The Lunch That Lasted Until 10:00

Yesterday, something shifted.

It started as a simple suggestion—a meeting for inspiring ladies near my house in Sharjah. SubhanAllah, it blew up. Suddenly, thirty women were gathered at Sadaf Restaurant, sharing a meal and a space that we all desperately needed.

We ate (the food was incredible—I finally learned that Barberries are their own tiny, tart magic on rice!), but more importantly, we exhaled.

Finding the “Me” in the Middle of “Them”

As expat women in a faraway land, it is so easy to lose yourself. We talked about the struggle of being “just” a mom, “just” a wife, “just” a daughter. For a long time, I’ve struggled with the quiet lie that my life is boring. That I am uninspiring. That I am mediocre.

But sitting with these women, Allahumma barik, they lifted me up.

They didn’t see a “mediocre” mom; they saw a woman with purpose. They made me look at the personal “me”—the one who has dreams and interests outside of the laundry and the lunchboxes. I went back to my family feeling like I could do better—not just for them, but for myself. I realized that starting to do what I enjoy, even in tiny sips, is what gives me clarity.

From the Table to the Sand

The lunch didn’t want to end. After a quick trip home to feed the kids dinner (with their help, of course!), we headed to the beach.

While the children played and navigated their own new social circles, I sat on the sand with a couple of sisters. We ended up at Filli for Karak tea (thank you, Sister E!). Under the night sky, the conversation deepened. We talked about Allah. We talked about the raw struggles of being a human being, a parent, and a daughter.

Reminders from “Sister Sindhu”

One sister—I’ll call her Sister Sindhu, because her wit and mannerisms reminded me so much of the comedian Sindhu Vee—became a mirror for my soul.

She reminded me of the “Dream Duas” I had made last year—prayers I had uttered with passion and then tucked away and forgotten. She shared perspectives on the people around us, the highs and the lows of our positions in life, and the wisdom in our current season.

I honestly didn’t want the night to end.

The Barakah of Connection

I realized that we don’t just need “playdates” for our kids; we need them for our souls.

I went home at 10:00 PM with a heart that felt light. I realized that I am not mediocre—I am simply a work in progress, surrounded by a tribe of women who are willing to hold the light for me when I can’t see my own.

When was the last time you sat with women who reminded you of your “Dream Duas”? Who in your life makes you feel like you are more than “just” your roles?