Category: aspirations

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“My life is mine to create and enjoy”

One of the most moving quotes from a brave  and resilient young woman in the book Humans of New York Stories, which originates from the beautiful website  Humans of New York :

“I was sexually abused between the ages of eight and twelve. But honestly, I don’t even like to talk about it anymore, because I’ve finally gotten to the point where it no longer defines me. For a long time I saw myself as a victim, but I’ve moved past that. I’m in a place now where I realize that my life is mine to create and enjoy, and that my future will be the result of the decisions that I make.”

Taking back control and having aspirations for ones future  are essential in overcoming trauma. Most refugee children have experienced neglect, sexual exploitation, emotional abuse and violence. Sexual and emotional abuse and corporal punishment are taboos in our society. Let us support children by helping them get out of their isolation and build their future.

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Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

For a more sustainable planet, let us all back the goals of the Paris agreement. Get involved.

I commit to:
– buying nothing new, except food
– not to eat meat
– refusing plastic bags and cups
– not buying plastic bottles
for the next month.

 

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Go placidly amid the noise

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Continue reading “Go placidly amid the noise”

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Do one thing at a time

1.    Do one thing at a time
2.    Know the problem
3.    Learn to listen
4.    Learn to ask questions
5.    Distinguish sense from nonsense
6.    Accept change as inevitable
7.    Admit mistakes
8.    Say it simple
9.    Be calm
10. Smile

How to work better, by Peter Fischli & David Weiss

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How to jump into cold water

or how to reach an overwhelming goal.

1.    Put your valuables into a watertight bag.
2.   Throw the bag into the current.

3.   Jump.

I hate jumping into cold water. Yet, once I drift down the river Aare in Bern, I feel it’s the most thrilling and rewarding experience. There’re many analogies to the “Aare-bag-method” in life. Decomposing a problem into manageable steps  makes it less overwhelming.