I was having a discussion with a friend about the current events, the immigration and Muslim ban, the construction of a wall and so forth when he commented in a contemptuous way “what are you going to do about it?” Practically saying,  “nothing will change.” His comment kept me awake all night...

So, this is my answer:
It takes guts to stand up to injustice, yet: it takes resistance and resolution to force a change!
 
Until now, the majority of us were not happy with what was happening, and we were content by just complaining about it at our dinner table; only a few had the guts to protest and a few had the stamina to resist.
 
Well, that was the case before Trump. Trump has insulted our democracy and threatened our freedoms where it has empowered so many to find the stamina and perseverance to resist.
 
So my friend, I do believe that there is plenty to do and there are plenty of people that are willing to refuse to accept!
 
So for the entire dissatisfied population,  I do have a to-do list:
 
First, if you don’t agree with the status quo, speak up. ​Be loud and proud, their voice can’t be louder than ours.
 
Second, put your money where your mouth is. If there is an organization like the ACLU that is fighting for us or NPR that provides true information, make a commitment, a monthly pledge to contribute $5, $10 or any amount you are comfortable with.

Third, talk to your Senators and congressmen/women, put pressure on them; it works!
 
Last but not least, have the resolution to resist. This is not a sprint but a marathon and only the strong-willed will secure the future of our kids.
 
"It takes guts to stand up to injustice…
Yet, it takes resistance and resolution to force a change!" - Mauricio Fraga-Rosenfeld
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This week my daughter, Isabela, and I, got in the car and began driving without having a clear destination. Our plan was to go somewhere between DC and NYC to ski and later catch up with the rest of the family in New York City.

The same evening we checked in to a hotel in Pennsylvania located less then 2 hours from NYC, I asked a young man: “How long would it take us to get to NYC?” he immediately responded: “no idea, I have never been there…” Wow, I was surprised. 

“You have never been there, you are so close to it… where is the furthest that you have ever been?” I asked.

“Florida, and Philadelphia… but, I want to go to Thailand,” he responded

“Thailand, it’s a great place to visit… Let me tell you something” I said, “when you begin traveling it becomes an addiction and you won’t be able to stop... A young man like you should be venturing the world!”

Nesrin, my wife, constantly tells our children, “school is ¼ of your education and the World is the other ¾ of your education.” Traveling allows you to experience a different culture, different people, different smells, different flavors that will enrich your soul. When you experience different cultures and people you will start to appreciate those differences and build a better understanding of the World we live in.

In life: if you never try, you will never know; if you never try, you will never reach your destination. 

Everyday, when we wakeup, we have two choices: We can wake up excited, ready to conquer the world or we can rise feeling defeated, bored, unmotivated. We can either have a positive or a negative attitude.
 
In life, our attitude is the key:
 
A positive attitude leads to affirmative thoughts, constructive events and successful outcomes; it generates happiness and satisfaction.
 
A negative attitude generates pessimistic thoughts, destructive events and failed outcomes; it provokes anger and disappointment.
 
So, beginning today, on the beginning of this year get going strong. In the morning do not drag yourself out of bed, instead jump out excited, whistling to the world, “it is a brand new day”. This will create a positive frame for the entire day, for the entire year, and for your entire life!

"People do feel your attitude... so keep it right!" - Mauricio Fraga-Rosenfeld

Have a strong 2017!
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