Dear Readers,
I hope you’ve all enjoyed a happy, healthy, and celebratory end to 2020. I’m not going to lie, I have been looking forward to seeing the back-end of this very challenging year and welcoming 2021. Despite the challenges we have faced this past year I’m grateful for...
staying healthy
nightly family dinners with my husband and two young adult children
socially distanced meals with friends in the backyard
my meditation practice
all of which have helped me get through the tough months of 2020. I don’t know about you but I personally struggled with an immense amount of anxiety and gloom which was hard to cope with at times. I’m grateful to my husband, Jim, my family, and friends who were there to support me with encouraging words, long walks in the park, and my frequent swims in the Pacific Ocean, my new pastime.
I share about my struggle so you know that you’re not alone in whatever struggles you’ve faced in the past year and I wish you an easier, more uplifting 2021.
While we look forward to a new beginning, I wanted to introduce you to Ariana Magazine, a new publication dedicated to showcasing Afghan culture, Afghan artists, Afghan professionals, and notable members of the Afghan diaspora.
Gorgeous cover of Issue 1 of the Ariana Magazine
Ariana Abawe, a London based journalist, is the founder and editor of the magazine. Ariana draws upon her experience working with MyLondon, BBC, Unread Magazine, and many other newspapers and online publications in curating Arian Magazine. When I asked Ariana what inspired her to start a magazine she responded,
“I have always had a passion for Afghanistan, my roots and my culture. My main goal is to give a voice to the voiceless and amplify their voices. As an Afghan, my aim is to showcase the beautiful side of Afghanistan, and the talented individuals in the Afghan community both Afghans and non-Afghans contributions to the Afghan community. This magazine is for Afghans and non-Afghans so they can witness the positive side of Afghanistan. Afghanistan is full of a rich heritage that has been blocked out in the mass media and its coverage of war. This magazine intends to shed light on the much positive side of Afghanistan.”
This is my feature in the 3rd Issue of the Ariana Magazine
In addition to her own photographs, including the cover of Issue 3, she uses other photographers’ works to create the rich and colorful pages of the magazine. She also does the design, layout, and editorial. Ariana was inspired to write by her father who was a journalist in Afghanistan.
The 3rd issue of Ariana Magazine is now available for digital and print purchase. I’m honored and humbled to be part of Issue 3. If you would like to purchase the magazine or if you would like to submit an article for consideration, you may do so on the Ariana Magazine Website.
Issue 3 of Ariana Magazine
I look forward to hearing about what new things you’ve discovered in 2020 and what you are grateful for.
Have a wonderful New Year celebration. Stay safe and healthy. See you in 2021.
Best wishes,
Humaira