Back to Basics

When spring cleaning this year, take a little time to do some internal decluttering. Our minds, like our homes, become cluttered without regular scrutiny. Spring, with its fresh air and rising temperatures, is a great time to do some self-evaluation.

In a world often overwhelmed by complexity and distraction, returning to basics offers a profound sense of clarity and grounding. It’s about stripping away the layers of excess and reconnecting with the fundamental elements that nurture our well-being and sense of purpose.

Whether it’s simplifying our daily routines, embracing nature, or focusing on the core values that define us, getting back to basics serves as a guiding principle for a more meaningful existence.

In this month’s issue, we celebrate our core beliefs with the PBS documentary “Detroit: City of Faith.” The film explores the churches of Detroit’s immigrant community, which were established to support the early settlers and give them a sense of hope and home.

We also examine the road traveled to get here. In “Beyond the Silk Road,” we offer four different stories of entrepreneurism and trade. This month’s Chaldean Kitchen, which is celebrating its one-year anniversary, takes us to Mexico for a new family recipe.

Also included is a story about a 35-foot Chaldean cross that stands in California and a profile of Danny Marogy, top seller at United Wholesale Mortgage.

The Chaldean Chamber’s 2024 Businessperson of the Year, Frank Jonna, is profiled as well. “Honest” is a word that has been applied to Frank, over and over, from people that know him. It is a basic core tenet of his philosophy.

Cal Abbo writes about the difference in customer service received from U.S. Ice versus Home City Ice, and talks about good customer care, a basic quality in many Chaldean businesses.

At its essence, getting back to basics involves a conscious shift towards simplicity and authenticity. It’s about rediscovering the joy in life’s simple pleasures – the warmth of a shared meal with loved ones, the tranquility found in a quiet moment of reflection, or the satisfaction of engaging in hands-on activities that reconnect us with our innate creativity.

By decluttering our lives of unnecessary distractions and obligations, we create space for deeper connections with ourselves and those around us. This return to simplicity fosters a greater sense of gratitude and contentment, reminding us of what truly matters in the midst of life’s constant flux. In embracing the basics, we find not only a path towards inner peace but also a renewed appreciation for the beauty of the present moment.

Spring emerges with a gentle reminder to return to basics. Nature sheds its winter coat, unveiling a vibrant tapestry of colors and scents. It’s a time for renewal, a call to simplify and reconnect with the essentials. Just as the blossoming flowers reach towards the sun, we too can embrace this season to reassess our priorities and strip away the unnecessary complexities that have accumulated over time. Spring encourages us to rediscover the beauty in simplicity, to revel in the joy of fresh beginnings, and to nurture the seeds of growth that lie dormant within us. It’s a season of rejuvenation, a time to refocus our energies on what truly matters, and to find solace in the pure and uncomplicated wonders of life.

Sarah Kittle

Editor in Chief