Reflections and Resilience: A Journey Through Chaos and Creativity

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If you'd like to read this post in a better format and with graphics and images, check my website;

https://newsletter.selimuysal.net/p/25nov2023

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Hey Friend,

How are you navigating these challenging times? I'm reaching out with some thoughts, updates, and resources that I hope will offer some comfort and inspiration.

I sat at my desk to write this newsletter post a few times in the past month but didn't find the energy and courage to write, today is the time to write and publish!

Humanitarian Work

Content Warning: Discussion of sensitive topics

The ongoing crisis in Gaza weighs heavily on my heart. As a humanitarian worker, witnessing the impact on innocent lives, especially children, is deeply distressing. While I struggle with feelings of helplessness, I remain committed to advocating for a ceasefire, supporting relief efforts, and keeping hope alive for a better tomorrow.

As a humanitarian worker, it’s much more difficult to understand and cope with what’s been happening in Gaza for the last 50 days. I’m so sorry for the people and children abducted, killed, injured, and subjected to these horrible things.

This issue deeply shakes consciousness and faith in the better world and the values we try to uphold. Although I know it doesn’t help me or those people affected, I found myself scrolling through social media and watching what.

Nothing happening in Gaza is humanitarian, as the officials said it’s the worst humanitarian crisis of our times, 'The worst ever'. I’ll try to raise my voice, continue to boycott, and ask for a complete ceasefire, not a pause, the release of all the hostages, donate as much as I can and continue to pray.

The weight of such global issues can often leave us feeling overwhelmed and helpless. In these moments, I find solace in the little things that connect us to our humanity and our individual passions. It’s in these personal refuges we often find the strength to carry on with our broader humanitarian efforts.

Books & Reading

Let’s dive into a few updates from my life, starting with a topic that has always been a source of comfort and inspiration to me – books and reading.

This month, I started reading 'The Art of War' by Steven Pressfield. For anyone who has ever struggled to write a novel or screenplay, to paint a portrait, or to launch a new business, I strongly recommend this short book.

In it, I've found not just strategies for creativity but also reminders of resilience and determination that resonate deeply, especially in times like these. Pressfield also offers a free email course, which I've found to be a valuable resource. You can check it out and sign up here.

I also listened to the book 10 X is Easier Than 2 X by Benjamin Hardy and Dan Sullivan; if you have big goals or are not clear on how to set them, I definitely recommend this book; you can find the book and relevant youtube videos here.

Running&Fitness & Health

I was able to set my sleep routine, getting 7-8 hours of sleep daily, running 2-3 times a week to hit my goal of 20 kilometers/12 miles per week, and going to the gym 2-3 days a week. I also want to integrate swimming into my life but I was not able to even start yet.

This month I also started to take supplements: Mainly protein, omega-3, some minerals, and vitamins, maybe I can share that in detail in another post.

Online Courses

If you have been following me for a long time, you should be aware that I’m really fond of learning and online courses. This month, I invested a lot in online learning and communities. Here is a brief summary list and short info on what I’m doing on that front, there will be a few more things I’ll be sharing in the next posts.

Premium Ghostwriting Academy:

I have been in Ship30for30 and Captains Table for about two years now. I joined Nicolas Cole and Dickie Bush’s new course on premium ghostwriting, which is taking me to next level in my writing journey.

I’m writing educational e-mail newsletters for high-impact-oriented individuals and organizations specifically for personal development and productivity content creators. If you are interested in this and learn more about what I can do for you or join the course to learn how to become a premium ghostwriter, reply to this e-mail.

Full Stack Writers:

Cole and Dickie is just started a new course called Full Stack Writers yesterday. If you are interested in writing you can check it out here

Building a Second Brain;

I have been following Tiago Forte for the last 4-5 years since the time he was on Medium.com and really appreciate his work on personal knowledge management. I joined his last live cohort on BASB, and though I was not able to actively follow the course, I’ll be watching the foundational course and live session recordings. If you are interested, you can check the Foundational Course here .

Also, Tiago and his team just announced a new course “Pillars of Productivity “ yesterday, you can find more information here !

BuJo: (Bullet Journal Method)

Last month, I started practicing daily journaling. Although you can use this method in any journal, I purchased the Bullet Journal notebook to fully understand and implement the project. So far, it’s going awesome, I have never been so consistent and content with my journalling practice, I just joined their online community on Circle as well and you can find more information here and videos on their YouTube channel , there is also a free e-mail course.

Thomas Frank Notion Templates and Circle Community;

I was already transitioning to Notion but in need of a good template. Last night I purchased Thomas Frank’s Templates and Joined his community with the Black Friday Deal. You can find more information here, he has so many free materials and resources on his website and YouTube channel.

University - Master’s Degree in International Humanitarian Action Updates

As I mentioned in my previous posts, I started my Master’s Degree program in Germany. Next semester, I’ll be in Uppsala, Sweden, and I’ll be deciding where I’ll be heading in the 3rd semester next month.

The courses are going well; I’m taking courses in World Politics, Management, International Law, and Public Health; in addition to this, we had a weeklong Sphere Training, 3-Days PCM(Project Cycle Management) Workshop, research and Writing workshop, and a one-day session on psychosocial support and wellbeing. We’ll have a one-week training in Anthropology and Intercultural Aspects of Humanitarian Action.

The application for admissions for the academic year 2024-2026 is now open and there will be an introductory online event next week. 15th December for Erasmus Mundus scholarship applicants, and 15th April for self-funded applicants You can find more info here; https://nohanet.org/master

Interested in applying for the NOHA masters in international humanitarian action but want to learn more about the programme, its contents, & how to apply first? Join us on Nov. 27th at 15:00 CET for an info session on the masters. Register here: https://ruhr-uni-bochum.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mgjVqVmVR_qYVym1nREcSA #beNOHA

That's all for this month! Your thoughts, questions, and suggestions are always welcome. Reach out, reply to this e-mail or comment below and let's keep the conversation going.

Looking forward to the next newsletter, where I'll dive into some exciting new projects and updates. Stay tuned!