Part II - The Star Guide

Her creativity extended beyond her work,  my mother has raised us—and continues to guide us—with a deep respect for learning, not just academically but culturally and spiritually as well.

Growing up in the UAE, where diversity is woven into the social fabric, she made it her mission to expose us to a broad spectrum of beliefs and perspectives. Despite our being Christian, she enrolled us in both Christian and Islamic religion classes, fostering a dual understanding that bridged the gap between faiths. Her belief in understanding others wasn’t just something she taught—it was something she lived. She herself has read the Quran several times, not out of obligation but out of curiosity and a genuine desire to deeply understand a faith that coexisted alongside ours. For her, true education lies in empathy and respect, which begin with understanding.

But her approach to learning went even further. She encouraged us to explore Buddhism, Hinduism, and other religions and philosophies that could expand our minds and hearts. I still remember when she signed me up for a 10-day yoga and meditation retreat—not just to read about these practices, but to experience their principles firsthand. Looking back, I see how her liberal worldview, undoubtedly influenced by my grandmother’s progressive mindset, has profoundly shaped who I am.

I began to understand this connection more deeply during alternative therapy sessions, particularly in family constellation therapy. These sessions are designed to uncover and resolve the ways in which the dynamics of past generations influence our present lives. They explore how patterns of behaviour, trauma, and resilience are passed down through generations, often subconsciously. Through this work, I came to a profound realization: who I am today is not just the sum of my own experiences, but the legacy of countless lives before me. My grandmother’s courage, my mother’s wisdom, and even the challenges and sacrifices of ancestors I’ve never met all converge in shaping my identity.

This understanding ties closely to a concept explored by young philosopher Jason Silva, whose talks have influenced me. In one of his theories, he discusses ontological design, the idea that ‘the environments we shape inevitably shape us in return’. It’s a cyclical relationship: our surroundings—physical, emotional, and intellectual—reflect who we are, yet they also mold our thoughts, beliefs, and actions.

When I think of my mother, I see a living example of philosophies alike in action. The environment she cultivated for us—a home filled with books, ideas, and open discussions—shaped the way we saw the world and engaged with it. And in turn, her openness to learning and growing was undoubtedly shaped by the environment her own mother, my grandmother, created for her.

The moral of this journal entry is that none of us exist in isolation. We are mosaics—pieces of the environments we grow in, the beliefs we inherit, and the choices we make to reimagine those legacies. My grandmother taught my mother the courage to break boundaries, and my mother continues to show me the wisdom to embrace understanding. Together, they have created a legacy of resilience and open-mindedness that continues to shape me.

October Avenue is not just a tribute to my grandmother’s resilience but also to my mother’s wisdom. Living in the force of two remarkable heroines is a reflection of the environment they nurtured, where strength, growth, and love are the essence.

As I carry this legacy forward, October Avenue becomes a space to celebrate transformation, compassion, and the stories that connect us. By honouring their light, I hope to spark the same sense of connection and inspiration in others - building bridges and bridging gaps.

Thank you, Mom <3.

Tune in to the final instalment next week...