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8 Do’s And Don’ts While Ramadan(ing) In Dubai

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8 Do’s And Don’ts While Ramadan(ing) In Dubai

A guide of how the holy month works in the UAE

April 6, 2022

I have lived in Dubai for seven years, and many times I was asked by friends or acquaintances that were planning to come to visit during the holy month questions such as Can I go to a restaurant during Ramadan?, Can I go to the beach? or What should I wear?

Therefore the main reason for writing an article is to spill the beans and explain how Ramadan works in Dubai.

One important detail first: Dubai is located in the Arabian Peninsula, part of the Middle East region, but it’s not really a benchmark if we talk about Ramadan. If you go to most of the other Muslim countries worldwide, the whole environment is much much more conservative during the holy month.

Dubai is the Las Vegas of the Middle East, and even though there are some restrictions in Ramadan, it still stays very open, and there is plenty to do for the non-muslim ex-pats and tourists.

I have never spent Ramadan elsewhere rather than in Dubai. But I know that this city is by far one of the most welcoming and less conservative during this period.

So YES, if you are a tourist and you want to visit Dubai during Ramadan, the restrictions are mild, and there are plenty of activities you and your family or your friends can enjoy from morning until late at night. Therefore, welcome!

Typically Ramadan’s beginning is only confirmed a night or two before the holy month begins because the Islamic or Hijri calendar is based on moon cycles.

So every year the dates are different.

For example, Ramadan in 2021 was from April 12 until May 12, and this year, it will start around April 2 and last until May 2.

8 DO’s And DON’ts When Is Ramadan In Dubai

BEACH & POOL
DO’s

Going to the beach or the pool is always an option in Dubai (perhaps except January-March), and Ramadan is no exception.

DON’ts
If you leave the beach or the pool and go to the mall or walk in the streets, try not to wear see-through or beach garments and cover a little bit.

DINING

DO’s

All restaurants, coffee shops, bars, lounges, shisha places are all up and running. Same schedule, nothing different.

The food courts, restaurants, and coffee shops entrance in Malls have partitions. But this does not mean you can’t go inside and eat.

Rumors say that this year they will be out.

Iftar

Muslims fast during the day, and their first meal is at sunset, and this first meal is called Iftar. From the sunset until sunrise, they can eat anytime.

Suhoor

Usually starts late at night and lasts until the sun rises. Basically, this is the last time Muslims can eat.

What makes Iftar and Suhoor very special is that it’s a family and friends gathering. Most restaurants and shisha places in Dubai serve Iftar buffet style and Suhoor a la carte.

DON’ts

Because most of the population is Muslim and fasting during the day, it is forbidden to eat or drink in public. Again, rumors say it will not be forbidden this year anymore, and we shall see.

Note: most Muslims that I know are very permissive of you eating and drinking around them. They always say, it’s our choice, and we have to deal with it.

But generally speaking, we try to avoid doing this until Iftar time.

PARTY

DO’s

As I keep mentioning, Dubai is very different and unique in the Muslim world due to its openness. Many pools in hotels serve alcohol, and the music is on.

Every year there are more and more bars and lounges open where they serve alcohol.

So if you want to have a drink and listen to music, no problem here. So many options to choose from.

DON’ts

I can’t find much to say here. Generally speaking, behave and have a decent attitude.

ALCOHOL

DO’s

As I am saying in the previous point. Most bars are open, and they serve alcohol. Same as the pools. At the public beach, don’t even think about it. This is never a good idea, regardless of whether it is Ramadan or not. So if you want to drink, better choose a place where they have a license for it.

DON’ts

Ideally, try not to get wasted and go out in public or wherever you are and misbehave. It’s not nice anyway but in Ramadan even more.

LEISURE & ENTERTAINMENT

DO’s

Everything is open. Business as usual. If you come here with your family or with a group of friends, nothing changes. All resorts, parks, cinemas, museums are all open and up for visitors and tourists.

DON’ts

The same rules as above apply. If at a water park or an entertainment resort, try not to eat and drink in public and instead use the restaurants and coffee shops.

WHAT TO WEAR

DO’s

In Dubai, you can wear whatever you want. Anytime. Even During Ramadan, therefore, don’t stress much about it.

DON’ts

When I say everything, I include the aspect of decency as well. Of course, be a little more covered in a mall or in the streets during the day as a form of respect. But other than this, no panic.

Non-muslim residents like me sometimes wear in Ramadan (and not only) abayas or kaftans, but it is more like a fashion statement and a personal choice. I personally love it.

SCHEDULE

For the locals and residents of Dubai, during Ramadan, working hours are reduced from 9 am to 3 pm. Muslims will go home to rest until Iftar. But the other ex-pats are going out. So don’t be surprised if you see more people at the mall, for example during the day.

In the evening, everything is vibrant as people are out with their families and friends to eat, drink (non-Mulsim ex-pats), play cards and other games and enjoy shisha.

Therefore If you are planning to visit Dubai during Ramadan, no stress. There is plenty to do.

If you are visiting during Ramadan and have questions or concerns, drop me a comment.

40 Lessons I Learned Until I Reached 40

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40 Lessons I Learned Until I Reached 40

Go girl, It’s your birthday!

April 6, 2022

When I was a kid, I wanted to be an adult to be free and not depend on my parents. Then I grew up, and I reached my 20s, and looking at my 30s it looked far away and “old”. In my 30s, the 40s seemed again far and “older”. Now that I am 40 when I look at 50, I think about women like J Lo, Gwen Stefani, or Salma Hayek. It doesn’t look that old anymore but getting older is a synonym for being fit, sexy, attractive, have tight skin, and be super active and successful. 

So just to set the record straight – the 40s are still a whole lot of fun. But in a more mature and assumed way. If before I had some doubts and insecurities now I have much less. Just because I don’t care anymore about so many things. And what is the worst that can happen? I have nothing to lose. We are all destined to vanish sooner or later. So why not make the best out of it.

Climbing to my 40s, I realized more and more that this was a road that would end and I am not mortal. Time is not a joke but a rare commodity.

And I am gonna be honest with you. The feeling was scary and weird for about a week. But I can only deal with it and make the best out of whatever is yet to come.

I have four decades of experience to guide me, and If I can advise the younger generation, I would only say:

Take chances, try and experiment life because no matter what, you will always end up where you are supposed to be.

From taking that six months sabbatical from work to explore the world or get to spend time with you or the loved ones, standing in front of your asshole boss and making a point, to buying that ticket or going after that guy and telling him you are in love with him or admitting in front of your parents that you don’t actually wanna go to law school, but instead you would rather be a Hip Hop dancer. Or anything that would make you happy and accomplished.

The most painful feeling and question is “what IF”

As a matter of fact, even myself If I look back I haven’t taken all my chances, but overall I feel good inside because I had many moments when I said: “screw it, I will go for it,”.

And it’s ok sometimes to be a chicken too. Because fear is within us and I guess some opportunities are to be missed to let room for others to come.

For me, one of the most difficult things I had to learn to say in this life is “NO”

It took me years and years of fear and practice to say it.

Not being able to say “no” is equal to being in prison. You are caged. You are not free.

And once you have the guts to finally say it – this is rebirth. This is self-love and self-worth. This is about you. I am not saying to be selfish, but the truth is we should think more about ourselves.

A continuous “yes” is the acceptance of staying on the same path. You miss the change and many other opportunities.

Recently I just said NO to a very “beneficial” and convenient “friends with benefits” type of relationship after a long time. Why? Because as comfortable as it is, it doesn’t serve me anymore. It is not what I want, and as weak as I am, I can have the power to say goodbye.

And I said “no” not because I don’t care about him but because I deeply do. But it is just not good enough for me.

This means to say “no” and move on to something better and more meaningful.

To change something … you have to change something.

Photo Credit amy-shamblen-lJt-3NUFng4-unsplash.jpg

I started this diary page a few days before turning 40, and now I am 40. I have mixed feelings since the beginning of the year. A few months ago, I felt depressed because I didn’t feel accomplished enough. I haven’t done enough and I am not where I wanted to be or where I should be, and that I didn’t work enough to reach my goals. 

Now that I actually turned 40 today, I have to admit it is a bit scary. My life is pretty safe and stable at the moment, and I have a lot of beautiful friends around me, not to mention my family, but I have that feeling “wow – time flies.”

Other women my age have been married, re-married, have kids. Some are divorced and now are going back into the dating scene. I am none of those. I am still in the category of working on my career, started this blog, and still didn’t find Mr. Right.

40 Things I’ve Shaped And Got To Learn In The Last Four Decades

  1. My tribe. I am more selective with who is around me and who benefits from my time, love, and energy. Toxicity has no room in my life. My people are around me because they are unique and because I am a true friend.
  2. Everyone’s approval. I don’t give an F if some people will approve of what I say or do. The reality is that no matter what you do or how hard you try, you will never be able to be everyones’ cup of tea.
  3. My choices. I am more confident about the choices I make.
  4. My identity. I got to learn who I am, what I want and what I like, and at the same time what I don’t.
  5. Let go of material things. Still working on this one, especially when it comes to my wardrobe or home stuff. But I promise I am trying :))
  6. Waste my time. I just don’t let anyone waste my time with any kind of useless BS.
  7.  If I fall, I will find 1 million ways to stand back again.
  8. Fear. I am not that afraid anymore. I still have a dose, and we should all, as this is what makes us humans. But I am less scared, and I choose to live with faith and joy.
  9. I am more optimistic. Most of the time, I am in a good mood and see the full part of the glass, but I am generally also a big-mouth complainer.
  10. And less negative. Negative energy is equal with negative outcomes – the more negative thoughts you put out there, the less successful I will be. Therefore I choose to rewire my brain into creating more positive thoughts by setting intentions and visualizing my goals each day (ok, almost every day :P)
  11. I practice daily gratitude and say thank you every morning for the wonderful things I am blessed to have in my life, especially for the absolutely amazing people around me.
  12. I say “NO” in situations that are not beneficial for me.
  13. I appreciate more the present moment and what I have NOW and TODAY without looking with anxiety towards the future as this was one of my main fears of “what will happen” if XYZ.
  14. Implemented more discipline and structure in my daily life but less planning. I am in a better physical shape than I was 10 years ago, I work out, I eat healthily, I take my vitamins, I drink more water, I work hard every day to accomplish my goals.
  15. I learned how to hold my impulsivity. Not entirely as I am still on fire many times, but I control this trait of mine more because, in the end, it is better for me and for others.
  16. Letting go. Not every person is meant to stay in my life forever. Some people come just for the good times, some are teachers, some are just passengers, But each one has a purpose. When they leave as hard as it is with some of them, I know I have to let them go.
  17. Control. Of what I can’t. But instead, I can control my emotions and reactions to what is happening around me.
  18. What’s mine will find me. Whether it is my career or personal life. What is not for me will go away.
  19. Enjoy small things. Rather than constantly focusing on the bigger ones. Such as coffee in the morning, reading a book, watching the sunset, chatting with an old friend, going to the beach, or for a relaxing massage.
  20. Sex is better. Much better. It’s work in progress, and it takes some time to get to know what you like or what you don’t. Discovering your sexuality is a continuous process.
  21. Home Sweet Home. I was always a home person but loved going out too. I am the same today, but I appreciate being home and my time more than before.
  22. Never hanged to a loan or a credit card. Yes, I might have some minor restrictions here, but It makes me feel free.
  23. Stop comparing myself with others thinking they have more and they are happier. Everyone has issues no matter how happy they are on the surface.
  24. I am capable of taking care of a pet. It’s not rocket science, but it requires some time and dedication, and it can be very rewarding.
  25. I listen more and talk less. At least I am trying.
  26. Never lost my inner child. Goofiness is a part of me, and I believe we should all have that small thing within us and use it once in a while. Don’t let yourself grow up completely. Take time to be spontaneous and do things that seem absolutely ridiculous. (sometimes)
  27. Accept, embrace and celebrate change. I hate it just like you, but it is a necessary must because change is … change.
  28. Time flies. So I live, love, and laugh as much as I can.
  29. I don’t have to RSVP to every event to which I am invited. I used to do this so often because I didn’t know how to say no and wanted to please others and be liked. Not anymore
  30. Family is the most that matters. Its blood. As a teenager and in my early 20s, my relationship with my parents was not that great. Can’t say I hated them but didn’t like them either. With time growing up, we got much closer, rebuilt our relationship, and made peace with things that didn’t work out in the past. In the end, family and especially your two parents are the only people in this world who will give you unconditional love and be there literally no matter what.
  31. Fail. Get up. Move on. Success.
  32. Nothing is random. Everything happens for a reason. Sometimes it isn’t immediately apparent, but the reason usually becomes clear in time and with reflection. And often, it’s so incredible and breathtaking, it’ll blow you away.
  33. Stop putting effort into helping others when it is not asked. The offering is a noble gesture but insisting on helping when is not really required is just a waste of your energy. Not to mention it will not be appreciated. I tried to move mountains in the past when others had issues, and my help was not asked. It was just stupid because this kind of help is never valued, and you end up feeling hurt and disappointed.
  34. Set boundaries. Know your limits and say no if necessary. It’s ok. The world will keep moving, and you will be better.
  35. Get uncomfortable. Making moves and doing things that make you uncomfortable are critical to growth and building confidence. Once you prove to yourself you can do something, you move forward.
  36. Time is the currency you should care most about. Stop thinking about how you can accumulate more things. True wealth is measured by how free you are to spend your time.
  37. Not being judgemental. I used to judge everything and everyone, and this is because I was influenced by the wrong people at some point when I was younger. And then I woke up knowing that it’s so bad. Everyone is free to do whatever they want with their lives if it does not affect them.
  38.  Treat me right, and I will do the same.
  39. Everyone’s Like. If you don’t like me, it’s because our personalities or values are fundamentally different. We probably have very little in common and are better off not wasting time pretending to be friends. I no longer waste time trying to win people over.
  40.  Life is short – make the best out of it.

Would I go back to my 30s or 20s? No. Do I miss it? No. Was it good? Hell yeah!

If Aladdin shows up with his lamp, I would never make this trade. Those times were great and shaped me into the woman that I am today. But what’s done, it’s done and all I look for is for what is next.

Whether you are in your 20s, 30s, or 40s how do you feel, and what’s your take on getting older?

My Rhinoplasty In Dubai

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My Rhinoplasty In Dubai

The Story Of Reshaping My Nose And A Step By Step Guide Of What To Expect.

April 6, 2022

According to Google, nearly 1 Million are done every year, most of the patients being females.

In 2021 it was my turn to finally decide and do this after 28 years of debating.

A rhinoplasty was in my mind since I was 12 years old. Growing older, there was always a mix of thoughts that made me wait so long, such as “I don’t have time”, “Why would I do it”?, “It’s too expensive”, “I actually like my nose”, “How do I choose the best doctor”?, and even worse, listening to other voices “Are you crazy”?, “Why would you do this, your nose is perfect” etc. My nose was not big but believe me, it was far from “perfect”.

In 2020 I booked Paula as MUA for one of my events, and we have been friends ever since. Shortly after we met, discussing over a cup of coffee I randomly mentioned my wish to finally have my rhinoplasty and that I am researching some good plasticians who ideally are specialized in “nose”.

And surprise, The Right Nose Dr. Levente Deak (@drlevente_therightnose) happened to be one of her very close and best friends.

From that moment, everything started to unfold nicely, and 4 months later, on April 21 at 1 pm my nose job was done.

I told you this short story because I am a firm believer that the right things happen at the right time, and sometimes it is worth waiting.

I know a lot of other women are about to have this surgery or they are considering having it, and I would like to share my experience and walk you through the entire process and, of course, give you a few useful tips that might make your journey smoother and boost your confidence because boy … I was scared as hell.

Ah, should I mention that I also put this image on my vision board in January 2020? Wink.
Pre-Surgery 
I met Dr. Levente a couple of times before the operation, and we discussed the changes that we will make and pricing. And he even made a simulation of the before and after of my nose.

By the way, it is crucial to trust your doctor and have a really good anesthetist that will administrate you the right mix of sleeping pills & pain killers. Another big wink.
1 Day Before Surgery 
I was scared, and I thought I would literally die. A part of my brain was frozen, and I imagined they would put me to sleep and never wake up.

I was thinking, “this is my last meal, my last workout, my last talk to my mom, my last shower” … ever!!!

But strangely or not, nothing made me change my mind and give up. I said, “if I planned a ball, I should definitely dance”.
Surgery-Day And A Step-By-Step Guide On How The Day Passed By 
06:00 am – I woke up and reached Valiant Clinic in City Walk around 7 am, and I was ready for my surgery scheduled for 8 am. I was assigned a single room perfectly equipped with all that was necessary.

8.00 am – Dr. Levente came for a short visit in the morning, and so did the anesthetist.

I was still scared, especially that one of the nurses asked me if I was there for breast implants. I was like, please, I don’t want the wrong surgery :)) I am here for a nose job, not a boob job 😛

9:00 am – They took me into the surgery room, and in less than 1 minute, I was knocked out.

1:00 pm – They woke me up, and I remember I wanted to sleep more, but the position was uncomfortable as I was supposed to stay on my back with my head raised on 2 pillows. So I decided to wake up.

1:00 – 4.00 pm – Had a great coffee & lunch (In the morning, they brought me a menu, and I pre-ordered lunch and dinner). The food was actually very good.

After a while, a nurse came and gave me more painkillers.

I was able to stand up and use the restroom by myself.

The truth is that I was high, happy, and talkative :)) Had a lot of energy and zero pain. It was hilarious, and I was funny haha.

30 min after my surgery, I was on the phone talking to my friends and family.

4.00 pm – Dr. Levente came to check on me and take out some of the tampons from my nose, and I was already able to breathe with around 70% capacity, which was not bad at all.

5.30 pm – Salma, one of my best friends, came to see me and have Iftar together.

7.00 pm – Felt really ok and we got bored, so I decided to go home as staying there was useless. She took me home as driving a few days after the surgery is not advised.

11.30 pm – I went to sleep.

Note: The first 2 nights are a bit tough as you have to sleep on your back, and it is pretty annoying, and since you can’t wholly breathe on your nose yet, your mouth will be dry in the morning.

It is also advised for an adult to stay with you for the 1st night. It might be a good idea, but it’s not brain surgery, so I was totally fine by myself.
Day 2 – Day 4 
Recovery is mild and easy to handle; however, I highly recommend taking 7-10 days off from work. I was out of the office for 8 days.

In the first 2-4 days, you will slightly bleed, and you’ll need to keep the medical tampon below your nose. Don’t worry much about it. Before leaving the hospital, they will give you a kit with all you need and instructions.

Note: You won’t be stuck in bed. Yes, you will be a bit slow, but still, you can do many things around the house if you want to. I advise to take it easy.

Day 5 
I went for the first check-up post-surgery.

This was the worst part of the process and luckily the only one. And I am happy I had no idea what would happen.

The doctor removed some of the stitches, which was uncomfortable, and he had to take out 2 more tampons from my nose that I had no idea about because I was already breathing through it.

He worked flawlessly and he was very gentle but digging with a sharp object deep into my nose, well that was pretty unpleasant, to say the least.

In the end, he retaped my nose and changed the splint.

In the evening, Salma washed my hair as it is not allowed to have your splint on the nose wet.
Day 8
I was already feeling great, doing stuff inside the house, went to the hairdresser for another hair wash, and went out for Iftar.

Go for it if you feel like going out but still have the splint or the tape. I felt actually cool hehe.

Day 9

Back to work. Business as usual …

Day 10

The splint had to be removed, and I could do it myself (you go in the shower and put some warm water on it, and it will get loose). For another 7 days, I had to tape my nose with medical tape as the doctor taught me (the tape you can find in any pharmacy).

Month 3

Your routines and activities are back to normal 99%.

You will mainly still have the swelling, and you will have to use SPF all the time.

Post-Surgery And How I Recovered

I never had any pain ever except Day 5, which was more annoying and uncomfortable rather than painful.

Bruising and Swelling

I expected to be super bruised like some of my friends. Not really.

Workouts

I didn’t do any workouts for 3 weeks. After week 3, I started slowly to get into my routine, but for another 3 weeks, I didn’t do any cardio. In week 6, I increased my weights and included more cardio.

I would say after about 2 months, I was able to go back to my usual routines.

Wearing Sunnies

4 months after the surgery, I haven’t worn them, and I will most probably not use them for at least another 6 months.

Glasses

If you wear glasses, consider using contacts for a while. They rest on the bridge of your nose and can have a negative impact on the softened tissue and the cartilage there.

Going to the Beach & Staying out in the Sun

I didn’t go at all for about 6 weeks after the surgery. After this time should be fine but make sure you use high SPF and also a hat. If you don’t, the risk of skin discoloration is very high, and it will stay forever. Trust me to be careful with this one.

Not hitting your nose.

Right after month 3, when in Zanzibar, I bumped into an open glass door that I thought was closed. Hit my nose pretty bad and kept ice on it for about 1 h. Luckily it was ok … yeah, I guess I was very lucky. Major don’t – don’t be an idiot like me duh!

Blowing your nose

Technically speaking, you are not allowed to blow your nose. I did. Gently. Had to. And every time was ok.

Cleaning your nose

Q Tips will be your best friend for a long time as that will be the only way to clean it.

Smoking and Drinking

I rarely smoke, so it was not the case. But I had a glass of wine here and there.

Wearing Make-up

Don’t put any foundation or powder on your nose for the first 2 months. Other than this you can have your usual routine.

Sexual Activity

Surgeons advise not to for about 3 weeks. I had sex after 1 week (with precautious), and it was ok so doable.

Going to the pool or swimming in the sea.

I suggest staying away from this activity for about 2 months. After, go for it, girl!

Sneeze

In your mouth, please.

Showering

The first 10 days – it is not advised to have your nose wet, especially if you have the splint on. After that, it is fine but avoid hot water on your face.

Stitches

It really depends on the type of surgery you will have. In my case, I was cut at the base of the nose in 3 places and had stitches. The doctor will remove those on Day 5. The others were inside the nose, and they self absorbed in time.

Don’t pull the last ones or try to take them out. I pulled one by mistake … I instantly had tears in my eyes.

Medical Kit – A Must Have

The clinic provided me with

  • Tampons to place below the nose for the bleeding
  • Vaseline in case lips get super dry – or you can use any hydrating cream.
  • Saline water to clean your nose 2-3 times/day
  • Nose drops in case your nose gets stuck
  • Fucidin Cream – used this one with a Q tip inside the nostrils to clean them and where I had the cuts at the base of the nose.

What You Will Have To Buy From The Pharmacy

  • Advanced Silicone Gel for Scars – I used it at the base of my nose, where I had the scars three times/day.
  • Mebo Cream (this one smells terrible, but it is very good for scars) – I used to use it all over my nose in the evening for about 2-3 hours for about 2 months long.
  • Medical tape as once your splint is off, you will still have to tape your nose for a few days more for best results

Extra Tip
Be patient. The healing process for the nasal surgery takes a minimum of 6 months up to one year. I know it sounds long, but the final result is worth the wait.

After 4 months, the tip of my nose is still numb, and so does the cartilage between my nostrils. So now I understand better why it takes a bit longer.

The idea of this surgery is not to copy someone else because you liked “that” nose. But to enhance the balance and harmony between other facial features, boost your self-esteem, and even fix your deviated septum issues if you have any.

Personally, I needed a change. I needed something new but something that keeps me the same, Iris, and not someone else.

And it was one of the best things I ever made!
IF

  1. you decide to find the right doctor, I wish you good luck and enjoy the results. 
  2. you have additional questions, send me an email, I will be happy to help.
  3. you wanna share your experience, leave a comment, I would love to read it.

11 Steps To Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone

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11 Steps To Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone

Comfort Zone – Friend Or Enemy?.

April 6, 2022

Writing This Article Has Been On My Mind For A Very Long Time. Also, This Blog Post Summarizes The Significant Steps I Took In My Life Until Today.
By growing older, evolving, and sailing through life, I was convinced that the enemy to success and a fabulous existence is our holy “comfort zone”.

How many times did you hear “get out of your comfort zone, and magic will happen”? It sounds so cliche now. BUT is nothing but pure truth.

When we are born, we are given a limited timeline. We are the only ones responsible for our choices, for changing our path and direction, and for making our lives exciting and rewarding.

Time is a precious gift and a rare commodity.
Now Let’s Do A Basic Exercise, And If The Answer Is Yes To All These Questions, Maybe It Is Time For A Change:
Just take a look around.

Is your life pleasant and cozy?

Do you have a nice steady job?

Is your job well paid?

Do you have a cool group of friends?

Are you in a relationship?

Can you afford 1-2 vacations every year? 

Do you have a loan for the house? 

Do you have a retirement plan?

It all seems to be so safe and secure. But maybe something is missing…

Maybe you feel like you need something else in your life, but you don’t know what?

By the way, there is nothing wrong with the above. I know so many people that are pleased living like this. And it’s ok. I am not blaming anybody as we all have the choice and freedom to live the way we want.

All I am saying is that there is a little more out there, and if you dare to explore, you might be amazed … and I want to challenge you a little bit.

The above was me in 2009. I would have answered yes to all the questions. 

I had a secured and well-paid job in a multinational company. I had a lot of amazing friends. I was dating someone. As an only spoiled child, I was living with my parents in a beautiful apartment in the center of Bucharest. I was never paying bills. I never cleaned the house nor changed my bedsheets as we had a maid. I was dancing salsa a few times a week. I was traveling a few times per year to a new destination. Shopping every month. And the list can go on and on. The routine was at its best, running my life with no worries or concerns.

If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you. Anonymous.

The first change came in November 2009 when I realized I actually did hate my job and I had no future in that multinational organization, and all I wanted to do was dance salsa on a professional level. I was 28. 

One day after work, I went to the library to buy a book, and I found “Screw It, Let’s Do It”  written by Richard Branson. 

A few days later, I resigned. I had savings to live comfortably (let’s not forget I was not paying any bills or rent) for about 8-9 months dancing salsa and figuring things out.

Moving on, I got into a zone of freedom that was amazing. However, I was still living in Romania, with my parents but using my savings and slowly but surely getting bored of everything.

One day, in May 2010, I said to myself: “This is it! I just can’t live here anymore. I am so done”.

And I knew that If I don’t make a move and fast, I will be buried there. Everything was the same – same people, same places, same conversations, all was repetitive, and nothing was exciting anymore.

I had zero clues of where I wanna go and what I wanna do. All I knew was that I needed to pack and find my way. Shortly after the seed was planted in my brain, I found an announcement on Facebook that someone was looking for a Project Manager and Event Organiser for a very large salsa event in Berlin, Germany. The mix was fantastic: salsa, organizing events, meeting new people, moving to a new country. Holy Moly!!! It didn’t even matter that my German language was zero. I replied in a heartbeat and talked to that guy (he was endorsed by one of my friends, so I felt safe), and in July 2010, I went there for a short visit. He made me an offer, and I accepted.

In September 2010, with 2 pieces of luggage, I was in the airport waiting for my flight, feeling that my life had finally begun and that I had taken control of my destiny.

5 years later, I moved to Dubai without any plan. I am still here for more than 6 years. It is the place I call home. I have a great job, beautiful friends, a pretty house, and I live in a clean and safe city where the lifestyle is the most amazing in the entire Universe.

My story is that I quit a safe job, I left my home country and everything else behind to go and live in the unknown by myself (twice) Sometimes I feel like I have thrown myself to the wolves.

But your story of you overcoming your fears can mean a multitude of other things, such as:

  • Start your own business
  • Quit your super safe job
  • Say “Enough” to a toxic relationship
  • Register for another degree and polish your skills
  • Start painting or explore any other hobby you might be passionate about – maybe start dancing salsa at 50 (why not!)
  • Sell or rent your apartment and go on a 1 year sabbatical around the globe
  • Start a new diet and working out
  • Try a few extreme sports

And I will be honest, it is difficult, and it can take even years to have the courage to change something in one or more areas of your life.

Because change is scary and uncomfortable. It hurts. And it hurts real bad.

But fear is a natural and essential part of growth. And I can assure you, stepping beyond your comfort zone allows you to achieve things that once seemed unreachable.

Insanity: Doing the same things over and over again and expecting different results” Albert Einstein

A Step-By-Step Guide To Break The Comfort Zone

  1. Slow Down for a moment and think about your life. Are you happy? Are you where you wanna be? Are you surrounded by the people that you want? Do you live in a place that makes you happy? Do you make enough money? Do you like your job?
  2. Analyze – Start planning and preparing a timeline once you figure out what you want and the person you want to be.
  3. Time to shake up those routines – Sometimes, it will take a day or two to make a change, and other times it might take months or years. My advice is not to think that much. However, we are all unique individuals. We all have different motivations, constraints, and, more importantly, our own rhythm of taking action. Do it at your own pace
  4. Make the First Move – After you answer these questions, you will have a pretty clear idea of the next step. Whatever you want – quit your corporate job, get out of a broken relationship, move from home, buy that ticket, sell your apartment, start that business – just do it.
  5. Stay Positive – Keep your spirits high. Once you make that first move and your life starts changing, you might begin to experience challenges but always choose to see the whole part of the glass. Be that person that thinks that every problem has a solution and not the other way around. My life in Dubai is far from perfect and easy. Still, I enjoy all the beautiful things around me that make me so happy. At the same time, I am working very hard every day, juggling a demanding job, my blog, administrative duties, and social life.
  6. Keep Your Options Open – Sometimes, you think you need a specific change. Still, after analyzing, you might be surprised to figure out it is something very different. This is actually good. Work on it and keep exploring what you want and, more importantly, what you need.
  7. Be Friendly – being social and talking to people will only open doors and expand your horizons. You will make more friends and learn new things. Plus, one person will always lead to another, and you will start building your network.
  8. Don’t Ever Give Up – This is a critical step. Crucial, I would say. It was never an option for me. I have been through really rough, challenging times but going back home to mommy and daddy was a no-go. Because I am telling you, things might get messy and complicated, but you will waste all your hard work and achievements if you give up. This is life anyway. No matter what we do, we will have obstacles. The idea is to learn how to overcome your challenges and move on with even more confidence and determination.
  9. Don’t Settle – Once we get comfortable again, the tendency is to stay there. And it’s ok, it’s human nature. And we can stay there for a while. We need that, but have a personal check-in with yourself every once in a while and see if you are where you want to be.
  10. Empower other people – Sharing your experience and empowering other people is one of the best rewards, at least for me.
  11. Its never too late– If you think you are 35 or 40 or more and your time is expired, please think again. I broke up with the Psycho at 26, quit my safe job at 28, moved to Germany at 29 and to Dubai at 33, and started this blog that I know will be very successful at 40.

Beautiful Things That Will Happen When You Will Start Exploring New Territories

  • Build great memories
  • Empower yourself
  • Meet incredible people
  • Interact with other cultures
  • Learn new things and sharpen your skills
  • Personal satisfaction
  • Grow as a human being in so many areas in your life
  • Develop on a professional and personal level
  • Revisiting your greatest successes and accomplishments helps you remember that courage is one of the qualities that got you there
  • It’s a fun ride

“A ship is always safe at the shore but that is not what is built for” – Albert Einsten 

Nobody says to be in a continuous changing mode, put constant stress on your shoulders, or to always be on the run. We all need to pause for a while, breathe and do what we have to do. We need to settle and be comfortable here and there. But the idea is not to stay there for too long, and if you start feeling stuck, don’t be afraid to take action regardless if you start small or big.

To open new doors, we have to close others. Closing is the equivalent of pain and fear because change is challenging. But opening new doors will only bring tremendous opportunities.

If I look back, I am not who I was in 2010. I didn’t change to my core as fundamentally. I run my life on the same system of values and beliefs. But I became better, I’ve grown tremendously, I’m wiser, brighter, sharper, less judgemental, and more open-minded.

If I had stayed in my home country, dealing with the same patterns, I know I would not be who and where I am today.

Photo Credit ruffa-jane-reyes-P6mdg0z5tHc-unsplash.jpg

Therefore kill that comfort zone girl, don’t doubt yourself; embrace your fears, and magic will be on its way. I promise you that 🙂

“Coming out of your comfort zone is tough in the beginning, chaotic in the middle, and awesome in the end … because in the end, it shows you a whole new world. Make an attempt!” Manoj Arora 

Have you ever broken your comfort zone?