Fires and Fascists

As wildfires ravage Los Angeles, exposing unpreparedness and policy failures, parallels emerge with Armenia's challenges

amid escalating threats by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Sheila Paylan highlights the need for vigilance and readiness against both natural disasters and geopolitical crises.

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New Year’s Revolutions

Sheila Paylan

Dec 30, 2024

Reimagining resolutions as personal uprisings, Sheila Paylan reflects on a life-changing typo, and explores how

small, intentional steps can ignite change, turning aspirations into lasting revolutions for growth, fulfillment and reinvention.

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Borderline

Sheila Paylan

Dec 16, 2024

In Kirants, a small village on Armenia’s northeastern border, ancient monasteries, a school with a

bomb shelter, and a military base coexist. Sheila Paylan explores the physical and emotional boundaries that define security, identity and resilience in a fragile landscape.

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Praise the Fuss

Sheila Paylan

Dec 2, 2024

Reflecting on her personal journey from skepticism to embracing gratitude, Sheila Paylan explores the transformative

power of thankfulness, the mental health benefits of practicing it daily, and how celebrating Thanksgiving in a community has redefined her perspective on the holiday.

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Less Is More

Sheila Paylan

Nov 4, 2024

Inspired by her father's minimalist ethos, Sheila Paylan delves into the power of embracing a

"less is more" approach to life. Explore how choosing to live with less can bring more meaningful connections, enhance focus, and clear space for what truly matters—leading to richer, more authentic experiences.

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On Meritocracy

Sheila Paylan

Oct 21, 2024

Reflecting on the persistence of nepotism in Armenia, Sheila Paylan argues for the adoption of

a genuine meritocracy, where qualifications and competence are valued above personal connections, to ensure equal opportunities and effective leadership.

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Sovereign Within

Sheila Paylan

Oct 7, 2024

Reflecting on the concepts of sovereignty and self-determination through both political and personal lenses, Sheila

Paylan explores lessons from the struggle for recognition by breakaway states to draw parallels with the autonomy needed to reclaim control over one’s own life.

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Home/Land

Sheila Paylan

Sep 23, 2024

On the one-year anniversary of the ethnic cleansing of Armenians from Artsakh and the 33rd

anniversary of Armenia's independence, Sheila Paylan explores the complex emotions of grief, resilience, and the ongoing fight to protect Armenia’s sovereignty while honoring the right of return for Artsakh Armenians.

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