Aida Hashemi

1. Things can always be better. Things can always be worse. Let's be grateful for what we have. 2.  Alma 37:6-7 – "By small and simple things are great things brought to pass." 3.  2 Nephi 2:11 – "For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things."

I truly believe our own thoughts can sometimes be incredibly damaging, which is why I feel so much healthier when I listen to good podcasts, audiobooks, or read more.

I had almost lost faith and believed that perhaps I was done with relationships, being in a partnership, and getting married (lol even though I had only been in one "relationship" that was only 3 months). But then I had an epiphany: the problem with my first relationship was that it wasn't centered on God or led by Christ. Instead, it was guided by us, and when humans make decisions on their own, we often fall short. We let negative thoughts cloud our judgment, and that was ultimately the issue. However, God and Jesus are stronger than our shortcomings. Their guidance brings clarity, peace, and joy that surpass human understanding. When we rely on our own decision-making, selfishness, manipulation, fear, and even biological instincts can get in the way. But when we allow God to lead, everything becomes clearer and more purposeful.

The initial reason that attracted me to this church was their guidance to eat meat sparingly. About four years ago, during the pandemic, I watched the documentary What the Health and adopted a low-fat, plant-based diet. Over the past year, I explored other diets like carnivore and keto (even going down the "plants are evil" rabbit hole—haha, good times...), but now I’m back to planning on eating meat sparingly! :) Another reason I’m drawn to this church is the concept of the Celestial Kingdom. It inspires me to be the best version of myself—not just for my own sake, but for God. When I’ve tried self-improvement purely for myself, it often felt shaky, especially when dealing with personal challenges or external opinions. However, striving to be my best for God provides a consistent and unwavering foundation. Unlike relationships with friends or partners, which can change, God’s love is constant, and this motivates me deeply. I also appreciate the fairness in the belief that t...

Probably one of the coolest things in the world is autophagy. When you're in a protein-deficient state, your body enters "self-recycling" mode, breaking down and consuming its own damaged cells. This process helps keep you looking youthful. I think this is why some raw vegans can look so amazing, while others who consume a lot of protein might appear older than they actually are. Angus Barbieri fasted for 382 days in 1965. Thanks to autophagy, he probably didn't experience much loose skin.

When we hug others, our bodies release a hormone called oxytocin, which helps us bond with people—and even with pets. There's incredible power in a simple hug! I've been hugging one of my friends regularly and noticed it has brought us closer together. Try hugging your friends and family more often (with their consent, of course!). Let them know it’s beneficial for both your brain chemistries and overall well-being. 😊