giygezyeninblogu

Yesterday, I decided to activate my passion for blogging. I realised how much time had passed since my last article was posted in this digital space. But I’m ready to make a change. I’ve decided to strip it back to the basics and stay laser-focused. It’s time to hit that glorious “START” button and let the words flow.

Life is a rollercoaster ride, filled with twists and turns. But within the ups and downs, it’s crucial to stay on the sunny side of things. We all come across situations that are beyond our control, and it’s vital to acknowledge and accept that reality. Instead of dwelling on the things we can’t change, let’s shift our focus to the areas where we truly shine.

Personally, I’ve learned to channel my energy into the things that I’m passionate about and where I know I can make a real difference. If a particular outcome doesn’t align with my initial expectations, I understand that pushing against the current won’t yield the desired results. It’s simply a sign that the timing isn’t quite right, and patience is the name of the game.

So, let’s adopt a mindset of flexibility and adaptability. Let’s take comfort in the fact that sometimes, those unexpected detours in life lead us to even greater opportunities and experiences. Remember, the real magic lies in recognising when it’s time to gracefully let go and redirect our efforts onto the path that will truly bring us fulfilment.

I’ve always been a firm believer in trusting my unique journey. No matter how many detours we encounter or delays we face, I genuinely believe that every step we take and every experience we live through prepares us to become the absolute best versions of ourselves.  So, hold on tight and enjoy the ride. The universe has a way of guiding us back to exactly where we are meant to be. #enjoylife

Best wishes,

Dilara

Most of us spend our time trying to understand what makes us happy.  It could be success in our careers, getting married, having children, spending time with friends, travelling, losing weight, moving to another country, buying a house or a car. There are many things in life which make us happy. The real question is whether those things provide long- or short-term happiness? I think the answer is not that simple. There are various ways to understand what happiness really means to you.

When I decided to write about happiness, I started by asking the question: do I really know what makes me happy? It wasn’t easy for me to answer that question. I realised that I had been started thinking about it for quite some time. I thought about the moments where I first decided to focus on happiness. Maybe it’s a coincidence, but the moment I made my decision was the moment when I felt very disappointed and unhappy. I opened my notebook and started to write down the things that made me unhappy. Each time I made a note I thought whether, whatever the subject, does it really make me unhappy. I still use the same method when I get stressed or am trying to solve a problem. After a while I decided to do the opposite. I started to make a note of the things that made me very happy. The outcome was very satisfying. Afterwards, I narrowed down my list in excel to three main columns: things I enjoy, things I don’t enjoy, and new adventures. This method helps me in taking critical decisions in my life. For me, one of the most important things is time and feelings. I’m usually a positive minded person but I do like to remember that I’m also a human being.

It’s all about time, facts and feelings. Time is the only thing we can’t bring back. I always remind myself to spend my time on the things that make me happy. Take your time and create a list of happy activities for yourself. Enjoy and live your best life!

Best wishes,

Dilara

It seems that our new normal is quite different from our previous lifestyle. These days I’ve been questioning myself about how I spend my time. Time is the only thing we can’t get back, so it’s very important to dedicate it to things that are truly worth it.

Here are some questions that inspired me and changed my mindset on how to make time more effective.

• How do I define myself?
• What are my values and Am I living my values?
• What matters to me most in this world? 
• What am I passionate about?
• What makes me happy?
• What scares me or causes me to procrastinate?
• What does success and failure means for me?
• How can I take better care of myself and my family?
• Do I have the right people around me?
• How do I act when I face a challenge?
• How am I improving life for others?
• Who must I thank, either for forgiveness, or for making a positive difference in my life or in the life of someone I love?
• Do I like myself?
• What are the things I enjoy most?

We can extend this question list. It’s also critical to know that each question will raise a new question. While I was asking those questions to myself I realized that I really enjoy listening to music. At that moment I decided to create my own playlist in Spotify. I’ve asked my loved ones and my friends to add songs for me to my playing list and I’ve named it Live4Joy. It’s a live list, and anyone actually could add songs and listen that amazing songs.

Why is it important to me? Whenever I start listening Live4Joy playlist I always remember the people which I care most. I feel very lucky to have them in my life.

My next list will include things I want to achieve by the age of 45 🙂 and I’ll call it My Life List!

Best Wishes,

Dilara

We’ve been at home for almost 5 weeks and we’re living and working from home. It looks like we’ll continue to stay at home for a few more weeks or even months. There are certain routines we have everyday. Each day seems to be like the previous day but at the same time it’s very different. The good thing about this situation is that we’ve got plenty of time to think about how we live and to notice what’s important for us. I’ve listed some points I’ve realized are very important.

It’s important to appreciate what you have in life and to be grateful. I’m grateful to be healthy, to be able to see the sunrise everyday and for being able to spend quality time with my family.

I’ve realized that longing can also be a nice feeling.  It helps us to understand the value of our family and friends. I know that I will hug them all with the first opportunity I get.

As a person who loves travelling, I’ve realized the importance of patients and that I need to be exactly that during this quarantine period. As I know that freedom of movement is linked to freedom of choice, any form of lock down is difficult for me to manage.

I’ve noticed that my mood determines how my day will pass. I’m usually positive in most things I do and I know that being positive is a state of mind. Especially in these conditions, being positive helps a lot. So, I will continue to look at things from a positive perspective because there is always a positive side in any situation.

I really like listening to music, reading, exercising and writing. I will continue to do things which make me happy and stay away from the things which brings stress and negativity.

I usually like creating new ideas and during this period, I’ve learnt how critical it is, especially if you have a young child.  The materials you have might not be enough to occupy your child during this time and you may need to buy new materials or to create them yourself. Most of the time my family and I create materials for my son. However, let’s see how long we can get away with that.

Eating delicious food is an enjoyable habit and cooking is also great fun. I think I’m improving my cooking skills, what is more I also want to bake bread and birthday cakes.

I’m also thankful to be working. I can follow the daily agenda remotely and engage with my colleagues when necessary. I can even exercise or meditate through virtual channels together with my colleagues.

I’ve also learnt how important it is to use technology. We’re speaking with our families and friends through digital platforms on a daily basis. We’re also reading news, watching movies and listening to music online. We can certainly say much of the world is connected digitally. I think a digital virus would be another crisis that people would not  be able to cope with easily.

Gardening is my new hobby. I’m still learning but it keeps me calm. It’s a wonderful feeling, witnessing the changes in nature. The colors and the smell of the flowers are amazing. Nature has a perfect balance and for those who can really appreciate it, it’s beautiful.

To be clean and tidy helps to maintain a positive attitude. There are still areas I need to be more organized in, but it’s wonderful to have time to think about organizing and finding solutions to issues.

Coffee is my indispensable, must have. I start and end everyday with a cup of coffee which maybe I’m too dependent on, but it’s delicious and helps me concentrate.

I also understood that being patient is a virtue of great importance. We all want to believe that these days will pass soon, and hopefully they will. The most important thing is to remember these days with a smile and get the most from them.

Keep safe and be happy

Dilara Firat

To be honest I’m very excited about writing again. This time the experience will be different for me because most of my articles will be in English, which will be a new challenge. I say a challenge because I believe content creation is an important asset and not an easy thing to come by, even in your native language. However, there is always room for improvement and I thrive in learning situations. If you don’t try you don’t know.

Due to the unusual times that we are passing through, almost everyone needs to stay at home to be healthy and safe. These conditions are the times where we question ourselves and our expectations from life. We’ve gone back to basics. What do I mean? Well, we’re spending more time communicating with family and friends, we’re eating better, we’re probably more conscious of exercise, local community is now playing a more important role in our life’s and we’re more appreciative of the things we have than ever before. 

The whole world is focusing on one issue, which is the virus that we still don’t know how to fight. There are many scenarios to prevent people becoming infected or falling victim to the virus but it’s obvious that the world isn’t ready to deal with this. Some people don’t think this is a war but from my perspective it is. If you don’t take the necessary precautions implemented by the authorities, not only do you risk your own life, but the lives of other too. So, the question is why are some people not listening to the authorities? I’m not an expert in human psychology but according to my impressions, people might feel that their freedom is restricted and consequently some people rebel against these imposed restrictions. The message is very clear, stay at home, wash your hands frequently, exercise, eat healthy food, remain calm and maintain social distancing and if you believe you have any symptoms, isolate yourself and get tested.

It’s now April and as far as we know there is no medication for this virus. The whole world is trying to find a solution for this pandemic. Each one of us can help by being more responsible.

Although we are facing unusual circumstances there is no need to be pessimistic. It’s true that we miss meeting our friends and family. We also miss enjoying the weather, travelling around the world freely and going to school. We can’t do our daily routines, but it’s fine. There are periods which remind us to stop and think and question what the meaningful things in our lives are. In a crisis I try to look at things more positively. Many people may say there is nothing positive about this situation, but I can state many. Now you have more time for yourself and your family. You can read, listen and engage more. You can develop yourself and learn new things. You can explore a new interest. I can state many more  but it’s important not to forget that every crisis is also an opportunity.

It’s a fact that mankind forgets bad memories very quickly. I’m pretty sure that next year we will be tackling new consequences from COVID-19. The most important lesson we’ll get out of this, is to believe in science and not forget that life matters for all.

Best regards

Dilara FIRAT

Hayatımın son doneminde oldukca fazla degisiklik yasandi. Ailecek yeni bir ulkeye yerlestik. Boyle donemlerde insan kendine iyi gelen seyleri yapmayi erteliyor veya belki de odaklanamiyor. Listesinde yapmasi gereken onlarca oncelik oluyor ama 3 aylik baska bir sehre alisma donemi bana sunu ogretti, mutlu oldugun seyleri oncelikli olarak yapacaksin yoksa cesaretin azaliyor ve neleri istedigine tam da karar veremiyorsun.  O nedenle ben de uzun bir aradan sonra tekrar yazmaya basladim.

Bu yazimda aldigimiz kararlari nasil aldisigimiza odaklanacagim. Bir cok insana gore farkli bir ulkeye gitme karari su ana kadar kendi ulkemizde insaa ettigimiz hayatimizi yikmak anlamina geliyordu. Kurulu bir duzeni neden yok eder ki bir insan? Burada bizim icin neyin onemli oldugu devreye giriyor. Bizi ne mutlu ediyor? Iyi bir is, guzel bir ev, iyi bir egitim, guvende olmak, doga, kultur-sanat, spor, lezzetli yemekler, toplum… Bu listeyi uzatabilirsiniz. Peki kolay mi bu karari almak? Benim icin cok zor olmadi, her zaman baska ulkeleri gormeyi, oradaki kulturu deneyimlemiyi isteyen biri olmusumdur. Isin zor olan kismi bence karari aldiktan sonraki eylemlerimiz. O noktada da cesaret devreye giriyor. Bazi riskleri almaya cesaret etmek ve degisime acik olmak onemli. Insanin kendi anadilinde konusmadigi bir ulkede hayatini surdurmeye calismasi, hele ki ilk donemlerde kolay degil.

Continue reading “Biraz Benlik!” →

Bu yazıyı epeydir nasıl yazmam gerektiğini düşünüyorum. Bugün daha fazla ertelememeye karar verdim.

İnsan oldukça karmaşık bir o kadar da kolaydır aslında. Karmaşıklığı da kolaylığı da yaratan bizleriz. Bizim değerlerimiz, yargılarımız ve olaylara yaklaşımımız belirler hayatta duruşumuzu.

Kendi değerlerimin farkına varmam ve emin olmam biraz zamanımı aldı. 10 yıl önceki değerlerim ile şu andaki değerlerim farklı mesela. Tabi ki aynı kalan bazı değerlerim var ama ben kendime 6 tane değer belirledim, yani hayatımın olmazsa olmazları. Neden önemli bu kadar bu değerler, üzerine yazı yazılacak, tartışılacak bir konu mu? Bize ne arkadaş senin değerlerinden diyebilirsiniz ama ben önemli olduklarını deneyimleyenlerdenim. Karar ve davranışlarımıza yön veren değerlerimizdir. Dürüstlük mesela bir değer midir? Benim için en önemli değerlerden biri, olmazsa olmazlardan yani. Cesaret, Saygı, Özveri, Sorumluluk, Sabır…?

Continue reading “Hayat Duruşu…” →

Uzun bir aradan sonra tekrar blogumun başına oturduğum için açıkçası oldukça mutluyum. Bu yazımın konusu kitap okuma alışkanlığı. Geçtiğimiz günlerde çok verimli olduğuna inandığım bir toplantıya katıldım ve Türkiye’nin kitap okuma oranlarını duyunca şok geçirdim. En son 2008 yılında bir proje için çalışırken bu rakamlara ulaşmıştım o zaman verdiğim tepkiyi hala hatırlıyorum ve şu cümleyi kurmuştum, “eğer okumuyorsak cahil kalmaya ve kandırılmaya mahkumuz.”

Ben kitap okumayı çok seven biriyim. Yapabilirsem her gün 30 dakika ama imkanım olmaz ise  haftada en az 3 gün birer saatimi kitap okumaya ayırmaya çalışıyorum. Bu sene bir hedefim var. Her ay en az bir kitap okumak, hatta yılbaşında kendime tam 12 kitap aldım yeni yıl hediyesi olarak. Peki ama bu alışkanlığı ne zaman ve nasıl edindim? Hatırladığım kadarıyla kitap okuma alışkanlığımı çok küçük yaşlarda edindim. Annem ve babam televizyon seyretmek yerine kitap okumayı tercih ederlerdi. Evimizde bir odamızın duvarı baştan sona kütüphaneydi. Hatta bir bölümünü ailem bana ve kardeşime ayırmıştı. Evde kafamı nereye çevirsem mutlaka bir kitap vardı. Kısacası kitap okuyan bir ailenin içinde büyüdüyseniz o zaman okumayı sevme olasılığınız oldukça yüksek.

Continue reading “Nasıl Yapsak da Okusak?” →

Birçoğumuz bu kelimeyi az veya çok kullanırız. Benim ise profesyonel olarak üzerine uzmanlaşmaya çalıştığım ve öğrendikçe daha da çok araştırdığım bir konu haline geldi. Türkiye’de ne yazık ki tam olarak ne anlama geldiğini bildiğimizi düşünmüyorum ve önümüzde o kadar uzun bir yol var ki o günleri görebilir miyiz diye soruyorum kendime…

Continue reading “Sürdürülebilirlik…” →