When asked whether hope depends on circumstances or practice, Mostafa Salem leaned firmly toward practice. “I always see that hope is related to gratitude in a way,” he explained. For him, gratitude is a daily habit: by noticing small positives around us, we slowly build a reservoir of hope. “People are always surrounded by positive things, but once they get used to it, they don’t see it anymore,” he said. Training ourselves to notice these details is, for him, an act of gratitude—and gratitude, in turn, fuels hope. His message was simple: “We shouldn’t stop believing.”<\/p>\r\n
Protecting Your Energy<\/strong><\/p>\r\n Hope, Salem believes, isn’t only about mindset but also about our social environment. “There’s a big influence from the people surrounding us,” he noted, pointing to how friendships have declined in the past 15 years, partly due to social media. Constant exposure to “perfect” online images can trap us in toxic comparisons. His solution: guard your energy. “You have to decrease this intake of social media,” he advised, explaining that unplugging frees space for creativity and self-focus.<\/p>\r\n Talking to the Inner Critic<\/strong><\/p>\r\n Like everyone, Salem has an inner voice that sows doubt. Instead of silencing it, he suggests acknowledging it. “My therapist taught me a technique: imagine your negative thoughts as a person and talk to them each day.” He even named his critic Thalby (Negative), writing him letters and refusing to let him control his days. “If you’re having a bad day, it’s fine—it’s not mine. I’m having a good one.” By separating himself from negativity, Salem finds clarity and peace.<\/p>\r\n Choosing Motivation in Chaos<\/strong><\/p>\r\n When asked what matters most during turbulent times is motivation, discipline, or perspective; Salem chose motivation. “Discipline and perspective are very important, actually, but I’ll go for motivation.” He admitted that in chaos, motivation can be hard to find, but suggested starting with passion: “Find something you love to do, and then I think you’ll find motivation from there.”<\/p>\r\n Crisis as Opportunity<\/strong><\/p>\r\n Salem’s own story illustrates this. After winning a scholarship for a master’s degree at the University of Greenwich, military service prevented him from traveling. Instead of giving up, he entered an international architecture competition linked to the Venice Biennale, and won, representing Egypt on a global stage. “In the middle of all this happening, I just made sure to look for the opportunity, find it, and go for it.” His lesson: even when plans collapse, “there’s definitely something better for you; just believe it will come forward.”<\/p>\r\n Building a Stronger Mindset<\/strong><\/p>\r\n So, how do you cultivate resilience? For Salem, it’s about balance: “A combination of doing something you love and doing what you have to do.” He believes in “loving what you do until you get to do what you love.” For those feeling stuck, he recommends both practical and spiritual steps: “Talk to God, have faith. And if you’re stuck, take care of yourself. Find something you love, even a hobby can spark renewal.”<\/p>\r\n Advice to His Younger Self<\/strong><\/p>\r\n Looking back, Salem shared the wisdom he’d offer his younger self: “Life is not a train.” He explained that many in his generation were taught to work endlessly, save, and only enjoy life later, when energy often runs out. “You need to have a work–life balance,” he stressed. Overworking may build wealth, but it risks joy, creativity, and sustainability. His greatest takeaway? Balance is the key to a fulfilling life.<\/p>","Instagram":"","HomeTitle":"On NileFM\u2019s Brain Busters | Mostafa Salem Talks Balance, Gratitude, and Hope in Hard Times","HomeThumbnail":"uploads\/articles\/1757332996-BeFunky-collagegery_-_2025-09-08T142652.337.jpg","Alias":"on-nilefm-s-brain-busters-mostafa-salem-talks-balance-gratitude-and-hope-in-hard-times","MainMediaType":null,"MainMedia":"uploads\/articles\/1757332996-BeFunky-collagegery_-_2025-09-08T142652.337.jpg","IsFeatured":"1","InSlider":"0","SliderSort":null,"InHome":"1","IsBreaking":"1","IsPublished":"1","IsTrashed":"0","AuthorID":"7","AuthorType":"1","ViewsCount":null,"TemplateID":null,"PublishDate":"2025-09-08 14:32:30","Relations":null,"SEOKeywords":"Brain Busters,NileFM,Basmah","SEODescription":"","CreatedOn":"2025-09-08 12:03:16","CreatedBy":null,"UpdatedOn":"2025-09-10 10:32:09","UpdatedBy":null,"Authors":[{"ID":7,"FirstName":"Nile FM Staff","LastName":"","ProfilePicture":"uploads\/authors\/1508849408-author-3.jpg","Email":"","Biography":" Savvy, geeky, and fluent in pop culture, Nile FM staff writers' mission is to keep you on top of everything worth knowing.<\/p>","Alias":"nile-fm-staff","SEOKeywords":"undefined","SEODescription":"","IsActive":1,"IsTrashed":0,"CreatedOn":"2017-07-27 08:33:27","CreatedBy":null,"UpdatedOn":"2017-12-19 10:37:44","UpdatedBy":null}],"Categories":[{"ID":"107495","Title":"Viral","ParentID":"30","Color":"undefined","InHome":"0","Template":"0","Sort":"0","Alias":"viral","SEOKeywords":null,"SEODescription":"","CreatedOn":"2025-09-08 12:03:16","CreatedBy":null,"UpdatedOn":null,"UpdatedBy":null,"ItemID":"12677","CategoryID":"35","TableName":"Pages"},{"ID":"107496","Title":"Nile FM's Guests","ParentID":"47","Color":"undefined","InHome":"1","Template":"1","Sort":"4","Alias":"nile-fm-s-guests","SEOKeywords":null,"SEODescription":"","CreatedOn":"2025-09-08 12:03:16","CreatedBy":null,"UpdatedOn":null,"UpdatedBy":null,"ItemID":"12677","CategoryID":"38","TableName":"Pages"}],"Tags":[{"ID":"139654","Title":"nile fm guests","CreatedOn":"2025-09-08 12:03:16","CreatedBy":null,"UpdatedOn":null,"UpdatedBy":null,"ItemID":"12677","TagID":"11647","TableName":"Pages"}]},{"ID":"12669","Title":"Brain Busters Spotlight: Architect and Creator Mostafa Salem","Intro":"Brain Busters Spotlight: Architect and Creator Mostafa Salem\r\n","Content":" Kick off your Monday with fresh ideas and endless inspiration!<\/strong><\/p>\r\n On 8th of September, Brain Busters with Basmah welcomes Mostafa Salem, architect, content creator, and visionary storyteller breathing new life into Cairo’s hidden heritage.<\/p>\r\n From restoring forgotten landmarks to seamlessly merging history with modern design, Salem shows us how the past and present can thrive together in inspiring harmony.<\/p>\r\n Get ready for an exclusive conversation on the challenges of architectural restoration, the power of community in preservation and the future of Egypt’s timeless treasures<\/p>\r\n Don’t miss it! Brain Busters with Basmah, Monday, 8th of September from 10:00–11:00 AM<\/strong><\/p>\r\n Only on NileFM!<\/strong><\/p>","Instagram":"","HomeTitle":"Brain Busters Spotlight: Architect and Creator Mostafa Salem","HomeThumbnail":"uploads\/articles\/1757257055-BeFunky-collage3_71.jpg","Alias":"brain-busters-spotlight-architect-and-creator-mostafa-salem","MainMediaType":null,"MainMedia":"uploads\/articles\/1757257055-BeFunky-collage3_71.jpg","IsFeatured":"1","InSlider":"0","SliderSort":null,"InHome":"1","IsBreaking":"1","IsPublished":"1","IsTrashed":"0","AuthorID":"7","AuthorType":"1","ViewsCount":null,"TemplateID":null,"PublishDate":"2025-09-07 15:33:52","Relations":null,"SEOKeywords":"Basmah,Brain Busters,NileFM","SEODescription":"","CreatedOn":"2025-09-07 12:48:26","CreatedBy":null,"UpdatedOn":"2025-09-10 10:32:01","UpdatedBy":null,"Authors":[{"ID":7,"FirstName":"Nile FM Staff","LastName":"","ProfilePicture":"uploads\/authors\/1508849408-author-3.jpg","Email":"","Biography":" Savvy, geeky, and fluent in pop culture, Nile FM staff writers' mission is to keep you on top of everything worth knowing.<\/p>","Alias":"nile-fm-staff","SEOKeywords":"undefined","SEODescription":"","IsActive":1,"IsTrashed":0,"CreatedOn":"2017-07-27 08:33:27","CreatedBy":null,"UpdatedOn":"2017-12-19 10:37:44","UpdatedBy":null}],"Categories":[{"ID":"107452","Title":"Viral","ParentID":"30","Color":"undefined","InHome":"0","Template":"0","Sort":"0","Alias":"viral","SEOKeywords":null,"SEODescription":"","CreatedOn":"2025-09-07 14:57:35","CreatedBy":null,"UpdatedOn":null,"UpdatedBy":null,"ItemID":"12669","CategoryID":"35","TableName":"Pages"},{"ID":"107453","Title":"Nile FM's Guests","ParentID":"47","Color":"undefined","InHome":"1","Template":"1","Sort":"4","Alias":"nile-fm-s-guests","SEOKeywords":null,"SEODescription":"","CreatedOn":"2025-09-07 14:57:35","CreatedBy":null,"UpdatedOn":null,"UpdatedBy":null,"ItemID":"12669","CategoryID":"38","TableName":"Pages"}],"Tags":[{"ID":"139644","Title":"brain busters","CreatedOn":"2025-09-07 14:57:35","CreatedBy":null,"UpdatedOn":null,"UpdatedBy":null,"ItemID":"12669","TagID":"11625","TableName":"Pages"}]},{"ID":"12644","Title":"Morning Beats & Stories | AFCENT Band Live on NileFM\u2019s Big Breakfast with Rob & Nadine","Intro":"Morning Beats & Stories | AFCENT Band Live on NileFM\u2019s Big Breakfast with Rob & Nadine\r\n","Content":" Kick off your Monday with a musical treat! On the 1st of September, the NileFM Big Breakfast Show with Rob and Nadine will host the AFCENT Band, known for their high-energy performances and global sound.<\/p>\r\n With a repertoire that bridges cultures and styles, AFCENT Band has wowed audiences around the world. Now, they’re bringing their rhythm, passion, and powerful storytelling through music straight to NileFM.<\/p>\r\n Expect a lively conversation as the band shares their journey, the inspiration behind their performances, and how music continues to unite people across continents.<\/p>\r\n Don’t miss this exclusive interview, tune in to NileFM Big Breakfast with Rob and Nadine, Monday, 1stof September, from 7–10 AM.<\/p>","Instagram":"","HomeTitle":"Morning Beats & Stories | AFCENT Band Live on NileFM\u2019s Big Breakfast with Rob & Nadine","HomeThumbnail":"uploads\/articles\/1756667360-BeFunky-collage3_68.jpg","Alias":"morning-beats-stories-afcent-band-live-on-nilefm-s-big-breakfast-with-rob-nadine","MainMediaType":null,"MainMedia":"uploads\/articles\/1756667360-BeFunky-collage3_68.jpg","IsFeatured":"1","InSlider":"0","SliderSort":null,"InHome":"1","IsBreaking":"1","IsPublished":"1","IsTrashed":"0","AuthorID":"7","AuthorType":"1","ViewsCount":null,"TemplateID":null,"PublishDate":"2025-08-31 21:49:34","Relations":null,"SEOKeywords":"Nile FM,Big Breakfast show,Rob and Nadine","SEODescription":"","CreatedOn":"2025-08-31 19:09:20","CreatedBy":null,"UpdatedOn":"2025-09-02 11:12:30","UpdatedBy":null,"Authors":[{"ID":7,"FirstName":"Nile FM Staff","LastName":"","ProfilePicture":"uploads\/authors\/1508849408-author-3.jpg","Email":"","Biography":" Savvy, geeky, and fluent in pop culture, Nile FM staff writers' mission is to keep you on top of everything worth knowing.<\/p>","Alias":"nile-fm-staff","SEOKeywords":"undefined","SEODescription":"","IsActive":1,"IsTrashed":0,"CreatedOn":"2017-07-27 08:33:27","CreatedBy":null,"UpdatedOn":"2017-12-19 10:37:44","UpdatedBy":null}],"Categories":[{"ID":"107308","Title":"Viral","ParentID":"30","Color":"undefined","InHome":"0","Template":"0","Sort":"0","Alias":"viral","SEOKeywords":null,"SEODescription":"","CreatedOn":"2025-08-31 19:09:20","CreatedBy":null,"UpdatedOn":null,"UpdatedBy":null,"ItemID":"12644","CategoryID":"35","TableName":"Pages"},{"ID":"107307","Title":"Nile FM's Guests","ParentID":"47","Color":"undefined","InHome":"1","Template":"1","Sort":"4","Alias":"nile-fm-s-guests","SEOKeywords":null,"SEODescription":"","CreatedOn":"2025-08-31 19:09:20","CreatedBy":null,"UpdatedOn":null,"UpdatedBy":null,"ItemID":"12644","CategoryID":"38","TableName":"Pages"}],"Tags":[]},{"ID":"12636","Title":"On NileFM\u2019s The Big Drive Show, Deena Abu-Hassan Shares Her Journey as Kingsville\u2019s Co-Founder and Her Passion for Horses","Intro":"On NileFM\u2019s The Big Drive Show, Deena Abu-Hassan Shares Her Journey as Kingsville\u2019s Co-Founder and Her Passion for Horses","Content":" Deena Abu-Hassan, born to an English mother and Egyptian father, grew up in Saudi Arabia before moving to Egypt at age 10. She met her husband, Karim, an avid rider since childhood and now her business partner, at a local horse club when they were teenagers. Their shared love of horses soon became the foundation for both their marriage and their career.<\/p>\r\n As a guest on NileFM’s ‘The Big Drive’ with Zeinab and Sami, Deena shared how her journey with horses began at age four during a summer in England. While visiting family, her father lifted her onto the back of a bay horse outside a village pub. From that moment, she was hooked. Riding lessons followed in England and Saudi Arabia, and when her family moved to Egypt, the first thing they did, even before finding a school, was look for a stable.<\/p>\r\n Building a Dream<\/strong><\/p>\r\n As teenagers, Deena and Karim spent every free moment riding and competing. “I was 15 when we met at our local horse club, and Karim had been riding since he was seven,” Deena recalled. “Horses quickly became the center of our lives. After school and on weekends, it was always about training and competing. As our relationship grew, so did our dream.”<\/p>\r\n That dream became Kingsville, an academy not only to teach riding but also to raise awareness about horse welfare. “We wanted to change the narrative in Egypt by showing that horses can be cared for and respected, while creating a community we would want our own children to grow up in,” she said.<\/p>\r\n Changing the Narrative<\/strong><\/p>\r\n “People often hear negative stories about horse welfare in Egypt,” Deena explains. “Kingsville grew out of our dream to celebrate these animals and teach them properly. It is a place where children and adults can discover the beauty of horses.”<\/p>\r\n The Emotional Bond<\/strong><\/p>\r\n “Horses are incredible animals,” Deena says. “They are powerful yet gentle. People often fear their size, but once you build trust, the bond is indescribable. When a horse gazes into your eyes, it is pure love.” She adds that a horse’s heart is five times the size of a human’s, generating a calming energy. “If I’ve had a stressful day, just standing near them makes everything better.”<\/p>\r\n Personalities and Pairing<\/strong><\/p>\r\n “Every horse has its own personality,” she notes. “Sometimes it feels like the animal chooses you. Matching the right rider with the right horse is essential. Stressed riders may need calmer horses, while relaxed riders thrive with more energetic ones.”<\/p>\r\n The Journey to Kingsville<\/strong><\/p>\r\n During the pandemic, Deena and Karim opened Horseville, a small academy at their old club. “It was beautiful, and the community loved it.” In 2024, King’s Polo Club approached them to expand, incorporating show jumping and dressage. “We merged Horseville with King’s Polo. Seeing even non-horsey people fall in love with the sport has been amazing.”<\/p>\r\n Transitioning from teaching to business brought challenges. “I spent 14 years as a teacher and suddenly had to learn marketing, PR, HR, and finance. I’m terrible at finance, and so is Karim. But watching riders discover their paths, whether in polo, show jumping, or bonding with the horses, makes it all worthwhile.”<\/p>\r\n What Makes Kingsville Unique<\/strong><\/p>\r\n Kingsville caters to all levels, from beginners to advanced riders. “We combine disciplines under one roof: equestrian, show jumping, dressage, and polo. Beginners ride calm Argentine polo ponies, which are incredibly safe and smooth.”<\/p>\r\n “We also emphasize values like sportsmanship,” Deena adds. “Riders reflect on mistakes while celebrating successes. Even in defeat, there is a victory if they recognize what they did well.”<\/p>\r\n![\"1\"](\"https:\/\/i.ibb.co\/sJChVHRZ\/1.png\")
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