Munira Premji

It’s been two weeks since I left work and it feels weird.

On the one hand, it has been delicious to be able to sleep in occasionally, to listen to talk shows, to lounge with friends, and to not worry about details and deadlines.

On the other hand, I feel guilty about putting myself first, about having time, about not getting paid.  It’s an odd feeling.  I’m almost embarrassed to have this time to myself where I have virtually no responsibility or accountability.  I am slowly learning to enjoy this time and take advantage of this unexpected blessing.   I have also had to learn to manage my energy at home.  I received polite feedback from family members that my uncurtailed energy can be overwhelming to the people around me as I rush headlong like a bull in a china store to get things done.

So while I celebrate and come to terms with the new calmer me, here is what I have been up to  in the last two weeks:

  • Signed up for a 12 week program called “the Science of Everyday Thinking”, offered by the University of Queensland. #learningneverstops
  • Spent an hour with my talented editor, Susan Renouf, and worked on a plan for my book. #thecancerwarrior
  • Went out for lunch and dinner with friends six times! #woohoo!
  • Took a friend for a tour of the Ismaili Centre, the Aga Khan Museum and the Aga Khan Park. #proudtobeismaili
With my friend, Jo Anne Langshaw, at Diwan restaurant in the Aga Khan Museum
  • Went to the gym 6 times. #thinthighsin30days
  • Met with the Habibs (Afzal’s parents) to discuss engagement and wedding plans while skyping with Sabrina in New York and Afzal in Kenya, to understand their vision for the wedding. #motherinlawintraining
  • Looked forward to daily scheduled calls with my cousin Zein to source potential reception venues for the wedding. #bestpartoftheday
  • Watched all episodes of Heroes Reborn. #sittingontheedgeofmyseattv
  • Co-designed a workshop on Effective Communication for a client for delivery next week. #nicetoworksometimes
  • Met with my violinist and keyboard player to lay down the tracks of a cd that I am recording with friends. #creativejuicesflowing
  • Sourced, interviewed and negotiated crazy wicked pricing for multiple tree pruning.
  • Visited a friend who has Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma to reminisce on shared experiences, and help him prepare for the stem cell transplant process.
  • Bought a brand new iPhone and bid a tearful farewell to my Blackberry Z10.
  • Went to Jamatkhana times regularly for morning and evening prayers.
  • Ordered 6 books from amazon.ca for reading over Christmas.
  • Coached two clients to support their life goals.
  • Organized and cleaned the garage.
  • Learnt how to make potato and leek soup.
  • Participated in the November executive team meeting for the Toronto & District Multiple Myeloma Support Group. #greattogiveback
  • Agreed to lead a short project for a program that will run the first week of December.
  • Said “no” to two volunteer opportunities because they were not the right fit for my skills. #learningtosayno
  • Possibly said yes to doing a motivational speech for an event at the end of November. #oldhabitsdiehard
  • Planned an event at our home for November 21st.
  • Wrote 3 blogs.

Can’t wait for the next two weeks……

14 Comments

  • Shirley , November 17, 2015

    You are definitely a firecracker, but the beautiful kind with fantastic colours sparkling and everyone exclaims in amazement.

  • Dilshad , November 17, 2015

    Most of us can’t accomplish this in a year! #toohardtokeepupwithyou
    Enjoy and keep going strong!

    • Anonymous , November 17, 2015

      It’s so nice to have time. I figure wedding planning shouldn’t take more than two months tops! What do you think?

  • Anonymous , November 17, 2015

    Sounds like you were not resting at all. Wow impressive 2 week accomplishments. U r a great role model for us

  • mylegacytoyou , November 17, 2015

    And to think that all I did for the past two weeks was feel sorry for myself, down with the flu! You sure are a firecracker Munira. You won’t be the same if you learn to relax. More energy to keep up with your uncurtailed self. Loving the shinny black tight pants look!

    • Anonymous , November 17, 2015

      Hey diva. Can we plan a day to spend together? I really really miss you!

  • Parin Sunderji , November 16, 2015

    I can see what your family members mean by your ‘uncurtailed energy’. You would leave most of us biting the dust 😂. I
    Sounds like you are relishing the whirlwind of activity

    • Anonymous , November 17, 2015

      Haha! It was so funny when my mom suggested I calm down!

  • Lynda and Dave Cavanagh , November 16, 2015

    I knew it, I knew it, I knew it. You just can’t relax. I really enjoyed your blog. I am still laughing. You will never change – thank goodness. I love you the way you are. Enjoy being “Mother of the Bride”.
    Lynda

    Sent from Lynda’s iPad

    >

    • Anonymous , November 17, 2015

      Lynda. When are you and Dave coming to Toronto? Can you spend a weekend at my home? So much to show you. So much to talk about

  • Barbara , November 16, 2015

    Ahhh…you never cease to amaze me Munira. Got exhausted just reading the list! I knew you’d continue to do amazing things 🙁

  • maheensaleh , November 16, 2015

    Hi Munira, it so awesome to read your detailed outline of what you are doing since you finished at work: I can say how happy to see your energy is really great given you are doing lot more with your time.

    If you need any help for Sabrina wedding so on, I would be delighted to help as I am working part time. I am doing things that I love like learning reiki healing, dharma talks, meditation and most best of all going to Thailand. I am hoping that once I move inshallah next year I will have my own room at home for reiki to help others maybe charge small amount. I need to practice, once I finish level 2, would you be interested if I came reiki healing. I am seeing a amazing individual who had changed me truly just so incredibly that I am blessed.

    Let’s meet soon if you wish.

    Regard, love and healing energy sent your way. I will pray for you tonight,

    Maheen

  • Anonymous , November 16, 2015

    Cute picture! It makes me tired just looking at your list 😊

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