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    7 incredible women tell us what it takes to trust the timing and use it wisely

    Fatma AlmheiriFounder of fashion brand Venus The Label

    When have you had to trust the timing of your life in the past?
    Trusting the timing of my life is crucial for my personal growth and development. I have learned that in many situations, I must be patient and wait for things to fall into place. Whether it’s waiting for the right job opportunity, the perfect partner, or the ideal moment to pursue my passions, trust in the process is key. I firmly believe that everything will eventually work out, even if the path is not always apparent or straightforward. This belief requires me to let go of my need to control every aspect of my life and be open to the challenges and opportunities that come my way.
    This is The Horology Issue – how do you manage your time wisely?
    By setting goals and priorities, it’s so important for me to know what I want to achieve. Making a list of my goals and assigning a level of importance to each one. This helps me focus my time and energy on the most important tasks. Planning and scheduling, once the goals are set, I create a plan to accomplish them. This is something I still struggle with, however taking one step at a time helps me stay focused in what I need to achieve. Avoid- ing distraction, the biggest time eater! I usually limit my usage of social media and turn off notifications to create a quiet workspace for myself with minimal distractions. Taking breaks to help increase my productivity, helps me recharge and refocus. My favourite one of them all, re- warding myself once I have hit a certain goal or achievement. It helps boost my self-confidence when I acknowledge the effort and progress I made, it increases my motivation and encourages me to go even further, of course not replacing the actual goal and in moderation.

    Julie LemkeHolistic Esthetician

    When have you had to trust the timing of your life in the past?
    When things did not turn out as I had planned in my mind. At one point I was facing so many obstacles and rejections that it forced me to pause and rethink my actions, my purpose and why I was fighting so desperately for something I maybe didn’t even want. I finally made the link between the roadblocks and me not living my authentic truth and I surrendered. It was in that exact moment that everything started falling into place and my life took a completely different direction to what I could ever have imagined. It was the most perfect timing; I would just never have planned it myself, as it was a ripping apart of everything before it could fall into place. New opportunities arose, everything gathered synergistically and one thing led to the other – paving the way to where I am today. Looking back, I am so unbelievably grateful for all the doors that closed, as new ones opened, allowing me to fully embrace my passion. I firmly believe that obstacles are a detour in the right direction – if you are willing to listen and be open to the guidance of a “higher power”. Sometimes we overlook things and opportunities in the need of controlling everything. But if we are willing to loosen to our pre-settings, we can eventually create space for magic and new beginnings.
    This is The Horology Issue – how do you manage your time wisely?
    I allow myself sensory, social, mental, emotional and creative rest in order to be more efficient in what I do – when I do it. We live in a world where we are constantly ON. However, I personally found that I do not function very well in that way, so I had to implement some strategies to support me to be able to function at my best. I also realised that taking a lot of mini breaks makes me far more productive than taking one long break. Just a quick speedy recharge and I am ready again. I am huge on meal planning, making sure everything is set for the week. And finally, the real Game Changer, my work-related Capsule Wardrobe. Having a small selection of clothes as part of my business attire has literally changed my life and given me so much more time.

    Sarah AlagroobiArtist

    When have you had to trust the timing of your life in the past?
    There are many pivotal moments in life where time operates as a synchronistic phenomenon that creates meaning. Everything happens for a reason, so I do not approach life with an expectation that I can control my path or what is intended for me. I would rather honour the causes and effects that have been presented to me and know that although I may not understand their significance at that moment, it may come to me several years down the line. I truly believe that synchronicity draws the eye’s attention to moments in our lives when we need to stop and take a minute to breathe. Carl Jung defines time as the manifestation of the collective unconscious, archetypes, symbols, and experiences we derive from. So, I trust that the past was intended to guide the present to make way for the future.
    This is The Horology Issue – how do you manage your time wisely?
    I see that time is a non-renewable resource; you can never get it back, so I don’t necessarily see it as ‘timekeeping’ but rather ‘time-taking’. I am very conscious about how I spend my time and who I give it to. I also feel that time is something you cannot control, so it is up to you to go with time rather than against it. We always feel we are racing against the clock, by recognising moments of stillness and being present with your time, you will manage it very well because you will be hyper-aware of its value. It is a currency that we can never trade, so you have to protect it.

    Maryam FayadhFounder of Bahraini Jewellery brand JGala

    When have you had to trust the timing of your life in the past?
    Shortly after receiving my architecture degree in 2016, I knew I wanted to do something different, but I was held back by the pressure to pursue a profession in the field I had just spent five years studying and along with not knowing what I truly wanted to do. After five years of working in multiple disciplines ranging from engineering offices to creative design agencies, and feeling out of place, I decided to focus on architecture again. On March 30, 2021, I was offered a job at the engineering firm I was interning at and refused it instantly. I had no plan or reason other than my gut telling me that this profession does not allow me to soar. By April 1st, 2021, I had decided to start my journey as a jewellery designer and met with a master jeweller to help me plan my educational journey and a new career. When the time was right, without hesitation, I made a life-changing decision that then led me to where I am today: a jewellery designer whose methodology and designs are shaped by architecture and its rich history.
    This is The Horology Issue – how do you manage your time wisely?
    Over the years, I have come to believe that I am most productive when I have a detailed weekly and monthly schedule. This al- lows me to be productive while also having some flexibility to shift tasks around to accommodate for my time with my loved ones.
    Bea BongiascaItalian Jewellery Designer

    When have you had to trust the timing of your life in the past?
    I feel the question should be, when have I not trusted it? I have always been a believer in the saying “everything happens for a reason”, but I always add at the right time! Creating my brand has taught me to be patient even when I wanted things to happen instantly for myself. For instance, if everything I had going on right now, all the success the brand has witnessed, if all this occurred at the same time, I believe we wouldn’t have been able to manage as well as we have. For me, slow and steady always wins, and for a reason!
    This is The Horology Issue – how do you manage your time wisely?
    I am a very organized person, so managing time is no issue. I actually enjoy planning ahead which really helps me with managing my time effectively, particularly when it comes to everything involving the Bea Bongiasca brand.
    Arwa Al BanawiSaudi Fashion Designer

    When have you had to trust the timing of your life in the past?
    Starting my own brand, it took time and many dreamy conversations but it was meant to happen when certain things were accomplished in my life and career. I felt in a blink of a moment in 2015 that now is the time.
    This is The Horology Issue – how do you manage your time wisely?
    I prioritise my tasks by the importance of deadlines. I try not to force inspiration as I learned with experience it has to come naturally and the more you do not think about it, you will get inspired more often. I plan “personal time“ and take that time seriously whether it’s a solo trip by the sea or by the mountains or a spa day – “me time makes all the difference in time management“. Most importantly, I delegate things that I don’t need to add pressure on myself to do personally and it took me time to learn that but I did through experience of almost 10 years in my field.
    Leen MattarFounder of fashion label, Lilo

    When have you had to trust the timing of your life in the past?
    When I hit rock bottom in my personal life and education, I realised that despite the obstacles and doubts from others, I needed to pursue my long-envisioned career in fashion. From a young age I gravitated towards it, and the process of creating. Going against what I felt I was meant to do led to me being unable to excel in any areas of my life. After five semesters jumping from major to major, I trusted my intuition and booked a flight back to Jordan where I asked my Father to take a chance and invest my tuition fees into creating my brand, Lilo. Another moment I remember is sketching a dress and seeing the same design in a department store from a big Italian brand. It was another sign to start, it was the time to bring my vision to life, my designs are meant to be now. Time is one of the most precious things in life, and it’s easy to delay turning your dreams into reality for fear of failing. These experiences taught me to trust the timing of my life, to believe in myself, the process, and most importantly God.
    This is The Horology Issue – how do you manage your time wisely?
    As a young entrepreneur and fashion de- signer, time management is one of the key components to staying on the path to success. I believe it is the most precious commodity, and aim to balance it between work and my personal life. I invest a large amount of my time in the creative process, designing, and perfecting each capsule we launch. If I’m not creating, I love learning from other creatives in the industry to broaden my horizons. I also dedicate time to be with myself, I enjoy my own company and feel as though my personal identity creates the character that Lilo is as a brand, its life through my eyes.
    May’s – The Horology Issue – Download Now 
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    Watch: Saudi dentist becomes the first Arab woman to swim across the Red Sea

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    4 hours ago

    Dr Mariam Saleh bin Laden has become the first Arab woman to swim across the Red Sea from Saudi Arabia to Egypt.
    The Saudi Arabian dentist and certified endurance swimmer completed the journey within four hours crossing nine kilometres of the open sea making history in the region.

    Humanitarian, dentist and pioneer of open water swimming, @MariamBinladen’s #CoralSwim to protect the #RedSea’s precious coral is nothing short of inspirational 🌊 @LewisPugh pic.twitter.com/6lIBiYsUEu
    — Reema Bandar Al-Saud (@rbalsaud) October 18, 2022

    Ahead of the COP27 meeting, the endurance swimmer wanted to highlight the vulnerability of coral reefs. By overcoming the harsh realities of the water including the strong winds and sharks, she came out stronger after embarking on this heroic mission to protect the Red Sea.
    The journey started from the Kingdom’s Tiran Island and ended for her at Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt along with her advocate and endurance swimmer Lewis Pugh who continues on his 160km expedition.

    “I am very grateful to be the first Saudi, the first Arab and the first woman to swim from Saudi Arabia to Egypt,” she said on Instagram after completing her journey. “I never thought I would do this without a shark cage. But putting ourselves out of our comfort zones is what makes us stronger,” she conveyed.
    Dr Mariam is no stranger to breaking records. She became the first Arab woman to complete the 4.5km Hellespont Swim in Turkey from Europe to Asia and the first woman ever to swim the 162 km length of River Thames in England in 10 days later in June 2016.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram @mariamsalehbinladen More

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    7 incredible women discuss how they find clarity in their lives

    When it comes to self-care, prioritising yourself is of utmost importance.
    Even small steps can make a big difference and Emirates Woman spoke to several inspiring women to understand how they find clarity in their daily lives.
    Wdeema Al MheiriContent Creator @wdeemajay

    How have you managed to stay on a clear path throughout the years?
    I stay on a clear path by focusing on myself and what I want. I avoid listening to other people’s judgments or opinions so as to not distract me from my own goals. I decide my own path.
    In everyday life, how do you manage to maintain clarity?
    I am a firm believer in speaking things into existence. Manifesting the things I want allows me to maintain clarity. I set my affirmations for every era of my life and whatever is meant to happen will happen. I also believe it’s important for me to surround myself with great people that have good intentions that encourage me to maintain this clarity.
    Nadya HasanContent Creator @nadyaa

    How have you managed to stay on a clear path throughout the years?
    With the work that I do, it’s very hard to separate personal life from business and that could lead to burnout, which happens in my case all the time. So I try to disconnect with travel which I do very often and it helps me have a clear mind and be able to continue to do what I love.
    In everyday life, how do you manage to maintain clarity?
    In my everyday life, clarity doesn’t come that easy, so my husband and I take an hour off all social media and any electronics and take long walks around our neighbourhood and talk and have deep and meaningful conversations.
    Nora Al RamadhanCEO of Apotheca Beauty @apotheca_beauty

    How have you managed to stay on a clear path throughout the years?
    What I have found works for me is to set achievable, short-term goals on a monthly and quarterly basis that I strive towards. I make sure that these goals are not so out of reach and celebrate any small wins throughout the journey. When I focus too heavily on the long-term, the path towards achievement does not tend to be as clear and can change drastically. However, my overall views are to align my actions and goals with things that bring me happiness and peace of mind.
    In everyday life, how do you manage to maintain clarity?
    In order to maintain everyday clarity, I try to stay as organized as possible and create several lists for things such as discussion points for meetings, overall daily to-do lists, household tasks that need to be done, etc. I tend to create lists sporadically on my phone and add to them as things come to mind throughout the day. All of my tasks, meetings and appointments are also put into my calendar – both work and personal, so that I can make sure nothing is missed and I have it all in front of me. Separately to keeping organized, taking time for self-care every day is incredibly important and necessary. This would include prioritizing morn- ing work-outs, cooking (which I love and find therapeutic), and quality time with friends and family. I try to listen to my body and give it rest when needed.
    Asma LootahFounder of The Hundred Wellness Centre @thehundredwellness

    How have you managed to stay on a clear path throughout the years?
    I have learned over the years that gaining clarity begins with asking yourself many questions, especially questions you might be avoiding that could trigger changes you may feel unprepared for. I don’t always have the answers, however, it gives me more of a sense of direction. I really believe it is also important to pay attention to what you want or need every day. Making small decisions – it can be as simple as choosing between tea or coffee, these small steps help build your confidence around what you want out of life. When you gain that clarity of what drives you, you can manifest anything you want. These small steps build the foundation that will allow you to pursue your goals without fear. Mental clarity gives me the awareness to stop and see things as they are in the present, appreciate life, celebrate what makes me happy and healthy and feel content. When you live in the moment, you have greater control over your mind, body, and emotions, and that moment you experience is the only moment you can control.
    In everyday life, how do you manage to maintain clarity?
    Clarity is a work in progress, as life isn’t clear cut, however making time for myself to be still, to reflect and detach from the noise of the outside world is vital. Whether that is praying, sitting still and making mental notes or enjoying my morning ritual of sencha green tea, I believe looking deep within yourself, embracing self-awareness, and trusting your intuition is powerful, and ultimately gives you inner peace and clarity. I also believe in living life intentionally, a life that is aligned with your core values and one that promotes self-growth. It is important to have a purpose behind every decision you make, not to underestimate the importance of loving yourself, your uniqueness, and being present in the moment gives you and your life more clarity and meaning.
    Asma Al QassimContent Creator @asmaqassimm

    How have you managed to stay on a clear path throughout the years?
    In terms of my career, I’m always focused on presenting the product in the best way possible. I put myself in the designer’s eye and make sure to make the best out of it. I believe that every design should have its chance to be seen correctly. Every photoshoot I car- ry out, it feels like it’s my first time, so I make sure it’s the best one ever.
    In everyday life, how do you manage to maintain clarity?
    Maintaining clarity means being clear about what makes me happy, healthy, loving, and with less confusion and doubts. But to reach there, this requires clearing out my mind from all distractions, then through a commitment to my designers who are looking for the best out of their designs, and then prioritizing my priorities and identifying what matters to me and my customers, get creative, and lastly to bring out the best of that day by enjoying what I do and sharing my day to day life, coffee, and drive with my followers to feel them close and special.
    Amna Banihashem

    Emirati Showjumper & Mechanical Engineer@amnabanihashem
    How have you managed to stay on a clear path throughout the years?
    Faith plays a major role in my stability and clarity. It helps me focus and maintain my internal strength. When things get tough or confusing I use a method of introspection and self-reflection. My faith has helped me achieve this and self develop. Everyone needs a compass that brings them back on course, it is very important for each person to find his/her own.
    In everyday life, how do you manage to maintain clarity?
    Faith plays a major role in the clarity of the mind. It reminds one that life is fleeting and the only certainty is death. A heavy reality, but it remains a reality. Thus, improving clarity on certain aspects of life like goals, family, and reactions. Taking the time to pause and think about what is truly important, and what is important enough to spend one’s energy on is crucial to maintaining clarity in an increasingly distracting world. The quality of our lives is heavily dependent on our perspective. Remembering that we have a limited time helps us make better decisions, stay present and create clarity on what is worth our precious and limited attention and time.
    Rhea JacobsModel & Creative@therjacobs

    How have you managed to stay on a clear path through- out the years?
    By respecting myself enough to relearn the true meaning of balance. I’ve placed it such that I work towards my goals giving it my best and yet am learning to prioritise my happiness and peace of mind – happiness to me means spending time with people I love, self-care moments, being present, letting go of negative and toxic baggage. Most of all, learning that it’s always about the journey rather than the destination. Every stumble is a lesson learned and rightfully so.
    In everyday life, how do you manage to maintain clarity?
    By understanding that a lot of times things may seem unclear… and that’s part of the journey teaching you something. And mainly realising that you can’t pour from an empty cup. To replace what you take from your- self with introspection, kindness, self-care and love.
    June’s – The Clarity Issue – Download Now
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied  More