The one thing we can’t control is time, however, we can use it wisely.
Several inspiring women tell Emirates Woman, what it is to trust the process and timing in their lives.
Jacklyn McCulloch
Founder of the candle brand Inner Alchemist
When have you had to trust the timing of your life in the past?
Well, it’s such a cliché to say that if something doesn’t work out for you then it’s because something better is in store, and I think once that happens to you over and over again, you finally start to see how true it is. I can’t really think of a specific or more relevant time, but when I look back on ALL of the “really bad” things that happened to me (things that haven’t went how I REALLY desperately wanted), I’m SO unbelievably grateful that they didn’t, because my life would have been so different and always without exception something better comes along that I couldn’t have even imaged at the time I wanted something else. I felt pressure to do something at university when my heart wasn’t in it, but I was scared that if I didn’t then my life would be a failure, because that’s what society pushed on me. When I didn’t get the grades I needed, I was devastated at the time, but that was actually the catalyst for me taking the chance on a job with Emirates and moving to Dubai, travelling the world, meeting the most inspiring people. There has been a break up with a boyfriend for example in the past that I thought it was the absolute end of the world, and now I look back thinking THANK YOU, because I wouldn’t have went down the path I chose if I had stayed with this person and I know my life would not be as good as it is now. There have also been so many times when I’ve decided to go out somewhere purely because I was feeling sad over a break up or something else that didn’t go my way because I didn’t want to stay in the house sad and alone (whereas normally I’d have stayed at home and declined all invites to go out that day being the hermit that I sometimes am), and I’ve ended up meeting some amazing person or people who have changed my life for the positive in some way, whether it’s been by inspiring me or making think differently about something, taught me a lesson that I’ll never forget, or been a good business connection or become a best friend who my life would not be the same without now. Something good always comes out of any bad, so I now tend to go more with the flow and trust that everything is happening as it should and in alignment with the greater good.
This is The Horology Issue – how do you manage your time wisely?
This is so so simple but has made such a big difference for me in managing my time recently. I list three of the most important and non-negotiable things I have to do that day and make sure I get those done no matter what. Instead of scrambling about different tasks that all get half completed and I forget the most important ones, three tasks is manageable. It’s so basic but it’s made such a difference for me. It’s still something I’m trying to master, particularly with having ADHD I can get distracted and lose focus really easy from different tasks. My to-do lists had become something that was just impossible to complete and stressed me out instead of helping me be productive.
Fatma Almheiri
Founder 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 Lemke
Holistic 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 Alagroobi
Artist
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 Fayadh
Founder 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 Bongiasca
Italian 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 Banawi
Saudi 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 Mattar
Founder 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
