Munira Premji

In life, many of us need to be constantly doing something in order to validate our lives.  Our minds are endlessly churning with upcoming tasks, our desks are scattered with to-do lists, and we frequently get caught up in routine schedules as the years pass us by.  Our productivity is measured by the amount we accomplish that day, and before even finishing up the last sentence of an email, our attention has already shifted to what’s next on our list.  Even beyond the 9 to 5, we find ourselves running from this birthday party to that wedding reception, with laundry, cooking and cleaning squeezing their way in between.  We long for all-inclusive beach vacations as an opportunity to put away our Blackberry and take a moment to breathe.  As a society, our drive towards efficiency and instant results force us to become phenomenal do-ers.

My Mom epitomizes this philosophy.  As an organizational development and leadership guru, she has constantly been on the move, flexing her brain in a range of retail, pharmaceutical, financial, insurance, healthcare and government organizations over the last twenty-five years.  I have always thought of her as Mary Poppins – arriving at a company with gusto, causing transformational change and making a meaningful impact before moving on to another organization.  This was until the cancer diagnosis.  Over the past 5 months, much of what defined her as a person – and arguably, her sense of self-worth – has been radically shaken.  No longer is her success determined by implementing a company-wide change model, but rather by her ability to climb a flight of stairs without assistance.  Five months ago, her joy came from leading a talent management process.  Now, what brings her pleasure is to be able to taste food.  For someone with the drive to add value and the zest for life that my Mom is known for, this experience has indeed been an interesting one.  It has forced her to slow down and embrace the art of being.

My Mom has had to learn to listen to her body.  She has had to become conscious of where to spend the limited amount of energy she has.  She has had to learn to accept and trust that everything will be okay.  This has not stopped her from taking on projects around the house with enthusiasm.  But by balancing the doing with the being, she has allowed space for her priorities to emerge and explore a new way of living.

What I’ve learned through this process is that some people naturally tend to gravitate towards doing stuff, while others are more comfortable in the being state.  The trick is to consciously make time to do both and strive to strike a balance between the two – this is what I believe is the key to living a fulfilled life.

-Sabrina

14 Comments

  • Rosie, Mebs and Zoe , July 20, 2012

    A great reminder for us all!

  • Isabelle , July 19, 2012

    Hi Sabrina…
    You text is very nice and what caught my attention is how cool you mum looks. Let her know that I think “blond” suits here very well, she looks “sassy”.

  • Rashida Kanji , July 18, 2012

    Beautifully said Sabrina! May this journey give you all lots of hope,courage,strength,& LOVE .

    Warm hugs & lots of love,

    Rashida Kanji

  • Karim, Salima & Aleem , July 18, 2012

    Wise words indeed Sabrina! Always strive to living a balanced life is the key to happiness. Muni we look forward to the day you are able to sprint up the stairs. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  • Lucy , July 18, 2012

    True, true Sabrina. We should learn and practice – once my pastor asked – ‘what legacy would you wish to be remembered for’. My thoughts are with your family.

  • yasmin valani , July 17, 2012

    Ever considered taking on “motivational leadership”, Sabrina? Your words are inspiring and life changing………. Hang in young lady, you are doing well!

  • Ahmad D , July 17, 2012

    very true….Beautifully put…

  • Linda , July 17, 2012

    You said it all Sabrinski! Huge hugs and kisses! You are all amazing ‘beings’ and its nice of you to bring us along on the journey with you. Xoxo

  • Anonymous , July 17, 2012

    You cannot teach a man or woman anything; you can only help them to find it within themselves.”
    – Galileo

    excellent job Sabrina, May your journey in seva give you lots of strenght ,happiness,courage, wisdom and fulfill your wishes,

    Salome

  • Julie Nunes , July 17, 2012

    Love the picture of your mom just being her amazing self:)

  • Anonymous , July 17, 2012

    Amen. What a thoughtful reminder to us all.

  • Alia , July 17, 2012

    Hi beautiful – an insightful read, as always. You’ve probably already read this, but just in case: http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/06/30/the-busy-trap/

    looking forward to catching up in Aug! xx

  • Anonymous , July 17, 2012

    Beautifully put Sabrina, my thoughts are with Munira and you all.

    Lynn

  • Wil , July 17, 2012

    Beautifully well said!

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