Lifestyle

Strength and Vulnerability: Majd Zaher’s New Novel Looks Beyond the Veneer of Lebanese Society

Published

4 years ago

June 21, 2021

Your first book ‘Borderline Love in Beirut’ explores some challenging topics and complex characters. Can you explain the inspiration behind the story?

Growing up in a conservative family brought many challenges to my life. There was always something missing in every moment I spent living. There was a part of me that I wanted to discover and unleash yet I was afraid of judgments and backlash. Hence, I grew up as the loneliest kid in town as I had no friends and always found myself the weakest individual wherever I was. Moving out from my family’s house and starting an independent life was an eye-opening experience and the main motive that made me talk and write. I wanted this novel to be a celebration for everyone who doubted his own potential, who thought that other’s opinion would be able to dim his or her own light, and on a personal level I wanted to prove to all those who had ever bullied me that I was able to find success and peace after all.

One of the themes you deal with is marginalization and marginalized groups. Why did you decide to address this topic?

Writing has always been a way to pave the road towards a better world and an escape from the prisons we might be existing in. Talking about marginalized groups is based on my stance that everyone has the right to exist if they are not hurting or killing anyone else; and no one has the right to decide who is eligible to enjoy life and who is not. Unfortunately, in Lebanon, we have no laws to protect vulnerable or marginalized groups. These groups include immigrants, domestic labors, queer people, or any other category. In Borderline Love in Beirut, I was no longer Majd, I ascended to Joy and Adam’s soul to show the world how difficult living life becomes when no one likes you, when everyone avoids you, and when everyone judges you for what you look like and not for the real person you are. In Lebanon, we have laws that penalize love that does not protect women from harassment. In Lebanon, our system does not give any attention to the importance of mental health and does not help marginalized groups to engage in society.

What is the role of mental health in ‘Borderline Love’, and what are some lessons about dealing with or treating mental health issues from the story?

In Borderline Love in Beirut mental health is the crux of the story. I will not be able to say how this Borderline case will evolve yet I could tell you how it all started. Joy and Adam were the victims of a society that has never been able to embrace them the way they are. Experiencing death, upbringing challenges, and health concerns, Joy and Adam grew to become victims each in their own way. The takeaway is that offering mental health care and support for people who undergo a certain trauma, and even those who did not, is something critical. We can no longer sit still when almost every hour a Lebanese citizen ends his or her life. We cannot sit still when people still think seeking mental health care are mad. We should learn that the strongest of us can sometimes be the weakest and most vulnerable.

Is ‘Borderline’ a cautionary tale? Or is it intended as a reflection of another kind?

I see in Borderline Love in Beirut as many tales narrated at once. This novel carries in its pages a cautionary and reflective approach. At many parts of the story when I discussed Joys struggles with loneliness, self-hate and first love I was narrating many past incidents. However, in other pages, I detached myself from this reality and decide to go the extra mile and tell others how destructive it would be for anyone to fall in love before loving himself or herself, or how painful does it become when you don’t praise your uniqueness, or you don’t embrace yourself before listening to people’s judgments.

The book is set in contemporary Beirut and focuses primarily on young characters. How do you perceive your own society in Lebanon in terms of some of these issues, including marginalized groups and mental health issues? What would you hope for the future of Lebanon in terms of societal relations and acceptance?

In Lebanon, the lifestyle is not bearable anymore but I’m still hopeful of what is coming next because I believe one day my people will wake up to realize that coexisting and accepting the other is the only way to guarantee long-lasting peace and prosperity. It is difficult to find words to describe Lebanese society, but I will say that it is strange and paradoxical. For example, if you go to certain areas in Beirut, you’ll see people of different backgrounds enjoying their lives without the essence of discrimination and stigma. However, if you would leave the city for a less than five-minute drive, you will see the opposite. My wish and sincere hope for the future is to have a safe place for all people to live in Lebanon. To have laws that do guarantee the rights of the weak, and more laws to ensure gender equality. I do hope as well more effort will be done to abolish the rules that penalize love and strengthen the rifts in society.

The past year has been incredibly hard for Lebanon, and the world. What do you hope to impart, through ‘Borderline Love’ to young Lebanese who might have struggled through the August 4th explosion, COVID, and other major obstacles?

My message here is for those who have struggled and continue to struggle, for those who have lost and learned, for those who are still seeking to find a path to a safe shore, to all dreamers and seekers, to all lovers, to parents and youth. I want to tell them all that fighting can be exhausting but the end results will be rewarding. Let them all know that we will not rest, nor will we accept living in a place where our brothers and sisters are being killed. Not when the weak are always abused, and when all we want to do is love yet obstacles are placed in our way. Let them all know that we shall rise, and we will rise stronger than ever because after each storm there is always hope. Borderline Love in Beirut is the utmost manifestation of this idea.

Lifestyle

The Power of Integration: Fred A. Kressaty’s Inner Harmony Redefines Emotional and Spiritual Growth

Published

1 day ago

November 19, 2025

Michelle Langton

In today’s world, personal growth often feels fragmented. Self-help trends lean heavily toward emotional intelligence (EQ) or spirituality but rarely explore how these powerful forces can work together.

Fred A. Kressaty’s book, Inner Harmony: Mastering Emotional & Spiritual Intelligence, bridges this gap, presenting a revolutionary approach to achieving balance and purpose.

By merging emotional and spiritual development, Fred provides readers with a comprehensive framework for managing life’s challenges with resilience and authenticity.

This innovative perspective has made Inner Harmony a standout in the crowded self-help genre, earning it a place on the shelves of readers seeking practical and profound guidance for living a fulfilled life.

The Missing Link Between Emotional and Spiritual Intelligence

While emotional intelligence emphasizes understanding and managing one’s emotions, spiritual intelligence leads to finding more profound meaning and purpose. These two intelligences are often treated as separate paths, but Fred argues they are deeply intertwined.

In Inner Harmony, he reveals how integrating EQ and SQ leads to holistic well-being, clarity, inner peace, and stronger relationships.

Fred explains that EQ helps us journey through the external world—our relationships, professional lives, and personal goals—while SQ connects us to the internal world of values, beliefs, and purpose.

By blending these intelligences, we can achieve a state of “inner harmony” that aligns our actions with our more profound truths.

The Practical Framework of Inner Harmony

One of the book’s key strengths is its practicality. Fred doesn’t just discuss theories; he offers readers a step-by-step guide to applying EQ and SQ principles in everyday life.

The book introduces readers to tools like mindfulness practices, emotional regulation techniques, and values-based decision-making. These methods help individuals build resilience, strengthen relationships, and lead more intentional lives.

The chapter on resilience is particularly impactful. It shows how emotional intelligence can help individuals bounce back from setbacks, while spiritual intelligence offers the perspective needed to find meaning in challenges.

Fred’s approach empowers readers to see adversity not as a roadblock but as an opportunity for growth.

Empathy and Connection: The Heart of Inner Harmony

Empathy is one of the book’s central themes, and Fred explores it through the lens of both EQ and SQ. Emotional intelligence enables us to understand others’ feelings, while spiritual intelligence helps us approach those feelings with compassion and a sense of interconnectedness. A dual perspective that transforms how we interact with others, fostering more profound, more meaningful connections.

Fred’s insights into authentic communication are especially relevant in today’s polarized world. By combining emotional awareness with spiritual values like patience and forgiveness, readers can approach difficult conversations with empathy and understanding, creating bridges instead of barriers.

Leadership Through EQ and SQ

Fred devotes much of the book to exploring how EQ and SQ can transform leadership. He argues that great leaders are not just emotionally intelligent—they are also spiritually grounded.

The book includes practical advice for integrating EQ and SQ into leadership practices, from using self-awareness to navigate tough decisions to employing empathy to connect with team members. Fred’s insights are backed by real-world examples, making the concepts easy to understand and apply.

The Role of Mindfulness in Integrating EQ and SQ

Mindfulness emerges as a key tool in Inner Harmony, as the bridge connecting emotional and spiritual intelligence. Fred introduces readers to mindfulness practices that enhance self-awareness, emotional regulation, and spiritual clarity.

By staying present and grounded, individuals can navigate their emotions more effectively and make decisions aligned with their values.

The book offers simple yet impactful exercises, such as mindful breathing and reflective journaling, that readers can incorporate into their daily routines. These practices help cultivate a sense of balance and perspective, even in the face of life’s challenges.

Why Inner Harmony Matters Today

Inner Harmony is a timely guide to achieving balance in an era marked by burnout, anxiety, and disconnection. Fred’s integrated approach addresses the root causes of these issues, offering readers the tools to lead more intentional and meaningful lives.

His focus on both emotional and spiritual growth ensures that the book resonates with a broad audience, from professionals seeking workplace balance to individuals looking to deepen their relationships.

The book’s emphasis on aligning actions with values is particularly impactful. In a culture that often prioritizes productivity over purpose, Inner Harmony encourages readers to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters.

The Vision Behind the Book

Fred A. Kressaty’s motivation for writing Inner Harmony stems from his journey of transformation. After a near-death experience in 2000, he underwent a profound spiritual awakening that reshaped his understanding of life’s challenges.

This moment inspired him to study the Bible, explore emotional intelligence, and ultimately develop a framework that integrates these insights.

For Fred, the book is more than a guide—it’s a mission. He hopes to empower readers to discover the tools within themselves to live with purpose, authenticity, and connection.

His approachable tone and relatable anecdotes make the book both inspiring and accessible, ensuring its message reaches those who need it most.

A Legacy of Balance and Purpose

As Fred A. Kressaty continues his work as a coach and counselor, Inner Harmony is the culmination of his life’s dedication to helping others. The book is not only a reflection of his professional expertise but also a testament to his belief in the transformative power of resilience, self-awareness, and faith.

Whether going through a personal crisis, seeking greater clarity in your relationships, or looking to lead purposefully, Inner Harmony: Mastering Emotional & Spiritual Intelligence offers a roadmap to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Fred’s story and book remind us that balance is not about perfection but about alignment. Connecting our emotional and spiritual selves creates a foundation for resilience, connection, and lasting fulfilment.

To Purchase The Book, Visit:

E-book: https://www.amazon.com/Inner-Harmony-Mastering-Emotional-Intelligence-ebook/dp/B0FSGQC233/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Inner-Harmony-Mastering-Emotional-Intelligence/dp/1304106276/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

Hardcover: https://www.amazon.com/Inner-Harmony-Mastering-Emotional-Intelligence/dp/1304106209/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0