835) Are You Beautiful?!

People struggle to make themselves look beautiful, while most of the time they just get themselves more and more ugly ... yes saddening but true ... Just a quick look to the amount of money spent yearly on plastic surgeries  diet physicians, cosmetics, fashionable clothes and accessories ..etc. tells you how big this issue really is. The interesting thing most of the most beautiful people (women or men) I have seen (and believe me I have seen a lot) are the ones glowing from within, the ones who charm you and make you follow them with their genuine smile, and uplifting spirit.

Yes, looks counts; we want the best of the best of the best ... but looks no matter how do you spend on perfecting it, just lasts for the the first impression. It is great for pictures, modeling, ..etc, but when it comes to true human communication and bonding, there are much more beyond the looks ...

God is beautiful and created man kind to crown His creation. He put part of His beauty in each one of us; some are beautiful because they are good looking, some are beautiful because they do really care, some are beautiful because they are genuine, some are beautiful because they are impressive, and some are beautiful because they make others beautiful.... Beauty comes from within as much as from outside or even more..

Can you consider that Marilyn Monroe more beautiful than Mother Teresa?.... 

Is Angelina beautiful because of how she looks or what she does with all the unfortunates in the world? 

Who is more beautiful, your father or George Clooney?  

The answer for all questions is all are beautiful each on his/her way..

So now, you need to really stop and think for a moment ... Where does your beauty lie? Is it in your looks, your way of talking, you voice, your heart, your mind, your manners....etc... Find it and make good use of it, and be sure that each of one us has his/her own beauty, and when he/she see it and believe in it, it will be reflected on the rest.

To all the people afraid from getting older ... YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL as you are, and will be more beautiful when you enjoy your age to the maximum and make the best use of it.

To all the ladies struggling with losing weight .... YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL as you are, and will be more beautiful when you achieve your target, not because you will be thinner, but because you will be in control.

To all the girls who think they are ugly ... YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL as you are, and will be more beautiful when you go fetch your source of beauty coz no one will see it unless you do first.

To all the men who think they are not good enough for any women ..... YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL as you are, and will be more beautiful if you got the self-confidence and genuine caring that women can smell miles away.

To all the geeks who think they are aliens .... YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL as you are, and will be more beautiful when you reflect your brilliant mind on others, and use it to Connecting and Impressing them.

To anyone who thinks that he or she is not beautiful .... YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL as you are, and will be more beautiful when you believe that you really are..

To everyone who think he or she is BEAUTIFUL ... Help others to see their beauty in order to be more beautiful ..

I am beautiful ... Are you?

M.O.H.@.L.Y

751) Our Duty ... Our Responsibility !

For all the people living in Egypt and reading this blog... this is the time for you to take part in rebuilding what we lost... We went protesting defending our freedom and rights, and we stood in streets defending our properties and families... it is time now to defend our society and economy as well..WHILE KEEPING PROTESTING.. President Mubarak has to go along with the whole regime, OUR REVOLUTION IS NOT OVER YET.

Let's rebuild trust in our economy, 

let's not buy foreign currencies now,

let's just withdraw what we need, 

let's buy Egyptian products even if less quality,

let's cancel our leisure vacations abroad and do it inside Egypt,

let's work more quality hours and waste less time,

let's clean our neighbourhoods, and help in rebuilding the shops and places we used to go to,

let's keep the spirit of solidarity and tolerance,
let's help those who lost their income, get out our Zakah and 3oshoor now.

Let's Give EGYPT a chance ... coz it deserves.

Mohaly

704) Smile before you forget it !

I guess we need lots of those in Cairo...I hope it comes naturally, but even if it didn't, we should try to bring a smile on our faces before forgetting how to smile.

Smile... you wash out lots of negative energy, you take Thawab, and you give yourself hope...Wenabi Tabasam :)

Mohaly
(from the plane before closing my mobile)

692) Challenging Yourself - Episode 1 !

"It is an irony of life that satisfaction and security are the enemies of excellence."

While I was preparing to start a new series about the previous sentence and continue talking about changing our minds, I found my friend & Blog reader Mai posting a great video for one of the reputable Egyptians; Wael El Fakharany, about the "Discomfort of the Comfort Zone". So I decided to share the Video with you and add to it how to get out of your comfort zone.

I have -more or less- made choices close to what Wael did in my life. After having a reputable post, being engaged with a multinational company, having a good salary, I decided to leave all that and work independetly. My family was against me, everyone was wondering about me leaving this warm area, the dream of every man, some people even told be that is "battar 3ala el Ne3ma (not accepting God's blessing)". Actually this didnt stop me, but made me wanting to challenge them and myself more. And now after 5 years, the same people are congratulating me and saying that I was  right, and wondering how did I manage to do all that and match between teaching at AUC, corporate training, consulting, writing, and travelling. It wasnt, isnt, and wont be easy. I will tell you a secret, that is not the end, I am still midway through, and when I done, khalas, next chapter of my life will start EVEN if from scratch.
The thing I may bet Wael for is being the happiest one with his job, I am in love with my job to the extent that I didnt get married "3ashan mageblehash dorra"; just kidding.

By the way, it doesnt have to be the colon, it can be any irritation in the body :)

So in the next 4 Episodes I will be talking about how to move from the comfort zone covering the following:

1. Preparing Yourself.

2. Pushing Yourself & Others.

3. Dealing with Success.

4. Adjourning Yourself.

Mohaly

P.S> Special thanks to Wael El Fakharany for the session, and Mai for the link.

628) Stop ... Think ... & Act!

I am just wondering how can we keep such spirit of loving the country and unifying under its name & flag that has been there for more than a whole month? I havent heard people whinning about life or Ahly/Zamalek problems or, or, or.. Is it because we found a common enemy to guide all our negative feelings at? or because there is one common goal for the 80 million which something that doesnt happen in real life? or because we are just fed up with everything and decided to celebrate together no matter what?

The match is on now, and I am one of the few people in the country who are not watching. Regardless of the final score and who will go to the world cup, I really wish that we stop and think how can we make use of what happened, how can we invest in and reflect on our day to day life as a country?

Rabena ye2adem eli feeh el kheir, and bless el masryeen in all cases.

Mohaly

615) Bright Side - Episode 3 ::: Egypt Car Poolers!

I know that I haven't added any new episodes in this series for more than a year but there weren't much to write about then. I was tempted to add a 3rd episode to this series when I found out about this good initiative and spirit. When I finish Being Yourself Series, I will try to add more episodes to the Bright Side of Egypt.. we need to see more of this side of the country...

I am glad that there are positive initiatives of young people (Hisham A.Wahab, Hind Rasid...)who made use of their brains and skills in trying to make a positive change in their society. We all know that the traffic problem in Cairo has reached a level that is beyond normal and abnormal tolerance. These young group has worked hard since summer 2008 to finally launch their website promoting Car pooling in Cairo that reduces both traffic and pollution.

I am quoting the initiator Hisham Abdel Wahab:

"For those of you who don’t know, www.egyptcarpoolers.com is Egypt’s first online carpooling community! The website aims to promote carpooling in Egypt by creating a forum where potential carpoolers can connect and coordinate rides.

Anything to reduce the traffic :)!!

Feel free to sign up and forward to friends. Your support would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Hisham"

Thank You Hisham, Hind, and all your team. I am urging fellow Cairians to join or at least promote the idea (You can link this post in facebook or your blogs).

Mohaly

527) Valentine's Week: Singles Agenda !

After second thoughts, and instead of escaping, I told myself that It is Valentine's day, and singles have the right to enjoy it too, there is a brightside there for us ...Whether you choose to have other single people over to celebrate by playing these one-of-a-kind singles games, or whether you prefer to soak in the glory of being single on your own, the goal is simply to make the Valentine's day on Saturday your day!

Wishing you all a lovely weekend, and a "Habby Falantim" as I hear it in the streets ;)

Mohaly

Some Tips from the Net:

GO TO A MOVIE... ALONE. 

There's just something about seeing a movie when most people are not even thinking about what's on at the movies! Every holiday... this is where you'll find us.

TAKE A ROADTRIP.

Get out & about and explore some unknown territory in your car. If it's warm enough, roll the windows down (or put the top down), crank the tunes, and go wherever the road leads you. You have no destination. You have no obligations today. You are free to roam the great outdoors and just enjoy the day... alone. (Want some extra adventure?... rent your dream vehicle (like a Jeep or a motorcycle) for the day!

TAKE A BIKE RIDE.

You'll become rejuvenated and feel like a kid again pedaling around the neighborhood. Don't want anyone you know to see you?... Then stick your bike in the car and motor on over to the nearest park. There, you can pedal (or wobble) to your heart's content, take in the sights, stop and smell the roses, and even burn a few calories at the same time.

TRY SOMETHING NEW. 

Some fun newactivities to consider:

Yoga... there's nothing like it for making you feel great in a short amount of time -- with very little effort on your part!

Parasailing... most are surpised to learn that this is such a mindless, effortless, no-skill-required kind of activity. You sit. They drive the boat. They add some slack to the rope attached to the harness you're sitting in. And you rise above it all. All the while, taking in some of the most beautiful sites around.

COOK UP SOMETHING INTERESTING... LITERALLY.

Whether you're handy in the kitchen or not, find a recipe (either an old family favorite, or one you dig up online), take a trip to the store and purchase all of the necessary ingredients. (Don't forget to splurge on some special pre-made dessert that's to die for!) Rush home to work your magic.

TAKE SOME PICTURES.

Hopefully, you'll feel compelled to get outdoors and photograph places that mean something to you, or some common local sights (people window-shopping downtown, kids playing at the park, animals at the zoo). If that's not motivating you, then consider these unique ways to use a digital camera. Either way, spending the day sharpening up your photography skills will surely yield some satisfying results at the day's end.

PURSUE YOUR PASSION (Mohaly's choice)

Whatever it is that you are passionate about in life -- be it a particular hobby, travel, craft projects, charitable acts, etc. -- use this day to make great strides by just doing that today. This is also known as drowning yourself in productivity... or pursuing those things that you are passionate about. As long as it's something you are completely driven to succeed at, then you will still be having FUN while accomplishing great things at the same time.

510) Good Bye 2008 !

2008 is leaving tonight. Help me in listing the top 10 good and bad events in Egypt in 2008. I have written 5 good and 7 bad so far. I will update the post with the stuff you will add in comments till we have our (blog team) own list.

Top Events in 2008:

Good:
1. Terminal 3 in the Airport is inaugurated (at last we have a real airport)
2. Rate of Growth has increased to 7%
3. Egypt & Ahly Won African Cups.
4. Bush is finally leaving :)
5. Mostafa El Sayed won a prestigious International Science Award.

Bad:
1. Death of many prominent intellectual and cultural figures (who died in 2008 = who died in the last 4 years all together!)
2. Many incidents of landmark and properties burning (Shura, National Theatre,..etc)
3. Democracy has deteriorated and freedom of speech has lost its meaning.
4. Global financial crisis and its effect on Egypt.
5. Ahly lost all matches in World cup.
6. We came up with only 1 bronze medal in the Olympics after 5 medals in 2004.
7. Prices has increased more than 30% (inflation rate sky rocketing).

Mohaly

483) The Bright Side of Women!

Women have strengths that amaze men.  
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,  
but they hold happiness, love and joy.  

They smile when they want to scream.  
They sing when they want to cry.  
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.

They fight for what they believe in.  
They stand up to injustice.  

They don't take "no" for an answer  
when they believe there is a better solution.  
They go without so their family can have.  
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.  

They love unconditionally.  
They cry when their children excel  
and cheer when their friends get awards.  
They are happy when they hear about  
a birth or a wedding.  
Their hearts break when a friend dies.  
They grieve at the loss of a family member,  
yet they are strong when they  
think there is no strength left.  
They know that a hug and a kiss  
can heal a broken heart.  

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.  
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you  
to show how much they care about you.  
The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.  
They bring joy, hope and love.  
They have the compassion and ideas.  
They give moral support to their  
family and friends.  

Women have vital things to say  
and everything to give.

482) The Egyptian Pride of October!

6th of October deserves more respect. It is not just a vacation or Show. We should really be proud and celebrate it as all other countries do with their national holidays.

A question: When will we be able to see a great movie about 6th of October like the tens of great movies about Worldwar II and even Nam War in early 70s?

Most of us were either just born or about to get born (my generation of 70s), and more than half of the Egyptian population was born after the 70s! which means that we really don't know what happened except from some simple and silly movies where the war was just something on the side of the story (except El 3omr La7za but this was before the war).

Mohaly

466) Help Deweaa's People!

It is Ramadan and the spiritual feeling are higher than any month. In this disaster (not natural one as it results from careless attitue of government and people), we should be giving a hand in saving these fellow Egyptians (muslims and non-muslims). If you want to help, please find the info below:

(Thanks for Sanaa Tobah)

1. El Bedaya is accepting in-kind donations at its premises in Ezbit Bekhit behind the Sheikh Kassem Mosque which is on the main road along the railway. We are at the Community Center (Markaz El Khadamat), 1 Kama'en St, last floor. You can call any of these numbers for assistance in delivery or pickup of donations Sanaa 012 216 0332Ashraf 011 2727789Shefa 012 8684425Mohamed 012 8401476 Needs include: bottled water (0.5 liter and 1.5 liter), 200ml and 500ml containers/boxes of milk, 200ml containers of juiceclothing for children and adults (galabeyas for men and women)floor mats (plastic or straw) 200 pcs neededdry or canned food El Bedaya has also started a relief fund for immediate needs, but also to refurbish new homes for those families who have lost absolutely everything they own. The account number is: Bank Misr, Mouski Branch, El Bedaya Association for Education, account no: 103/1/28910.

2. ADEW (the Association for Development and Enhancement of Women) headed by Dr. Iman Bibars are accepting inkind and cash donations at their offices at 8/10 El Mathaf St., 5th floor, apt 12, El Manial You can call Magda, Sanaa or Nermine on 016 551 8588 or Magda on 010 154 0486 The needs list for inkind contributions is the same as El Bedaya's (above)

3. Sama for Development (23 Sakr Koreish St., Masakin Sheraton across from Oriental Weavers; call Khaled 010 111 3461) are delivering prepared meals including beverages. You can deliver unprepared or prepared food. They also need manpower to help package and deliver food(i.e. use your own car or pay for a pickup) to the site. Also check out their group on facebook : Ramadan Mo خtalef

4. The Food Bank is also delivering prepared meals but they are covered for the next 10 days. They are accepting donations in all major banks account number 888777. You can also call 16060. In the short-term they will be delivering food to relocated families who have lost their homes and belongings. I have to say, everyone, that the ineptness of the 'system' in the rescue effort is shameful and has caused a lot of anger in the community; but the tireless efforts of local youth and NGO members who have gathered to help gives me hope for this country yet. They are really quite impressive.

May Allah bless all who died, and cure those who are still in hospitals, and us all thawab el mosa3ada.

Mohaly

437) Egypt : 10 Things I Love about you!

I guess I can't pass post 436 without writing this post too coz couple of decades ago it would have been hard to find 10 things to hate in Egypt, we -Egyptian people & government- has turned it almost the opposite in such short time!

So the 10 things I love in Egypt are:

10. The Diversity of People (blend).
9. Devotion of women to their families.
8. Long & Rich History.
7. Ramadan Spirit.
6. El Nas El Taybeen (most of them).
5. The Moderate Weather (no natural disasters, kolaha unnatural).
4. Egyptian Food (Molokhoia, Koshari, Ta3meya..etc).
3. Amazing ability to adapt to any situation!
2. The beautiful Nile (specially in Aswan).
1. It is my homeland after all :)


Mohaly

293) The Bright Side of Egypt II - Moez Masoud

The first one I choose to shed light on, in this series, is Moez Masoud. If a picture is better than 1000 words, then a video is better than a million..

I know this guy since 7 years, and he has always impressed me in the way he thinks (in business @ that time) and now in life and religion. I will write about him again soon in-shaa-Allah.

Mohaly

290) The Bright Side of Egypt - Part I

I was, am, and will be optimistic about the future of this country. I will keep on giving my thought, time, and effort for taking part in its positive change. For those who still have hope and working or even supporting us, I am dedicating a group of posts "The Bright Side of Egypt" about young Egyptians some of them are my friends, or I know personally, or I dont know at all. What is important is that we all share the same vision of developing this country and the whole Arab and Muslim communities in-shaa Allah...

One day, when everyone can clearly see the light, you will say, these people weren't kidding, they really believed in their duty as Egyptians and as Muslims to do a positive change even -as i always say- if we didn't see it in our life time.

I am listing the people -including myself- I know personally or I have worked with, who gave, and still giving a lot of their time and effort to make our community a better place in donya and even akhra. I am sure that there are 100s of us everywhere and some day - not far- we will make the difference.

Abdel Rahman
Ahmed Zahran
Ehab Abdou
Mahmoud El Hefnawy
Maggie Tawfik
Moez Mas3oud
Mohamed Aly (aka Mohaly)
Mohamed Yehia Fahmy
Nesrine Khaled
Sherif Saleh

and others to come ...

Anyone who has a success story or wanna post something about The bright side of Egypt, please email me at mohaly.mail@gmail.com

May Allah Bless us All,
Mohaly