As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect. 

The truth is that it has actually taken me a while to lift this pen, and begin to write. I don't know what happened, it felt as though the pen is so heavy that I Would not be able to lift it. So today with these little scribes, I write away not knowing where my thoughts will carry me, but to once again feel the passion I found through writing.

The other day I was reading Chapter 3 of Fred Cuellar's book called The Buffer Zone Diet. This section is called "Stroked Out". As I Read the lines of this chapter, without a doubt once again I could relate to the experience that he shared. It felt as though these were my words that someone else was writing and telling for me. I was inspired because they reminded me of my own life challenges, my own life story, but gave me hope, not because of my past experiences, but because of what is happening in my life right now. As I read I was jolted, and once again remembered the need to embrace life to the fullest, regardless of barriers or challenges that one faces.

" 'We only run away from the things we fear.' It makes sense; why run away from anything we love? That would be silly. But what is interesting is what we learn when we study fear. When we stop to ask where fear comes from, the picture becomes quite clear. We fear what we don't understand. We;;, that kind of makes sense and kind of doesn't. If we fear anything we don't understand and then run from it, how can we conquer our fears? Ans wouldn't this leave us running for the rest of our lives? Every time we turn around we are confronted with things we don't understand" (Cuellar, 2017, P. 45). 

​Whilst I have not placed a pen to paper for a while, I did share some thoughts via my technological sources, I will include the following Facebook post: 

Everyone has a story, sometimes what you see as an outer appearance is not always happening on the inside. For example, a person can appear to be OK, but really is not. As I read the chapter from Cuellar's book I wondered and questioned myself: and you Shazia, when will you tell your story? 

Well, maybe I am telling my story by writing my thoughts. Sometimes we leave out parts from our personal experiences because we are not ready to share. I was reminded of the lasting impact that human stories can have upon others, and was encouraged to think about my own personal life experiences, and how these could potentially inspire others. I began to explore this through my own workshops called - Committed To Love™.

The beauty of giving back is not only feeling personally rewarded, but also a sense that we possess the ability to create lasting change, improvement, impact, and impression upon other human beings, because we never know when someone needs to feel inspired, or needs to feel that moment where an uplift is needed. 

Human beings possess the capacity to help others, should they choose to do so. This thought actually reminds me of a conversation that I was having with my family after the Eid Prayer. Everyone is dressing up with fancy expensive clothing, some are plain and simple. All are gathered to pray. After we left the prayer congregation, we saw homeless women with children begging for money. We saw more individuals who were begging on the streets for money. I couldn't walk on without giving. We can't simply go to pray, then go home to eat food, and forget about the poor, or the hands that were begging. Could you? I could not. This experience reminded us that in Western Civilizations we cannot simply ignore the poverty that is happening in our own back yards. 

Giving is not a boasting, nor does it have to be much. Giving is about the capacity as which you can give, pending ones situation and circumstances. Giving should not be considered a burden, but is should be considered a call of duty. To do our part with what we have, when we can. But to also try to live up to the responsibilities that we ourselves have to carry. Giving is not about waiting for that perfect moment in your life, when you feel financially or even emotionally stable. Giving should take place within any circumstance. Keep in mind, as I said before the giving should not be felt as a burden. Do what you can with what you have. 

This could be monetary, but it could also be in the form of sharing kind words, caring, compassionate, finding sympathy, empathy, reaching out to those in need with kind gestures and words. This can also be regarded as a test for moral character development. The ability to give when you yourself are below your means, to treat others with respect, love, and dignity. Because one day when you yourself are successful with all the wealth or gains of life that you desire, people will love you anyway, for what you have. Isn't is better to be loved for who you are as a person? This is why it is so important to develop character in all facets of life / circumstance, because it is always better to be loved for who you are as a person on the inside first, everything else is secondary. 

Dedication: I take a moment to be grateful for my own being, and hope that these words that I write  can also be included as a form of giving. To give hope, to offer inspiration. My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :) 

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand - written on June 30th, 2017.
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     When the Chicago Cubs won the series in 2016, I remember turning the television on and off. I wanted them to win, and I knew that I would not be able to bear to see them loose. Even though I love the athletes from both teams, it was the name cubs, that I favoured. A win for kids, cubs, the future. It is interesting that I'm writing these words today, because the other day I was watching Back To The Future Part 2. Marty is watching a clip about the Cubs win in 1989. As I watched this part of the film, I realized how significant the 1989 win and the 2016 win is and was for the cubs.

Congratulations Cubs! :) Cubs = Kids

Make good choices, good decisions.
​The world depends on you.
​

As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

     The truth is that I was taking the time to think about pollinator week, and the fact that I had written about the benefits of bees. Whilst there are many human made processes such as artificial fertilization, or preservations processes to grow plants in human made settings. I still think that it is absolutely necessary to save and protect species such as bees and butterflies. The bees and the butterflies reminded me of the quote by Muhammad Ali. 

     We can relate this quote to that of being human. As individuals and human beings we are taking flight. In a journey to seek what drives us, what we are passionate about, in the form of short and long term goals. We are driven by these. So we fly, in this context as the butterfly. The fight is not always smooth. There will be positives and negatives along the way. This is where the test of our character arrives. How are we going to handle these barriers, which could partly be systemic. Lets use the idea of sting like a bee. 

     Yes, want to know why? Never let anyone or anything come to trample on your dreams, desires or goals. Always stay true to yourself. Whilst a sting does not mean that you mean to hurt someone. It does mean that you will exercise your survival instincts to make sure that problems are resolved, troubles are handled and that you will do all that you can do, to keep upon your desired path. 

To possess a goal, dream, desire is actually to have faith and trust in yourself as well. The key is not to become frustrated through the turbulences, and realize that they are part of the journey of discovery, and personal growth as well. 

Dedication: These thoughts are dedicated to all beings, my thoughts to share with love & kindness! :) 

​Notes: These thoughts were originally hand written on June 23rd, 2017.
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As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

     The truth is that I was thinking about my previous thoughts. As I ended this post, I began to ask questions. The answers to these questions are not simple, because the questions are complex. They don't involve one person, but are thinking about communities, various regions, and even civilizations. If you think about it - I wondered that even when we are living in the 21st century, we still have to think about world populations as various civilizations, such as East and West. When actually there is much more integrations of populations, more than ever due to migrations, and travelling from one country to another. 

     I don't think that the world is as separate as it seems. It seems so because we hear of the many attacks and hate crimes that are being committed. We automatically assume separateness. But it is pockets of individuals that cause hurt and harm, whilst others belonging to same groups are living peacefully. We can think about Muslim populations who are living peacefully, and practicing a peaceful way of life through religious teachings and beliefs. Yet, this peace is threatened, with the rise of terror groups. This can be called the rise of political Islam, where there are radical minorities that are using violence. These thoughts can be connected to the recent attacks in Iraq. Where ISIS destroyed Al - Nuri mosque.   

     This is a historic site that contains treasured history. Why would groups such as ISIS who "claim" that they are Muslims seek to destroy their own religious history? It does not make sense to me. These thoughts can also be related to the on-going violence and attacks in Afghanistan. 

     With the rise of violence from the Islamic terrorists or from the Eastern Civilizations, tensions are mounting between the East and the West. Tensions that would be better off to be resolved through diplomacy, rather than war. Diplomacy does not mean that one person holds all the answers, but rather working together with leaders of countries to find enhancing, enriching, positive solutions. No one can agree on everything, but everyone can agree on something. 

     If we want to see the growth of global trade, economic growth, continued value for human dignity, and life; then we have to think about how the "Monster Machine" of terrorism is going to try to be resolved. Terrorism is and should not be linked to nay religion, because the very religion that it says that it is associated with is also being shamed by this monster machine. How can you shame in the name of God?

     Leaders, especially those of the Islamic nations must seek to work together, engage in effective dialogue, even if their Islamic sects are not the same. They have to begin talking to one another. Discussing and sharing ideas, with each other, because if they don't, the "monster machine" of terrorism will only seek to grow. And as China will begin to re-emerge, this nation is actually key to try to establish peace within the regions where there are escalated tensions. The United States of America is the world leader, and can also be viewed as the protector for other nations. However, global peace requires that leaders and nations must work together, to re-think how the vision of peace can be achieved with the help of each other. Countries should be strategically aligning now, to cultivate, and invest in relationships for long - term goals. This will require leadership from the US, but it is also up to leaders of nations to work together as well. 

4 F-35 AS planes were launched from Fort - Worth, Texas to Japan. Americans Air Force - A Call To The Future.

​Dedication: These thoughts are dedicated to all those who are investing their efforts to cultivate and create peace, both within communities and nations. My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :) 

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand - written  on June 22nd, 2017.
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As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

     The truth is that I have been thinking about the latest events that are taking place. It seems like everyday there is something new to happening. From the horrific crash with USS Fitzgerald, to the missing sailors, to the finding of the death of the missing sailors. The fires in Portugal, the violent extreme burning, deaths. Not only the death of human beings, but also the beautiful Mother Earth who was burned. Can you imagine our Earth as one body, and a part of that body was struck by fire? What would happen to the rest of the body? 

  Burned bodies, decay, death, and finally destruction. The fires at the London High Rise, once again burned bodies, missing people, families displaced. Horror, attack, violent, deadly destruction. The Finsbury attack, where we witness an attack on a place of worship, a mosque, where people are praying, is met with violence, in the month of Ramadan. In between the major events that I have mentioned, we have a number of random shootings that continuously take place, bodies found - more death.

     I know dear readers that my words do sound depressing, yet they portray a picture of what is happening. It is a sad reality. The cycle of violence that I have written about before, seems to never want to end. Yet, I think - what is all the fighting for? Who are we fighting for, when all of the fights are leading to destruction. Who is winning? Is anyone winning? Does anyone really win, if one kills another, and the other kills another? 

Then I take a look at life.

     The innocent eyes that place their hope within me. I begin to wonder about these microcosm's, and relate my thoughts to all the children of the world. Do children deserve to be tangled in between the fights, the arguments of adult populations that cannot agree with anything? I don't think children deserve this. I don't think children deserve to see this type of violence everyday. And like I said to my daughter, the truth does hurt, but I would rather know the truth, than to live a life that is based upon a lie. Whilst we do hear about the violences, if children have heard the truths, let them decide. Let them decide what life or future they vision. Ask them what they prefer, and you will get your answer. This thought can be related to the topic of refugees.

Refugees

Who is a refugee?

A refugee can be from a war torn country
A refugee can be a person who is forcibly displaced
A refugee can be a person who is mal-nourished
A refugee can be a person who is abused
A refugee can be a person who has experienced any type of hardship.

A refugee is not necessarily a person who is from a war torn country, it can be a person who is forced out of a country. 

     When we think of refugees, especially from war torn countries for example: Syria, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, and Africa. These are innocent civilians that need help. As a society, or as wealthy nations, just as I wrote about the Mexican migrants that cross the US border to flee heartbreaking hardships, and need to be helped; so to do the refugees of war torn countries. Society or Wealthy nations have a moral duty to help developing nations. Who does not want to help the less fortunate? We can all do our small part.

     War torn and developing nations can benefit from the support of western or wealthy nations. The risks to this aid, or the limits to this aid are reached when the security of the nation that is helping is put at risk. If there are constant terror groups, who seek to terrorize the work that is done by the nations who are offering assistance, then it is obvious the aid will stop, and ultimately it is the innocent civilians who suffer. 

     Aid, assistance is a two - way street. Wealthy or developed nations have a moral duty to raise the standard of living for those who are refugees, fleeing war, seeking a better life, living in poverty, or experiencing hardships. The war - torn and developing nations can simply return the help that is being offered with trust. Nations that are offering to help are putting their own security at risk, because their is a risk: a chance of the re-making of a terrorist. Also the risk of being a victim of the terror groups that are present in the developing nations. We have heard stories of individuals who were helped, and then they themselves become terrorists, only to hurt the people who have helped them. Whilst acknowledging this truth, we must also think about what drives someone to become a terrorist / extremist, within a nation that has "seemingly" helped them.

     Often refugees arrive to a new country. They think that they will be helped, integrated into the community, society. And they are. However, when this integration happens, they realize that they are ignored, bashed, faced with prejudices, and harsh living circumstances. We have to remember that countries who allow refugees into a country often do so based upon trade agreements, and economic growth. This is why it is important for countries that engage in these agreements to know how their people are being treated within a country. 

Concluding Thoughts
​
* The re-making of a terrorist does not happen on it's own. The host nations can ask what are they doing or not doing to serve these populations. 

*It is important to understand that it is a duty and moral obligation to help those who need assistance. Yet, it is also important for nations to maintain their security.

Questions

*So the question is how can nations work together to assist those in need without the assistance developing into security threats?

*How can Eastern and Western civilizations work together to achieve dialogues for peace?

*How can these dialogues be focused upon mutual agreements that values people rather than: "I want to win, No I want to win" mindset?

The quest to answer these questions, to meet peaceful negotiations, really stems to the root of the powerful nations that are involved. As in war we lay down weapons, so to in discussions and dialogues, it is necessary to release the ego, and think about the benefit of the people.

This is the beginning. 

Dedication: The words of this being are dedicated to all those who are seeking a better life for themselves. May you find strength, through the struggles, may you find hope through the struggles, you are human and deserve to live a good, healthy, prosperous life. My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :) 

​Notes: These thoughts were originally hand - written on June 19th 2017.

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As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

     The truth is the other day I was reading about Juneteenth. I wanted to learn more about this celebration, and was pleasantly surprised to learn that this holiday is deeply rooted in Texas, America. The Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1st, 1863 by Abraham Lincoln. However, it was in 1865 that most people learned of the Emancipation act that was written to abolish slavery. When the Civil war ended on April 9th, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger stormed into the Port of Galveston to establish martial law. It was on June 19th, 1865 he told the people of Texas that they were free. He said "The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the executive of the United States, all slaves are free." 

Sunset view of the Port of Galveston

     Today as I was listening, witnessing, and watching the re-dedication of Emancipation park, it was truly a beautiful site. As we saw upon the stage individuals that possessed a variety of heritages, ethnicities, and social class etc. Everyone was gathered together for one beautiful moment, this was the re-opening of Emancipation Park. This park is located in the Third Ward, it is one of the "oldest and most culturally significant sites." An area that requires re-development, partly due to the fact that there is rising crime. 

     The park took three years to renovate, costing $34 Million. Thank you to the generous donations, funders and to all who made this project possible. The speeches by the many officials, and individuals involved showed how everyone worked at the level of a collective to achieve the vision for this park. It is easy to have a vision, but to be able to transfer the vision to others, to help them to see what you see is an important part of transferring a vision into action. Especially when it is on a large scale. We can link this thought to any organization, project etc. To have the funds for growth are important, but human beings have to also be fully invested in the projects as well if they are to be a success. People are what makes an organization flourish. And this ceremony and project are a fine example of vision, investments, growth and togetherness. 
​

Honorable Mayor of The City Of Houston - Sylvester Turner

     What was more special about this project was the fact that the elders were present, and they were honored. They were asked permission to allow the ceremony to proceed. The elders granted permission, signifying an inter-generational relationship. This is important because this site could be a park to anyone, but it contains history, stories, struggles, happiness, and even sentimental value. Asking for permission was symbolic, symbolizing a deep respect for the peoples before, their stories, and histories. The re-development of this park is not to take away from their stories, but to preserve and share for future generations. 

    I would also encourage communities / individuals who are not from the African American communities to also visit this site. To learn about histories, because the Emancipation Declaration was received in 1865, it should be viewed as a shared history. Individuals no longer carried the label of a slave. Racial slavery was now a crime against humanity. 

     This site is not only historic, yet a celebration of the fundamental values that America holds of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. These values are for all. Although there is still much work to be done to dissolve the racial divides, small steps such as the re-development of this park, that also included funds from non African Americans is a significant step paves to further racial equality. 
​

     Further Reading
The New York Times - Hot Links and Red Drinks: The Rich Food Tradition of Juneteenth
​The New York Times - In Houston, an Original Juneteenth Celebration Site Reborn 
The New York Times - Juneteenth Is for Everyone

Dedication: The words of this being are dedicated to the people of Houston, Texas and to all who made this project and the re-dedication ceremony a success. May we always have life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. God Bless You & God Bless America. A huge heartfelt thank you! :) My thoughts to share with love and Kindness! :) 

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand - written on June 17th, 2017.
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     Today marks the 100 day countdown to the International Day of Peace. I began to think about this day, and how my final thoughts of my recent class presentation were tied nicely to this idea of how we can create peace, with countries around the world. So that we can begin to heal from past relationships, that have caused us hurt. Healing is a journey, with the requirement of baby steps. It is not an easy process, because it also means to travel to the space of the unknown, only this time there will be memories that are tied to this space, because in this context we are trying to move from a position of pain, to that of healing.

Library of Congress - Thomas Jefferson Building 

Below are some images that are taken from a book showcasing the library of congress. The art work, and also the library itself, it is a fine example of how institutions, and artifacts can open our eyes, to look past the hurts. 

Painting In The Dome 

Edwin Howlan Blashfield's Murals: The figures represent the civilizations of Egypt, Judea, Greece, Rome, Islam, the Middle Ages, Italy, Germany, Spain, England, France, and the Culmination of America (Cole, 2008, p. 53).

The North Gallery 

The North Gallery became the African and Middle Eastern reading room. This room contains the many surnames of renowned painters, sculptors, musicians, scientists, theologians, physicians and jurists (2008, p. 82 - 83).        

The South West Dome

The paintings on the ceiling in the South-West Dome are by George Willoughby Maynard. They show case the subjects of: Adventure, Discovery, conquest and civilization. The four figures represent the development of a country, these are: Courage, Valor, Fortitude, and Achievement. 

The tablets on the walls bear the following words: Arts, letters, Toleration, Spain, Enterprise, Opportunity, Fortune, Portugal, India, Eldorado, America, France (2008, 87 - 89).

Comment
This book if full of arts, and architecture that is rich resource to showcase the Library of Congress and the Thomas Jefferson Building, yet also as I mentioned in my opening thoughts, eye opening as to how we as nations and human beings can try to heal from past hurts.​

My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :) 

Reference 
Cole, J, Y., Highsmith, M. C. (2008).  On These Wall: Inscriptions & Quotations in the Library of Congress. Washington, DC : Scala Arts Publishers, Inc. 

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Chapter 2 - Who Am I?
​Why Should You Listen To Me? 

As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

     The truth is that I was thinking about my thoughts, with regards to Chapter 2 of Fred Cuellar's book, entitled The Buffer Zone Diet. This chapter is important to me, as I began to think about how important stories are. Not just the stories that we make - up, but our life stories. We can learn so much from how others lived, the goals that they aspire towards, and also the barriers that they face. The barrier's are important to reveal because they show the human character traits of resilience. How human beings can naturally bounce back to a positive point, even when faced with a set back. 

     These thoughts can be assimilated to the life experiences that Cuellar shares, as his mother learned that her son Fred, as a baby was no longer with her. The doctors delivered the news to: "Elvira, I'm sorry. Your son has passed away" (Cuellar, 2017, p.25). Yes, I was alarmed, overcome with emotion when I learned this. However, was relieved and saw the beauty, strength, and powerful motherly instinct when Elvira Cuellar responded to the doctor, "she kept screaming, 'SAVE MY SON NOW' !" (2017, p. 25). Fred was saved, the doctor walked back into the room. Fred's heart was beating again, he was living, he was alive.

     I thought about this experience and some of the latest happenings with my own children. I felt danger, I felt that something was not right. I could not explain or even find evidence to prove how I was feeling. I screamed, I cried so loud. Like Mommy Cuellar, it was the strongest instinct. Except I felt like I was loosing them to individuals that have or might be brain washing them. I immediately had a conversation with the kids father. I needed to alert him, because I know that we have both invested true efforts to instill good values within them. It was simple, I said, "I can't prove anything, I feel danger, they are in danger". Thank God I said what I said at that exact moment. Thank God our children are back with us in body and in mind. 

     Instincts are often ignored, however there is true wisdom that occurs when we apply this sense. It is often called the Seventh sense. Sometimes individuals will think you are crazy, or you are not well, because they don't see tangible evidence of how you are feeling. There is a saying, You have to see it, to believe it. Except with the seventh sense, you feel it, before you see it. It's like the idea of having an idea. Within our being we have ideas, they are within us. We imagine them, think about them in our mind. They are inside us, simply waiting to be born. Sometimes we will have lots of ideas, not all of them will come to being in a physical form, because we as humans have a physical capacity. And for something or an idea to truly flourish, we have to decide what is important to us, and what we want to devote our time and energy to. Whilst we may encounter set backs along the way; how we overcome these will also define, and shape our character. I love the following quote when Cuellar says:

I've always loved puzzles, I've always loved       knowing how something works, To me, problems weren't problems, they were opportunities to learn the unknown (p. 27).

​
     This is the beauty of a problem. A problem is an avenue to use our seventh sense, our creativity to find effective solutions. This could be a physical puzzle, such as a game that you are playing, or an actual real life problem. When we are faced with a problem, or a situation in our life, that we wish would go away, it does feel scary. We are facing uncertainty, within this realm of the unknown. However, it is only when we are in this space of the unknown, we are forced to re-think, find new solutions, look for different opportunities and avenues. There is beauty to be found in the after-math of a problem. Problems force us to think outside of our comfort zones. It is what makes us to continue to move forward in this journey of life.  

Albert Einstein

Dedication: The words of this being are dedicated  to Elvira Cuellar, thank you for seeing Fred Cuellar alive. And to all mothers, there is beauty to be found in our daily struggles, motherhood is not easy, yet it is worth it. My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :) 

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand - written on 16th of June 2017.
Further Reading - Please read: The Health Factor for thoughts pertaining to Chapter 1 of The Buffer Zone Diet. 

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