Munira Premji

Los Cabos, Mexico

On August 2nd, 2013, the first day of our family vacation to Los Cabos, Mexico, Shayne asked a simple question:  “what are your goals this week?”  I thought it was an interesting question, given that we were on vacation, and I was curious to hear everyone’s responses.  After some initial “What?”s and “You’re kidding, right?”, we sat on the beach and thought about what each of us wanted to do over the next week.

My sister said that her goal was to learn 10 words of Spanish and to go into the pool every day.  For my mom, it was to swim in the pool, eat healthy (i.e. put on some weight) and listen to the waves, contemplate life, pray and meditate on the beach.  For Nagib, it was, first and foremost, “relax” and then create a plan for the next twelve months.  Sabrina’s goal was to complete two chapters a day of “Economics of Development”, her pre-reading for Columbia University, to  experience something new and to do a photo shoot at the beach.  Shayne’s goal was to have dinner with the family at this fancy place called El Farallon, take in a new experience, and finish reading the book, “The Way of the Knife”  My goal was to try every concoction of non-alcoholic beverage available at the resort!  Shayne wrote all these down in a book.

I love this exercise because it gave voice to what everyone needed to make the vacation special for them.  And what I love more is that since everyone knew what the other wanted, there was support and encouragement for each other.  One day before our vacation ended, Shayne opened his book and read out aloud our goals to make sure we were on track.  We were doing spectacularly well at meeting our goals.  My sister was up to 7 words in Spanish.  Shayne and Sabrina zip-lined, rappelled and rock-climbed for the first time.  Shayne finished his book.  Sabrina finished her book and did her math pre-work as well.  My mom meditated on the beach and put on at least 3 pounds (unfortunately, so did  we!).  Nagib worked on on his one-year plan (but won’t tell us what it is).  We did a professional photo shoot on the beach.  And I tried a whole host of virgin drinks:  Miami Vice, Piña Colada, Mojito and Bananamama (Miami Vice is my favourite!).

And, we ended our vacation with a spectacular dinner at El Farallon.  Woo hoo!

I doubt that we would have done all this had Shayne not posed the question at the start of the vacation.  We would have done some, but not all.

One of the things I’m going to do differently at home from now on is to ask the family what’s on tap for them for the upcoming week.  It’s a great way to stay connected and to be supportive.

So, what’s on tap for you this week?

12 Comments

  • Anonymous , October 23, 2013

    hey whats up, no news? have yu forgotten us?

    Salome

  • farzana , September 20, 2013

    Zoey and I also loved Miami Vice!!

  • Anonymous , September 16, 2013

    Very sweet. Lovely photo 🙂

  • Rashida Kanji , September 3, 2013

    It has been such a long long time that I read your blog.I am so sorry.Life has been so hectic!!Here I am in the UK reading all the wonderful stories I have missed.Your stories are such an inspiration.It brought tears of joy in my eyes & a smile in my ♥.
    What a fantastic family vacation.The picture on the beach is absolutely fantastic &it made my heart smile.
    You are absolutely wonderful Mukhianima. Love You!
    So happy to see you back to work.You look beautiful as ALWAYS.
    I am having a wonderful time here in England.Enjoying my 3 yr.old grandson who is such a sweetheart.He is such a joy.
    Our thoughts & prayers for you & your family.May the coming years bring you lots of love, joy, peace and fulfillment in your life.
    Love Always!
    Warm hugs

    Rashida

  • Anonymous , September 3, 2013

    Dearest. Mukhianima,
    OMG. HOW on earth I have been missing your blog!.I am so sorry.Life has been so hectic.Here I am in the UK going through your blog.I am so rested & at peace.Also going to morning khane at 3am!!.Having the time of my life with my grandson who is an absolute darling.
    About you now.
    Just loved reading your blog.What a fantastic vacation with the family.Love the family picture on the beach.It brought tears of joy in my eyes & a smile in my ♥.You are just great Mukhianima and such a wonderful inspiration.Love You!
    So happy to see you back to work.Way to go! You look beautiful as always! Your stories are so inspiring.
    All the pictures are absolutely stunning.
    Our thoughts & prayers for you& your familyALWAYS
    May the coming years bring you lots of love, joy, peace& fulfillment.
    Warm hugs.
    Rashida

  • Anonymous , August 29, 2013

    Munira, what a fantastic vacation! So clever to take the time at the beginning so everyone could make sure they got everything they wanted! The photo on the beach is fantastic, by the way. Talk to you soon, I hope!

    Love, Patti

  • Anonymous , August 20, 2013

    absolutely right, however i would like to add that once we have goals, at least we can measure and work or create a plan ,in the end if we cannot achieve 100 % of our goals, the fact that we did have plan and were able to achieve 50-75% of the goals, is better than jachieving nothing.
    having goals is good but over exerting on achieving them can be frustrating too ha ha

    make realistic/achievable goals

    salome

    • Premji Family , August 20, 2013

      You are so right about making ours goals realistic and achievable!

  • Anonymous , August 19, 2013

    What an inspiration you are to all. Love your photos! Hugs to you and all your family. from Dave and Erika

    • Premji Family , August 22, 2013

      Hi Dave and Erika – – Things are good. Mexico was fanastic! We so look forward to seeing you at the next MM meeting. You are my touchstones!

  • Suzanne Sutherland , August 19, 2013

    Absolutely magnificent !

    • Premji Family , August 22, 2013

      Hi Suzanne – – Speaking of buffet, can we get together for lunch next week?! Love you, Munira

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