Tag Archives: Roj Contents

Transformation #9

From Materialism to Mindfulness: My Transformation Journey towards Paying for Experience 

This leg of my journey towards transformation is particularly special to me because of the revolutionary changes it has brought deep within me. It’s the culmination of all the past steps that I have taken to get here, and that’s why I hold this stage of my journey in high regard. It has helped shape me into a better version of myself. In my younger days, I was notorious for spending all my earnings on expensive brands and fashion labels. I was a shopaholic, believing that material possessions would bring me contentment and happiness. But as I progressed on my transformation journey, I realized that investing in materialism no longer gave me the satisfaction I sought. I wanted to explore new experiences and invest my money in creating memorable moments. While I still indulge in branded products, I’m way more mindful of my choices now. My focus is on creating experiences and memories that are worth cherishing!

 

Changing Mindset from Materialism to Mindfulness

My journey towards paying for experience started with a simple shift in my mindset. I began questioning the value of material possessions and their effect on my life. I realized that the pursuit of materialism only left me feeling empty and unfulfilled, and I wanted something more meaningful.

I started reading books and articles about minimalism, mindfulness, and the benefits of investing in experiences. I learned that adventures bring us more happiness than material possessions, creating lasting memories we can cherish forever.

 

The Negative Effects of Materialism on Our Lives

Materialism can negatively affect our lives, including financial stress, social pressure, and environmental damage. Moreover, when focusing on material possessions, we often overlook the value of experiences and relationships, leading to a shallow and unfulfilling life.

Moreover, chasing the latest trends and designer labels can be expensive, leaving us in financial instability. We also contribute to environmental damage by supporting fast fashion and other unsustainable industries.

 

The Benefits of Investing in Experiences

Investing in experiences, on the other hand, can bring us many benefits, including personal growth, connection with others, and a sense of fulfillment. In addition, experiences create lasting memories that we can cherish for a lifetime and help us grow and learn new things.

Moreover, experiences can be shared with others, creating deep and meaningful connections that enrich our lives. Whether it’s a weekend getaway with friends or a solo adventure to a new country, experiences bring us closer to others and ourselves.

 

Solo Travel: A Life-Changing Experience

One of the most life-changing experiences I mentioned in detail in my content post #4 was travelling solo to Qeshm Island. It was a scary thought at first, but I knew deep down that I needed to step out of my comfort zone and explore the world on my terms.

Travelling solo allowed me to discover new cultures, meet new people, and learn more about myself. It taught me to be independent, adaptable, and open-minded, creating lasting memories I will cherish forever.

 

Discovering Yoga and Meditation: A New Way of Living

In my journey towards paying for experiences instead of material things, I found that practicing yoga and meditation-as I have discussed earlier in my last content post-was, was a key factor in my mindset transformation. Instead of constantly seeking material possessions, I learned to appreciate the present moment and focus on my well-being. Yoga and meditation allowed me to slow down, be more mindful, and connect with myself deeper. As a result, I could find greater fulfillment and satisfaction by prioritizing experiences that enriched my life rather than accumulating more possessions. This shift towards mindfulness and a more minimalist lifestyle have transformed how I live and see the world around me.

 

 

Balancing Materialism and Mindfulness: Tips for a Conscious Lifestyle

 

Living a conscious lifestyle means finding a balance between materialism and mindfulness. It’s about investing in experiences that bring us joy and fulfillment while being mindful of our environmental and societal impact.

Some tips that have helped me in my journey toward paying for experience are:

  • Practicing gratitude: Expressing gratitude for what we have can help us shift our focus from material possessions to experiences and relationships.
  • Setting priorities: Prioritizing experiences that align with our values and goals can help us invest our money wisely and create meaningful memories.
  • Supporting sustainable and local brands: Choosing to support brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices can help us minimize our impact on the environment and society. For instance, nowadays, I invest much of my money in Iranian designers’ beautiful and unique designs instead of investing in the worthless fast fashion industry.
  • Being present: Being present in the moment can help us appreciate the beauty of the experience and create lasting memories.
 
 

Creating Meaningful Memories: How to Invest in Experiences

 

Experiences are a great way to create meaningful memories that last a lifetime. Investing in experiences can also help us connect with ourselves and the world. Here are some tips for investing in experiences:

Invest in yourself: Investing in activities that promote self-discovery, such as sports, yoga, or art classes, can help us connect with ourselves and create a deeper understanding of who we are.

Engage with nature: Connecting with nature can be a powerful experience that helps us appreciate the beauty of the natural world and our place within it.

Exploring new destinations: Exploring new places and cultures can help us appreciate the beauty of life, broaden our horizons, and create meaningful memories.

Trying new foods: Exploring new cuisines and local dishes can be a fun and delicious way to invest in experiences, especially in lovely Vancity!, with its diverse culinary scene, offering plenty of unique words gathered from all around.



Embracing a Mindful Lifestyle

 

In conclusion, my transformation journey towards paying for experience has been a life-changing experience. It taught me the value of investing in ventures and helped me balance materialism and mindfulness.

Living a conscious lifestyle means being mindful of our impact on the environment and society while investing in experiences that bring us joy and fulfillment. It’s about creating meaningful memories and cherishing the present moment.

I encourage everyone to embrace a mindful lifestyle and invest in experiences that bring joy and fulfillment. Whether travelling solo, practicing yoga and meditation, or trying a new hobby, investing in ventures can bring us closer to ourselves and others, creating lasting memories we will cherish forever. So GIVE IT A TRY!!!!!!

Transformation #8-From Injury to Inspiration

From Injury to Inspiration: How My ACL Surgery Turned into a Self-Growth Journey

 

As an avid sports enthusiast, I never imagined that my passion for skiing would one day lead me to the operating room. It was winter 2021, and I was exploring the Darbandsar ski resort in Tehran, Iran. I had not slept for more than two hours the night before due to excitement, and the adrenaline rush of skiing kept me going. But fate had other plans for me…

While looking for my AirPods in the snow, my snowboard slipped, and I fell awkwardly, feeling a sharp pain in my left knee…I could not even stand up, let alone walk. I knew something was wrong. After being transported to the hospital, I was devastated to learn that I had torn my ACL. It was a devastating blow, and I was worried about how it would impact my life!

 

 

How Losing My ACL Affected My Life

 

As someone who was addicted to sports and exercised excessively, the news of my injury was a severe setback. The thought of not being able to engage in sports activities was unbearable. It was like losing a part of myself, and I felt lost and uncertain about the future. On the other hand, I had always been active, and the idea of being inactive for an extended period was daunting. It was a challenging time, and I struggled to accept my injury.

 

 

The Decision to Undergo Surgery and the Recovery Process

 

After much contemplation, I decided to undergo ACL surgery. The doctors informed me that surgery was the only way to continue engaging in sports activities. It was a difficult decision, but I knew it was right. The surgery went well, but the recovery process was long and gruelling.

I was bedridden for two weeks, and the pain was excruciating. Simple tasks like sitting up or walking to the bathroom felt like Herculean tasks. The road to recovery was challenging, and I sometimes felt like giving up. However, I was determined to come out of this experience more robust and resilient.

 

 

Coping with the Emotional and Physical Challenges During Recovery

 

The recovery process was not only physically challenging but also emotionally draining. I had to learn to accept my injury and find ways to cope with its emotional pain. I started reading books, listening to podcasts, and engaging in light yoga activities. This helped me understand my emotions better and regain control of my life.

 

 

Coping with the Emotional and Physical Challenges During Recovery

 

The recovery process was not only physically challenging but also emotionally draining. I had to learn to accept my injury and find ways to cope with its emotional pain. I started reading books, listening to podcasts, and engaging in light yoga activities. This helped me understand my emotions better and regain control of my life.

 

I also had to attend my physiotherapy sessions regularly to regain my strength and mobility. With each passing day, I felt more confident about achieving a full recovery. The journey was filled with setbacks and challenges, but it was an incredible self-growth experience.

 

 

How the Recovery Period Became a Journey of Self-Growth and Personal Development

The recovery period was a turning point in my life. What started as a physical journey to healing my knee turned into a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. I realized that I had been neglecting my mental and emotional health. This injury allowed me to focus on my overall well-being.

I started reading books on personal development and self-care, which gave me a new perspective on life. I learned about resilience, patience, and self-care, which helped me stay positive and motivated during recovery. I also started a gratitude journal, which helped me focus on the positive aspects of my life and appreciate the little things.

 

 

 

The Lessons I Learned About Resilience, Patience, and Self-Care During My Recovery

 

The recovery journey taught me many valuable lessons I would carry with me for the rest of my life. I learned the importance of resilience, patience, and self-care. I realized that setbacks are a part of life, and we must choose how we respond to them. I also learned that caring for our mental and emotional health is as important as our physical health.

I learned to be patient with myself and trust the process. Recovery is not a linear journey, and there were days when I felt like I needed to make progress. However, I learned to be kind to myself and celebrate small victories. I also learned the importance of self-care, such as getting enough rest, eating well, and taking time for myself.

 

 

Tips for Staying Positive and Motivated During a Long-Term Recovery Process

 

If you are in a long-term recovery process, it can be challenging to stay positive and motivated. However, there are several things you can do to help yourself stay on track.

Firstly, focus on the things that you can control. While you may not be able to control the recovery process, you can possess your mindset and attitude. Focus on the positive aspects of your life, and surround yourself with supportive people who encourage and motivate you.

Secondly, set small goals for yourself that are achievable. Finally, celebrate small victories along the way, and use them as motivation to keep going.

Thirdly, take care of your overall well-being. Get enough rest, eat well, and exercise within your limitations. Taking care of your physical health will also help improve your mental and emotional health.



 The Transformational Journey from Injury to Inspiration

 

In conclusion, my ACL surgery was a complex and challenging experience. Still, it also turned out to be a transformational journey. The recovery period taught me valuable resilience, patience, and self-care lessons. In addition, it allowed me to focus on my mental and emotional health and become a better version of myself.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, know that setbacks are a part of life, and it is up to us to choose how we respond to them. So, take care of yourself and focus on the positive aspects of your life. Remember, every setback is an opportunity for growth and transformation.

So, if you are in a challenging situation, take a deep breath, and keep moving forward. You never know what amazing things await you on the other side of the struggle.

Transformation #3 My Weight Loss Journey

Today is truly a monumental day. I’m here in Lotus Cafe, sipping an Americano and reflecting on how far my personal journey has come – at least that’s why I think they call it reflection! But there are plenty of other reasons to be celebrating today too; the one ringing loudest being Shervin’s (an Iraninan singer) incredible success with winning a Grammy for the Best social change song (Baraaye-for Woman Life Freedom movement in Iran) – such inspiring achievement! (More information here!) 

To prepare myself for this soul-searching session, nothing beats indulging into some good music from my favorite ‘work/study playlist’ (check out Spotify!). So, as you can tell by now, I am more than ready to dive deep into thinking about all these wonderful emotions associated with my transformation process… let’s get started!


How I lost 20kg of my weight, a critical point in Rojan's Road to Roj Journey

Well…How I lost 20kg of my weight is a story that starts with a lot of struggles and ends with a lot of success. It’s been a critical point in my Rojan’s Road to Roj Journey because it’s helped me to rebuild my confidence and recommit to my health goals. Today, I want to share how I did it in the hopes that it will inspire others who are struggling with their own weight loss journey.

September 2019-Vancouver
September 2021-Tehran

The story of my insecurities because of those some extra pounds

As a young teenager entering high school, I was never shy about my love of sweets and carefree abandon with which I enjoyed them. However, as many of my peers began to become more conscious of their bodies in the 15-16 age range – going on diets and choosing trends that fit their desired image – it hit me just how much weight these issues could have for boys or girls looking to make a good impression.

 

Naturally, this caused some insecurity when it came time for me personally to start dating; feeling like I wasn’t ‘good enough’ weighed heavily on mind as well! 

Yes true…I was carrying the feeling of ‘Inadequacy’ with myself for many years, I had felt like something was missing in my life- and not just a physical void. 

 

Fearing imperfection, refusing everyone before they could even reject me – this became an all too familiar pattern when it came to dating. My lack of self-confidence also seeped into other parts of my life; for instance, constantly buying clothes out of insecurity but then never feeling good enough to wear them or go the gym because I didn’t think that at 10-12 kg overweight there would be any point either way! 

 

When people told me I was beautiful inside and out (which is incredibly sweet!), rather than believing their compliment wholeheartedly as anyone deserves to do so now looking back with hindsight, I thought they were fooling me… 

 

I remember looking around at my friends who were nicely put together and thinking ‘why did they get to have true love while I was alone?’ On paper it should look like a perfect match—I had many dates, and some offers of long-term relationships! But no matter how amazing the proposal sounded in theory or if there truly seemed to be something special between us… deep down I couldn’t stop asking myself: Is something wrong with them that convinced them this could work out?! So instead of taking chances on any budding romances, I decided against getting too close.

I started losing weight because of this trigger point

Three years ago, that moment truly marked a huge turning point within me, where change became absolutely essential! I was in my home in Vancouver feeling unmotivated and unsure of myself. 

 

I had been lacking confidence for years and nothing seemed to be able to motivate me enough. That changed when a text from an unexpected source completely shifted the way I looked at things—it became clear that this pivotal moment could not go unaddressed any longer. 

 

It all started innocently enough with friendly greetings but as soon as he used an offensive term directed towards those who are overweight it felt like something inside of me broke entirely apart; suddenly all my fears came flooding out into focus and ignited flames within everything around me. 

 

This one message gave rise to such intensity that there could no more doubt: I HAD TO CHANGE! I knew that caring for my body and mind was necessary if I wanted to have the future that I dreamt of. 

 

And that’s exactly what got me started on this incredible journey of losing weight; that day marked the beginning of a struggle that sure enough made me stronger, healthier, happier, and above all more confident than ever before!

The challenges I faced, the right approach I took, and how I overcame them

I put away my fear of going to the gym because I wasn’t in shape, and I started to go to the gym with my best friend Amitis (Thank you Amy, you saved my life!) in her building. 

When I first started running, I couldn’t run even one minute, but I gradually increased the time and learned that consistency was more critical than speed. My goal was not instant change, but to change my whole lifestyle, so I began by eating clean and exercising with functional cardio. 

 

After months of hard work, I was finally starting to notice the physical transformation in myself and felt rejuvenated mentally. But then came the pandemic which forced me back home. Even though all restaurants were closed due to quarantine regulations, this ended up being a blessing as it gave me more time for my hobbies – like cooking! Who else remembers going crazy trying to bake bread during lockdown? That’s still one of my favorite memories from that era! 

 

After trying lots of different diets and exercise plans, I eventually found one that worked wonders for me – an Iranian trainer’s personal home plan. After committing to a regular routine following his advice, I was thrilled to see the result – 10kg lighter! It felt like such an accomplishment after all those months of hard work; it made it worth every minute spent sweating. 

 

My journey to a better lifestyle was often met with detours and dead ends. After 8 months of trial-and-error, I decided to take an unconventional approach–a 3-week smoothie diet! Though it lacked scientific support, the results were nothing short of miraculous. Through this experience I learned that being successful is about taking small steps on your path instead of just focusing solely on the result.

 I was feeling low after getting shot down, and that’s when I discovered Barry’s gym!

 It had a branch in Tehran which is where I first started to workout. It quickly became one of my favorite places – so much so that now there’s an even better version here in Vancouver! If you’re looking for an amazing place to get your sweat on wherever in the world you are!

 Then check out the link here and reserve your bedroom spot– trust me, this spot won’t disappoint!

Barry's Vancouver
Barry's Tehran

Following my weight-loss transformation, how my life has changed

My life has drastically changed for the better since I made a commitment to improve my physical and mental health. Initially it was challenging, but with each pound that I shed, setting new goals became easier than ever before! Not only could I move around more freely as time passed – even taking on tasks that had once seemed impossible-but something else began happening too. 

 

A confidence developed in me like never before which brought back an energy and vibrancy to my day; all thanks to making healthier decisions every single day! Looking back now at how far I’ve come is such an empowering experience-one of true gratitude towards everything this journey has done for me so far (and will do!)

 

When I stepped on the scale and saw that number staring back at me, my mind started to create a powerful story of negativity. Suddenly all other issues in life melted away – there was only one problem: this 10 kg extra weight. But something changed as soon as those hurtful words passed through my best friend’s toxic boyfriend’s lips – it made me realize how much value our minds hold when trying to make changes for ourselves! 

 

That moment opened up an opportunity where I could take control of self-doubt, anxiety and low confidence because from then onwards I had the power within myself to decide what kind of person I wanted to be; strong or weak? It began with shifting perspective about just 10 kg but spread into so many more aspects in terms of becoming happier and healthier individuals along broader lines such as mental health awakening too.

 

It took me a long time to realize that my insecurities and concerns about weight were only in my mind.

 

 For the longest time, I believed that if I lost 10 kg of extra weight then this would be the one-stop solution to all other problems in life! However, it was not until an unpleasant experience with someone close forced me into action did things begin to change. 

 

By choosing healthier lifestyle options such as regular exercise and healthy eating habits, I freed myself up mentally which allowed me to focus on areas like academic success, career goals or even networking – those aspects provide much more fulfilment than worrying over body image issues ever could have given!

 

And now when I’m writing this post, I am so grateful for the incredible mental transformation I have experienced over this long path. This journey has been so much more than just a physical transformation. 

 

I have learned to love myself whatever shape, size or weight that may be – and it is such an empowering feeling! Instead of judging people by their outward appearance, I now judge them for the beauty of their soul; for what lies inside rather than how they look on the outside.

 Life isn’t about those arbitrary numbers on scales anymore – unless our health is being harmed in any way – but instead we should enjoy each other’s rich personality and celebrate one another’s personal achievements along this beautiful ride called life!

For others who struggle with weight loss, here are some encouraging words and advice!

If there’s one piece of advice, I can offer those who are struggling on their weight loss journey, it would be to never give up – no matter how hard it gets. When I first started my journey, I felt completely overwhelmed and discouraged by the challenge ahead of me.

 

 But after sticking with it and challenging myself to stay motivated and persist through setbacks, I eventually reached my goal. Despite all the roadblocks in your way, don’t forget that you CAN achieve your goals if you work hard enough and put in the effort. Every time you feel like giving up, remind yourself why you made this choice in the first place and keep going – because you WANT it, and you ARE worth it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Writing my story has been an incredibly emotional journey for me. I want to give hope and show that it is possible to make meaningful changes in your life with consistent effort, even if the path can be hard at times. My own weight loss success proves that small steps of dedication are key – don’t get discouraged! Allow yourself grace as you move forward on this journey – because any little bit counts and just look where believing in myself got me today: a healthy lifestyle full of joy! If anyone has specific questions or would like more guidance along the way, please feel free to reach out; connecting over our shared experiences may help us both achieve greatness together <3