21/09: A Birthday Wish for a Peaceful World
Have you ever wondered what it truly means to achieve peace on a global scale?
On September 21, for the past 42 years, the United Nations observed World Peace Day, a 24-hour non-violence and cease-fire, and it also happens to be my birthday.
As I raise a glass of wine to celebrate another year of life, I reflect on the journey ahead. Much like the vast ocean, life presents us with smooth currents and challenging waves each year. Today, on this special occasion, I invite you to join me in a conversation about international world peace—a topic that resonates deeply with our hearts and dreams.
Imagine international world peace not as a distant dream but as a campfire where we all gather. It's not just the absence of fights; it's about creating a world where we understand each other, work together and talk things out when we disagree.
Along my journey, I've met diplomats, activists, and hardworking folks who work towards this vision. They inspire us to believe that a more peaceful world isn't just a wish but a goal we can achieve together.
Birthdays are like chapters in our life story; sometimes, we wish to rewrite a few pages. Regrets can be strict teachers, but they push us to grow and become wiser. Like rough seas make us better sailors, regrets help us become better people.
On my journey, I've also experienced loss – the kind that leaves a lasting mark on the heart. But as time progresses, we realize that the memories of those we've lost can inspire us to make the world a kinder place. It's a tribute to them, a way to carry their lessons into the future.
In the grand voyage of life, we all encounter storms - heartbreaks, conflicts with friends, colleagues, and even within our own families. These storms can leave us feeling adrift, searching for the elusive island of peace.
Sometimes, we must learn to find solace by accepting the harsh realities, knowing that not all battles can be won and not all differences can be resolved. It's like navigating through the turbulent waters of existence, realizing that some shores may forever remain distant.
For those still on the quest for inner and outer peace, remember, it's a journey filled with twists and turns, much like the unpredictable world we live in today.
Never lose hope or give up on the dream of peace, for it is a delicate flower that often doesn't bloom overnight.
Like a gardener tending to their garden, we must be patient, nurturing our relationships and inner serenity, understanding that sometimes, the path to peace is riddled with trials and errors.
Just as the seasons change, so do our interactions and connections, and sometimes, peace arrives organically, like a gentle breeze on a sweltering day, soothing our souls without us even asking for it.
In the background of our conversation about international world peace, let's not forget the turbulent waters that Ukraine and Russia faced. On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine, making it the most significant attack on a European country since World War II. This conflict has taken the lives of tens of thousands on both sides.
This heartbreaking reality reminds us that peace isn't just an excellent idea; it's crucial for the safety and well-being of nations and individuals alike. It shows that we must all work together to find solutions through talking, not fighting.
As we gather around this metaphorical campfire, let's remember that peace isn't just the job of leaders or organizations; it's a shared mission to which every individual can contribute.
Embrace diversity, engage in peaceful dialogue, and practice empathy in your interactions. Support education, human rights, and conflict resolution efforts locally and globally. Stand in solidarity with displaced populations, participate in peaceful demonstrations, and champion peace-related environmental sustainability.
In your personal life, resolve conflicts peacefully, choose leaders who prioritize diplomacy, and lend your support to peacebuilding organizations. Stay informed, and remember that even minor actions can make our world more peaceful and harmonious. Together, we can create a brighter and more peaceful future for all.
So, as I make my birthday wish, I imagine a world where we settle disagreements with words, where we celebrate our differences, and where everyone can sleep peacefully, knowing they are safe and loved. This wish aligns with my mission as a storyteller – to highlight those making a difference in their communities, bringing art, language, and people together to create a world filled with peace and kindness.
As we celebrate life's moments, remember that our journey is an epic tale filled with chances to learn, grow, and bring peace within ourselves and the world. Together, we can steer our ship toward a world where not only my birthday wish but the dreams of countless others can come true, echoing the goals of the United Nations for world peace. This year’s theme is Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the #GlobalGoals.
To know more about the UN’s World Peace Day, READ HERE.
If you’d like to send me’ private birthday wishes, feel free to email me at hello@thelauralin.com and let’s catch up! 💙💛✌🏼🕊️