About Me — Layla Kareem
Everything you need to know about me in one article
Yes, my cat has the same name as me. Layla. She was named Layla by her previous owner before we adopted her. We didn’t want to change her name and confuse her even more. Luckily for her, my children call me “Mama” and not Layla.
I am a mother of 2 beautiful children: a boy and a girl. I am also a wife to my wonderful husband who I can’t live without. He is my biggest supporter and my best friend.
I am an immigrant, originally from Somalia, a beautiful country in East Africa.
Did you know that Somalia is also known as the ‘Nation of Poets’?
Somalis have long used poetry as a way to preserve their history and convey their values. It is a beautiful tradition that has endured through tough times of war, displacement and conflict. This must run in my DNA as I love reading and writing poetry.
Here are some other things I love.
Coffee in the morning.
It’s now becoming more of a ‘necessity’ rather than ‘something I love’.
Going for walks in nice weather.
Though, sadly we don’t see a lot of good weather in England.
Cooking.
My lifelong dream has always been to be a food blogger and share recipes.
Podcasts.
I have podcasts playing all day, every day and cannot fall asleep without listening to a good crime podcast).
Things about me you may not know
— I just completed my Master’s degree in Education and I am currently waiting for my results.
Before that, I completed my Bachelor’s degree in English Language, oh yeah, I also have dyslexia and was advised not to do a degree in English, but I didn’t listen and did it anyway and graduated with fantastic results.
— I have a phobia of mice/rats which makes no sense as I live in London which is the home to hundreds, if not, thousands of mice. I might have to move one day.
— I can also speak Urdu, (through a mixture of watching Bollywood movies my whole life and learning Urdu at school, I would describe myself as being fluent in the language).
— I am a Muslim. Islam is a big part of my identity and helps me find purpose in life.
My favourite things
Colour:
Black
Food
I can’t choose one. There is too much good food in this world.
Song
I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston.
Book
Of Mice & Men written by John Steinbeck.
Movie
Titanic. However, I do believe there was enough space for both Jack and Rose on that raft.
Quote
“In a world where you can be anything — be kind”.
Month
September, (I was born in September and love the change from summer to autumn, or as Americans may say ‘fall’.)
I am a big believer in manifestation and believe what I say to myself will happen. Therefore, I manifest great things in my life it has always proven to happen. I believe there is power and weight in the words we use and it all starts with believing in yourself and then manifesting it to happen.
Thank you for taking the time to read this,
