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| Smile for Peace! (c) Mohammed Ghabriss |
It is one thing
to choose to be peaceful in life. It is another thing to devote your life to
peace, being peaceful, and to passing the warmth of peace along to those around
you. Mohammed Ghabriss, a young peace worker of Lebanese origin, has changed
the world around him, one person at a time. Here’s his story as a peace worker.
I believe what got me into peace work is my passion
towards working with people and connecting with complete strangers and make
them part of my life. That sense of responsibility towards people from different
communities and religions to brighten their spirits and do the best I can to
light that candle of love and self-appreciation in their hearts.
For two years, I've been associated with a movement
called Initiatives of Change, and it's all about bringing change to your heart
and inspire others through your personal change, simply by bringing peace to
one's soul by putting things right in one's life.
It all started with the apology that I made to my
father. I apologized for being rude, disrespectful and unappreciative to any of
his hard work. I reconciled my relationship with him, and that unblocked
something that was in my heart, it allowed more space for love within me, and
more peace that made me believe that I am able to bridge the gaps between my
separated communities in Lebanon and bringing people together, simply by
filling the gaps in my own personal life that empowered me to look
beyond.
Since childhood, I grew up with a sense of curiosity. I
grew up always wanting to know and to understand the world around me. In order
to do so, I learned that there are some risks that are needed to be taken. I
just love to meet people, understand them and get to know them, have a taste of
what their lives would look like. I love the arts and literature. That
repertoire includes drawing, photography, writing and reading. I am very
passionate about travelling and discovering new places.
I was born in Lebanon but been raised in Saudi Arabia
for almost 14 years. I studied in an international school, and was surrounded
by people from different countries, backgrounds, and religions. I went back to
Lebanon where I studied my 12th Standard, and did my Bachelor’s Degree
in Business Management.
Soon after my graduation a friend of mine told me
about a 6-months-long internship happening in India with an organization called
initiatives of change. So we both applied, not knowing what to expect but knew
for sure that it's going to be an unforgettable experience. We also knew that
it's going to be challenging, yet full of learning and discoveries.
And indeed it was an unforgettable experience that
exceeded our expectations. The beauty of it that it didn't offer anything
special or extra, it was what we made out of the experience and what meant to
us personally. I am back again associated with an outreach-based program in
India for the first year and around the world in the coming two years. Visiting
places and interacting with tribal and rural people no one thinks of visiting
or considering.
I think the main challenge that I faced, was myself.
In terms of setting myself free from being self-centered and focusing only on
my own needs. Instead of thinking of others first, which blocked my compassion
and love towards others, blinding me from caring fully for others and sensing
their needs and requests.
I'm in the process, constantly being aware when a
certain act or behavior I'm conducting is coming out of a selfish or selfless
space. And I think what makes me rise above my personal needs is that sense of
satisfaction that I get when I m able make a difference in somebody's life, by
the simplest acts of kindness coming from the heart,. And that is what
motivates me to keep on doing what I am doing and to be constantly thinking of
how can I always give my best, and what is it that I can do for others.
My dream for individuals all over the world is for
them to realize their true-selves in whatever they're doing and wherever they
are. To be able to light their sparks within, and have the courage to follow
their hearts, find their gifts, and give them away for others.
Imagine if every single person in this world cared for
others instead of oneself only. What would our world look like?