You cannot copy a Mona Lisa and sign it and say it is your painting. If you do, it is a fake, or a reproduction – depending on how you are going to use it. As an artist you need to know what it is. You also have to give full credit to the original
- [Power of the written word](https://shireengheba.com/power-of-the-written-word/) - Words can be so powerful, let me show you! Honestly speaking, it is hard to keep pace with all I have to share with you. Life is so interesting and hectic. (Isn’t that how it should be?) The last few days have been pretty awesome mostly. But what happened a couple of days ago to
- [Good Grief!](https://shireengheba.com/good-grief/) - It is that time of the year again. This is the time of year which hits my daughters and myself the most. It is this month when my husband passed away, six years ago. No matter how hard we try, we cannot deal with it. I suppose this is how the ‘barsi’ concept became so
- [PTV World Interview and the drive up the mountains.](https://shireengheba.com/ptv-world-interview-and-the-drive-up-the-mountains/) - Sometimes, one should let life happen. Specially, when it is the good stuff. All the happenings mentioned in this blog were a surprise. No planning, nothing. Just a willingness to go with the flow. That’s all. Often enough, we ourselves come in between by saying I have this that or the other thing to do.
- [Strengths of our Family now](https://shireengheba.com/strengths-of-our-family-now/) - I feel like writing a letter to my late husband. Dear NK, You wrote your article on our family strengths in 2009. That was two years before you left our world. I was reading it today. The way you wrote was so detailed and so amazing. I feel like writing an epilogue to your article.
- [Shahida Azeem, my mentor and friend.](https://shireengheba.com/shahida-azeem-owner-of-mashal/) - Owner of Mashal - a school for underprivileged children. Isn’t God Great? I mean, I’ve found this in life, whenever you are deeply sad, there are many pleasant things happening too. It is God, trying to cheer you up. He is telling you, ‘things aren’t so bad after all. You can make it. You are strong.
- [Dealing with sadness.](https://shireengheba.com/dealing-with-sadness/) - Self-therapy tactics After I wrote my last article, I found out that my dear friend Shahida Apa met her Maker at 7.am. on 7th of February, 2018. Yesterday, the 8th was the burial. Inna lillahe wa inna ilaihe rajiun. Indeed, to Him we belong, and to Him we return. Last night I just couldn’t sleep.
- [My Mentor and My Ideal: My Father.](https://shireengheba.com/my-mentor-and-my-ideal-my-father-2/)
- [A Night in the Khyber Pass](https://shireengheba.com/a-night-in-the-khyber-pass/) - Reading this blog in my home in Islamabad felt good. I've been to the border town mentioned here. Sounds interesting from the other side.
- [‘Tarr Tarr’ of frogs](https://shireengheba.com/tarr-tarr-of-frogs/) - Do we speak too much sometimes? One of my favorite jokes is of two frogs sitting side by side and ‘chatting’… one says: ‘Tar’ (that’s what frogs say!) The other one says, ‘tar’, This goes on for a while till the first one says: ‘ ‘tar tar’ ‘Why did you change the topic?’ the
- [Second Writer’s Meet-Up at SS](https://shireengheba.com/second-writers-meet-up-at-ss/) - It was a merging of writers’ groups in Islamabad. It’s been a dream of mine for ages. The dream is to hold regular writer’s and artists’ meet ups at my studio. So, finally, this year I held the first one in January, First Writer’s Meet-up at My Studio.and now was the second one last weekend
- [Time Management for Creative People](https://shireengheba.com/time-management-for-creative-people/) - Promoting a creative mind and doing creative work is essential for growth and development. It is only the creative mind which can think outside the box and come out with innovative ideas. Such minds have the ability to get out of difficult life situations and problems. Their problem-solving instincts are best as they are
- [Secrets of success of Shahida Azeem's life.](https://shireengheba.com/secrets-of-success-of-shahida-azeems-life/) - The art of living well till the eighty - eighth year of your life. When sad, I can’t sit still. I wrote on her in Shahida Azeem, my mentor and friend. Still I was sad, so I wrote about the sadness and how I tried to cope in Dealing with sadness. So this time, I've written a list of
- [Sheema Kirmani,  Generation Rahi and Baaghi.](https://shireengheba.com/sheema-kirmani-generation-rahi-and-baaghi/) - Interesting events during first week of February 2018 Women’s Action Forum event at PNCA, Islamabad. On February the 1st was a program by Sheema Kirmani, she is owner of the Tehreek-e-Niswan which is in Karachi and performs all over the country. She was participating in an event by the Women’s Action Forum at the PNCA. All
- [Life can be funny….](https://shireengheba.com/life-can-be-funny/) - Basically, I love life. Why not? My God has made this whole earth, this universe for us humans. - Me actually. (Okay, You and me!) So, why not enjoy living here? Why not celebrate this stay here, specially, when we really have no idea about the ‘departure date.’ So, one can’t help but be
- [A quick drive to Khajut, near Murree.](https://shireengheba.com/a-quick-drive-to-khajot-near-murree/) - I don’t know why we put off good times for stressful times. I mean, that is what it comes to, when someone offers you a drive to the hills - that person wants you to have a good time. You decline saying I have this or that commitment. It is usually something which will
- [Our favorite recipe of Strawberry pie](https://shireengheba.com/our-favorite-recipe-of-strawberry-pie/) - A page out of my recipe book: The Fun Cook Book. Most of my married life, I’ve loved cooking. Then one day, my mother-in-law - God bless her soul- said, ‘Shireen, it is good that you like to cook yourself. Remember there are days when you are unable to cook, so make sure your helper
- [Sir Syed Memorial & National Museum.](https://shireengheba.com/my-parents-visit-to-islamabad-museum-in-sir-syed-memorial/) - In 2008, I visited the Museum of Flight near Seattle, in Everett, in USA, with my family. I was happy to see a woman who had come there alone on a wheelchair with a person to assist her. It was heartening to see this woman who must be in her eighties, visiting the museum.
- [Community Services School](https://shireengheba.com/community-services-school-by-usman-and-his-friends/) - by Usman and his friends - and how we can help them achieve their goal. While Facebook is the bane of all jokes, yet its usefulness cannot be denied. There are many youngsters who have left it and gone on to Instagram and other greener pastures. - Hopefully those pastures have less of the ‘old
- [Lahore Literary Festival 2018 and ....](https://shireengheba.com/lahore-literary-festival-2018-and/) - Who says no one reads in Pakistan?! Really don’t want to deprive you of some interesting things that I’ve been up to. Specially, because these could have some value in your life too, wherever you are, and whatever you do. Sometimes, some very unexpected things happen, and you let them happen, and you wonder how
- [Happy Birthday Abbas Husain](https://shireengheba.com/happy-birthday-abbas-husain/) - Wishing for you all the best in life. Today, it is your birthday. - I won’t say how old you are - as at this phase in life, ‘age just becomes a number.’ And we both have reached that age in life! - I’m just amazed at how many milestones you have attained within
- [Spring in Islamabad and in my life.](https://shireengheba.com/spring-in-islamabad-and-in-my-life/) - Spring is a new beginning... Spring is a time of fresh beginnings and of hope. It is a time of flowering of all your efforts. It is the time when you are ready to come close to the fruits surfacing from your efforts. Most of all to look into a lovely fresh start in your
- [First three weeks of March 2018.](https://shireengheba.com/first-three-weeks-of-march-2018/) - Don’t know about you, but each month is just going so fast. The important thing is that as life is moving on, we are achieving some goals, while some are getting left out. (That too, I’m sure is good.) Naturally, I don’t share everything – I have my privacy needs too! So, a big fat
- [The Reading Session at National Book Festival, 2018](https://shireengheba.com/the-reading-session-at-national-book-festival-2018/) - A personal point of view as I was participating for the first time. National Book Foundation is an organization which is purely book based and encourages writers and reading throughout the year. Once a year they hold this festival. After Nigar Nazar had taken me to the LLF (Lahore Literary Festival), she asked her friend
- [Shendi wedding - the best option.](https://shireengheba.com/shendi-wedding-the-best-option/) - Attending a Shendi Wedding made me realize how this type of wedding can help you save time and money. Best part is to keep all the good parts in it only. ;)
- [Getting life back to normal](https://shireengheba.com/getting-life-back-to-normal/) - After the crazy spell is over… All of us go through busy spells in our lives. Though we often talk about it, and feel tired, but in fact we wouldn't have it any other way. After all, we are busy doing what we want to do in the given situation. We mothers tend to get
- [ On Iqbal’s Stray Reflections, PEF and PANA](https://shireengheba.com/on-iqbals-stray-reflections-pef-and-pana/) - Positive work going on in the Capital, April 2018. Somehow, my weekends are so interesting. Getting invited to several events, I choose the ones which are constructive and relaxing too. Each of the events I’m sharing here, deserve separate blogs, yet I’m afraid they may get over-run by upcoming events. So, let’s go over these
- [The time of my life](https://shireengheba.com/the-time-of-my-life/) - How the young and older generations today, can find ways to understand each other and get on well. By having the time of their lives together by supporting each other!
- [My Solo Trip to Nathiagali](https://shireengheba.com/my-solo-trip-to-nathiagali/) - https://www.facebook.com/shireen.gheba/videos/pcb.1933870899979526/1933870529979563/?type=3&theater There is something about mountains that just thrills me. I love mountains - the higher the better. It just refreshes you. This is why Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) regularly went and stayed in a cave (Ghar-e-Hira) for several days, on a regular basis. You need to distance yourself from your everyday life sometimes. It is
- [Take heart, stay strong!](https://shireengheba.com/take-heart-stay-strong/) - No matter what happens... In life, you've got to go on, and keep yourself fit enough to get on with the rest of your life. Remember, every issue is just like tissue, you use it and then throw it in the dustbin! Get ready, look around you. Make a place for the birds in front
- [Prayers and verses from Holy Quran.](https://shireengheba.com/prayers-selected-from-holy-quran/) - Here is a sure shot way to face the trials of life successfully! At least this is how I faced them. I'm sharing with you some of my special selections which gave me peace and courage during the worst times of my life. These are verses from the Quran which have touched me deeply. I
- [Friends are priceless!](https://shireengheba.com/friends-are-priceless/) - How to have friends and keep them! Friends! Friends are some of the greatest treasures that we have. They play such a vital role in our lives. There are all types of friends in our lives. Some are very close, some are just acquaintances, the common factor is that you feel happy just being with
- [What do you do?](https://shireengheba.com/what-do-you-do/) - “So, what do you do?” A stranger asked me, at a charity dinner of a mesmerizing classical dance performance of Sheema Kirmani. I sat down, at a vacant chair, next to his wife and her sister. They were visiting from UK, or was it Canada? Well, somewhere abroad. I was distracted, looking around for the

## Pages

- [Order My Books](https://shireengheba.com/order-books/) - I'm so excited to tell you that you can now order physical copies of my following books online from here😊 Available Titles & Prices in Pakistan: Rising Above: My Cancer Story - Rs. 3000/- Message From the East - Rs. 3700/- Tulip of Sinai - Rs. 3000/- PRICE INCLUDES FREE DELIVERY WITHIN PAKISTAN How to
- [Collaborate](https://shireengheba.com/collab/) - Let’s work together I love working with brands in mutually beneficial partnerships. I believe in authentic marketing and I’m always looking to work with brands whose products I’m passionate about or whose values align with mine. I love synergy and I think we can achieve greater dreams when we work together. My Pricelist Following are
- [My Books](https://shireengheba.com/my-books/) - I am the author or publisher of the following books: Rising Above: My Cancer Story Message From the East Tulip of Sinai My Life, My Stories Fun Cookbook Kitchen Management Its all about entertaining your guests Order Info: First 3 can be purchased directly from here at this weblink. 4th book can be purchased from
- [My Paintings](https://shireengheba.com/paintings/) - About My Painting Journey "A painting is like capturing time in a moment". Echoes of the Valley Everything else in our house loses its value in time other than a painting. It not only brightens up your home but also becomes more valuable with each passing year. Each family member has a different association with
- [Echoes of the valley.](https://shireengheba.com/echoes-of-the-valley/)
- [About Me](https://shireengheba.com/about/) - I am a multi-passionate creator: an artist, blogger, author, YouTuber, vlogger, and podcaster. My mission is to inspire and uplift through vibrant storytelling, meaningful connections, and a celebration of life's simple yet extraordinary moments. I focus on the positive aspects of living. I really enjoy the funny side of life, yet love deep, spiritual
- [Mentoring](https://shireengheba.com/mentoring/) - About Do you feel too stressed out? Needing help and guidance in life? I provide mentoring based on my observation & study of hundreds of books & articles I've read during the last 40 years, along with my study of psychology and culture during my Master's degree. It's combined with my observations and study of
- [Contact](https://shireengheba.com/contact/) - [contact-form to="shireengheba@gmail.com" subject="Website Contact"][contact-field label="Email" type="email" required="1"][contact-field label="Comment" type="textarea" required="1"][/contact-form] Dear Reader, I would love your feedback. You can also email me with any questions you may have on my address below. I'll try to answer you as soon as possible. shireengheba@gmail.com
- [Link in bio](https://shireengheba.com/linkinbio/) - Welcome to my website, my InstaFamily. Following are some links & FAQs that you may be looking for here: Book a counselling session with me Read my blogs on Cancer My stress management strategies My Singaporian Rice Recipe Fight your way out of Depression My health and fitness tips Why suicide? Didn't find what you
- [Recommender](https://shireengheba.com/recommender/) - Who can you recommend Currently, I'm only helping brides-to-be from poor families. These are those deserving girls who either do not earn enough to get stuff for themselves for their married life or their family background is needy. So you can only recommend a financially struggling bride-to-be whom you know personally for over 2 years.
- [Donor](https://shireengheba.com/donor/) - Thank you for helping me support our cause. Transfer details If you are donating cash, please proceed with the payment using the details below: From Pakistan: Askari Bank. Account No. 00260320210687Easy paisa account no: 03365007375 From Abroad: PayPal account: shireengheba@hotmail.com About the charity Following are the main causes of this charity. 1. Food Drive (mostly
- [About my Charity](https://shireengheba.com/about-my-charity/) - What my charity is about Helping underprivileged people get back on their feet. The objective is to lessen the burden on a family. Current projects The main projects in my charity are: Food Drive: - So far we have held 155 food drives, feeding thousands of persons every week in two sectors of Islamabad. Ever
- [Thank You](https://shireengheba.com/thank-you/) - Thank you so much for your donation. Can you please fill in the following form so I know who has sent me the funds and I can personally thank you and let you know where I used your donation. [contact-form to="shireengheba@hotmail.com" subject="PayPal Donation Received"][contact-field label="Full Name" type="name" required="1"][contact-field label="Email" type="email" required="1"][contact-field label="Amount sent in USD"
- [Events](https://shireengheba.com/events/) - Shireen’s Studio I am currently managing a studio in E-11 Islamabad where I host workshops and creative sessions. Regular speakers like Abbas Hussain visit it from Karachi to conduct spiritual sessions and workshops. Shireen’s Studio is an excellent platform for creative minds where they get together regularly for activities together. The focus of this group is
- [About the Blog](https://shireengheba.com/the-blog/) - This blog is a place to share bits of my story and my thoughts. Writing as my life unfolds, I’m not limited to any one topic alone. My first blog post on this website was published in November 2015. Now, there are about 300 blog posts for you to read here. At my place in

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://shireengheba.com/category/uncategorized/)
- [Art](https://shireengheba.com/category/art/)
- [Book Review](https://shireengheba.com/category/book-review/)
- [Challenges](https://shireengheba.com/category/challenges/)
- [Cooking](https://shireengheba.com/category/cooking/)
- [Family](https://shireengheba.com/category/family/)
- [Film review](https://shireengheba.com/category/film-review/)
- [Food for thought](https://shireengheba.com/category/food-for-thought/)
- [Friends](https://shireengheba.com/category/friends/)
- [Health & fitness](https://shireengheba.com/category/health-fitness/)
- [Home Management](https://shireengheba.com/category/home-management/)
- [Humor](https://shireengheba.com/category/humor/)
- [Interior designing](https://shireengheba.com/category/interior-designing/)
- [My Life](https://shireengheba.com/category/my-life/)
- [Personality](https://shireengheba.com/category/personality/)
- [Positive thoughts](https://shireengheba.com/category/positive-thoughts/)
- [Ramzan](https://shireengheba.com/category/ramzan/)
- [Random thoughts](https://shireengheba.com/category/random-thoughts/)
- [Relationships](https://shireengheba.com/category/relationships/)
- [Self enrichment](https://shireengheba.com/category/self-enrichment/)
- [Social work](https://shireengheba.com/category/social-work/)
- [Spirituality](https://shireengheba.com/category/spirituality/)
- [Travel](https://shireengheba.com/category/travel/)
- [Vital warnings](https://shireengheba.com/category/vital-warnings/)
- [Welfare](https://shireengheba.com/category/welfare/)
- [Writing](https://shireengheba.com/category/writing/)
- [Self Management](https://shireengheba.com/category/self-management/)
- [writing and writers](https://shireengheba.com/category/writing-and-writers/)
- [My cancer story](https://shireengheba.com/category/my-cancer-story/)

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