Columns

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.

From the depths of depression to the heights of resilience, Sheila Paylan explores the transformative power of darkness in our lives, and reveals how her darkest periods became the foundation for a life filled with purpose, healing and strength.

The global suppression of free speech is escalating, from U.S. campuses to authoritarian regimes. As dissenting voices are silenced, the importance of defending freedom of expression grows, writes Sheila Paylan, not only to express ourselves, but to echo the voices of those who cannot.

In this evocative essay, Sheila Paylan reflects on Beirut's beauty despite Lebanon's struggles, and writes of the resilient spirit of a nation that shares a deep, storied bond with Armenians, urging a reciprocal compassion and support in times of need.

In today’s world of quick swipes and instant messages, ghosting is often seen as the ultimate relationship sin. Sheila Paylan argues, however, that sometimes cutting ties without explanation is an act of self-respect, a necessary step in protecting our emotional well-being and reclaiming our narrative.

Reflecting on a taxi ride in Yerevan, Sheila Paylan challenges the traditional masculine narrative of national identity. In her next piece for "Unleashed", she explores a feminist reinterpretation of patriotism that celebrates nurturing values and champions women’s pivotal roles in shaping Armenia's society and future.

Does “Never Forget” mean “Remember All the Time”? In her next piece for “Unleashed”, Sheila Paylan challenges the collective, as well as personal and constant state of “Never Forget” and looks into maintaining a balance between remembering and letting go for a healthier outlook that helps us move onwards and upwards.

In her next piece for “Unleashed”, Sheila Paylan examines the deep divisions within the Armenian nation and questions how such discord can exist when the shared goal is Armenia's protection and prosperity and emphasizes that internal strife weakens collective efforts.

“Embracing who we are frees us from the weight of other people’s judgments, allowing us to live authentically and courageously—misunderstood, perhaps, but undeniably free,” Sheila Paylan writes in her next piece for “Unleashed” as another birthday approaches.

If we truly care about our own freedom, then we must strive to embrace a philosophy of live and let live, love and let love, writes Sheila Paylan in her next piece for “Unleashed”.