Andrew Nosrati

Questions to ponder this morning: Are you providing the world something it needs? Are you providing yourself with what you need? What's keeping you from doing either?

Be kind, but honest, with yourself as you answer these questions.

Somewhere along the way, I learned that the difference between a beautiful life and a miserable one, was perspective; and that the key to a positive outlook, was gratitude.

The goal these days is to be thankful for every day, every breath, every gift, every hardship, every relationship, every thing.

Gratitude, like all things worth anything in this world, does not come easy or naturally. It requires practice and discipline. I have implemented a gratitude journal into my life where I take time every day to remember particular moments that I was thankful for. This practice has changed both my spirit and brain. As a result, I feel healthier, happier, and more hopeful than at any point in my life.

As you gather with friends and family this Thanksgiving, be sure to remember what the root of this holiday is, and give thanks for everything you have.

I am thankful for all of you.

Last night I discovered that many of my non-Assyrian friends don't know what is going on in Iran.

In the simplest terms, we have a people who have taken to the streets for nearly 2 months to ask for basic human rights. They are being met with violence and death.

When deeply embedded in OUR world, it's easy to lose perspective of where others may be. I commit to doing more to help spread the message. I hope you — as a friend and as a fellow human — will do your part to, at minimum, listen.

Start by googling “Mahsa Amini”, a young woman who was killed for existing in a nation that doesn’t recognize her as a human deserves to be recognized.

It was really disappointing to receive this text from District 3 candidate Kelly Higgins that resorted to lying about her opponents and fear tactics.

I hope we come to a place where we can all recognize these tactics as inappropriate.

A reminder to the Assyrian folks! We have a lecture from Dr. Robin Bet Shmuel on Assyrian identity.

My identity as an Assyrian, a people with no nation, has confused me throughout my life. As I grow older, I am becoming more in touch with what it means and am so thankful of my fellow Assyrians that help me understand the beauty and richness of our culture.

Join us this Sunday at 5pm at our club for a lecture by Dr Robin Bet Shmuel, PhD holder in Syriac Language and Literature. The topic is Assyrian Identity and Existence, and we are all sure to learn something new! Bring your friends and family, especially our younger community members. All are welcome! Location/entrance in the back by the restaurant