Out and About Magazine Issue 12 Vol. 1_Maya Al Hawary by Out and About Mag

Issue 12 Volume 1

January 2020

Quoteonth M of the

When you reflect on how youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve spent your time, ensure it is money well-spent. ~ Marsha Fry

www.outandaboutstylemag.com

marsha@outandaboutstylemag.com

Shella Landayan editor@outandaboutstylemag.com

sales@outandaboutstylemag.com

www.outandaboutstylemag.com

Outandaboutstylemag Published by Out and About Style FZE (Registered at Fujairah Creative City)

Editor’s Welcome

New Year: a new chapter, new verse, or just the same old story? Ultimately we write it. The choice is ours.”

~ Alex Morritt

A new decade is here, greeting us with hope, joy and peace. Some of us are wondering what kind of challenges we are going to encounter this year; some, on the other hand, are thinking about how to start a new life all over again. Whatever your thoughts, please don’t forget to smile as we are graciously and continuously given with new pages in our lives. Out and About STYLE Magazine warmly welcomes you to the fresh and wonderful chapter of 2020! We wish for all of us to keep peace and love in our hearts as we all continue with our journey towards success and happiness. Features and Highlights Our Fashion feature spotlights Maruf Azimov, a cancer survivor and a fitness model. He gave us insights about his stories of struggles and success, a true testament on how one should move forward and not give up in life. Thinking about how can you upgrade your style without breaking the budget? Remember our tips and tricks because No Excuse Can Diminish the Friendliness of Silk Scarves! Planning to travel and want to get an idea on how you can hack your on-the-go makeup look? We do have Katrina to bless our very own Beauty section to back your style. Check out her everyday routine, and maybe you can get pointers too! And yes, scent preservation is not only a science but also a subtle art, so make sure to steal The Art of Wearing Perfumes for Long, just in case you’re having a hard time enjoying your precious scent all day. Success isn’t easy, but with dedication and hard work, everything is possible. Behind the Brand features the incredible story of Ahmed Ben Chaibah, the CEO of Aquafun. Come and see how he went through all the challenges he had before he became successful in life.

Maya Al Hawary, a TEDx speaker and the first PhD scholar in the UAE to research on emotional intelligence and leadership will surely inspire us in our feature for Taking Lessons, especially during her struggle with depression and rising above it all. Want to pursue your dreams? Let’s hear Esther Eden, a young singer-songwriter in our Talent Pool. She shared with us how she managed to be a successful singer and a dedicated songwriter. In our Lifestyle feature, we will give an insight on how to manage your finances and how to handle your Money: Even Before You Start. We also want to emphasise the importance of health, so get useful information on the 15 Best Ways to Have Healthier Thyroid. If you’re also wanting to get that four-leaf clover to start your new year, we have a special article just for you to help in Creating Your Own Luck. Food is one of our pleasures in life, but we can’t help but worry ‘cause calories are also waving at us. Help is coming! Try these goodies on our Food section and prep these 7 Creative and Simple Eggplant Recipes in your kitchen! Since the new year is here and the holidays are over, we are back on our daily and busy lifestyle. Of course, we don’t want to compromise on our health with the stress and the challenges of the daily grind. We offer you Healthy Eating Ideas for a Fast-Paced Life where you can get pointers to start your healthy living. Is losing those extra pounds one of your New Year’s resolutions? We’ve got your back! In our Fitness section, read The Ideal Diets for Every

Body Type to get an idea on how to start your diet. We’ll share places in our Travel feature where you can enjoy your first journey of this new decade. Top 5 destinations to visit in 2020 highlights the most beautiful places to visit in the Caribbean. Check out another story in Travel with Kendria to Zurich, Switzerland and see for yourself if this will be your next destination! Being unique and finding yourself out of the ordinary is difficult, especially with the new era we have. We have Tips to Differentiate Oneself from the Masses from our Culture section to help us overcome this situation. Speaking of the new era, the Internet is one of the greatest inventions. However, like everything else, it has its ups and downs. The Internet: The Taste of Change in Modern Life gives us insights into the significant changes the world wide web has made on our daily lives. Last but not least, we still want to offer you the best lessons we can share so you can lead to the life you wanted. For our 2020 Book Goals, we recommend 10 Books you must read before the year ends, an essential compilation of the best and classic books. Find our book review as well on the classic piece Think and Grow Rich, written by Napoleon Hill. A New Decade, A New Vision of Success We have another year to share our lives and blessings with everyone. Always remember to live life to the fullest. Again, from Out and About STYLE Magazine, consisting of a vibrant team that has made this Edition possible, congratulations on the new opportunity we have. This decade, we will prosper!

FASHION

BEAUTY

Contents

• Fashion Feature: Maruf Azimov (Max Fardan) • No Excuse Can Diminish the Friendliness of Silk Scarves

• M akeup Madness with Katrina - Going Parisian: Makeup I brought along with me in Paris! • The Art of Wearing Perfumes for Longer

BEHIND THE BRAND

TAKING LESSONS

TALENT POOL

LIFESTYLE

• A hmed Ben Chaibah, CEO of Aqua Fun

• Maya Al Hawary, Emirati Scholar, Chairman of the Board of Governors of Dubai Carmel School

• Esther Eden, 22-year-old Singer-songwriter

• Money: Even Before You Start • 15 Best Ways to Have Healthier Thyroid • Creating your own luck FOOD • 7 Creative and Simple Eggplant Recipes • Healthy Eating Ideas for a Fast-Paced Life FITNESS • The Ideal Diet for Every Body Type

TRAVEL

FOR THE CULTURE

• C ruise the Caribbean: Top 5 destinations to visit in 2020 • T ravel with Kendria to Zurich, Switzerland

• T he Reinvented Chronicles with Yvonne C. Mtengwa: Tips to differentiating oneself from the masses • The Internet: The Taste of Change in Modern Life • 2020 Book Goals: 10 Books You Must Read Before the Year Ends • Book Review: Think and Grow Rich

FEATURE

FASHION MARUF AZIMOV (MAX FARDAN) max.fardan

1. TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF?

I am Maruf Azimov, a 32-year old fitness model based in Dubai. On social media, most people know me as Max Fardan. I’m a proud native of Tashkent, Uzbekistan, a beautiful landlocked Central Asian country teeming with history and exotic appeal. I have three adorable kids, and I’m married to Shohista, my amazing, beautiful wife. Eight years ago, I was diagnosed with an unlikely illness. Breast cancer, the culprit that takes over thousands of victims every year worldwide, struck me: and I’ve fought it for years. Three years ago, I underwent several sessions of chemotherapy, including surgery to remove the lump in my chest. Today, I stand as a proud cancer survivor, and I wish for more years of good health to come. I still undergo routine check-ups every six months to monitor my condition. I came to Dubai when I got sick, and I was anxious about letting my family know about my struggle. When magazines started wanting to write about me, they asked for my real name. I was a little hesitant to disclose it back then for fear that news about my health will reach my family in Tashkent. Most of my friends call me Max, as it’s a short name, with an easy ring to it like ‘Max Rich’. Max sounded just perfect, so I eventually adopted this screen name.

2. TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY THROUGH BREAST CANCER.

I was 24 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Back then, I’d been noticing a small lump in my left chest for months. It was becoming uncomfortable, and it wasn’t going away. I felt that it was getting bigger. I decided to see a doctor to have my condition checked. I’d undergone several tests: from lab tests to MRI scans.

The day came when my doctor told me to call my family. I was preparing for some bad news. My father was recuperating from a recent heart problem, and I couldn’t bear to send my family depressing news. “Be strong; everything will be okay.” The doctor told me. What came next was something I wasn’t prepared to hear in my life, ever. “You have breast cancer.” It was difficult for me to comprehend at first. I have breast cancer. I googled about it, and I could only stare in shock at the facts. At 24 years, I was, indeed, a Stage 2 breast cancer patient. Cancer treatment started very soon. Slowly, I went to treatment after treatment, and it wasn’t a pleasant experience. It was a dizzying struggle, nauseating and leaving me fatigued. I was told that there would be more chemo sessions to undergo, so I considered leaving my home country. At first, I went to Turkey, asking myself where to work, and weighing in the sacrifices I need to make to get treatments as well. I decided to come to Dubai because of a close friend. He recommended Dubai very highly, saying that it’s a good place he thought might work for me well. I found a good job in Dubai, initially starting as a salesman. At that time, it wasn’t enough to sustain my needs, so I found a parttime night shift job as security personnel. I worked for a year doing these jobs, and at the same time, going to the hospital for the treatments. It was a challenging time for me, and whenever I’m talking with my family over the phone, I’d pretend that everything was alright. The life of a cancer patient is exhausting. The fatigue quickly sets in, and the exhaustion was palpable at the end of the day’s work. After a year, I stopped working those two jobs, and I just focused on one. I was

eventually promoted to sales manager after three years. The company helped me through my ordeal. My manager, my boss, they understood my situation, and they supported me all the way. The unwavering support of my friends here in Dubai was also instrumental in helping me cope with cancer. For this reason, Dubai will always be my second home.

undergoing surgery to remove the lump in my left chest, I was declared cancer-free. Living not only for myself but for my wife and kids, as well as my family back in Tashkent, makes me so happy and grateful.

I went back to Tashkent for my surgery. My fantastic doctor became a close friend of mine, and my gratitude for him flows really deep. He helped me obtain the expensive medicine I needed. In Uzbekistan, healthcare is also free, thanks to the government’s efforts to finance the state hospitals, medical institutions and clinics.

I was in Dubai when the ‘call’ happened. I picked up the phone and heard my doctor on the other side. He was crying. “You’ve won it, my boy. You’ve won it.” I was in shock. “What happened?” I told him. He replied, “You’ve beaten cancer!”

After

finishing

chemo

and

successfully

3. HOW HAS YOUR LIFE CHANGED SINCE FINDING OUT YOU ARE CANCER-FREE?

I reminisced about all the treatments I braved, the arduous, difficult months of chemotherapy. I looked back on all the

support I received from the people around me. There wasn’t a day in those cancerstricken years that I’ve told myself that I have to be ready for anything that could happen. Life is fragile, and it is a brief time we only borrowed from God. I remembered the prayers I’ve mumbled silently, asking God to give me even a little bit more time for my loved ones, for the dreams and goals I have for them. I have to be there when all my unwed sisters finally walk down the aisles. For my father, I’ll buy him a car for his taxi business. And how could I even leave my sweet wife? At least, if I were to perish soon, I should be able to find him a suitable husband to take care of her and the kids when I’m gone. These were the thoughts I had to prepare for the worst.

I was indeed fortunate and blessed. And I knew I fought well. I never gave up, and I enjoyed life even though I was stricken with cancer during all those challenging years. I went to the gym to dance because I love dancing, and I also sing whenever the vibe hits me. Knowing that I might as well be gone at any day made me enjoy my life, including the smallest of happy, positive events. I think God listens when we are truly grateful for the lives we’ve been gifted with. I ventured into freelance modelling and eventually became a brand ambassador. I’m more passionate and happier than ever, and I couldn’t simply ask for more. Having won over cancer and becoming healthy is enough as a blessing and a renewed gift of life.

4. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?

My mood dictates my style. I also see myself with a versatile, independent taste in fashion, and I like showcasing different styles for many occasions. Sexy, elegant styles are appealing to me: something not too gaudy but catches attention like a whiff of mysterious perfume. It is also important for me to pick a style that accentuates me as a person and not the outfit itself. It’s like ‘dressing not to dress’.

5. HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN MR DUBAI?

Mr Dubai never occurred to me in the first place, and winning the title is unbelievable for me. I did try my best to win, though! I know that I am pretty capable, but I don’t think of myself as any better than the rest of the contestants, and I always remind myself that someone else is better than me. It was the idea of my close friend who told me to try joining the competition. Mr Dubai is a big event, so I had my doubts at first. Eventually, I thought it might lead me to new opportunities, so I joined and tried my best. It was quite a pleasure becoming friends and acquaintances with my co-contestants, event organisers and the rest of the staff. Everybody is already a winner! I enjoyed the experience as much as winning the title itself.

6. WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES DOES CARRYING THE MR DUBAI CROWN CARRY?

Having the title of Mr Dubai imposes both prestige and responsibility. You have to represent a culturally diverse, cosmopolitan city, bearing the local roots of a true Emirati as the male face of Dubai. It’s not all about being physically beautiful, or aesthetic in the fashion sense. Still, titles like these also demand strength of character and authenticity in putting forward your convictions, aspirations and advocacy. The male figure that we need our society

to embrace is the picture of a benevolent father, an amazing brother and a loving son. As Mr Dubai, these are the images I want to exemplify. Mr Dubai also allows me to introduce my home country to many people. Not many are aware of my country and our culture back home, including its people and history. Everywhere I go, I pride myself in being an Uzbek and a native of Tashkent.

7. WHAT WAS THE FIRST THING YOU DID AFTER WINNING THE TITLE?

There wasn’t really a specific thing that I did after winning the title. What ensued after the event were lots of meetings, photoshoots and magazine interviews. I was also invited to other events like concerts and shows. I was able to share my experiences with many audiences, and the opportunity to introduce my home country comes along with these gigs. I am very honoured and delighted indeed to find that more and more people are getting to know Uzbekistan and the Uzbek culture because of me. More importantly, I was able to share the past struggles and victory of being a cancer survivor. We can rise above these personal battles with resilience and faith. As long as realistically possible, we can still pursue our passions even when we are sick or physically frail. I love telling people to enjoy every moment of their lives because life is beautiful. The short time that we are endowed with is enough for us to live our lives to the fullest.

8. FIVE FASHION ITEMS EVERY MAN SHOULD OWN:

Fashion is also a means of carrying yourself in public, which should reflect your attitude and behaviour. In my opinion, it shouldn’t just be ‘fashion items’ that every man should have, but also the right attitude.

Firstly, you have to be friendly and approachable. It doesn’t matter how a man dresses if he doesn’t know how to smile and radiate charm. Having an open mind, and a face that always smiles is the most impressionable fashion statement that any man can have. It’s also important for every man to take care of himself. Improving yourself on the daily by making sure you’re fit and learning every day is something that never goes out of style. Your body is going to thank you for going to the gym, or by exercising while being guided by fitness books and TV shows. Thirdly, a fashionable man knows how to dress appropriately for the right crowd and occasion. When people are watching you, your outfits speak your mood for them. It doesn’t have to be dressing up

expensively, donning expensive items and all that. A simple tee paired with classic pants or jeans, as well as shoes for the right events and suits are all good. The fourth item on my list is something I deem as too important not to leave out: sunglasses! Here in the ME region, the sun is really high and protecting your eyes while being out and about is essential. It’s not precisely for fashion’s sake, but for comfort too! Last but certainly not least, accessorising needs to be on point, and for me, the whole look is not complete without a watch.

9. WHAT MAKES YOU CALL THE FASHION POLICE? Since I have already gathered a lot of knowledge about fashion, I’ll be

able to give help on how to choose the right decision with your clothes. First of all, people are getting crazy about fashion, and they’re starting to do crazy things with it. Yes, fashion loves crazy things. It’s also important to understand that fashion is not all about how much skin will show. Fashion is cool, elegant, sometimes a little bit wild, sometimes sweet. That is fashion.

10. ONE DETEST

TREND

YOU

When it’s too common. As I said earlier, whatever the trend is, that should not define you. You should be creating your own signature style. If you’re going to go with the flow, how will it be you? You’re already a trend. Just wear something cool. It will be a trend if you know how to wear it properly. Of course, this is only my opinion.

11. DESCRIBE YOUR FITNESS ROUTINE.

I can’t drink or take any diet supplements as advised by my doctor. They said it’s risky because it may trigger the cancer cells again. That’s why I decided to do it healthily. For breakfast, I’ll be boiling five or six eggs which I prefer half cooked. I love eating slowly. I’m eating five times a day with small portions per meal. I try not to overeat after seven or eight in the evening. I have a fast metabolism, so I tend to lose weight fast. If you want to have a great body, you have to focus on your food and try to eat healthily. You can drink alcohol but not too much. Enjoy your life. Exercise is also essential if you want to have a good body. I go to the gym every day and spend one to two hours there. I have different exercise routines each day; today it can be chest exercise, tomorrow is for the shoulders, and after that for the legs. There are days that I’m unable to go, but I’ll make sure that I’ll go on the next day.

12. WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?

What makes me happy? That’s the most beautiful question. If I see someone smiling, it makes me happy. If I hear something, even a noise, it makes me happy. When I’m drinking tea, it makes me happy. When I’m walking, it makes me happy. I can see, I can feel, I can smell. I can hear, and I can walk. Everything makes me happy.

13. WHAT’S THAT ONE QUOTE YOU LIVE BY?

I can say it with a couple of words. Enjoy every moment in your life because life is short but beautiful.

Scarves have been around for centuries, holding a primary place as an essential ensemble of couture in every civilisation and culture. They havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t lost their significance, and neither do we expect it to happen ever, which is why we still get to see certain dapper-looking men and women garbed in these pieces making bold statements.

No Excuse Can Diminish the Friendliness of Silk Scarves

You might have wondered why scarves never go out of style or whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the importance attached to them. The answer is simple; scarves are an international piece of garment, giving you warmth, protection, neatness, grace and individuality. Be it for fashion purpose, spiritual motive or shield from extreme weather conditions, it is that functional piece of adornment you invest in because it helps you style yourself in multiple unique ways, adapts to all weathers and adds the final charisma to your outfit.

Silk Scarf Purchasing Considerations When you decide to buy a silk scarf for yourself, keep a practical stance. You should be clear-headed about what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to need it for. It is clear, scarves are multi-functional but your purchase can go wasteful if its purpose is missing. Think about when and where you want to wear it and with what attire. Would you be using it for office during daytime or for a casual night out? The choices are unlimited and so is the available variety. Once the objective has been sorted out, other related issues will straighten out automatically, such as the colour, pattern, weave, size and shape. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be discussing the usage of silk scarves at length today, their practicality, beauty, as well as the high demand in unisex fashion world.

Silk Scarves Add Class to Men’s Clothing Any man would certainly welcome long, rectangular beautiful patterned silk scarves in his wardrobe to perk up his otherwise bland coloured dresses. This accessory can be worn on its own, with or without a necktie. Remember, the scarf doesn’t and cannot replace a tie or bow; it’s a complete additional accessory giving guys a strong, dashing look for perfect masculinity.

Most men on the other hand aren’t aware of the functionality of silk scarves. Majority knows only about woollen scarves or mufflers. They take scarves for mere shield purposes. It’s no surprise that these men stand clueless when it comes to wearing a silk scarf and this is why we find the need to explain the correct way of adorning this statement accessory.

Avoid Tight Knots-Drape It

No doubt, silk scarves are the prettiest and most luxurious ones, wearing them require extra competence on your part. They have the tendency of slipping off, and you might want to tie it too tightly or add pins to make it stay. Both ways are wrong. Silk scarf has to be draped casually and allowed to flow rakishly, to show you have mastered the art of displaying it with ease.

The Simplest Knot-Overhand Lay your scarf over your shoulders and tie both ends over and under as we tie shoelaces. Adjust the front a bit and tighten a bit according to your desire. Always keep your attire in mind and select your scarf in matching or contrast, just enough to boost your confidence and style.

This is a make-believe knot, best applicable on big, bold prints and medium-sized or even lengthy scarves. Wear the scarf with one end hanging twice longer than the other one. Tie a loose hand knot on the longer side, leaving about 12-18 inches at the end. Now take the shorter scarf end and slip it through the knot, finally tightening to the desired length. This will create an exquisite debonair casual look.

Fake It Go FrenchEuropean Knot This is the simplest yet most elegant knot style requiring a lengthy scarf. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have to fold the scarf in the middle; the two ends meet exactly at the same length. Carefully wrap it around your neck, holding the doubled over bend in one hand. Pass the other end through the bend and pull snug. This knot looks and works best with silk scarves. Perfect for office wear and a lavish evening party.

Women Beautifying Silk Scarves

Women are luckier to be able to make use of silk scarves in numerous ways. These fancy, colourful embellishments add charm to the female persona. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s discuss a few unique styles of bringing silk scarves to their best potential.

Hair Accessory This can flaunt your hairstyle in daytime and evening, more so in the summers. You can catch up your hair in a chic ponytail and tie it with a silk scarf matching your outfit. It can also be worn around your head and tied at the back. Go and be creative with silk scarves using them as hair accessories for a change.

Tie it in bow shape, giving it a look of a statement necklace. Wrap it twice around your neck and tie a knot resembling a bow, sitting either below your chin or on the side for extra style. You can pull it off in the office with a blazer.

Adorn Your Neck Around One Shoulder This look might deceive others into believing your blouse has a stylish part. Tie your silk scarf neatly around part of the tank, making one side decorative. It works best with plain sleeveless tops.

Never Misplace Your Glasses

Tie the ends of your silk scarf to your sunglasses or eyeglasses. This would keep your glasses safe during office hours, saving precious time lost in searching for your misplaced specs. It should work like a sunglasses strap, even convenient for holding a camera to take pictures with style.

Loop it around the Wrist Wear the silk scarf around your wrist as a bracelet, a band or as a clasp for your wristwatch. Twist it if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s longer in length and tie a bow knot at the end that hangs to one side.

Belt the scarf around your trench coat when going out, for a classy appealing look. Enrich the appearance further by choosing contrasting shades if your clothes are neutral tinted.

Accentuate Your Waistline Brighten Your Handbag In place of key chains, stickers and other handbag tidbits, twist a bright silk scarf and wrap it around the straps of your purse. This is a trendy street look, which have embraced Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re leaving you with just a few basic ideas to remind you that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never too hot or too cold to ignore wearing your silk scarves. In fact, silk scarves are so useful and workable that one fails to run out of the habit of not wearing them.

Avant-garde

Model: Lili Lilla Nagy Photo & Retouch: Balazs Nemet Headpiece: Evi Kelemen Millasonjacouture Hair, Makeup and Concept: Liv Rideg Instagram: @livridegmakeup

SKIN HEALTH:

BEAUTY

M A K E U P M A D N E S S W I T H

Pixi Skintreats Rose Tonic

Dermalogica Gel Cleanser

(Rose & Elderflower Nourishing Toner)

Origins Ginzing Energy-Boosting Gel Moisturiser

GOING PARISIAN: MAKEUP I BROUGHT ALONG WITH ME IN PARIS!

SKIN PREP:

I spent the holidays in Paris with my family, and it was the most amazing experience. We fell so deeply in love with Paris: the architecture, the people and the art, and we’re even planning to go back at least twice a year from this point forward. But anyway, let’s get to the reason you are all here: my Paris makeup set! It is surprising that I only brought a small makeup set given that we stayed in the famed lover’s city for four days and three nights! Honestly, I had no idea what kind of looks I should be rocking in France, but I knew that I wanted to keep it simple and sleek, with a short, fixed routine daily so I could get out of the hotel room fast. As a result, I ended up doing a simple blended face with only one foundation per day and light contouring, coupled with a pair of Kemet Lashes and different shades of lipsticks, lip liners and glosses. So, what did I pack? Let’s get straight to it.

Farsali Rose Gold Elixir

Too Faced Hangover Rx Primer

NARS Radiance Primer

Farsali Skintune Blur

Lancôme Blur & Go Primer

FACE:

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation (Macao)

Sephora Glow Perfection Foundation

EYES:

Kat Von D Lash Liner

Sephora Cinescope Mascara

Kemet Lash Co. Strips Lashes

BROWS:

NYX Tinted Brow Mascara (Espresso)

MAC Cosmetics Studio Finish Concealer with SPF15 for a clean finish & sculpt.

CONTOUR:

Too Faced Born This Way Multi-Use Sculpting Concealer (Maple)

Too Faced Born This Way Multi-Use Sculpting Concealer (Cocoa)

LIPS:

NARS Limited Edition Audacious Lipstick (Siouxsie)

Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb (Diamond Milk)

Too Faced Glitter Nude Lipstick (That Girl)

Makeup Forever Artist Pencil (610 Versatile Chestnut)

CONCEALER:

Fenty Beauty Sun Stalkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;r Bronzer (Coco Naughty)

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer (Amande)

SETTING:

NYX Professional Makeup Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Setting Powder (Medium-Deep)

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder (Medium Deep)

HIGHLIGHT:

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Powder - Glow (Medium Deep)

Urban Decay Naked Skin Shapeshifter Palette

It might seem like a lot of stuff, but it really wasn’t! I didn’t bring any setting sprays because the weather was more fit for powders than sprays. I also didn’t mind having a single eyeshadow palette (not even my favourite ABH x Jackie Aina palette). Basically, I wanted to blend into the Parisian crowd by following the “less is more” rule, but also by tweaking my signature natural glow looks with a different shade of lipstick every day. During winter in Paris, you can get away with a dark shade eyeliner on the upper lash line or on the waterline all day because it’s pretty gloomy and the sun is only out for a bit before it hides behind the clouds again. I noticed that a lot of women in French shops and French restaurants do this, so I didn’t hesitate to fall in line! On the second day, I recorded my full first-day routine via the timelapse function on my iPhone camera so I could easily follow each step for the next two days. The reason why I didn’t record the first day is because I referenced it as a test day. I wanted to make sure that my skin and the Parisian weather would actually work well together before making it my official routine. Thankfully, it did, and I didn’t have to change anything. As a result, I ended up with beautiful, flawless skin (no breakouts or adverse reactions) and an easy makeup routine that was perfect for winter in Paris. As a bonus tip, I had more time to spend with my family for outdoor sightseeing and shopping because I wasn’t stuck doing a 2 - 3 hour makeup routine every morning. I would honestly say it only took me about 30 - 40 minutes to do my makeup each morning

Katrina is the Creative Director at The Beauty Studio, Middle East. In this article, she shares her travel makeup and skin routine.

which is awesome timing for me if I must say so! Everything I packed are the products I actually used each day. I want to preface this by saying that my skin is at its optimal health so please don’t think that because all of this worked for me that it will also undoubtedly work for you. My skin type is normal to dry, and I take really good care of it and consequently, it makes it easier for me to apply makeup by blessing me with healthy skin. So there you have it! There were only a few items I packed and didn’t use but my Parisian holiday makeup was ultimately very simple and classic. It was definitely perfect for a full day at the Chateau de Versailles, or an impromptu photo session in front of the Arc de Triomphe and the Musee du Louvre, dinner at Fouquet’s Paris, a nightly stroll under the lights of the Eiffel Tower, or just a simple shopping trip to Avenue des Champs Elysees and the Galleries Lafayette. I hope that I have not only inspired each of you to step outside the box with your makeup routine when you are away from home, but I hope that I have inspired you to travel more this 2020. It is the year of abundance! Laugh more, smile more, do more, be grateful, live life more abundantly and never ever forget: TRAVEL IS LIFE! Cheers to 2020!

Bridal Beauty

Model: Szintia Bakos Photo & Retouch: Andrea Marton Headpiece: Trangoni Couture Hair: Izabella Koszeri Makeup: Liv Rideg Dress: Nagy Agota Collection Location: Studio Lightroom, Budapest, Hungary Instagram: @livridegmakeup

Bridal Beauty

The Art of Wearing Perfumes for Longer Perfumes are the last and the most essential part of grooming. Everyone loves that final spritz of alluring scent after getting ready to head out enveloped in a long-lasting fragrance announcing its arrival proudly. All of us are conscious of the significance of beautiful perfumes, rendering it essential to make these fragrances last as long as possible.

Before getting into the tips and tricks of keeping your scent stay longer, there are various factors to bear in mind. First, from perfume buying to wearing: itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an art. Perfumes are available in many forms, hence their longevity levels. Their creation involves base notes, middle notes and top notes. These notes play a pivotal role in the long life and sillage of perfume in coordination with your skin type.

Know Your Perfume Before you purchase a fancy fragrance feeling heady by its gorgeous scent, be sure what perfume type and note youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re investing in. Pick eau de parfum instead of eau de toilette, eau de cologne, body mist or spray. Eau de parfum, as well as extrait de parfum, is always formulated with a higher concentration of oils, resulting in a stronger and longer-lasting formulation.

Notes of Perfume The base notes in perfumes act like its foundation. The stronger the base notes are, the longer their scent clings to the skin. Middle and top notes wear off pretty quickly, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the base notes you ought to consider when buying a perfume. Go for heavy base notes, such as oriental and amber, woody, leathery or musky scents. For citruses and florals, you can always layer up two perfumes: a heavy base note perfume, with your floral fragrance on the top. This would also help you in building up your signature scent.

Know Your Skin Type We won’t be getting into the dermatological nuances and technical definitions of the various skin types. Generally speaking, there are two common types: dry and oily, or combination skin. While on the hunt for perfumes, be wary of your skin type. Dry-skinned people tend to lose scents quicker than oily skin types. Be sure to test out different perfumes and opt for strong, heavy concentrated scents. They’d stay with you for longer stretches, and you won’t be missing the good vibes your chosen perfume brings.

Storing Your Perfume Once you’ve bought your favourite bottle of perfume, keep it tightly shut inside the original package. Make sure to store it in a cool dark place away from sunlight and not in your bathroom due to the dampness and heat. Besides, never shake your perfume bottle—it’s not medicine!

The Best Time to Apply Perfumes Notably, perfumes linger for a longer period when applied straight after a bath or shower. Damp skin absorbs the scents well but wait for the perfume to dry before you begin to get dressed. You can also apply an unscented body lotion first before spraying the perfume, and the results are far better if your body lotion smells similar to your perfume. This would support the scent since oily and moisturised skin retains the smell for longer and a matching scented body lotion would work as the base layer of your perfume.

How and Where to Wear Perfume It’s a known secret: perfumes are worn on the pulse points as these places trigger off heat, enhancing the scent you’re wearing. If your perfume doesn’t stay with you for hours, another trick is to apply petroleum jelly on these pulse points before you wear perfume. As a rule, you should be applying or spraying perfume on your wrists, neck, behind your ears, inside elbows and even the back of your knees and ankles. Spraying on the insides of your jacket or scarf can prove to be really advantageous for long-term effects.

Walk Through the Cloud of Perfume French perfumes arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just famous because of their quality: French people know how to wear these elegances the proper way. They say perfumes maintain their scent longer if we spray a cloud of it in the air and walk through this shower. The spray settles down in our hair and clothes, keeping the fragrance intact. You can spray the perfume on your hairbrush as well. Brush your hair when the brush dries and be rest assured that you will remain smelling fresh and wonderful for a long time. Amazingly enough, hair carries the scent for longer periods and gives off enigmatic head-turning wafts.

The Don’ts You might feel exhausted by now, but don’t worry. Remember these few don’ts to help yourself in getting the maximum out of your precious scents. 1. Don’t rub perfume on your skin—you only need to either dab it or spray it on yourself.

5. Don’t throw away the last drops of perfume in the bottle. You can always mix them in your body lotion or soak a few cotton buds in those last droplets of fragrance, keeping them in a plastic zip bag and throwing it in your purse for touch-ups whenever needed.

3. Don’t douse yourself in the scent. Doing this can cause a rather adverse effect on your nerves and those you’re surrounded by. Overdoing this can give off an overwhelming headache—literally.

Finally, we’re leaving you with some good news. It’s usual for any perfume wearer not to be able to distinguish his or her perfume after mingling with others or even after spending a few hours alone, but worry not. This certainly doesn’t indicate the loss of that scent; it’s because our noses get accustomed to our own perfume, thus leaving us unable to smell it repeatedly. On the other hand, people around us can always pick up the projection of our perfume.

4. Don’t spray directly in your hair or on your jewellery. Don’t spray too close to your clothes. The perfume oils can create stains on the fabric.

Keep on experimenting with different perfumes the world is offering. Understanding and finding your signature perfume takes time and patience!

2. In the same way, don’t rub your wrists together after perfume application. Friction would fade away the top notes faster than your liking.

SAVE WITH JUNQUEIRA MEDICAL CLINIC AND OUT AND ABOUT STYLE MAGAZINE Use the code JMCOUT&ABOUT to avail a 10% DISCOUNT at Junqueira Medical Clinic

Galleria Mall, 1st Floor, Al Wasl Road, PO Box 213143, Dubai www.junqueiramedicalclinic.com

+971 4 229 7766

info@junqueiramedicalclinic.com

+971 4 223 3622 **Terms and Conditions apply

AHMED BEN CHAIBAH CEO OF AQUA FUN

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.

I’m Ahmed Ben Chaibah, currently known as Aquaman, the owner of Aqua Fun, The largest inflatable aqua park in the world. I design, produce, manage and operate Aqua Fun. Those are the things I mainly focus on these days. I am 38-year-old Emirati National.

2. WHAT DOES SUCCESS MEAN TO YOU?

There are two different talking points with regards to this question: success and happiness. For me, success is to be the best person. If I’m not the best person at what I do, will I still enjoy it? I asked myself one day, what is the purpose of this business? It’s creating happy memories, that’s the core of it. For example, we had a visitor before who thanked and talked to me for half an hour because of his son, who’s autistic and never been in the water before. They were able to have a bonding moment in the water park because his son is no longer afraid of the water. Seeing that smile etched onto people’s faces and the positive energy in the park, with people thanking me for having an awesome time— that’s success for me. It’s more of an emotional thing. Yes, numbers are important. I was able to get it, but it’s just a scoreboard. I learned early on in my life that it’s not just money that matters. The experiences that we cherish, the beautiful moments that we remember—those are the things that really matter. Success, then, for me, is having inner peace, joy, happiness, as well as spiritual and candid enjoyment of the human experience.

3. HOW DID THE AQUA FUN CONCEPT COME ABOUT?

I used to work with one of the biggest event companies in the Middle East. They told me that I had to leave, and they gave me a sixmonth salary to which I agreed. I used to be an athlete and a DJ at Creamfields, with all these big names in Emirates. I was thinking back then that I’m educated, I have experience, but I am still wondering how to get a job. I went to 74 interviews, and none of the companies employed me. One day, I was in the gym doing warm-up and I accidentally hurt myself. Everything I’ve been

doing all these years was taken away from me. At that time, I couldn’t work as a DJ, I wasn’t able to do sports and I didn’t have a job. I’m emotionally, physically, spiritually and financially broke. But I was thinking, do I want to cry about it, or do I need to recreate myself? And then I saw a video, like an incredible water-sports game—it was so cool. Maybe I should do that. As soon as I recovered from my injury, I drove the first year, covering a mileage of 131,000 kilometres. I did 617 meetings, and everyone said no. Eventually, I found out why they were saying no: people are always amused by the end result but are afraid of the process. I love the process. Eventually, I started with slides and yachts. I spoke to 2,000 yachts captains and owners. Literally, I knocked on their doors to ask. As soon as I got the information I needed, I sold 47 slides in a month. It was the first money I made. On the second try, I failed. I went bankrupt three, or maybe four times, and came back again. It’s not about the number of times you’re down. It’s about the comebacks. For most people, they quit easily after the first or second failure. I made so much money and lost so much money. The genius thing I did was that I didn’t quit.

4. WHAT WAS YOU MISSION WHEN YOU STARTED OUT?

I just want to recreate myself for the better. This is totally foreign to me. There’s nobody in my family who’s into business. There’s nobody who can support me, or lead me, or mentor me. It was all me. I used to be an athlete, I know how not to quit and how to process things. I used to be an event support manager so I have a grasp on systems. I just applied the principles I learned on those things which I don’t have any experience yet, which of course is not enough. Nobody prepares you when you run your own business, like for all the things that you need to deal with: clients, employees, sales, marketing, legal stuff, accounting and everything else. I think that this is something that is not simply learned in schools and universities, where I wasted a lot of money.

5. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A PERSON WHO WANTS TO FOLLOW A PASSION?

Following your passion is about creating precious moments. Don’t be stuck doing something that makes you miserable. You only have one life, why waste it into something you’re not happy about? What do you want to do? Your happiness should be Number One. For a lot of people, happiness means money. That’s not true. You could be making AED 200,000 a year, but you feel miserable. Someone once said, “The more money you have, the more problems you have.” While I do agree that money is extremely important to have a certain lifestyle, happiness and contentment should come first. But it doesn’t mean that having money cannot give you a sense of fulfilment, because in some cases it really can. You need to work to that level of wealth you desire, nonetheless.

6. WHAT STRATEGIES DO YOU USE TO REWIRE?

I have had some bad days, but even the worst days become tipping points. They made me who I am now, and therefore, I would never change them. When I

reflect on some of my lowest days, I know that is when my life changed for the better. I choose to be happy or sad. I have learned that I have a choice. I choose to have this day or moment to ruin or to be happy. The most important thing is how you react. Everybody goes through stress, and general wiring is to freak out. We will have stressful times, but what matters most is your capacity to handle it. I think I’ve learned so much and I became so good at it. When a situation happens, I don’t react right away. The first thing I do, which some might think is silly, is to breathe deeply. Just remember to breathe because it will help with reinforcing your blood flow. Otherwise, you’ll get tense, and you tend to react more impulsively. After calming myself, I will be able to judge the situation. Then I will be able to think about how I can handle it. Lastly, I’ll act on it in the most reasonable and efficient way possible.

7. WHAT LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED SINCE YOU STARTED OUT IN BUSINESS?

I’ve learned many lessons, but one thing sums it up: just be patient and never quit. Keep going until you get what you want. Did you get what you want? Did you get enough? If you answered no to these two questions, why stop?

8. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT? You need to have positive and productive energy. You can be busy but not productive, and that’s the most common mistake of people doing business. It’s like you’re on a treadmill and you keep on running, but you’re going nowhere. You have to think: what’s the outcome? What’s the return on investment? What did you do? Where did you go from Point A to B within a specific timeline? What is the budgeted cost? There should be no excuses. Get support! Look for people that are in a position to support you in getting better at what you do. There are other people who are doing ten times bigger than my business, people who are smarter than me—but that’s fine.

9. IN ONE WORD, DESCRIBE YOUR LIFE AS AN ENTREPRENEUR. I’ll give two words—two, power and freedom. If you have freedom, you have the power to do whatever you want. When you have the freedom to do whatever you want, what’s the worst that can happen, you get an “L”?

That’s getting a lesson, so that’s okay. Whenever there are customers who are giving us a very hard time, and I accommodate their issues and complaints, telling them that I’m the owner, usually helps. Making other people happy also makes me feel powerful. When I was working as a DJ, I had the ability to make 30,000 people happy with the tip of my fingers. When we strive to put smiles on people’s faces, that is where we can find our real power, and this is what I’ve been doing in AquaFun from the very start.

10. WHAT ARE THE KEY ELEMENTS FOR RUNNING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS?

For me, it’s about learning what my strengths and weaknesses are. I focus on my strengths and work on my weaknesses. I found out that I’m good at identifying those three years ago. I’m good at handling people, I’m good with the operations side of things, and I focus on that. My weaknesses are in accounting and with the legal aspect, but that’s okay. I have an advisor, educator and accountant and they’ll help me with things I’m not good at. They help me so that I can focus on things I enjoy. Some entrepreneurs focus on their egoes, and that’s

why they want to do everything by themselves. They’ll create standards of their own. Find somebody who can help you. It’s hard to do everything at the same time. For example, I will create a system with an operational model that someone else can follow. That’s my strength.

11. WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?

I find that I am my own biggest motivator. When I graduated, I bought a car, and I paid my university fees all by myself because I was working part-time jobs. I enjoyed it. I never wasted my money on parties and other unimportant things. Why would you do that? Where’s the joy in that? They never made sense to me. What motivates me is the sense of accomplishment when I do things out of hard work and perseverance.

12. WHO INSPIRE YOU?

A lot of people inspire me by doing what they’re doing. My mom inspires me by being a good, hardworking and generous person. I’m extremely genuine with people, and that’s how people look at me. When I meet somebody, I really want to know who he or she is as a person. I met a guy before at the gym, and he was shocked as well that I was able to get information about him in just two minutes. There are many people in sports who inspire me as well

because they taught me how to fight and not quit in life. The people around me inspire me too because they gave me so many lessons to remember. Again, you have to remember that you’re the only person who will write your own name. It’s not about the variety and number of tools you have; rather, it’s about how you will use them.

13. WHAT’S THAT ONE QUOTE THAT YOU LIVE BY?

If you cannot afford a thing twice, then you cannot really afford it. The thing with buying something expensive or luxurious is that you shouldn’t go broke doing so.

14. WHAT’S NEXT? WHAT’S THE DREAM?

I don’t dream; I have goals. There’s a difference between having goals and having dreams. Dreams are abstract thoughts that reside in the mind. Goals are more systematic, and executing them include setting milestones, timelines and accountable things that will lead you to realise them. Having dreams is a good thing, but it is simply not enough. My next step is to create bigger projects in different parts of the world. I’m also investing in other businesses to generate additional income. Even when the return is small, that’s fine with me; it’s still an income. That’s what I’m doing right now.

MAYA

TAKING LESSONS

AL HAWARY Emirati PhD Scholar Researching Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Chairman of the Board of Governors of Dubai Carmel School

1. TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF

My name is Maya Al Hawary. I’m the first PhD scholar in the United Arab Emirates to research on emotional intelligence and its effect on leadership. I’m an Emirati, and I’m the chairperson of the Board of Governors at Dubai Carmel School. I’m also the Director of Planning, a consultant on the education and operations side. I do that part-time. My passion is in training. My training is more on soft skills and mostly on positivity, happiness, tolerance, emotional intelligence and communication skills. I’ve accumulated about 900 hours conducting training. I also spoke and led lectures for motivational talks and academic conferences, as well as social media training sessions in the UAE. I’m also a TEDx speaker. 2019 marked a big milestone and becoming a TEDx speaker was actually on my bucket list. Out of 100 people, I was chosen, and it was a big thing for me. A little bit of history about myself: I started as a vice-principal for eight years at Dubai Carmel School. A great opportunity came when His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak asked for a female principal to run his school, which was one of the first schools belonging to the Higher Colleges of Technology in Dubai. His Highness wanted to open up a new school that features blended learning, the first of its kind in the UAE. I was chosen to direct that project, which I managed for two years. I’ve come a long way, and after ten years, from being a vice-principal to a principal at the Dubai Carmel School, I now hold the position of Chairman of the Board.

2. IN 2019, YOU DID A LOT OF WORK WITH THE DUBAI GOVERNMENT’S COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY IN THE PROMOTION OF ACCEPTANCE AND TOLERANCE ACROSS THE EMIRATES. WHY IS THAT SO IMPORTANT TO YOU?

I’m a firm believer that nothing happens by coincidence. When I first decided to speak in TEDx, I submitted my request, and I knew that my topic should be about tolerance. I did some research about it and how I should be speaking in TEDx. I went to the audition last December, and it took them a month to choose. It was a door for me, and I stepped into that room. I was able to learn a lot about tolerance. I was accepted into TEDx, and I think I did well. If you see my Youtube video, the message is quite clear. Because of my training, I thought that government entities should also implement tolerance in the workplace. In those sessions, we also talked about tolerance leading to happiness. I prepared my course plan and content. I started talking to consultancies, where they offer training to the government. That’s how it started.

3. WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF TOLERANCE?

I will still stick to what I said in TEDx. Number One, accept others. It doesn’t mean that you literally need to keep them nearby, and it’s also not about ignoring people like as long as you don’t mingle, because that’s not tolerance at all. Tolerance is having the courage to make an initial conversation. Make a brief introduction about yourself and make other people feel that you’re actually there. Number Two, understand. Why do they look different? Why do they have special needs? For example, are they American, African, Jamaican or Chinese? Just keep it in your mind and don’t literally ask them those questions. From there, you’ll be able to understand their differences and how you will make adjustments for them. Note that understanding and making extreme judgements are different, so be careful. The third step is to forgive. Forgiveness is different from tolerance. Tolerance means that there’s something unacceptable that you need to

tolerate. In Arabic, it’s al tasamoh—the root word is samh which means forgive. Forgive them for what? Forgive them for acting that way for whatever reasons. It’s not forgiving them for their actions, but it’s like having mercy in their humanity. You have to see them as human beings. We’re all God’s children, and God cherishes them, so we need to give them mercy as well. Number Four is to unite. In Islam, we say that in togetherness, there is oneness. We’re not brought here on Earth to be alone. God created animals and plants so that people will not live alone. Tolerance is the combination of all these four points—accept others, understand, forgive and unite. In 2016, the first Minister of Happiness and the first Minister of Tolerance was appointed, and both have their own ministries. In 2015, the first law for ending discrimination was issued. There’s a need for those ministries to come up because of the huge diversity in the UAE’s population.

4. TO SOME PEOPLE EMIRATIS ARE UNREACHABLE, HOW DO WE BREAK THAT STEREOTYPE/GENERALISATION?

We may belong to different nationalities, but I think we’re pretty much the same. To some people, other foreign nationalities may be unreachable too. I think it’s up to Emiratis to open up and be more welcoming. I also encourage expatriates to mingle more with us. For example, try going to coffee shops where Emirati nationals are sitting around or mingle more in the culture, try to visit cultural areas. I know that tourists may be doing that during their excursions, but there is no harm in doing these activities to make friends with the locals. If you have a child at school, try making friends there and introduce yourself. In the UAE, the cultural diversity is palpable, and yes, we may come from different countries. I really wanted to get to know more people since I’m interested in their cultures. Emiratis are welcoming people in general. Emiratis radiate hospitality and openness. They’re also appreciative, and a good number of them speak other languages. That’s because they believe that they’re here to serve tourists, and to give them a good image of our country. If every Emirati had that same intention, we’d mingle more with other nationalities. We love to travel. We love to explore, we love to go to other countries, and we like to talk to other people. But I think when you’re home, you’re comfortable in your own zone with your own family, your friends, and you don’t want to venture out. So I think it’s a two-way street. I think both sides are putting up their guard and they need to lift it. That’s where my role comes in. I speak in conferences and government. I start with tolerance in the workplace, tolerance with oneself, accepting your family and accepting society in general.

5. TELL US ABOUT YOUR PHD, IN WHICH AREA AND WHY?

I always share this in talks and sessions because I want people to know that I’m not any different. I went through depression for five years, and during those five years, it was quite severe. The last two years I spent it with anxiety. I felt that I completely lost myself. I thought I was worthless, useless, and I began to have devilish thoughts of hurting myself. I also lost myself as a person, together with my career. I’m a Muslim, but it was a struggle believing in the goodness that the Lord brings when you’re stuck in a hole of sorrows. People look at you from afar, and they think that you’re perfect, but then your soul, your psyche and your mental health is different. Your wellbeing is the source of your life and the important people around you. The more you pay attention to your mental health, the more successful you will be at work, with your family, and the more successful you will be in realising your strengths and working on your weaknesses. When I went through these struggles, I was already a Masters degree holder, but during those five years, I wanted to do something else other than being a principal. I know that I needed to find my passion. I applied to many jobs, but nobody employed me. My husband asked, “Why don’t you pursue your PhD? You’re good at teaching in universities.” I was teaching as an adjunct faculty that I loved, and I taught about learning itself. And then I thought, okay, I want to do my PhD. During those years when my mental health suffered, I felt like I was contained in a room with no corners, like a solid cylinder with no windows. But when I started my PhD, I walked out of that cylinder, and I shut the door slowly. It

was difficult to shut the door because even when you’re depressed, you’re comfortable. You don’t want to change. To be able to push myself, I found out that nobody else will help you but you. I consulted a psychiatrist even though us Arabs don’t generally trust psychiatrists and therapists, thinking that we are bigger than our mental health issues. We have an ego that we need to deal with. It took me many years to accept the fact that it’s about time to change. For five years, I did a lot of research to understand why I was like this. I stumbled upon a notion called emotional intelligence. My decision to take PhD studies is based on my own struggle. When I started it, I thought I wanted to do something with education and leadership. When I started at Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University, I thought to myself: I’m not doing anything for schools. And in my first meeting with them, during my interview, I said, “Please, I’m not going to do anything with schools. If this is something I want to do, would you like to accept it?”, and they did. I concentrate on the study of Adult Learning because of what I went through as an adult in my 30s, as well as the notion of well-being and futuristic skills. Emotional intelligence is the top skill that we all need to acquire, develop and nourish. Economic reports from 2018 to 2020 indicate that emotional intelligence is the top skill that will enable success in the workplace. Notions like happiness, positivity and tolerance—you need to talk about it all day to actually breathe it, believe it. When you breathe and believe it, you’ll be able to teach it more effectively. I’m a teacher by profession, but I’ve chosen to teach life lessons, well-being, and how to become better leaders.

6. WHAT STRATEGIES DID YOU USE TO GET OVER DEPRESSION?

For you to overcome this mental illness, you need to accept what you are dealing with in the first place. The mind and the brain work in a very strange way. The brain is the physical organ, which houses your mind and your intellect. The mind represents your emotions, and the intellect represents your logic. The circuitry of our brain is dictated by chemicals and neurotransmitters, which must have ideal levels in order for our brain to function normally. When your emotions are amplified, several neurotransmitters increase their levels in the brain. When amplified to the limit, such abnormal levels tend to overshadow your intellect. Often, for people with depression and anxiety problems, they might cry and feel depressed for no obvious reasons. They might feel useless, and the reason why they feel that way might point to unknown factors as well. They might feel the negative cloud of emotions even though they know that nothing seems to be wrong and that they have so much going on. Get help immediately. Don’t prolong it. I did. I noticed that educated and successful people delay getting help from others. Why? Because we have high egos. We cannot admit it to ourselves and to others that we actually need help. For me, I thought I was going to be better. I still wanted to know the answer. Youtube was a big help to me. I researched religions, psychology, and how the brain and the body work together. Another important thing that I found out is that everything happens for a reason. Depression, for example, may be caused by past traumatic events from your childhood that are buried in your subconscious mind. An external event must have triggered it. Undergoing therapy will help you unravel and resolve these internal

issues that you have to resolve. You also need somebody to talk to, or you need a best friend. People who are depressed feel that they are alone when they are not. I have a best friend named Lina. She is a positive person, an empathetic individual who knows how to listen, and understand me. She didn’t judge me; she just listened. She tried to make some sense out of the things and the emotions I had. The thing with having a mental illness is that a simple, intimate conversation with friends might not be able to cut it. Interaction with other people is important, but it is not enough. You have to see a therapist or psychiatrist to get the right treatment. At the end of the day, depression is a chemical imbalance that needs to be corrected. Once you overcome your personal and mental health issues, you will know what your purpose is. You will understand that everything that you went through happened for a reason. You will come out stronger and build better skills. Remember: patience is the toughest skill that you will learn in life. It might also be the last skill that you will learn. You only know that you’ve been so patient after the problems have passed. Now we need more people with the same advocacy as mine to raise awareness about the importance of taking care of our mental health. We are all the same. It is inspiring to think that I am an Emirati who can speak to an expatriate and say, “I’ve gone through this. I’m like you; I’m no different.” If it wasn’t for depression, I wouldn’t have become the first emotional intelligence PhD scholar in UAE. Did I choose it? No, it was meant to be. So hang in there.

7. WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT?

I’m blessed with the work I have, and that’s what I’m passionate about. I’m passionate about changing and improving the well-being of people because the stronger your mental health is, the healthier you are in general. Leadership is one of my passions too. I’ve said this many times: we are here to lead others, and how beautiful will it be to lead them with triumph, with heartfelt emotions and sincere care? If I show the care and love as a leader, people around me will also be productive and listen to me more. We should try to emulate the great leaders of our nation who are driven with great visions. They have led other people with their visions of a great nation. Other leaders have that same passion, but they also lead others with love. I would love to improve leadership, not only with leading others, but with leading oneself as well. It’s important to know that you’re not perfect, and that you went through depression, and eventually came out triumphant. Use the experience: be humble, and show it that you care because you’ve been there. We are heading towards artificial intelligence (AI), something else I like to educate myself about. According to a Mckinsey report, 60% of big conglomerate companies are pushing towards the use of robots, replacing the general human workforce in part or in entirety. Some leading global companies in the manufacturing and healthcare industry are making this move now. The professional workforce, which includes doctors, engineers, accountants and lawyers may have to be redefined due to the presence of AI. How do I redefine your role under my leadership? That’s the question. The answer is through emotional intelligence and well-being. That’s my role—to help others accept and adapt to change.

8. WHO INSPIRES YOU?

My country and our great leaders inspire me to be

an Emirati woman with strong and bold willpower, and to grasp the honour and opportunity to become the person I envisioned myself to be. There are no limits—the sky’s the limit. A person who radiates kindness is a role model. It could be anyone: it could be the worker who cleans the street who shows humility, kindness, dedication and hard work. In a similar vein, people who are going through hard times and struggling to put food on the table also inspire me. We are able to pinpoint what we want when we know what our purposes are. For me, our true purpose is to share our blessings with others. If we know what our purposes are, we are going to be the best version of ourselves. We should be our own role models. My parents inspire me as well. They help me, and they’re amazing and beautiful people. I love them so much. Above all, my faith in God and our forgiving religion of peace inspire me beyond words.

9. WHAT’S THAT ONE QUOTE YOU LIVE BY? Kill them with kindness.

Kindness goes a long way. The Quran teaches kindness as a universal human behaviour of tolerance, generosity and benevolence. Kindness begets kindness: it is something that returns to you once you’ve given the same. It could take a longer time to come back to you, but it will come back to you again. I believe in that. I have some final thoughts for everyone who wants to take lessons from me: believe in your vision and your capabilities. Work hard and work smart, and don’t be afraid to knock on new doors, as you’re never too big or too old for new opportunities. Practise humility, as such, also goes a long way and will lead you to the path of success and contentment.

TALENT POOL ESTHER EDEN

1. TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF.

I’m Esther Eden, a 22-year-old singersongwriter. I was born in Goa and raised in Dubai. Currently, I’m in my third year studying for a BA in songwriting in Berlin, Germany, and I’ve been there for two years. I’m also releasing an EP at the moment here in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which I did in collaboration with other students from my university. I even brought my guitarist with me to the UAE from Berlin. After high school, I decided to apply to NYU, Abu Dhabi, but I didn’t get in because it’s really hard to get accepted there. Out of 10,000 student applicants, they will only choose 300 or so. So, of course, I needed to think of Plan B. One day, my mom browsed for a university online without letting me know. She told me that she found this university called BIMM based in the UK with five branches, two of which are located in Berlin and Hamburg. I’ve been to the UK before, and it’s all right for me. However, going to Berlin was an awe-inspiring moment for me, and I fell in love with the city right away. I decided to go there.

2. HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN MUSIC?

My mom, a single mother, used to be a jazz singer. She worked as a singer with a full-time job as a bank employee. She used to sing all the time, and at first, I didn’t enjoy music, but I knew that I loved dancing back then. When I was 13, my dad gave me my first guitar as a gift. I learned to play it all by myself, and I started uploading Youtube videos as well. With the support I got, I enjoyed doing it and decided to keep going. My mom kept pushing me to be the best I could be, and she said that if I don’t write my own music, I shouldn’t be doing this. I wrote my first song titled Is this love?—it’s not about someone in particular, it’s like being a teenager, and you don’t know what’s happening in life. It’s like being unable to define what that feeling is.

Coincidentally, a week later after writing my first song, a famous UK pop star was scheduled to visit my school. My mom told me to sing my song in front of her. But when I went to school and asked the teachers, they asked me to organise most of the music events that day. We did a few group performances, and I helped other students to sing. However, I was told by the school management to do some covers only, so I’m not allowed to sing my original song. I think I only played my song to two other students who were good friends of mine and they all supported me to sing it in front of the pop star. I went to the RJ’s Kris Fade and Big Rossi, but they were running out of time. “I don’t think we could allow you on stage,” they said. As soon as the pop star finished her performance on stage, the DJs announced: “Oh, I know we’re running out of time, but we have a 16-year old girl who has a song for you.” I went to the stage, shaking. I started singing. When I reached the chorus, that pop star stopped me in the midst and told me to start the song and dance all over again so she can record it on her phone. It was an exhilarating moment, and I said yes, and I did it again. After concluding my song, she told me, “I loved your song so much. Would you like to perform it at the Redfest tonight?”

3. TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRST PERFORMANCE AT REDFEST DXB

The RedFest was a big event with an audience of 10,000 people. It was crazy. I transitioned from performing in front of all my classmates at school, teachers and people I see every day, to performing for a huge audience. The amazing UK pop star believes in me; she supports me. She gave me a really nice introduction, and she let me sing in between her set.

4. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR SOUND

Many people ask me this question, and I find it difficult to answer because I listen to different

genres. Obviously, I was first inspired by jazz because of my mom. I also learned to enjoy other genres, with the exception of metal and techno. Right now, I’d categorise my music into pop music with a touch of jazz because I have a jazzy voice in a way. But yes, I like to make my music to be inviting to all kinds of people who are into different genres.

5. WHAT INSPIRES YOUR MUSIC?

When it comes to people, of course, my mom inspired me. I was also inspired in particular by a popular UK pop singer-songwriter and guitarist, and his first album gave me the inspiration to learn and play the guitar. The UK pop star who I’ve met at our school event also inspired me to pursue songwriting. When she asked me to perform again in RedFest, I was thrilled because she believed in my talent. I don’t really need to listen to what people have to say sometimes. At that moment, I decided that I’m going to continue songwriting.

6. WHAT SHOULD STUDENTS DO ABOUT BULLYING?

They should talk to someone about it. When I was bullied online, I felt like I couldn’t trust anyone, and I blocked everyone out. It even reached the point where I needed to change schools. It was a good decision because I’ve made friends that I really appreciate and I still keep in touch with them even when three or four years have passed. Many students go through bullying and it’s sad that the perpetrators and most bystanders don’t understand how bullying affects the bullied. No matter how many anti-bullying campaigns there are in schools, I don’t think that most kids will appreciate and understand these campaigns. Instead, students should be talking to their friends, parents, teachers or someone who will listen to them. I didn’t even realise that I was being bullied until my mom explained it to me.

7. WHO INSPIRES YOU?

When it comes to songwriting, my life is my inspiration. I always write songs based on my own experiences. I even have a song about bullying. I like to write lyrics that are positive and motivating.

8. WHAT’S THE DREAM?

I have a lot of interests: food, travelling and of course, music. My dream is to do a world tour, and then I can eat all the food I want, meet different kinds of people and get to know their stories. I love meeting new people, listening to their stories and experiencing different cultures. Doing what I love like performing and making people happy all around the world— that’s my dream.

9. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SONG AND WHY?

It’s quite hard for me to pick a favourite song because all of them are so personal to me. I could say Just Fine, it was the second song I wrote, which was about bullying. Every time I sing it, my mom cries. I’m in the midst of releasing my newest EP called My Own Way. It is all about whenever someone walks away from you, and you get to realise your self-worth and how to love yourself. Of course, all my songs are based on personal experiences. If someone wants to walk away from you, that’s fine. You have to go your own way. I feel like the lyrics are quite bold, with a bit of attitude and have words that I wouldn’t necessarily say in person or real life. I kind of speak my mind in a subtle way.

10. WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING A SINGER-SONGWRITER? The best thing about being a singer-songwriter is getting your songs to be heard. I started recording my first album, Solitaire when I was 16. At that time, we didn’t really have an aim or a goal. I had enough songs to release under an album. Since then, I’ve signed with Universal Music and released Solitaire under the label. After that, I released two singles called Bittersweet Love, and Blue Case, my first single after moving to Berlin. I feel like my music has really evolved since I’ve been doing this for a few years now, and I slowly start to know the preferences that I really want. At the same time, I’ve been working with other talented artists and producers who are also around my age. I’m not saying that I need to work with people my age, but it’s just that you know, we’re in university together and we spend a lot of time together.

When I was in Dubai, I was one of the youngest artists who started in the music industry. I was really lucky to be a part of the industry. When I first started, I was the only 16-year old singer-songwriter in Dubai who writes and sings in English. Back then, there was only one studio in Abu Dhabi called White Cube. So my mom and I need to drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi every single weekend, and we’d record each song in the album. Now that I’m in a music university, I just need to meet my friend, August Engram, who’s a producer. He’s half-German and halfAmerican. I feel like he understands me and the sound I want to bring out. We’ll sit together, and we’ll work on the songs together continuously.

11. HOW HAS YOUR MUSIC CHANGED AS YOU’VE GOTTEN OLDER? My music evolves the more I engage with other genres, as well as do collaborations with other amazing artists. When I was 17, I did a collaboration with Majeed, a Saudi rapper. It’s available on YouTube. It was one of those projects where you go into the studio without meeting beforehand. I met him in the studio for the first time, and I had like four to six hours to work on a song from scratch. We wrote the lyrics and produced everything within that time frame. Recently, I worked with a Kuwaiti-Arab reggae artist named, Karrouhat who’s an amazing and sweetest person I met. Again, we worked together and came up with a song. I’m an English pop artist, and he’s an Arab reggae artist so you can imagine the sound: a mix of mellow pop mingling with the sultry sound of reggae— the song is Calm Before The Storm.

12. CALM BEFORE THE STORM—HOW DID THAT COME ABOUT?

If you notice in the song I actually say, storm before the calm. I describe myself as the storm before the calm because I’m always like a wreck until everything is calm and settles down. I arrived first in the studio, and before Karrouhat came in, I was super nervous as usual. I was like; I had this storm before—the storm before the calm. I told Karrouhat this, and he actually said that it’s a good idea for a song. Then we started writing based on the loose idea of the calm before the storm. I asked him, “Where are you heading with your lyrics?” He said that it always turns into a love song. And yes, somehow we made it work with the title. That’s how the song came about. We were just jamming on the piano and the guitar, the beautiful chords came in, and the breathtaking melodies flowed naturally.

13. QUOTE YOU LIVE BY.

There’s one quote I always live by: An arrow can only move forward by pulling it back. I’ve been through the ups and downs. I didn’t let the bad experiences bring me down, and I tried to move forward. I feel like everything happens for a reason. For instance, from the bullying experience I struggled with, I wrote two amazing songs out of it. One of them, Phoenix, means rising from the ashes. There are many words that inspire me, especially in music. Sometimes, I feel like quitting, but once I’m performing onstage, I remember why I am doing this in the first place. It is also uplifting to read messages from people saying that I inspire them, seeing someone of our ethnicity with talent and gift for music. When you say you’re into music, it’s also a professional field, much like being a doctor or an engineer. People see the success I’m getting, and I’m happy to get their support. It’s great that I am able to inspire young people.

14 WHERE DO WE FIND YOU?

I have a website, www.esthereden.com You can follow me on all social media channels, as well as at Esther Eden Music, Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer on Garmin in the ME region, and YouTube.

Lifestyle

Money:

Even Before You Start Globally, getting your finances in order- save more and spend less, has always been in the top 5 of New Year resolutions along with losing weight, exercise more, quit smoking and a personal development goal like read more, travel more or more family time. Studies have also shown that New Year resolutions have an 80% failure rate. Why? Well first, they come with such a hype, they are not specific enough, there is no strategy to go with it and usually not more thought is given to them after that, until December of course. Personally, I use the end of the year and New Year as a time to reflect on what went well and what I want to be different next year. I set goals that are

in line with what a fulfilled life looks and feels like for me. I learnt that having a goal is made up of 3 parts: 1. Your psychology – this is the bit before you start, the internal programming of your mindset 2. The logistics – having the right strategy 3. Manifesting from the quantum field – using your energy and vibration to stay on track, an article for another month So, if getting your finances in order and having a better money plan is one of your priorities for 2020, this article is for you.

Before you begin the strategic journey of financial planning, which is where most people start, you have to do the internal reprogramming first. Understanding your current beliefs around money and the reason why you want it in the first place then installing all of that in your mind and body will help you vibrate to attract money not repel it. There are three essential mindset shifts that will help you to be ready, positively programmed to design and create the life you want to live. Robin Sharma said, “Everything happens twice, first in the mind and second in your reality.”

MONEY MINDSET NO.1 KNOW YOU HAVE A CHOICE Your past or your present doesn’t determine what your future looks like; it is only the decisions you make now that will make a difference. It’s time to get into the driver’s seat of your life and say yes to what you want, not what you don’t want! Sometimes, you may feel your choices were made for you by your parents, teachers or your boss. Maybe you feel that you haven’t always been in control and perhaps you’re not. But from this moment, you need to choose for yourself. You must make decisions for your own life. You need to become acutely aware that it’s you who controls your reaction to whatever happens from now on. It’s time to stop blaming others and take back your power. Before you go any further, you must accept that you’re the only maker of your choices. Choosing to be financially free is a choice you can make. Be aware that everything is possible once you choose this option; it will open you up to full understanding. This is the mindset you need to begin with.

MONEY MINDSET NO.2 HAVE PROSPERITY CONSCIOUSNESS Many people have developed a lack of mentality when it comes to money. It’s the “never enough” mindset. Know that whatever you focus on, energy will follow and bring it straight back to you. When you keep thinking that you don’t have enough, you will only be able to see that way so the same pattern of not enough will just keep repeating. It’s that simple! So when you focus on prosperity and abundance, you will see more and more of where this is true in your life, and this pattern will keep repeating. From a state of prosperity and abundance, from a state of positivity, you can make clearer decisions to bring you the outcome you want. Examine your own negative thoughts and beliefs around money so you can create a new positive and prosperous language. Say things like, “my income is always increasing”, “I am grateful” or “I prosper wherever I go. Changing your money language is not done overnight, it takes practise, and as you know, practice makes perfect.

MONEY MINDSET NO.3 KNOW WHAT YOU WANT Ask yourself questions such as: What does financial independence mean to me? What will freedom feel like? How do I wish to live my life? What choices do I want to be able to make? Do you want to buy a new house or send your children to a university of their choice? Be able to retire early, have money to start your business? What does having money mean to you? Many people do not plan for their future because they don’t have a specific goal in mind. They just meander along, directionless. This in itself is not a problem, except that at some point, they will make their minds up and realise that they do have a goal but now have only a little time to plan and save for it. As the saying goes, people don’t plan to fail; most just fail to plan. Wouldn’t it be easier if you were in a position of choosing which home to buy or which university to attend, knowing that you had the money to pay for it? The solution is to save now for financial freedom and then ‘worry’ about what to spend it on later. With a little forethought now, you’ll never

have to compromise your current lifestyle to pay for something ever again because you will always have the money for it. So, what are the choices you want to be able to make? Take a pen and paper and write at the top of the page: “The lifestyle I will live,” and start scribbling away. Now break those goals down to where you want to be by the end of 2020. Pick your top 3 goals you want to accomplish or make headway on this year and make those your priority. With these three money mindsets, you can begin to map out your strategy and get started. It is so important to check in on your mindset once in a while to ensure not only that you’re on track with your strategy, that you’re also on track with your mindset.

Wellness & Wealth Influencer, Motivational Speaker & Presenter with over 15 years’ experience working with businesses and individuals as a financial advisor in corporate banking, leadership and personal development trainer, a debt panellist for The National and a Kinesiology Practitioner, Rasheda is known to many as a wellness & wealth inspiration. Thousands have benefited from her work to empower people with the education, tools and resources needed to live a healthy and wealthy & meaningful life. She has hosted and spoken at a number of events and corporate training functions in the UAE, Qatar, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and Singapore. These particular experiences have given her expertise in business, financial and wellness empowerment.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

RASHEDA KHATUN KHAN

In the midst of her success and to everyone’s total surprise, in 2006. 26-year-old Rasheda learnt that she was riddled with cancer from her diaphragm to the top of her skull - chances of survival were slim. Ever since then, Rasheda has avidly worked to live a better and richer life and to teach others the life-changing lessons she only realised herself after being diagnosed with cancer. Rasheda is a lover of life, a visionary full of passion, an educator and a philanthropist at heart.

15 Best Ways to Have Healthier Thyroid The hormones that your thyroid produces are responsible for a great deal: your metabolism, the health of your skin and bones, the consistency of your sleep, the frequency of pain (or infrequency), and your sex drive, to name a few. This is one of the most important glands in your body, and maybe yours is in trouble. Approximately 20 million Americans have thyroid conditions, and up to 60 percent of these people are unaware of their condition. Thyroid disease may be related to conditions such as fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), eczema, or autoimmune disorders, but may also be due to poor nutrition and lifestyle choices.

1. THE CLEAR STEER OF FLUORIDE

Most commercial toothpaste contain toxic ingredients that may damage your health and they also contain fluoride that may affect your thyroid. Indeed, communities with fluoride in water have higher rates of hypothyroidism. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why drinking distilled or alkaline water or eating alkaline food is healthy for your thyroid and general health. Also, try to abstain from non-stick pans and black tea, as both contain fluoride.

2. REDUCE STRESS

In addition to improving your thyroid function, minimising your stress levels can also contribute to your overall well-being. Stress can induce a thyroid condition or make it more apparent that you have a thyroid condition. Cortisol overproduction, a stress hormone, may interfere with the production of thyroid hormone. It can make it harder for the thyroid work to produce enough hormones for body functions. Acupuncture, relaxation exercises such as meditation, massage therapy, or taking warm baths are great ways to de-stress.

4. TAKE THE YOGA UP

A Yoga Mimamsa study found that doing certain yoga poses can help release the functions of your thyroid hormone. During your next routine, try to incorporate poses like a boat pose, bridge, and a King Pigeon pose. These poses help to open up the circulation of the throat and improve the energy flow around the thyroid.

3. AVOID THE USE OF PLASTICS

Bisphenol A (or BPA) is a monomer commonly found in plasticsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; water bottles, Tupperware, etc. BPA is harmful to your body because of many reasons and it can also affect your thyroid health. A study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found links with this chemical to affect your thyroid gland negatively. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re still using plastic containers or bottles regularly, switch to glass versions immediately.

5. MAKE SURE YOU GET THE 8 HOURS OF SLEEP A NIGHT

Even though fatigue may be a symptom of an unhealthful thyroid, you need to do your best to catch a few Zs. Be sure to sleep 8 hours at night to keep your thyroid functioning regularly and effectively.

7. AVOID GREEN TEA

6. EAT MORE BLUEBERRIES (AND OTHER ANTIOXIDANTS)

Add antioxidant-rich foods like pomegranates and all kinds of berries into your diet for better thyroid health. A study in 2008, published in Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine found a link between antioxidant intake and overall health levels of the endocrine system; higher levels of one correlated with higher levels of the other. Additionally, foods rich in antioxidants are delicious.

Precision Nutrition experts have found that there is a link between the consumption of green tea and the worsening of pre-existing thyroid problems. However, there is no evidence of these problems arising from the use of black tea. So if you’re a regular tea drinker, turn to black — or, if you don’t need caffeine, stick to herbal blends.

9. GET RID OF INFLAMMATORY FOOD

8. TAKE LOW IMPACT AEROBIC EXERCISES

According to some experts, low-impact aerobic exercise is the best way to avoid damaging your thyroid health. If you have a thyroid condition, you may experience joint pain. So focusing your workouts on low-impact exercises— like walking or water aerobics — is the way to go. As a bonus, these exercises are low effort methods to get your daily cardio in.

If you eat inflammatory foods, it may be irritating to your digestive system, which may break down your immune system in the wrong way. If your immune system is irritated, your thyroid will not be recognised as part of your body. Your immune system interprets the thyroid gland as intrusive and triggers an autoimmune attack. Gluten, eggs, milk, and grains are all inflammatory. That’s why eating anti-inflammatory foods is beneficial to your thyroid.

10. GET TESTED REGULARLY

If you think you may have symptoms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, always consult your doctor. Because of the common nature of the symptoms — many of the problems with thyroid health could be indicative of other problems — they may not assume that this is a thyroid problem.

11. KEEP YOUR ADRENAL GLANDS HEALTHY

Your adrenal glands and thyroid glands are intertwined together in your endocrine system. According to Dr Amy Myers, adrenal gland distress has the ability to affect major metabolic processes, including those for which your thyroid is responsible. As it happens, the best way to keep your adrenal glands healthy is to keep your thyroid healthy: get a good night sleep regularly.

13. MAKE SURE YOU GET YOUR OMEGA-3S

12. STAY SHARP

It’s a bit of a no-brainer, but it’s still a point worth hammering at home: if you suspect, even a little, that you’re suffering from a condition, be sure to educate yourself fully. And yes, that includes the conditions of the thyroid. Even the most subtle symptoms — loss of sleep, altered bowel movements — may be a sign of something more serious. So, stay diligent.

If your body lacks omega-3 fatty acids, you may have a hormonal imbalance. Omega-3s provide a solid foundation for hormones that control immune functions, cell growth, and help with thyroid hormones. You can get your omega-3s from flax seeds and walnuts, among other foods.

14. STAY AWAY FROM TRICLOSAN

15. EAT MORE SEAWEED

Your thyroid needs iodine to make its essential hormones. Seaweeds such as kelp, dulse, and nori are filled with iodine to help the body create needed hormones. These generally do contain a lot of other beneficial nutrients, such as calcium, potassium, and vitamins A through E, these are the stuff that makes it a superfood, which you may lack.

Triclosan is a common ingredient in soaps and body washes but may harm your thyroid health. The EPA study has shown that even minor exposure to this chemical can affect how your thyroid releases hormones. Luckily, it is now easier than ever to avoid this: in December 2017, the FDA issued a ruling prohibiting over-the-counter products containing triclosan.

Creating your own luck While most people deem luck as mere chance, it’s high time that this notion is defied, and power is shifted. For as long as it can be remembered, one could categorise themselves as one of many people roaming the planet, facing an array of chapters in their life that have added mileage to their collection of lessons. Throughout this lifelong journey it’s pretty accurate to say that many have been spectators of others’ successes; witnessing them bask in their fateful glory,

some incidents happening through cause and effect and some by luck. To many, luck is seen as a sovereign element that chooses who it wants to embrace at any given moment; but it’s time to think otherwise. With a new year and decade commencing; it is essential to tighten the hold on the reins of chance. Creating your own luck shouldn’t be complex; it should feel natural, like a subtle attachment to daily habits. These 5 pointers are helpful in assisting you to hone your luck-creating skills.

1. PUT YOURSELF IN LUCKS WAY

Living in a world where opportunity is in abundance; the problem lies in the fact that there are many that fail to see it that way. A great deal of people are either walking down the path of comfort trying to avoid change at all costs or suppressing their gut feeling to take a leap of faith. One can only experience luck once they position themselves in its direction; this proves that luck isn’t as random as what it is made out to be. It’s not merely the ‘right place, right time’ ideology but rather knowing where there is a chance and ensuring that the necessary efforts are placed on that chance. In the words of Thomas Jefferson; “I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it”. It is clear that Mr. Jefferson has ownership over luck, it is no longer an independent clause, in summation of this point; LUCK= OPPORTUNITY + HARD WORK

2. FIND GATEKEEPERS

A gatekeeper is a person who controls access to something or someone. This means that luck isn’t necessarily a formless substance; it can come in the form of a person. Gatekeepers are the important figures in securing luck because they have the power to increase or diminish chances. They are the significant people in networking because it is one thing for someone to know where chances are and to position themselves, but if they don’t have access, their efforts will produce stagnant results. Instead one must focus on making themselves a person of value; there is an adage that goes; People are more interested in what you can give them, which isn’t a bad thing because it will be a driving force in finding what one can give to prove themselves worthy of access to prominent personages.

3. BEHAVE AND ACT LUCKY

Ambitions are beautiful expressions of what individuals see in themselves; they act like a screen projecting the final product of affirmations. But why is it that many are quick to dismiss the reflections they long to fulfill? They forget the importance of encapsulating what they are after. Embodiment is crucial because it ensures the assurance that the individual is the best and only suitor for their goals. One thing that is definite through this journey is momentary self-doubt; but like a sculpture stuck in a wedge of marble, one must continue to chisel and polish their body language and mannerisms. A persons’ handle on life speaks volumes about what they want, and so luck corresponds naturally.

4. BELIEVE YOU ARE LUCKY

It all begins in the mind; after all the mind is a powerful thing. To expand; take this study that was done to prove the power of mind, where overweight hotel maids who surpassed the recommended amount of exercise, did not consider themselves physically active. It was predicted that the maid’s viewpoints on their physical activity made it difficult for them to lose weight. To test this half of the maids, took their physical measurements and were informed that they were exceeding the recommended amount of exercise. The other half didn’t receive information. After a month, reevaluation results showed the maids that were evaluated and given information had a decrease in systolic blood pressure, weight, and waist-to-hip ratio, while the other group’s results were insignificant. The researcher accredited the physical and mental benefits to a simple change in mindset. Many consider themselves far from lucky, what they fail to understand is that life is an intricately pieced puzzle; with every piece holding a profound remnant that will echo when necessary. Look around and appreciate the incredibility of existence and that life is progressing in its direction for a reason.

5. BE PERSISTENT WITH A DEFINITION OF PURPOSE

Appreciation is a result of the effects of efforts; it’s really all about the little things. Like when one decides to continually position themselves in any situation for luck to come their way, despite the chances that will leave them unaffected or even feeling unlucky. Persistence is a rewarding key in the game of luck. Imagine witnessing the construction of a wall that is the essence of accomplishment. Each brick is laid with the greatest capacity; incorporated with mannerisms and a positive mindset. As the bricks continue to be laid, soon, a wall is present that communicates who the builder is. This wall has clefts and edges that enhance its value and enrich the builder and their purpose. Therefore; seek purpose through events that happen as the wall is being built. Moreover; there has never been a better time to start than now- yes; right now. Words that resonate with someone only mean so much until they make the actions that express their true value. It is one thing for a person to know their purpose and that they are lucky; a lot of people do this, but the significance is held by those who exemplify their purpose and luck without having to be reminded.

7 Creative and Simple Eggplant Recipes Known as a low-calorie but high-fibre food, eggplants are very delicious and nutritious. They are not just versatile to add to any cuisine, but they also offer plenty of potential health benefits, including reduced blood sugar levels and risk of heart disease. They also aid in weight loss, so theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re added to a healthy and regulated diet. For its nutritional content, a cup of cooked eggplant, which weighs about 99 grams, has 0.82 grams protein, 35 calories, 0.23 grams fat and 2.5 grams dietary fibre. It also contains 6 milligrams calcium and 188 milligrams potassium. Eggplants, which are considered veggies, are botanically berries (Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re surprised too!). They have originated from India and cultivated in China for more than 1500 years. These vegetables were brought by the Arabs to Europe and later by the Persians to Africa. This edible fruit/vegetable can be added to virtually all cuisines because it is versatile. It can be the main or one of the ingredients, too. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for some ideas on creative but simple eggplant recipes, get started in the following.

SIMPLE EGGPLANT RECIPES TO TRY AT HOME CHINESE EGGPLANT

Eggplants are considered to taste better than meat by most vegans, and we don’t doubt why. They are tasty and filling, too. If you’re looking to try a Chinese dish but want to start with the basics, you have to check out this recipe. It’s a vegetarian eggplant dish that is with a distinct body inside (soft) and outside (crispy). But even if it is deep-fried, it’s not oily at all. That’s good news! One more thing is that it can retain its purple colour even after cooking. This dish is so simple that most ingredients might be found in your kitchen pantry. You can get it done in less than an hour. So if you have sudden guests who happen to be healthy eaters, you might want to prepare this easy eggplant recipe. Inspiration: Chinese eggplant recipe video

EGGPLANT PARMESANT

If you love cheese, you will love this recipe, and for sure, your loved ones, too! Cheese is a comfort food added to dishes like pasta and bread. But this time, it offers something else. This recipe is inspired by chicken parmesan only that eggplant replaces meat. This veggie is perfect for this dish because it has a mild flavour complemented by cheese. As it also has a somewhat bold flavour, eggplant matches it and balances this dish. Also, you won’t be able to taste eggplant in the recipe. Check out this video for inspiration.

OIL-FREE VEGAN CHINESE SPICY EGGPLANT

You can get this recipe done in less than 10 minutes, something ideal for those who lack time to prepare healthy dishes. So this time around, you have no reason to go for fast food when you can have a tasty veggie dish with this amount of time. This recipe is popular in Thai and Chinese cuisine known for their love for spicy food. Even if you could find many versions of this recipe online, you might want to try this oilfree version. It is heart-healthy and waistline-friendly, tasting good while not ruining your diet. If you want an easy and quick to prepare make-ahead office lunch, you should check out this low in fat and oil-free Chinese dish. Plus, it’s 100% vegan! See this video Oil-free Vegan Chinese Spicy Eggplant for inspiration.

MEATLESS EGGPLANT OMELET

Who doesn’t love omelettes? These are a favourite breakfast dish that you can prepare in minutes. Let us have a different take on the conventional egg omelette you prepare at home. This time around, use eggplants for the fibre source in omelettes instead of ham and pork. This dish is made with scrambled eggs and roasted and peeled eggplants, which are later coated with the egg mixture before frying. It’s a satisfying and filling omelette that you can have with or without rice. It’s up to you! Whichever, you’re sure going to enjoy this eggplant omelette for a healthy breakfast or lunch. Check out this video for inspiration.

VEGETARIAN SPECIAL EGGPLANT

This absolutely easy recipe takes only minutes to prepare. So if you have an abundance of eggplants to harvest from your backyard, you should not miss this very satisfying eggplant recipe. Add cheese if you’re not on a calorie-controlled diet. Get inspiration! Check out this video.

SAUTÉED EGGPLANT

If you love healthy (and organic) food, you might want to try preparing this easy and simple dish. This recipe is made more exciting with spices like ginger and garlic, which are common in Asian cuisine and cooking. It is easy to prepare! You can get it done in less than 30 minutes. In fact, you also have the choice of preparing all the ingredients in advance. But then, you have to make sure of serving it while hot to keep it crispy.

Do you want to try it tonight? Here is a simple recipe to follow.

CRISPY EGGPLANT BITES

Are you on a diet? You might want to try this oil-free eggplant dish. For a bit of texture, try baking them with a thin coating for the crisp. Some people liked it prepared as a side dish to pasta and being added hot sauce for that spice. Also, you can dip these crispy bites in your favourite sauce to make them more exciting. You can also make them ahead of time, but make sure that you bake them again for a couple of minutes to restore the crisp. How to prepare eggplant bites? See this video here.

Eggplants are not just healthy and fibre-rich but also delicious and versatile to add to any recipe. It can also be the main ingredient or a side dish. Nevertheless, there are 101 ways on how to prepare eggplant. Your imagination is the limit! For a start, you can try one or two of the recipes weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve shared earlier and be more inspired to prepare other eggplant recipes.

Healthy Eating Ideas for a Fast-Paced Life Having a busy and fast-paced lifestyle is not an excuse to eat healthily. While many of us lack time in preparing healthy and nutritious meals, we can still find a way and ensure that our meals are loaded with nutrition that our body needs for proper sustenance. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to feel pressured to eat well or to prepare hard to make healthy meals because there are healthy eating and back to basic ideas that you can follow.

EASY AND SIMPLE TIPS FOR EATING HEALTHILY • Go natural: Make sure that what you’re eating is natural or organic. It should not be genetically modified. • Make a list: Before going to the grocery store, you should have a list with you so that you can avoid buying the unhealthy stuff. For example, you can avoid adding junk food into your cart, avoid impulsive buying, and buy only foods on your list. With this simple habit, you can also ensure that you’re buying healthy foods for yourself and your family. • Check the label: When shopping, you should check and read the label. You should skip those foods that contain artificial ingredients, such as those that you cannot pronounce and have artificial sweeteners in them. Avoid those with fillers and high levels of sugar and fat. You must also ask, “Is this food high in nutrient content?”

• Check how the food is prepared: Know how a particular product is made – breaded, glazed, processed or vacuum packed, etc. • In the cupboard, you can stock up sauces, dried fruits, sauces and whole-grain cereals, wholewheat pasta and quinoa. You can also stock up on nuts and seeds, nut butters, whole-grain crackers and canned fish like tuna and salmon and vegetable oils. • Stock up on healthy foods in your fridge, too. Some suggestions include eggs, low-fat milk, yoghurt and fresh fruits and vegetables. In the freezer, you can have frozen vegetables, frozen fruits like raspberries and melon. Other choices include frozen lean meats and poultry products. • Avoid food products with excessive sugar or fat that can negatively affect your health. Some of these include cotton candy, heavy cream and triple chocolate, to name some.

FOOD SUGGESTIONS

Vegetables: Eat more vegetables in your diet if you could. You can try different vegetable dishes like roasted vegetables and vegetarian couscous. For better results, you might also want to make yourself okay with steamed vegetables that contain no cheese or butter.

Salads: If you have a busy lifestyle, you can also prepare more veggie and fruit salads, which are nutrient-dense but also easy to prepare. To make your salad more diet-friendly for your busy lifestyle, you can skip the mayonnaise or a heavy dressing to your veggie salad or adding sugar to the fruit salad. If you want to keep your salad healthy, you can add fresh juice over the fruit salad or vinegar and oil to your green salad.

Snacks: You can go for nuts, graham crackers and fresh fruits for healthy snacks. Opt for natural options instead of packaged ones, like gummy bears and fruit roll-ups. Fast food: If you are too busy to prepare your food, you can choose restaurants that serve foods like grilled chicken with side dishes like steamed vegetables or beans. You can also try world culture food, including Japanese, Korean and Chinese, over fast food. They serve food with a good balance between fillers and nutrients when compared to global fast-food chains. If you needed to use a drive-through option, you should go for wraps or grilled burgers, not fried foods.

OTHER HEALTHY FOOD IDEAS • Prepare a quick stir-fry. You can use frozen leftover meat and frozen vegetables for a quick meal. Alternatively, you can cook broccoli with shrimp in a wok or skillet. • Make wraps, which are also good suggestions for creating a new dish from leftovers. You can add cooked leftover chicken or ground beef in whole grain tortillas. Top the wrap with sour cream, avocado, salsa and lettuce. • Make fish cakes. You can use canned salmon mixed in green onion, celery, red pepper and an egg, and other ingredients. You can form them into a patty to fry in an oiled pan. • Create easy to cook omelettes. Choose your own filling like peppers, tomatoes or cheese. You can spice it up with hot sauce before serving with whole grain toast or muffin.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PLANNING

There is no excuse for being healthy, even if you don’t have much time. In fact, you can find ways to add new

healthy recipes and try preparing them for your meals. You can also add new eating habits and switch to the more natural stuff when planning. However, you don’t need to pressure yourself and make big steps. You can try switching into a new and healthy diet bit by bit. In this case, things will also be more sustainable. By making one-step at a time, you will also have higher chances of sticking to your diet in the long-term than making big changes that you cannot sustain for a long time. And when it comes to planning ahead, you can make it a habit to make ahead multiple meals over the weekend that you can store in the fridge. So for each day, you will have a ready meal that you can just put in the microwave for reheating. With it, you don’t need to settle for fast food or cafeteria food, which ingredients and preparation method you are unsure of.

WHEN MENU PLANNING, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

What’s in your fridge or cupboards? What are your family’s activities? What do they like to eat? What foods are in season? Check flyers in the grocery for planning help. What is your budget? What foods can be used for leftovers?

RECIPE SUGGESTIONS

TAMAGOYAKI EGG ROLLS

Eggs are versatile, healthy and easy. Create Korean-inspired egg rolls at home for a quick breakfast. You can also bring some to the office for a healthy snack or side dish. Feel inspired and be healthy with this quick egg roll recipe. Click here for the full Tamagoyaki recipe.

EGG FRIED RICE

Are you in a hurry for the office? Don’t go just yet! You can prepare a quick and simple recipe that takes less than 10 minutes to make. Watch this video on how to make this fabulous fried rice for busy people like you!

FATTOUSH SALAD

If you love salads, you will fall in love with this fattoush salad that takes only a couple of ingredients already in your kitchen. Try it at home, especially in the evenings when you’re just too tired to cook but want to stay healthy. Watch this video and get the recipe.

EASY CHICKPEA SALAD

Chickpea is healthy and nutrient-dense. Don’t miss it out in your salad. Try this easy and simple salad recipe with weight loss boosters like lemon and cucumber. Get the full recipe here.

BROCCOLI BEEF STIR FRY

There are days when you want some meat but want it hearty and simple to make. For busy folks like you, you got the stir-fry that has less sodium but more of the flavour. Impress your loved ones with it now. Get the full video for the recipe here.

AVOCADO PASTA

Try this fast and fresh pasta recipe that doesn’t take more than 15 minutes to make. The only ingredient that might take time is the pasta, but the sauce is so easy and quick. Use whole-wheat pasta for a healthier version. Check out this hearty pasta here.

Eating healthy even with a fast-paced lifestyle is possible! Try these amazing food ideas and tips for simple and easy ways on how to maximise meal planning and make it less time consuming for the busy you. Definitely, you can start with and keep healthy eating habits no matter how occupied your day is. Plan ahead, make wise food choices and keep a narrow waistline for this year and the years to come.

FITNESS

Fitness

The Ideal Diet for Every Body Type The best way to start a good diet is to know your body type. It is called “body type eating” which helps you identify where and how your body is storing fat that affects your health and of course, your weight. Once you understand your body type, you can sustain your diet and avoid fad dieting that is unsustainable and hard to keep. However, body typing is more than just knowing how you look in front of the mirror and in the eyes of others. It is not just how you dress up according to what matches your figure, too. At the very least, knowing your type is essential, especially it can give you clues about your specific strengths and weaknesses in health and food choices.

THE IDEAL DIET

Understanding your body type and its workings in fat metabolism and storage gives you better results if you’re trying to lose weight or stay fit. Studying different body types will enable you to know the ideal diets that your body type is likely to respond more sustainably. For your body type, you can determine what to eat and what to avoid. Let us touch on simple but effective dieting tips that can work based on the principle of body typing that can be categorised into three main types: • Endomorph • Mesomorph • Ectomorph

ENDOMORPHS

This body type is characterised by a higher fat and body mass, and a good example includes powerlifters. Most of these people are less active and store fat in their bodies due to the intake of excessive amounts of calories. Endomorphs are inclined to have higher energy storage, like fat mass and lean muscle mass while having low carbohydrate tolerance. If you’re an endomorph, you can include high protein and fat into your diet, but you must time and control your carbohydrate intake. For example, it might be best to consume carbohydrates after a workout. Overall, for this body type the ideal diet consists of higher portions of protein and fat, with a small portion of carbohydrate-rich food. For men, the recommendation is to have two servings of protein-rich food, two servings of vegetables, three small servings of fatty food and a cup of carbohydrate-dense food for every meal. For women, it is suggested to eat half a serving of carbohydratedense food, two small servings of fatty food, a small serving of protein-rich food and a serving of vegetables in each meal.

MESOMORPHS

Typically, you can find these men and women with a medium body built, with many characterised by a strong, athletic built. They have a medium-sized bone structure. If you belong to this type and you are active, you can have a fit figure with lean muscle mass. You will also have a predisposition to gain muscle and maintain a lower body fat. You’re in luck if you are a mesomorph because you can have a combination diet composed of all macros, including fats, carbohydrates and proteins. At the very least, you can think of 30% protein, 40% carbohydrates and 30% fat in every meal. If you’re a male, you can eat two servings of protein-based food, two small servings of fat source food, two servings of vegetables and two cups of carbohydrate food source. For women, it is advised to have a palm of protein source, one cup of carbohydrate-rich food, a serving of vegetables and a small serving of fatrich foods in every meal.

ECTOMORPHS

They are generally thin because they have thin limbs and bone structure. If you’re an ectomorph, you tend to be SNS and thyroid dominant. You are lucky too, when it comes to fat metabolism because you have a high carb tolerance and a fast metabolism. You can do best with high carbohydrate content in your diet, lower fat and moderate protein. A suggestion for men can be two fists of vegetables, a small serving of fatty food, and two small servings of protein food and three cups of carbohydrate source in every meal. But this is only a general overview that can vary based on your body weight, too. For women, you can start with a healthy diet composed of a small serving of protein-rich food, two cups of carbohydraterich source, half a serving of fat and a serving of vegetables for each meal.

WHY BODY TYPE EATING

Body type dieting teaches individuals to recognise and understand their body type, helping them formulate a dieting strategy that works based on their body’s nutritional needs. With body type eating, you can also experiment on strategies until you find the perfect one for you and because of this, it can be your best way to begin with dieting. And if you want to improve your results, you should be more active. Why do you have to? It is because your ability to handle carbohydrates also varies based on your activity level no matter your body composition, health and body composition. In most cases, it is advised that you eat most starch sources when you are active. The reason is that your body’s ability to handle carbohydrates and your needs and tolerance for it also differs based on your body type. Ectomorphs have high carb needs and tolerance. In your diet, you must include a high portion of carbohydrates in your diet, and combine minimally processed carbs, whole grains and some starchy food sources as well as servings of fruits and vegetables. Mesomorphs, on the other hand, have moderate needs for carbohydrates. You should include carbohydrates in your food intake in your work out. You can also have whole grains and starches at other meals along with minimally-processed carbohydrates but in moderation. For every meal, you should have vegetables and fruits. For endomorphs, you are endowed with a low carb tolerance. You should include all carb-dense foods for your workouts. For every meal, you should also include fruits and vegetables.

Travel

Top 5 Caribbean destinations to visit in 2020 A holiday to the Caribbean offers you the danger of visiting some of the most spectacular beaches in the world. Virtually every island of the Caribbean will have beaches that amaze, with crystal clear blue seas, sugar-white sand & palm trees.

1. ARUBA

Aruba is one of our top choices on the 2020 list of top Caribbean locations. The island paradise, which locals and vacationers alike have deemed “One Happy Island”. Embodies everything you’re seeking out of Caribbean tropical vacation spots. The locals are one of the friendliest human beings in the Caribbean, everybody speaks English, and the accommodations and motels are designed to meet the wishes of any traveller. Eagle Beach is continuously ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, but Druif Beach and Palm Beach are also equally lovely.

Best time to visit The pleasant time to visit Aruba is from April to June. These three months fall in a more significant lower-priced candy spot just after the über-costly wintry weather and before the storm-inclined fall. Temperatures don’t vary an awful lot – they’re generally someplace between the low 70s and coffee 90s all year – however, there may be substantially higher rain in September, October, and November. Showers are rare in wintry weather and early spring, however, you’ll pay handsomely for the privilege of visiting at this time.

2. BARBADOS

What’s not to like about lovely coral reefs, chilled vibes, and red and white-sand beaches? Barbados is developing so rapidly that it’s grown to be one of the most up to date Caribbean destinations in recent years. Famous for the picture-perfect seashore, tour professionals expect Barbados to grow to become more prevalent next year as a result of a boom in culture, nightlife, and landscape hobby. From the capital of the Unesco World Heritage to the thumping nightlife and lively festivals, there are no more tons that Barbados does not have to provide for guests. We suggest which you attempt to discover flights now, as costs boom at some stage in the spring months.

Best time to visit The high-quality time to visit Barbados is between July and November. Though those months fall inside the Caribbean’s hurricane season, hurricanes hardly ever hit the island, and you may attend one of the lively Crop Over Festival activities if your excursion within the course of this time of year. Temperatures live among the mid-70s and mid-80s year-round, so there’s little motive to tour for the duration of the peak season, which takes place from late December to mid-April.

3. CUBA

Tourism in Cuba has surged ever because it re-installed its dating with the American authorities in 2015. Even though Canadians and Europeans were long-time fanatics and typical traffic to the island, Americans are merely starting to find out the attraction of one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s maximum well-preserved cultures. Cuba is also one of the maxims of cheap seaside vacations for tourists from North and South America. You want to travel to Cuba to enjoy this paradise for yourself from the historical streets of Havana and the rich culturalhistorical of the country beyond a selection of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.

Best time to visit The great time to visit is from December to May when you could anticipate dry, sunny days and plenty of blue skies. The wet season begins in June, and, previously, site visitors to Cuba might have averted journey totally between August and October, when there is also a threat of hurricanes.

4. JAMAICA

To many, Jamaica is the coronary heart of the Caribbean. Jamaica, the birthplace of reggae music, the Rastafari movement, and all-inclusive resorts, symbolises some of the region’s most loved and perhaps most misunderstood stuff. A quick solution to clear the mystery? Come to the sugar cane, coffee, and calcareous soil and form your own opinion. Your new ideas are bound to clothe in white-sand beaches, bordered through the rugged Blue Mountains, and anchored in foamy waterfalls.

Best time to visit The best period to visit Jamaica is between November and mid-December. That’s when the island’s already beautiful weather (from the mid-70s to the high 80s throughout the year) is the most comfortable, and the hotel and flight offers are the easiest to find. Tariffs are cheap in the summer, but you’ll lose the hurricane season’s wrath. January to March is the peak period of travel to the island — in some hotels, room rates can rise to over $700 per night.

5. CURACAO

Curacao is just a brief plane experience faraway from Aruba. Because of this, If you want to hop between the two islands, you could locate flights for less than $100. On Curacao, though, there is so much to do that we don’t think you’re ever going to have to leave. Similar to Aruba, Curacao is a Dutch Caribbean island, best known for the iconic multi-coloured Netherlands homes that line the primary port of the island. Here, you may enjoy a perfect climate quite a whole lot year-round, fantastic diving, and lovely desert vegetation and fauna. The exceptional part? Curacao’s airport is pretty big, which means that there are frequent flights, and it’s smooth to locate cheap airfare.

Best time to visit The prime time to visit Curaçao is from May to November, at some stage in the off-top season. During those months, you’ll find the bottom airfares and resort costs, with rooms frequently priced up to 50 percent decrease than they’re within the high season (particularly at some point in summer). Plus, you won’t be vying for seaside chairs with throngs of other tourists. What’s more, Curaçao would not go through the wrath of hurricane season. Curaçao’s climate tends to be sunny even in the course of the months that other Caribbean islands revel in torrential rains. Only 12 degrees north of the equator, Curaçao’s average temperature rests inside the mid-80s all year. Most vacationers head to Curaçao in December and April, causing motel quotes and airfare to skyrocket. If you’ve come to dive or snorkel, you may revel in excellent visibility at some point in the year. Because the island is positioned outside the hurricane belt, its marine life is unaffected by means of seasonal changes.

WITH

TRAVEL KENDRIA TO ZURICH, SWITZERLAND “How was Zurich?” Someone asked me when I returned from Switzerland a few days after my birthday. The first word from my mouth was “Expensive!” Switzerland is not a cheap thrill by any means. I supposed the high cost of living is to pay for socialised health care or free college education. Once you get past ordering your 18-dollar hamburger that comes without fries, you can find the beauty of this country. Before I go to a new place, I poll friends and strangers about what is a must-see. This trip to Zurich was no different; I didn’t get much feedback except that “You have to see the Alps!”

On my Day 1 in Switzerland, I bought my package for the Swiss Alps. There are several tour companies that will take you to different places in Switzerland. I took a two-hour bus ride through the most breath-taking scenery to a small village called Grindelwald. From Grindelwald, there was a 50-minute train ride up the side of the mountain to Wengen. According to the brochure, Jungfrau is one of the highest places in Switzerland. Some basic facts like, the highest wall point of Jungfrau is over 10 km. The valley that you see in the middle of the mountaintops is actually glaciers, called The Eiger and the Monch. Two peaks in

My Day 2 was taken over by shopping. The time of my visit was two weeks before Christmas, and because I knew I needed a budget, I packed only one credit card and my list of gifts for people in my life. Downtown Zurich did not disappoint me with football stadium crowds pouring in and out of stores in the middle of Lindenhof. There was what locals call “The Christmas Circus” in

this glaciated plateau are shared on the way to the top of the mountain. The views from Jungfrau, as expected, make you want to be a bird so you can soar over the snow-caps and dive into the lakes below it. Jungfrau was our only destination for this day trip, so I didn’t take any of the tours for granted. There was an Ice Palace, snowboarding and ice tubing mostly populated by children but it could be fun for all ages. On top of the tourist peak are restaurants, coffee houses, watch shops and my favourite, Lindt Swiss Chocolate Museum. Although Swiss chocolate is the best, the views were my souvenir that day.

town, so I had to dip my head in to see what that was about. There was more Lindt chocolate fun when I wandered inside Lindt Swiss Chocolate Factory. I sat down at a table full of little kids and made my own chocolate bear. I wasn’t quite sure this activity was meant for adults, but I didn’t care. The Leaders let me sit in on the session, so I assumed it was ok to be a kid at heart.

Day 3 was a day of rest and exploration. It was my goal to figure out the public transit system. I had spent over 100 US dollars on taxis, and Uber rides before I ventured into the train system. So, I allowed myself to get lost on the trains to see where I would end up. This is a common practice for me in a big city such as Zurich. It helps me stay off the beaten path and explore a city without a destination or an agenda. Day 4 was my birthday, so I booked my tour to see the Swiss Alps. The bus ride was long, and the train ride up the mountain was more scenic. This trip was different because I actually saw the city without an overcast. If you wait for a clear non-rainy sunny-bright day in Europe, you will miss out on major sightseeing. This particular day was clear as the mountain top I was anxious to see. Mount Titlis surprised me. If you enjoy skiing, this is the spot you must visit. It was a two-hour ride through Lucerne to Engleberg. A full thirty-minute ride on the cable cars to the top of Mount Titlis, give you time to soak in the atmosphere. There were three stops in total; each stop brings you to a different height on the mountain. You will get used to your ears popping. The skiers trek in and out of the cable cars like a well-rehearsed dance. Everyone knew where to sit and stand and where to stash their skis. The takeaway from Mount Titlis was the diversity of skiers. I enjoyed hearing six different languages on the ski cars on the way up the mountain. According to the other tourists, skiing is â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;played outâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, and snowboarding is the new mode of mountain entertainment. As with the Jungfrau peak, the top of the mountain had no less than five floors of shopping, coffee, souvenirs, and panoramic restaurants. One day, I will return to this mountain, having made every attempt to learn how to ski and develop my bravery to go down this mountain the way it was intended.

Day 5 was my last evening of Swiss life. I treated myself to a night at the opera. If you have a desire to check ‘culture’ off your list, I recommend researching local events for concerts before your trip. Opernhaus Zürich in German, The Zurich Opera House is located at the Sechseläutenplatz square in the heart of Zurich. It has been a staple for opera, ballet and collective classical entertainment since 1891. Because I waited until the last minute and because I travel alone, I got a first-row ticket half-price, a seat designed for an odd number traveller like me. The ice-capped mountains of the Alps and air of Switzerland cannot be captured even in a postcard, but when given the choice between vacationing on a beach or a mountain, I often choose mountains. I enjoy the idea of re-examining my life from a different point of view, what better view is better than one from the highest point in the world.

Kendria R. Johnson is a teacher, traveller, public speaker, author, mother and life coach. Her mission in life is to motivate, to inspire, teach, and to leave this as a legacy. A recently self-published author, her memoir, “Fat Meat Ain’t Greasy,” tells the story of her strength, struggle and strives for achievement. “I want my life to mean something and to let anyone who knew me understand God and the power of His love through my time here on Earth.”

For the Culture

The Reinvented Chronicles with Yvonne C. Mtengwa TIPS TO DIFFERENTIATE ONESELF FROM THE MASSES As I sat down to think over my strategy for the year, I couldn’t help but wonder what I would be doing differently this year. What is your strategy in the game of life or business? I’ve always looked at the beginning of a new year as an opportunity for introspection and personal audit, and so it only made sense in this edition of what I now coin- the Reinvented Chronicles. I would like to share with you the things that will help you stand out from the crowd this year. The good news is that there’s nothing in my points you haven’t already heard, but in the words of Elizabeth Arden, “Repetition makes reputation and reputation makes customers.” For example, if you hear a song on heavy rotation, eventually, you will learn the lyrics. With that being said, I do hope that as you forge ahead with the below reminders, you will soon come to appreciate what you decided to focus on and how to stand out from the crowd in life or business this new decade.

1. DEFINE YOUR PLATFORM OF PURPOSE, COMPLETE WITH VALUES, BELIEFS AND MODUS OPERANDI.

Who are you, and what do you want? What do you do and how do you get it done? What do you believe in, and where do you draw the line when someone contests your value system or beliefs? One of life’s greatest challenges is from the fact that a lot of us can’t actually answer the questions I’ve asked. Too many of us are so frustrated with ourselves because we cannot clearly articulate our life’s vision or position when things don’t go the way we would want them to. Many of us find ourselves confused, especially when we feel like we have to live a life explaining to people who don’t initially agree with us. Let this year be the year you are defined by who you are, what you want, and what your modus operandi is. Let this be the year where you pursue clarity concerning all things you deem important.

2. LET SELF-CONFIDENCE AND SELF-BELIEF HELP YOU STAND OUT.

Because quite frankly, if you don’t believe in what you’re selling, who’s going to buy it? If you don’t believe in you, how can you expect others to? I’ve had the great pleasure of bidding for contracts worth a good bit of money without knowing much about what the job would entail, let alone the industry I would be working in. However, I’m 100% sure it was my confidence during the pitch process that helped me seal the deal. Here’s the thing – I’m not saying that you go out and overpromise something you can’t deliver. What I’m saying is if there is a glimmer of hope within you that you can hack it, then you have nothing to lose by throwing your own name in the hat. Believing that we can do

it is the key to actually being able to achieve our goals. Self-belief is critical to make it to the winners’ circle. Just remember to ensure alignment between your self-belief and your delivery of promise. Some say “fake it till you make it” but I err on the side of “faith it till you make it”- having faith in GOD and the gifts He has given you.

3. DRESS FOR WHERE YOU ARE GOING, EVEN IF IT’S A LONG WAY AWAY.

A famous Thomas A. Edison quote states that “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” I agree with that, but I’ll tell you this; when each one of my opportunities comes around, I’m often in a power suit with some heels on. Growing up with my mom, who used to say to never leave the house with some

sweatpants on unless I was going out for a jog. I’ve maintained this stance all through my adult years. You never know who you will meet in the aisle of your neighbourhood, grocery store or in the parking lot of your kids’ school. Always dress for where you are going, and I don’t mean this in the literal sense. You will not find me in the parking lot of my kids’ school looking like I don’t have anything else to do but pick them up and head home. Carry yourself the way you see yourself. I have big goals, and those goals need me to be suited up to achieve them. May this year be the year you toss out the old closet and old habits to make way for new pieces and new attitudes that make you look and feel as expensive as you are! Dress for the success you are working so hard to achieve. You never know who’s paying attention!

4. PASSION CAPTURES HEARTS AND MAKES BELIEVERS OUT OF PRETTY MUCH EVERYBODY.

One afternoon I opened my door to a salesman that was selling some couch and rug shampooing service. He came ready with his rug, some detergent, some dirt and this weird vacuum cleaner to demonstrate how well he could clean sofas and rugs. It wasn’t how cool the vacuum cleaner thing worked after he threw a whole heap of dirt on the rug, but how passionate he was about what he was selling – the service itself. This salesperson was so good at storytelling as he carried out his demo, he could literally sell sand to the desert. He got me on the soup and ice cream spills by the kids, crayon scribbles on the couch, air quality after the vacuuming was complete… and so on. Needless to say, a week later, his team came by to do our sofas and rugs. It was the excitement about his products and services that had me confirm my appointment. You can sell anything well if you are passionate about sales, or what you are actually selling. You can do anything well if you are actually vested in getting it done. If you want to differentiate yourself from the masses this year, especially given how highly competitive the world we live in is, be passionate about what you are doing, especially when it involves other people. Your energy and zest for your craft could be the difference between landing your next job or waiting a long time for your next contract. Don’t let lack of passion keep you from your victory.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

5. PURSUE ORIGINALITY AND AUTHENTICITY; THERE IS ONLY ONE YOU.

Only you can get things done your way. I take it back to my first point of knowing who you are, what you want, and defining your modus operandi. This is very important if you want to succeed in business, foster healthier relationships into the new decade, or simply do better at life. It is your life. You are the original version of yourself. Don’t get caught up in what others are doing but rather stay in your lane. One thing adulting has taught me is that people won’t always tell you the whole story of what they endured to get where they are. Few people are comfortable openly discussing their weaknesses and challenges. But – your story is yours, and however painful or grandiose it may be, there is great liberation that comes with doing your life unapologetically and earnestly. As the adage states: “Be yourself, everyone else is taken.’’ In the realms of business, having a differentiation strategy means that you are aiming to distinguish your products or services from other similar products offered by the competition in the marketplace. Life’s not that much different as it goes on each day. The challenge for us to stand out from the crowd in how we perform, dress, raise our children, and so on. The fact is we live in a competitive world with so many of us vying for the attention of our spouses, children, bosses, friends and so on. Whatever your strategy at hacking life is for this year, stand out by mastering yourself. Be you! That’s your differentiator! Be you and do it authentically and be rest assured, you will stand out.

Yvonne Chiedza Mtengwa is the author of “Reinvented: Challenging insecurity to live authentically through faith”, a book encouraging women to confront their issues with relationships, insecurities and self-fulfilling prophesies, in an effort to truly discover who they were created to be. It’s available for download on https://payhip.com/b/Oi7Y#! She is also a co-author of Amazon Bestseller “Dear Fear Volume 2: 18 Powerful Lessons on Living your best life on the other side

of Fear”- a compilation of short stories by American visionary author Tiana Patrice. Passionate about travelling, writing about and experiencing leisure and lifestyle brands, Yvonne is a marketing and communications strategist, is the Cofounder of www.Quintessentialf.com, a Christian lifestyle movement for women, and also runs www.yournarratives.com, a boutique communications agency specialising in entrepreneurial design and shaping the narrative of women-led lifestyle and social development brands.

Check her out on IG on @quintessentially_yvonne or visit and subscribe to her website on www.ReinventedToday.com for more tips on everyday reinvention.

The Internet: The Taste of Change in Modern Life by Jerome There is a common saying that, “If we want to see change, we first have to look into ourselves, see what needs to be altered to give a new perspective to those who we can affect the most.” Significantly, change is an ongoing phenomenon that keeps shifting or modifying the outlook that people have on a variety of topics or situations. Depending on the era, social environment, economic class, cultural background or just the norms and values you were developed in, change is inevitable. Hence, our viewpoint or taste will be primarily different. A major occurrence walked through the doors of the 21st century with scope to change our world and society forever; the Internet. This singular wonder exploded into the realms of society and opened our eyes to the dawning of the information age. The Internet has spun our existence into a tornado. It has transfigured communications, to the point where it is now our favoured medium of everyday communication. How has the Internet changed our taste in modern culture? Is the taste of this global change soothing or insipid? How has the Internet morphed our society as we know it?

First of all, the taste of modern culture has changed for the betterment of some or to the detriment of others. It is all about your preferences and ‘taste’. With culture being constantly changed, it is clear to see that the world is such a smaller place. The Internet has not only beckoned the information age, but it is also developing what I like to call the transformational age. “The race is not for the swift, but for those who can endure,” is a popular Caribbean proverb that no doubt has relevance more than ever. Nowadays, the fastest fingertips, brainpower and knowhow puts you in demand and even more so “in-come-mand.” With everything at your eye line, nobody needs to take a nosedive to achieve much. The demands have changed dramatically, in the sense that I can buy food, accessories, and clothes or just about anything from my bedroom. If you need an international Master’s degree, but you have no visa to enter that country, sure as day should follow night, you can attain that degree, online. Lighten your taste buds to the point that you can see and hear from people across the globe with the new dimension of the Internet called social media. You don’t need to live in Abu Dhabi to locate Sheikh Zayed’s Mosque. You don’t need to go to China to see the Great Wall; you don’t need to go to Jamaica to see Usain Bolt’s house, Google Earth or Maps can pick that luxurious home out like a needle in a haystack. These phenomena are pristine or substandard based on the sensation that comes off your cultural tongue’s papillae.

The initiation of the Internet has ignited a discussion about how communication using this medium has affected social relationships. Obviously, the net frees us from the terrains of the Grand Canyon and other geographic handcuffs that would in the primitive age have people using drums to communicate from a distance. The ‘net’ pits us together in situational populations that are not tangled in any specific place. The globalised society has connected different people with different points of views and outlook by new technologies. Information technologies have fashioned essential change all the way through society, pouring the taste of Aloe Vera or syrup from the industrial age to the “networking era.” In our modern world, worldwide information linkages are imperative to groundwork to the ambience; some of us want to create for the future. Furthermore, the net has changed education, business, healthcare, government and the very ways in which we interrelate and interact with our family and friends whether they are near or far.

The Internet then has changed our lives to the extent of it being the key driver of social evolution. How is that for your cultural taste bud?

The Internet has brought about real cultural pride for those who are marketing and promoting their countries for tourism. In this aspect of the use of the Internet, prospective tourists have a broad and hands-on view of what is out there to see in real life. At the same time, the Internet has wiped out the benefit of having a hefty imagination. With everything on the Internet, there is no need to use that creative tool that comes naturally when there is an absence of stimuli. We don’t need to guess or predict when we can see statues and relics on the

variety of tools used to transit imaginations and sounds. Additionally, the Internet has also left many people to be busy doing little to nothing because of procrastination and that need to be in first gear since everything is at our fingertips. Online, the conservative restrictions of space and time vanish and there is a dizzyingly wide range of unrestrained possibilities to communicate. This in turn may destroy the fabric of face to face communication. The art of gestures and body language reading is dying to give life to emojis and slangs. Hence with newness

Likewise, there is a major change in social communication. We have lapped up the Internet enough in many cases to find it hard to walk out into some needed vitamin D to see a friend across the road. We instead take advantage of Whatsapp, ‘DM’ and tweet how the ice cream we should share is so sweet. The advancement of the Internet in today’s postmodern world is being shaped largely by instant, mobile communications. The mobile Internet is the newest and freshest communication revolution. Connect to the Internet via smartphones and tablets and boom! It is leading to a progressively mobile or transportable reality: you are not tied to any solitary device, the world of communication is now higher than the clouds, just look at the satellites roaming the night’s sky.

comes the decay of what was once sacred to communication and societal values across the world. The impact of the Internet and social media tools has generated a debate of the “new communication equality.” One can only hope that “What sweet we today, won’t be sour tomorrow.” (This suggests that the things that seem fine to you now can hurt you later.)

JEROME DOUGLAS

Last, a common saying in the Caribbean states that “What sweet Nanny’s goat will run its belly,” (This suggests that the things that seem fine to you now can hurt you later.) may be a classic example of what the Internet has dawned on us in this postmodern society. We appear to be closely connected, but we cannot be further apart than ever before when it comes to face to face communication. The Internet has made people with no

avenue or opportunities to have a sense of belonging in the sense that we can see what the world is and what it is not. Depending on our likes or dislikes, the Internet has brought about a real change. While younger people have easier access to information and opportunities, the older generation can argue that the world is at its lowest when it comes to health and wellness. With people finding and tasking jobs from the privacy of their bedrooms, how much need does a person like this have to go running to the store, when he or she again can order any or everything online. The older generation again may posit that face to face communication eclipses or best social media any day since body language reading is a prime art and a real sense of fellowship and community will be nurtured there. Their arguments have a base, but this age is for

the fast and the furious; no time to linger when the competition for influence is at an all-time high ; the currency of this day and age is about views on YouTube, hearts on Instagram and likes on Facebook. Therefore, with the advent and the continuance of the Internet upon us as a people in popular culture and modern society, what are your taste buds telling you about “The Net?” Has it whet or parched your appetite to be a socialite? Has it turned your stomach to disgust giving you a feeling that it is unjust? Or are you validated that the premodern culture is annihilated? Whichever ground you stand on, one thing we all can agree to is that the Internet has changed the taste of modern culture; the viewpoint to which it has changed goes to each individual’s culture taste buds and the sensation of societal papillae on the tongue of the masses.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jerome Douglas is a 27-year old trained teacher, poet and writer from the beautiful island of Jamaica. His personal philosophy is “If it is for me to be, then it is up to me.” He attended the Catholic College of Mandeville in Jamaica. Additionally, he is a community builder and humanitarian who volunteers his time to help with the academic and social well-being of people in his Central Jamaica community and surrounding areas.

2020 Book Goals: 10 Books you must read before the year ends Do you remember the first time you got your hands on a selfhelp book, and for some reason, you realised your life wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fixed? The only books you read were all about getting to a new level, and all you wanted to do was listen to the little voice that encouraged you to rise higher. Self-help, self-development or self-improvement. Call it whatever you want, but there is no denying that this is a vast area where many gurus teach and spread their values. One could say it is almost like a cult. Anyway, we all know the benefits of reading books. Self-help books can be a very useful resource for people in need or looking for ways to improve their lives in general. And often, with a wide audience, specific audiences resonate. The books below cover a variety of topics, from mega bestsellers to works by lesser-known authors, but they share some common elements. Not all self-help books are created equal. Some help you start your journey; others give you a boost when you have experienced challenges. Below is how you could be your own coach and personal trainer. Here are the ten books you need to read before the year ends:

1. Think and Grow Rich Think & Grow Rich is probably the most popular bestselling book of all time. It was published in 1937 by Napoleon Hill. If you want to become rich, you must first change your mind and become aware of money, as Napoleon Hill called it. By the way, the term wealth can refer to any form of wealth, such as income, healthy relationships, and business success.

2. The Richest Man in Babylon This book is the greatest of all inspirational books on saving money, financial planning and personal wellbeing. These fascinating and instructive stories, in simple Bible-like language, set you on a certain path to wellbeing and the joys that come with it. As a modern-day classic, this famous bestseller offers personal financial problems and solutions that will guide you through life

3. The Magic of Thinking Big Unfortunately, you become what we think of ourselves. David J. Schwartz explains the art of thinking big in his book and how you can make it a routine for yourself. First published in 1965, this best-selling book offers timeless wisdom that will give you a whole new view of yourself. Note that the scale of your thinking will determine your progress.

4. The Power of the Subconscious Mind The Power of the Subconscious Mind, one of the most admired and best-selling guides of all time, reveals how you can make dramatic changes in your life by altering your thought patterns. Using realistic and easy-tounderstand methods and case studies, Dr. Joseph Murphy explains the profound effect of the subconscious mind on all aspects of life - money, relationships, and work.

5. In Search of Excellence Written by two management consultants, Tom Peters and Thomas Waterman, In Search of Excellence is among the best management books ever written. With more than 3 million copies sold worldwide, the book has been among the best-selling in the world. It has been published by 43 of the best American companies. The basic idea behind the book was to understand what motivates a companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s excellence.

7. Breakthroughs According to an international study on innovation by Arthur D Little, Breakthroughs is a testament to the power you can have by believing in your dreams. This book is also a compelling study of people who have made global business breakthroughs that have somehow touched the lives of most of us. It examines the creativity required to pave the way for new products.

7. Directing the Movies of Your Mind Adelaide Bryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book is easy to read and use. It uses and applies the power of your imagination to create images from your subconscious mind actively, then reshapes and transforms these images into what you want them to be. Specific strategies and sample scenarios take you on the path to realising your dreams and life goals.

8. The Four Agreements The Four Agreements is Don Miguel Ruiz’s Practical Guide to Personal Freedom. It is a wonderful book for stress management and personal growth. It is written in simple language, but deals with complicated concepts that can help you make radical changes in your life. Every idea is a beautiful seed in your mind.

9. SEVEN Habits of Successful People Unfortunately, you become what we think of ourselves. David J. Schwartz explains the art of thinking big in his book and how you can make it a routine for yourself. First published in 1965, this best-selling book offers timeless wisdom that will give you a whole new view of yourself. Note that the scale of your thinking will determine your progress.

10. How to live 365 Days One of the greatest self-help books of all time, How to Live 365 Days has sold more than one million copies and has been translated into 13 languages. John A. Schindler’s father, M.D., introduced the link between emotions and physical health even before it was recognised by most physicians. Topics included emotional satisfaction, sexual maturity, coping with the pressures of work, and the challenge of ageing.

Now that you have a list of the most inspiring books to improve your life, what will you do next? Are you going to read them all? Reading them all, of course, is better. This is whether you’re stuck in life and things aren’t going well, or you just want to change for the better.

Book Review:

CHAPTER 1: THE POWER OF THOUGHT In the first chapter, Hill explains the power of your mind and how it affects your life. Edwin Barnes was eager to work with the famous inventor Thomas Edison, Hill writes. Finally, he met Edison. He became a rich man by his own efforts, and his labour was richly rewarded. Through this story, Hill writes that one should make up one’s mind and work harder, no matter how many times he or she experiences adversity. CHAPTER 2: DESIRE According to Napoleon Hill, desire is the starting point of all achievement. In the book, Hill shares a six-step process by which anyone can achieve their desires in life, such as accumulating wealth. The first, he says, is to determine in your head the exact amount you want to achieve. Second, determine exactly what amount of money you are willing to commit to. Next, specify an exact date when you want to implement it. Fourth, make a plan and take the first step immediately. CHAPTER 3: FAITH In chapter three, Hill writes that it is important to have unshakable faith. He acknowledged that it is difficult and challenging. When a person sees himself in a negative way, he ends up in a negative situation. On the other hand, a positive person, who always thinks he is successful, imagines that his wishes are fulfilled and will eventually lead a successful and wealthy life. Hill believes that if you want to achieve anything you want in life, you must first see it in your mind. CHAPTER 4: AUTOSUGGESTION

Think and Grow Rich

If you have followed Hill’s six-step plan in the previous

Think and Grow Rich is a 1937 book on personal development by Napoleon Hill. He claimed that he was inspired by the advice of Andrew Carnegie, a business magnate and philanthropist. The book didn’t only become a best-seller, but it was also recommended by many other successful people, including Tony Robbins and John Maxwell. Napoleon Hill shares 13 principles in 15 chapters of his book. Today, I’m going to review this amazing book. So, let’s get started.

by directing your thoughts. Self-suggestion will give you

chapter, you will have a plan to make your wishes come true. Self-suggestion is the technique of convincing yourself that you can achieve any goal. What you want to do is to tune your desires into your subconscious. Hill writes that when you reach your subconscious mind firm belief and guide you in the right direction. CHAPTER 5: SPECIALISED KNOWLEDGE In this chapter, Hill points out that knowledge is power if you want to achieve extraordinary success. The professors, he wrote, were knowledgeable, but some struggled financially. Therefore, the important thing is the application of knowledge. Therefore, Hill suggests that readers often acquire knowledge through public libraries, training courses, universities, colleges, and practical experience, and often read books on related industries to gain more professional knowledge, which will give you an advantage.

CHAPTER 6: IMAGINATION

awkward, but he wants the reader to understand that sexuality

Hill says imagination is the most important step on the road

is one of the most powerful human desires.

to success, and everyone must use it. Many years ago, a drugstore clerk used his life savings, about $500, to buy an

CHAPTER 12: THE SUBCONSCIOUS MIND

old kettle, a wooden spoon, and a secret recipe from a doctor.

This book is about harnessing the power of your subconscious

It’s a good deal for a doctor who wants to retire. But what the

mind. According to Hill, we can subconsciously and voluntarily

doctor didn’t know was that for his assistant Asa Candler, it

plant whatever idea we want and use its power to achieve what

was a life-changing business. So you have to add imagination

we want in life. Of course, we can’t really control everything in

to your expertise to become rich.

our subconscious, but it’s possible to achieve what you want when you believe in it. Calm your mind through meditation,

CHAPTER 7: ORGANISED PLANNING

and then consciously imagine that you want to instil images of

First, Hill says, you have to connect with others to set

your desires into your subconscious mind.

the direction and put the plan into action. He calls them “masterminds” and devotes a whole chapter to the subject.

CHAPTER 13: THE BRAIN

Before you align yourself with this group. Hill also says the

Napoleon Hill explained that our brain is an extraordinary

planning process must be continuous. Even if you are faced

machine that works like a radio and receiving station for ideas.

with difficulties and failures, don’t give up, keep trying to

With more than 14 million nerve cells, the brain acts as a guiding

realise your ideas and adjust your plans.

and controlling factor in our daily lives. That’s why mastermind groups are effective. When people are emotionally attracted

CHAPTER 8: DECISION

to what they want in life, they tend to work more tirelessly,

According to Napoleon Hill, one of the most common reasons

seem to have the ability to break through difficult situations,

people fail is procrastination. He said it was important to avoid

and are more likely to succeed.

delay and take immediate action. Most people will wait and refuse to do things right away, which causes them to lose

CHAPTER 14: THE SIXTH SENSE

motivation and eventually fail in their venture. With a clear

In this book, Hill writes that the sixth sense has the power

mind and clear goals, you can make quick decisions.

to approach our infinite intelligence, and it can provide a combination of mind and spiritual thought. Hill defined the

CHAPTER 9: PERSISTENCE

sixth sense as the part of the unconscious called creative

Persistence is a very important factor that will determine your

imagination. You will be promptly warned to avoid imminent

success and wealth in life. Hill says it’s an important habit or

danger and promptly notified of opportunities to embrace

practice that you need to build confidence and succeed in

them. Hill goes on to say that only when you experience it,

your efforts. A typical example is Thomas Edison, the famous

can you understand it.

inventor who invented the electric light bulb. Most people give up after a few failures, let alone ten thousand like Edison.

CHAPTER 15: THE DEVIL’S WORKSHOP

Persistence is a state of mind that can be cultivated through

This is the last chapter of Think and Grow Rich. In this section,

clear purpose and self-reliance.

Hill talks about another important factor that can prevent you from getting what you want and becoming rich. People

CHAPTER 10: POWER OF THE MASTERMIND

are easily influenced by the negative thoughts around them,

Planning, Hill writes, is perhaps the most important principle

which can ruin their future if they are not aware of them. So,

of success. In short, when you are surrounded by like-minded

once you understand this, you can develop habits to protect

people who are always chasing higher success and better

yourself from the negativity around you.

results, you will have the same thoughts and actions. A mastermind group is a group of like-minded people who meet regularly to push themselves to achieve their goals, and push

Think and Grow Rich is based on interviews with more than 500

each other to meet challenges and solve problems together.

of the greatest people of the early 20th century, including Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, John D. Rockefeller, Alexander Graham

CHAPTER 11: THE MYSTERY OF SEX TRANSMUTATION

Bell and others. Author Napoleon Hill brings the wisdom of

Hill describes the power of sexual transformation in this

these extraordinary people together in this book, which contains

chapter. He says the sexual urge is a very powerful force, and

13 key principles on how to change your mind and become rich.

often men lose their focus and risk their lives, careers and

The book is about how one can change one’s life and achieve

money to satisfy their desires. If this sexual energy can be

the success one wants by changing one’s mind. It tells you how

converted into creative energy, it has great power and ability

to think in order to become money-conscious, how to develop

to help increase your willpower. This chapter may sound

the right mindset is the beginning and end of all wealth.

Win Food for the Brain

Subscribe to our website

for the chance to win four of the “Ten books to read before the year ends”. One lucky winner will

receive a complete set of the shortlisted books.

WWW.OUTANDABOUTSTYLEMAG.COM

DISCLAIMER: The information presented in Out and About STYLE Magazine does not constitute a replacement for financial, health, legal, or other professional advice and is instead general in its nature. We do not take into account your specific needs or circumstance and you should not act upon any advice without fully understanding your current legal, health, financial or other situations. Although we always do our best to bring high-quality information to our readers, we reserve the right to augment or delete information in any way and at any time. Out and About STYLE Magazine accepts no liability for any loss or damage that may arise from the use of any element of our website or magazine.

Out and About Magazine Issue 12 Vol. 1_Maya Al Hawary

Articles inside

Out and About STYLE Mag Issue 12 Vol. 1

Out and About STYLE Magazine Issue 12 Vol. 1_Maya Al Hawary