The Inception of The Cardamom Chronicles

When I visited Iraq after thirty seven years of living abroad, I was shocked and saddened by what I saw. There were poor people, orphans, and misery everywhere. The land that I knew before did not look like the land I came back to after so many years. Wars, injustice, and neglect were obvious in every direction I turned my head. Although there were beautiful places that I could visit during that trip, my comparison of the present to the past was painful.

That country is one example of the culmination of being treated with injustice. There are many people and countries that had faced and still face this unfairness. It is known that injustice is karmic; what goes around comes around. Whoever practices injustice, after some time, will be haunted by the consequences.

Many countries still suffer the consequences of wars that had taken place on their land. Nobody wins in a war; everybody loses. Injustice is a crime, no matter what face it takes. Sometimes it affects individuals and sometimes it affects nations. I believe that injustice pollutes the atmosphere with misery, sadness, uncertainty, anger, guilt, and fear.

Will we ever learn from our mistakes?

We have everything we could wish for on this planet. Yet, so many wars have happened and still, some individuals rationalize that war is a legitimate solution for their problems. Humans fight each other for the sake of control, abuse and manipulation. Declaring war on other nations is a mistake that ruins this planet and destroys humanity. If we were smart enough, we would label wars and intentionally hurting other people as criminal acts. Weapons should be banned from use in any place on Earth. Humans of all races and religions should play it right and decide to cooperate with each other to build this beautiful planet, instead of destroying it and then trying to find another planet to live on. The clock is ticking… is there anybody who can make sense of the consequences of our bad influence on Earth and humanity? Can we learn from our past mistakes and start accepting people who are different from us, and strengthen our human relations so we can, collectively, build the planet that we live on? Can we stop generating misery and instead, start lifting each other to succeed in making this world a better place? If we do not learn from our mistakes on this planet, we will not be able to make another planet a better place to live on; mistakes and ignorance would continue happening everywhere we carried that taint towards. As Henry Ford once said: “The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing“.

After going through the challenging journey of cancer, many individuals find hope and strength in their lives beyond the illness. The process of overcoming cancer can bring about profound personal growth and a renewed perspective on life. Here are some key aspects that contribute to the hope and strength experienced by cancer survivors:

1. Appreciation for Life: Surviving cancer often leads to a newfound appreciation for the beauty and preciousness of life. It can serve as a reminder to cherish each moment, value relationships, and pursue passions with renewed vigor. This appreciation fuels a sense of hope for a fulfilling future.
2. Resilience and Inner Strength: Battling cancer requires immense physical and emotional strength. The experience of undergoing treatments, facing uncertainties, and persevering through difficult times can instill a deep resilience in survivors. This inner strength becomes a source of inspiration and hope as they face new challenges in life.
3. Empowered Self-Care: Cancer survivors often prioritize their well-being and embrace self-care practices. They understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, nutritious eating, and stress management. By taking control of their health, survivors cultivate a sense of empowerment and hope for a future filled with vitality.
4. Supportive Networks: Many cancer survivors find solace and strength in connecting with others who have gone through similar experiences. Support groups, online communities, and counseling services provide spaces to share stories, exchange advice, and find emotional support. These connections foster a sense of hope and belonging, knowing they are not alone in their journey.
5. Advocacy and Giving Back: Some survivors choose to become advocates for cancer research, awareness, or support initiatives. By sharing their stories, raising awareness, and participating in fundraising events, survivors find purpose and strength in helping others facing similar challenges. This activism brings hope by contributing to the collective efforts in fighting cancer.

While each individual’s experience with cancer is unique, the hope and strength found in the aftermath of the illness are a testament to the human spirit’s resilience. The journey may be arduous, but it often leads to personal growth, a stronger sense of gratitude, and an empowered outlook on life.