The National's Thoraya Abdullahi with her mother. Thoraya Abdullahi / The National
The National's Thoraya Abdullahi with her mother. Thoraya Abdullahi / The National
The National's Thoraya Abdullahi with her mother. Thoraya Abdullahi / The National
The National's Thoraya Abdullahi with her mother. Thoraya Abdullahi / The National

Lessons that last – how my mother’s early teachings shaped my life


Thoraya Abdullahi
  • English
  • Arabic

“I love how outgoing / bubbly / helpful you are.” If only I had a penny for each time someone uttered these words to me in my personal and professional life.

Wishful thinking. And yet, if I were given the opportunity to explain, these are the thoughts I'd share with them.

It all comes down to my mother, a woman who were I to attempt to encapsulate in words, would take a lifetime and then some. Exuding vitality, joy and affection, my mother is the embodiment of a happy home and the rich, comforting scent of oud.

My favourite childhood memory is waking up in the middle of the night to the sound of my mother's prayers

I attribute all my positive personality traits to my mother's infectious laughter and warm personality. I am grateful to have inherited some of her finest qualities. The mere sound of her voice has the power to alleviate my exhaustion and sorrow.

My favourite childhood memory is waking up in the middle of the night to the sound of my mother's prayers, fervently asking for blessings for my sister and me. I would listen silently, mouthing “Ameen” and relishing the sound of her voice.

My mother holds an exceptional place in my heart as my best friend and eternal teacher. She not only imparted essential life skills, but also invaluable values that will remain with me for ever. Here are some of the lessons from my childhood that I hold dear and that have proved useful even as an adult.

Be generous

My mother is a person who freely gives her time, money and belongings, quite literally. She firmly believes in the principle of sharing and applies it extensively to her family as well as relatives back home in Somalia.

She is a remarkable model of volunteerism, contributing to various organisations that aim to better the future of young children in our home country. Her door is always open to our neighbours and people in need, whom she invites to make themselves at home and at ease, especially in the month of Ramadan.

“Build relationships not for personal gain, but for the sake of giving and being generous to others,” is her motto.

So now, whenever I have the opportunity to brighten someone's life, even if it's with only a kind word and smile, I never hesitate to do so.

Be happy with what you have

My mother leads a modest and uncomplicated life, placing her family at the centre of her world. Her contentment is palpable, and she urged us to avoid superficiality and the temptation to compare ourselves with others.

My mother was right when she said, by staying true to your beliefs, you will earn respect and trust

She also encouraged us to pursue our aspirations, and not let the desire for material possessions hinder our progress.

My mother's philosophy is to seize the moment and make the most of every opportunity, surrounded by those we love. When we were growing up, she often reminded us that we have our whole lives to rest and reflect, and that we should avoid regret by striving to live fully in the present.

By prioritising relationships, embracing simplicity, and cherishing every moment, I hope to emulate her model of contentment.

Stand firm in your values

“Never bend back for anyone” was a frequent phrase I heard growing up, as my mother reminded me that I should never compromise my values or beliefs for the sake of others.

Even today, these words enable me to always stand up for myself and not be swayed by external pressures. This advice has helped me navigate challenging situations where I was tempted to compromise my values to please others.

And I have found my mother was right when she said, by staying true to yourself and your beliefs, you will earn the respect and trust of those around you.

Love yourself before you love anyone else

Another of my mother's early teachings was that love is one of the most esteemed human emotions. She implanted in me the importance of self-love from a very young age. She would always say: “You can't truly love someone else until you love yourself first.”

She taught me that self-love means valuing and respecting myself, being comfortable in my own skin, and not seeking validation or approval from others.

She always encouraged me to set healthy boundaries and prioritise my well-being. Through her words and actions, she showed me that taking care of myself physically, emotionally and mentally is essential in order to have healthy relationships with others.

This has helped me to develop a strong sense of self-worth and confidence, which has been invaluable in my personal and professional life.

If you go...

Flying
There is no simple way to get to Punta Arenas from the UAE, with flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi requiring at least two connections to reach this part of Patagonia. Flights start from about Dh6,250.

Touring
Chile Nativo offers the amended Los Dientes trek with expert guides and porters who are met in Puerto Williams on Isla Navarino. The trip starts and ends in Punta Arenas and lasts for six days in total. Prices start from Dh8,795.

GULF MEN'S LEAGUE

Pool A Dubai Hurricanes, Bahrain, Dubai Exiles, Dubai Tigers 2

Pool B Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Jebel Ali Dragons, Dubai Knights Eagles, Dubai Tigers

 

Opening fixtures

Thursday, December 5

6.40pm, Pitch 8, Abu Dhabi Harlequins v Dubai Knights Eagles

7pm, Pitch 2, Jebel Ali Dragons v Dubai Tigers

7pm, Pitch 4, Dubai Hurricanes v Dubai Exiles

7pm, Pitch 5, Bahrain v Dubai Eagles 2

 

Recent winners

2018 Dubai Hurricanes

2017 Dubai Exiles

2016 Abu Dhabi Harlequins

2015 Abu Dhabi Harlequins

2014 Abu Dhabi Harlequins

Sweet%20Tooth
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Moonfall

Director: Rolan Emmerich

Stars: Patrick Wilson, Halle Berry

Rating: 3/5

UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

COMPANY PROFILE

Name: Qyubic
Started: October 2023
Founder: Namrata Raina
Based: Dubai
Sector: E-commerce
Current number of staff: 10
Investment stage: Pre-seed
Initial investment: Undisclosed 

The specs

Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors

Power: Combined output 920hp

Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic

Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km

On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025

Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000

The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbo

Transmission: CVT

Power: 170bhp

Torque: 220Nm

Price: Dh98,900

Ireland v Denmark: The last two years

Denmark 1-1 Ireland 

7/06/19, Euro 2020 qualifier 

Denmark 0-0 Ireland

19/11/2018, Nations League

Ireland 0-0 Denmark

13/10/2018, Nations League

Ireland 1 Denmark 5

14/11/2017, World Cup qualifier

Denmark 0-0 Ireland

11/11/2017, World Cup qualifier

 

 

 

Maestro
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Updated: May 13, 2023, 5:33 AM`