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Hello friends and family!

I hope your week is peaceful! It took me a bit longer to write today's newsletter, the world feels heavier and the words were not enough. But with some thought, I decided to pivot and give us both a break this week, because it's needed. 

Before I forget, 

hello and welcome

to the new subscribers. Thank you for joining us on this weekly adventure for a

Dose of Inspiration

and tips to 

Create A Life You Love and Go Live It

. 

The theme of this week is Breaks and Perspective.  

The world is constantly breaking, we see the devastation from the news, from WhatsApp groups, social media and it's everywhere. It's easy to get sucked into it and then feel the hopelessness of it all. 

I found myself angry and trying to make sense of Afganistan. I was angry at America for being there and then leaving. I was angry at the world for not having a solution to all of this and I was angry that more people will die. 

Then today I got perspective, which is something we should all aim to find in times like this.

(A big thank you to a new friend for his wise words) 

1. This is not an easy situation. America has not been the first country to invade Afganistan. Before this, it was the Soviet Union, before that, the British and before that the Mongols, and more before that. (Full History Here)

2. They have never really had peace in their land, as these are hundreds of years of turmoil. Hence never had the chance to build a system for themselves and the forces that invade didn't do this either. 

3. I saw two videos of the Taliban soldiers experiencing things for the first time. One of them at the gym and one of them at an amusement park. And it hit me, these are kids who have had guns in their hands for over 20 years and who have not had a chance to have a childhood, education, or experience life.  

4. There are many sides to this very complex problem and this is not the first country to go through this and it probably won't be the last. We humans like to redo wars. 

5. Hope! Hope is the only thing to hang onto right now. Hope for people to figure this out. 

Now, this might not be the usual dose of inspiration but I hope you find your words to find peace in times like this.

Remember each week, we are just moving one tiny step forward to creating a life you love. (because not everyone has this opportunity) 

How I Stopped the Taliban from Shutting Down My School | Sakena Yacoobi 

A good reminder that strong people who have visions, dreams, hope, and willpower are everywhere and they will figure it out. Because as humans that's what we do. 

On top of the wars, the destruction, the corruption, and stupid people in power who do not do their jobs. We have strong individuals who have big dreams, who take action on them, and who care enough to make things better. 

"It's the balance of this world"

Artists Who Inspire 

 Artist: Shamsia Hassani 

This artist was sent to me (

thank you, Greta

). Shamsia is the first Afghan female graffiti artist. I don't even have enough words to describe how inspiring she is to me. 

Imagine making art in public spaces where it is not allowed. Then teaching this to others too. I can only hope for her safety during this time. For her art and skill to be preserved so that she can make art for an entire lifetime!

I love the quote on her website

"Art changes people's minds and people change the world." 

Click on the links below to check out her work.

Website

Instagram

Song of the week 

Imagine there's no countriesIt isn't hard to doNothing to kill or die forAnd no religion, tooImagine all the peopleLivin' life in peaceYouYou may say I'm a dreamerBut I'm not the only oneI hope someday you'll join usAnd the world will be as one

In case you don't have Spotify, HERE is the Youtube link to it. 

“It's wrong to hurt even bad people. Because they don't know any better, and because bad people sometimes become good.”

― Khaled Hosseini

A note for you: I am sorry if this week's issue is a bit heavy. This was not intended, but the break and perspective were needed. Next week I will be back with an amazing artist from Jamacia and more good music! Until then...take care.