It’s been a year since the launching of the Doha Tribeca Film festival in Qatar and as was the case last year, it has coincided with the WTA women’s tennis tournament. Add to this the launching of a TedxDoha, and you have one of the most frenetic weekends of the year with people dashing this way and that to squeeze in as much entertainment as possible.

This is the weekend my husband invited his brother and wife to visit us. Needless to say while we have been entertained, there has not been a dull moment.

What all the activity has made me realize, however, is that it really isn’t where you are but who you are with that matters. Any event is made more special by the people attending it. And so often we are in such a rush to see this star or that celebrity that we forget it’s the people next to us, everyday, who really matter.

Having lived amongst the glitterati for five years, I think this lesson is now firmly on my heart. Seeing Amy Tan, Madeline Albright, the Queen of England, and others, was certainly fun. Talking to them, even better. But when I woke up the next day, I really needed help changing my son’s diaper or borrowing  a car because mine was in the shop.

During these times did any of the rice and famous assist? No. It was my brother-in-law, or the editor of one of the magazines I write for.

Famous people are good entertainment. But I’m glad that when I need them, my friends and family were there.

I vow to spend more time with them, being present, and enjoying their company. Without their help, I wouldn’t be able to create.

Who is your inspiration? What is the support you need to get things done? Be thankful for them and let them know it.