Showing results for "Unexpected" in Motivation & Self-Improvement

Shirin Behzadi was arrested multiple times under an oppressive regime in Iran before she had even reached adulthood. Fleeing her homeland alone as a teenager, she carried nothing with her but a suitcase—and a bold dream. In Istanbul, and later at a Los Angeles gas station, she quietly declared to anyone who would listen: One day, I will lead a large company.

Author Stephen Now gives us a way to illuminate life’s experiences, through his reflections on loss, love, fear, rejection, healing, and acceptance. He demonstrates the idea that life experience need not be a series of successes or achievements to be beautiful. Discovering Unexpected Gifts points to something beyond ourselves as we begin to understand we play a part in bringing unexpected gifts to others - and in so doing find meaning, purpose, and joy.

As she was digging deep into the lives of community members, Heather Lende, the obituary writer for her tiny hometown newspaper in Haines, Alaska, began to notice something. Even the crustiest old Alaskan sourpuss who died in a one-room cabin always had Halloween candy for the neighborhood kids, and the eccentric owner of the seafood store who regularly warned her about government conspiracies knew how to be a true friend - his memorial service was packed.