When life feels dull, overwhelming, or unsatisfying, here’s a powerful antidote: gratitude. But not just vague appreciation, focus on what you have that billions of others might lack. It’s a perspective shift that can bring instant clarity and contentment. Let’s break it down. 1. Health Think abou... Read All

The cover design of the book "Anything You Want" by Derek Sivers Months ago, I started translating Derek Sivers' book Anything You Want during evenings and weekends just to pass the time. Unfortunately, my efforts to publish the book in print did not succeed, so I eventually decided to release th... Read All

Yesterday, because I didn’t know where the extra blankets were (plus their small size), I froze all night. The morning passed with breakfast and enjoyable silence, leading up to work discussions that didn’t reach the desired outcome. I also had the privilege of witnessing Ali prepare dough for br... Read All

Zarkhesht is an incredibly beautiful place. It’s neither dry, soulless, and purposeless like modern villas nor dilapidated and uncomfortable like old rural homes. Every brick seems to hold an idea for its uniqueness (the “Zar”). From its mostly wooden architecture to the circular environment with it... Read All

May 14, 2020, Zarkhesht (1) | Meeting Ali Sekhavati A few weeks earlier, I had told Ali Sekhavati that I was very interested in seeing Zarkhesht. Following his own trip there, he accepted my request and invited me. It seemed like a simple trip, but little did I know that my mouth would be thoroug... Read All

In the past weeks, my decision to leave the company became more serious and actionable, but what I hadn't anticipated was the stagnation and economic situation caused by COVID-19. It wiped out all alternatives, leaving me stuck in Istanbul with the stay-at-home restrictions. The days passed one a... Read All

Talking about Nowruz and celebrations while thousands in Iran and around the world are mourning loved ones lost to COVID-19, and the local mosque announces a few names every day*, with people clinging to prayers and lamentations, while police sirens and red-alert announcements sound every few hours,... Read All

Daily NotesAlmost two years after arriving in Turkey, my main issue remains the lack of a work visa, which in turn prevents me from planning for the future and living peacefully with myself. Things like having calmness at home, enough space for activities beyond sleeping, and a place free from inter... Read All

Because Istanbul is surrounded by the sea, it has a relatively mild climate. Except for rare times when strong winds make the rain cold and annoying, most of the time Istanbul’s weather is warm and bearable. Today, however, unlike before, I noticed darkness in the morning due to black clouds over th... Read All

Career advice for Turkish women in 1937 ... Read All

Recently, I received a Dribbble invitation. I don’t have anyone specific around me to send it to. If you’re interested in being active and uploading your work on this platform, send me a few of your designs here. Don’t forget to include the email you use for your Dribbble account in the message. The... Read All

Two days after returning from Iran, nonstop rain and wind in Istanbul took their toll. On top of that, a short circuit in my home wiring and a power outage knocked out the heating system, leaving me unable to sleep until morning. By yesterday morning at work, I realized this wasn’t just a minor cold... Read All