We are home...in Jeddah.

At the Dublin Airport. Von Voyage....

The travel from Dublin to Jeddah took us more than fifteen hours. We were welcomed home by a sand-storm. Sand was everywhere - on the furniture, on the floor, in the swimming pool and all over the cars. We did minimum cleaning to the vital places - and spent the rest of the evening unpacking and resting our tired eyes.

Luqman woke up fresh and ready this morning. He insisted that I see his 2006 school work, which I have not yet seen since I was away when he brought them home when the semester ended last month.

Yesterday, when we got home I saw the first sign of Luqman missing his new found friend DrA'a daughter. This morning, as we were having breakfast, all of a sudden he asked without expecting any answer, "Do you think Nami is having her breakfast too?".

I was reading a magazine this morning, and one of the article was about hollywood stars, their successes and failures. I noticed one common thread about those successful ones - Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Julia Roberts and the likes. They dare to be different and they have their own point of views. They are charismatic.

I then try to define what charisma is....after much pondering, I conclude there are three simple steps to be charismatic. Be confident, be energetic and be yourself in communicating your ideas clearly.

Confidence...this quality dominates in charisma. It even borders on self-indulgence, to love and to appreciate yourself. When you do, you'll feel comfortable in your own skin, it's confidence. Celebrate yourself, and your charisma will shine.

Energise youself...nurture your unique nature. Develop a strong awareness of your own values and beliefs. Open yourself to new opportunities in life, in what ever form they come - physical beauty, new passions, or ideals. Embrace life and live it with magnetic energy.

Clearly communicate ....keep an open body posture and communicate your ideas clearly. This requires clarity and focus. Be confident to express your own unique views, especially if they are against the flow. Be clear, fluent, forceful and articulate. Evoke imagery, use upbeat tempo. Maintain eye contacts. In a group, move around and be comfortable to take a lead in conversation.

Charismatic people attracts an audience. To lead you need followers. Charismatic person has the good fundamental to be a great leader, at home or at work.