Grit, Growth, and Everyday Courage in Nepal

What does hope look like when you’re building a life from scratch—with no safety net, no shortcuts, and no guarantees?
In this interview, I speak with the owner of a small hotel in Nepal about dreams, resilience, and what it means to keep going—day by day, with intention and grit. Born of curiosity and edited through challenge (between the relentless heat and a MacBook that kept freezing), this story is for anyone navigating uncertainty and choosing to begin again and again—because they dare to dream, and they’re determined to create. Continue reading Grit, Growth, and Everyday Courage in Nepal

labor day

Why It Is Important to Celebrate May Day

The celebration of May 1 as international workers day, holds a rich history and diverse significance across the globe. I think it is still crucial celebrating it for honouring the past struggles of workers, raising awareness about current labour issues, advocating for workers’ rights, and fostering a sense of solidarity and community among workers worldwide. The Historical Roots of May Day The origins of May … Continue reading Why It Is Important to Celebrate May Day

gesture of sharing in ghanaian community

Dugnadsånd or Community Spirt, the Norwegian Concept We Need Today

Do you remember last year series exploring the concepts of serenity and well-being from Scandinavian countries? I found another one, the Norwegian concept of dugnadsånd, which translates to “community spirit,” and emphasizes the power of collective action, cooperation, and selflessness. What is Dugnadsånd? Dugnadsånd is rooted in the collective willingness of people to come together for community projects. It’s about neighbors helping neighbors, communities clearing … Continue reading Dugnadsånd or Community Spirt, the Norwegian Concept We Need Today

low angle photography of grey and black tunnel overlooking white cloudy and blue sky

Science and Technology: Insights from a Report

I am a project manager of scientific projects and I recently read a report that sheds light on what Europeans think about science and technology, revealing a complex landscape of opinions and attitudes across the continent. This blog post delves into the key findings of the report, highlighting how Europeans view the role of science and technology in shaping their future. A General Optimism Towards … Continue reading Science and Technology: Insights from a Report

YOGA AND ASHRAM LIFE

«Have you ever lived in an ashram?” people used to ask me. My answer was, no. But here I am, two months into it, and I can say that ashram life is more than just yoga. Life in an ashram in Rishikesh is a journey of self-discovery—one that challenges you to push beyond what you thought was possible. It demands commitment, acceptance, practice, patience—and then, … Continue reading YOGA AND ASHRAM LIFE

stone artwork

Love in the Modern Era: A Force for Connection in a Divided World

Love is a universal emotion and experience that evolves alongside societal shifts. Inspired by Love is Louder at Bozar in Brussels, this exploration delves into how love is shaped by culture, history, and current realities. I’ll also reflect on how to harness love as a unifying force in increasingly divided times. 1. The Role of Publicity in Shaping Love Publicity and media have profoundly influenced … Continue reading Love in the Modern Era: A Force for Connection in a Divided World

colorful letters on a surface

Turning Differences into Equality in Society

“La nature crée des différences; la société en fait des inégalités” Tahar Ben Jelloun You agree with me that every person is unique, right? So, why do our differences often feel like barriers rather than bridges? Tahar Ben Jelloun, a renowned Moroccan-French writer, captures this paradox with his powerful quote: “Nature creates differences; society creates inequalities.” Nature offers us diversity, but society transforms it into … Continue reading Turning Differences into Equality in Society

close up photography of yellow green red and brown plastic cones on white lined surface

The Anti-Networking Guide: A Personal Journey

When I first stumbled upon Sahil Bloom’s Anti-Networking Guide, the title alone was enough to pique my interest. In a time where networking is often seen as a necessary evil, the idea of an “anti-networking” approach felt like a breath of fresh air, a rebellion against the norm. As someone who has always found traditional networking events somewhat daunting, I found this guide to resonate … Continue reading The Anti-Networking Guide: A Personal Journey

selective focus photography of person holding turned on smartphone

The Evolution of Public Discourse in the Digital Age

Tomorrow, June 9, 2024, it’s election day in the European Union. I want to share with you the observations of an Italian Professor of Ethics made in 2018 that caught my attention. The professor’s observations resonate deeply with the current state of public discourse, highlighting the profound changes in how opinions are formed and shared in our digital age. His reflections, although penned several years … Continue reading The Evolution of Public Discourse in the Digital Age

Secret garden sign

The Size And Colour Of a Lie

The bond which I shared with that little girl, from the kindergarten I once worked at, was truly special. It took some time to adjust to her unique personality, but once I did, I found her utterly fascinating. I couldn’t help but imagine her as a grown-up, in sleek black leather attire, cruising to and from the law office on a motorcycle – a badass … Continue reading The Size And Colour Of a Lie

person s hand forming heart

A Closer Look at Economic Inequality Between Men and Women

On March 8th we celebrate International Women’s Day, a poignant moment to reflect on the progress made toward gender equality and the persistent challenges that continue to hinder the economic empowerment of women. While this day serves as a global reminder of the achievements and contributions of women across all spheres of life, it also sheds light on the stark economic disparities that persist between … Continue reading A Closer Look at Economic Inequality Between Men and Women

It’s Time to End Negative Stereotypes of Older Adults

Yesterday, I shared on my personal blog that I’m retiring at the end of June. After working full time for over 40 years, I’m excited to get started on my next chapter. In the back of my mind, though, is a small seed of concern about being made to feel irrelevant thanks to the negative stereotypes of older adults that I see in the world … Continue reading It’s Time to End Negative Stereotypes of Older Adults

person holding world globe facing mountain

A Call to Action on World Day of Social Justice

Every February 20th, the world comes together to celebrate the World Day of Social Justice, a momentous occasion that underscores our collective commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive world. As we mark this significant day in 2024, it is imperative to reflect on the progress made, acknowledge the challenges ahead, and renew our dedication to advancing social justice on a global scale. At … Continue reading A Call to Action on World Day of Social Justice

close up of hands holds together

Unity in Diversity: A Celebration of Our Differences

In a world where differences often divide us, the concept of “unity in diversity” stands as a beacon of hope and understanding. It reminds us that despite our varied backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs, we are interconnected as human beings. Let’s delve into the richness of diversity and explore how embracing it can lead us to greater unity and harmony. Understanding Unity in Diversity Unity in … Continue reading Unity in Diversity: A Celebration of Our Differences

Repost: The Importance of Language When Making New Year’s Resolutions

It’s that time of year again when people think about the new year and how they’d like to make changes in their lives going forward.  We often refer to these proposed life modifications as “new year’s resolutions.” The other day, while stepping out of the shower, the idea hit me—insights come as flashes of insight and often at the strangest times—that the way we verbalize … Continue reading Repost: The Importance of Language When Making New Year’s Resolutions

man underwater looking at the sun

The art of vitality

A journey of awareness Mastering the art of vitality has been a journey of awareness for me, and this is how it started. A few years ago, I removed the “digital validation machine” that I kept under my dressing table. Every morning, when I got up, I visited that “digital validation machine” and  watched the numbers change. They grew higher and higher, and my eyes … Continue reading The art of vitality

Repost: The Real Secret to Being Happier and More Successful in the Workplace

In “What I’ve Learned about Life while Watching My Father Age,” a blog I wrote several weeks ago, I mentioned that I’d been reading On Death and Dying, a wonderfully insightful book written by Elisabeth Kϋbler-Ross.  Throughout that tome, the author argues that doctors need to take a more “human” approach while treating dying patients.  She also points out that the field of medicine stresses the … Continue reading Repost: The Real Secret to Being Happier and More Successful in the Workplace

black android smartphone on top of white book

A Paradigm Shift: Why Today We Prioritize Security Over Safety

In the course of human history, safety has always been a guiding star. People established a structured society, enacted laws, and formed alliances to protect themselves from the physical dangers that have been and are still present in the world. However, nowadays, we see security taking center stage, outshining the conventional focus on safety. Imagine a bustling metropolis in the heart of modernity, where the … Continue reading A Paradigm Shift: Why Today We Prioritize Security Over Safety

A Tantra Way of Living

Some days ago I received an email and it gave me Déjà vu. This story started back in 2022.  I had been told that I should explore Tantra on many occasions over the years. Tantra? Should I explore sexuality with random partners and call it spiritual sex? No, thank you, that is not for me, I thought.  Maybe it triggered my ultra-Iranian origins ; who … Continue reading A Tantra Way of Living

Repost: Places that “Made” Me: Installment Three

My greatest regret during my Peace Corps experience is that I wasn’t into taking photos at that time.  I was into living life, though, as hard as it could be lived, tiptoeing right up to the line of being wildly self-destructive.  It’s just that I don’t have much of a photographic record of all that living beyond the boundaries.  I do have memories, tons of … Continue reading Repost: Places that “Made” Me: Installment Three