There is a character in a Turkish series (Kösem Sultan) that got me thinking about how traumatic events affect us on so many levels. Murat is a nine-year-old prince, who is imprisoned in a room with his three younger brothers, after his oldest brother Osman ascends to power. Sultan Osman…

I have always wondered what would happen if you interpreted some love songs as referring to your life’s mission and vision instead of romantic love. A particular song comes to mind. “Do I Have to Say the Words” by Bryan Adams. I don’t wanna let you go So I’m standing…

I will never forget what happened when I went to a Turkish Rock concert a month ago. I was very excited to go and get more exposure to the language and culture, while enjoying my very first rock concert. I could feel the anticipation building in me while waiting for…

This morning, on my way to work, I witnessed a tragic, but also inspiring event that can teach us many lessons. I was waiting at a red light at a busy intersection when I noticed a little bird flying across it. …

Sometimes our day is not going as planned. We feel down, stressed out, anxious or unmotivated, and we want to change that. Take a look at these six tips you can apply to help yourself feel better. 1. Do something that gets you into the state of flow. Whether you are into writing, singing, drawing, baking, knitting, etc. …

Baking, Decision-Making, Uncertainty and Self-Doubt — Baking was my first love. One of my first and fondest memories is of me watching a baking show. I had to tune in at a certain day and time or I would miss it. I would write down the recipes on a paper notebook and re-create them later. Sometimes…

Has your partner ever complained that you don’t listen to them or don’t understand them? Has he/she stopped sharing as much as they used to? Do you sometimes feel frustrated because your problem-solving efforts are not appreciated? This mismatch between what one partner needs and what the other one gives…

How many times have you begun talking to your partner and ended up feeling frustrated and misunderstood? Are you so tired of fighting that you do not dare to talk about things that matter to you anymore, as a way to avoid more fights and arguing? Many couples struggle with…

Are you considering starting couples therapy but are concerned about how to discuss it with your partner? Here are 8 tips that can help your partner feel more at ease and decide to give couples therapy a try. 1. Ask gently and at a good time. Never bring up the…