Transform Lives: How One Question Changed Everything
Dear Gentle Reader,
I hope this message finds you well and in good spirits. Today, I want to share a story unlike any other, one that has transformed my life and has the power to touch yours too. It all started with a single question, a dream, and a heartfelt mission that led me to the heart of Nepal.
What if everything is possible?
Earlier this year, in March and April, I embarked on a volunteer journey to Nepal with a few dear friends. We lived with the school director and his family, immersing ourselves in their daily lives and working tirelessly to find ways to help, teach, and inspire the children.
Our mission was simple yet profound: to teach English, emotional regulation, and to show these children the beauty and possibilities of the world beyond their immediate surroundings. It all began with a simple question I asked the children: "What would you do if you had a magic wand with one wish only?" Their responses were nothing short of inspiring. They wished for everyone to be kinder, to help their parents and grandparents, and to open orphanages and hospitals. Every one of their desires was directed toward giving.
Their selflessness moved me to tears, and I shared this heartfelt moment with my friends the next day, expressing my deep desire to support these children financially, despite not having the means to do so.
One of my dearest friends hugged me and said, "Okay, then let's do that." This simple act of solidarity ignited a movement. We set up a fundraising account and shared our mission with family, friends, and on social media. The outpouring of support was overwhelming and deeply emotional for all of us. Thanks to this incredible generosity, we raised $2000, providing a year's worth of school supplies to 150 bright and eager-to-learn children.
During our time there, we also volunteered at another school. Although we could only spend three days there and didn't have the financial means to do much, we painted walls and adorned them with uplifting messages, leaving a lasting impact.
One thing that brought me so much joy and gives me hope is seeing how the children are learning to understand their emotions, honour them, express them, and communicate effectively. We had fun classes where we taught them to give compliments. It was adorable to see them being shy at first, but by the end of our stay, they started writing happy birthday letters, gratitude letters to each other, and uplifting those around them. Watching them connect, talk about negative emotions, and comfort each other touched me deeply. I remember just crying because I felt that the vision of a peaceful, compassionate world I have is close. I feel it, and I will do everything to help.
Every day, the children surrounded us with love letters, drawings, flowers, hugs, and kisses. Their sweet "I love you Arke" was enough for me to fall in love with life all over again.
This journey has been nothing short of life-changing. It reaffirmed my belief in the power of community and showed me that we are all capable of so much more than we realize. My previous limiting beliefs – "I am not financially well enough to travel," "People don't care for what they can't see," "I can't financially support someone," "You can't make friends as an adult," and "If I share my dreams, people will laugh or ignore them" – have all been shattered. These beliefs have transformed into affirmations:
"I am sure there are many ways to travel, experience, and be in service. I trust that the universe will show me the path." And it did – I used a platform called Workaway to travel on a budget, volunteering in exchange for food and accommodation. This allowed me to deeply experience each culture and connect on a profound level.
"If I feel the importance of generosity, it proves that there are many people like me. Those who resonate will reach out."
"I may not be financially abundant, but my intention and heart will find a way to support those in need. I have a voice, ideas, and most importantly, the time to be in service."
"We are all deeply connected and loving beings. Connection happens when I open up first. I will trust myself." Now, I have friends all around the world with whom I've shared many tears of joy and sadness. We are not just friends but soul family.
"If I don't say and share, those who share the same ideas and dreams won't find me. I don't mind being laughed at." This was the best decision ever. By sharing my dreams and ideas, more and more people have helped me accomplish them, and we’ve shared the joy of being human together, in service and experiencing life.
In the evenings, I make content and guide people on their spiritual journey, but in the mornings, I make coffee for people. If there is anything I want you to take with you from my letter, it is this:
Trust in your dreams, no matter how big or small!
Destination in life will unfold in uncertain ways, but what matters is the journey itself. So enjoy the ride, life is too short. As for me, I made a vow ten months ago that I will make sure that my life will be the message. Challenges don’t scare me because I have learned to choose my path and accept the challenges that come with it. Everything will be okay if you move with love in your heart. "Love is the bridge between you and everything," Rumi once said, and indeed it is.I hope this story inspires someone to take a leap of faith and know that there is a big world out there where you belong everywhere. You matter, every single one of you. If you've read my story till the end, thank you.
What I want to say is to always have faith in yourself, take action, do your best, and the rest will be answered by the Universe. You will meet your tribe.
From the depths of my heart, I thank you for your kindness and generosity.With heartfelt gratitude,
Arke Muratova
P.S. If you'd like to support my next trip to Nepal, feel free to visit my shop below. Every $5 from each purchase goes towards making a difference in the lives of these children.
Please find the updates from my last trip on my Instagram @arkemuratova
Watch the full story of how I changed my life on YouTube:)
