I’ve been speaking to my friends and family in Iran and the first and the last thing on their mind is the inflation and the high prices of many basic things they no longer can afford. Every day, I sat in front of my computer and tried to write, but I couldn’t. The harder I tried, the more I found myself being a disrespectful impostor. “That’s it” I decided, “I’m going to kiss activism goodbye.” Even speaking at length with my colleague was not convincing that my writing is effective. Until, through the wonder of viral emails from Iran, I received the above image.

The banner reads:

“Indeed God is with the patients. Dear patient people of Pol Sefid, soon, after many years with the help of the UN, NASA, late Edison, Einstein theory of relativity, Royan Infertility Treatment Institute and the center for Traffic Control, gas will come to your town. Please be patient. Yours, A group of frozen people from the last winter.”

No doubt, the wit of the creator made me laugh, but I also took away the great lesson of patience from it. I had forgotten it’s my duty as a writer to be patient and not to give up the cause I believe in. If some of my people can turn from poverty or irresponsibility of the Iranian officials, I too could swallow my pride. I accept that I am just a small part of the struggle for peace and I'm here to raise awareness for it.

I had one more sign leading me back to writing. Over the weekend, a dear journalist friend from Iran sent me a message full of distress about life in Iran, but ending his note with “I’m trying to stay positive.”

That’s how I got my inspiration for writing and my hope for "I Heart Iran" back. I hope you forgive me for the delay in writing and for doubting the power of humor. May my fall and rise inspire you too!

So, until next week, that's why I heart Iran.