Thank you so much Mahmoud for hanging out with us on the playground today.

He shared his career journey which took him from an IT career in the Middle East to studying political science at Carleton University.

His focus on helping other people informed his choice of university major and is also a source of joy for him.

My chat with Mahmoud really gave me a lot to think about and reflect on. Things like how in Canada we take for granted that we are not at risk of being kidnapped, or murdered, simply for leaving our homes and going to university or work.

We are incredibly blessed to live in a country where people have the opportunity to study which ever subject they are interested in.

Mahmoud shared what it was like to go to school in Syria, and showed us what success means in that society. He also shared how he had to leave Syria and start all over again in Lebanon. And he also told us how instead of trying to fit into the mold of a political party here in Ottawa, he prefers to create community and support others.

We got an insight into how he was able to build community by organizing and hosting different events and how much he loves attending different festivals in the Ottawa area. Take a look the show notes for more about the vendors who helped create a fantastic event and a link to the video and the Instagram account.

I love his philosophy of this too shall pass, and  how he is able to consistently take a positive and optimistic approach to life even during the most challenging of times.

A truly lovely person, Mahmoud is caring, thoughtful and exceptionally generous. Ottawa is a better city because he makes a difference in peoples’ lives.

Please join me on the playground next week when I will be joined by another fabulous mystery guest with his own inspiring story.

Until then, please remember to visit Betalebanon.org for more information about Beirut for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. And follow me on Instagram at puddlejumpcoaching001 or say hi on LinkedIn!

And until we meet on the playground again, please be good to yourself, to others, to animals and the environment.

Looking forward to next week when we will jump into the future together!

Links:

Mahmoud Sami Eid | LinkedIn

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VtoKgv7A3gytgKWwQj-wzu5htGg2IHzq/view?usp=drivesdk

(the big event – love the dancing and the celebration!

The Syrian Community in Canada (@syriancommunityincanada) • Instagram photos and videos

BETA Lebanon – Beirut for the Ethical Treatment of Animals

And the vendors who helped make the event a success –

Party logistics:

https://www.fiestaottawa.com/

Chicken, rice, salad etc:

https://www.instagram.com/cuisinetutu?igsh=MThicTZneWJ2Ym1q

Sweets and delights:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Gp7g5K3DXw1ExPL1A

Children toys and snacks:

+1 (613) 710-7507

Music:

https://www.instagram.com/cello_event?igsh=M3hzcXozMTV5Yzlz and  Ozzie  +1 (438) 922-1337

Venue booking:

https://ccn-ncc.gc.ca/endroits/parc-vincent-massey