Nasreen Ameri’s story reminds us that we never know how someone is feeling on the inside or what they've been though in their life. Ameri is an intelligent and attractive international model and mother who – because of abuse – struggled with depression for many years of her life.

"From childhood and throughout my adult life I experienced bullying, verbal violence, neglect and multiple rapes," says Ameri. "As a result of enduring what life had dealt me, I was left feeling unworthy, a lack of self efficacy, and ultimately depressed and sometimes even suicidal."

Three years ago, Ameri, an Iranian American who lives in Milwaukee, says she "activated my heroic heart and became immune to the negativity and toxicity in and around me." She then started a business called Buddhaslim LLC to share her new vision and life philosophies. 

The core of her spirituality and work is a concept she coined called "Carrorism" – which is the opposite of "terrorism."

"A carrorist is someone who practices conscious acts of love and kindness. We strive to live heroically, light-heartedly and to use positive words in our pursuit of the optimum welfare of all living things," says Ameri.

"Hero consciousness" is a core aspect of Carrorism. Two of Ameri’s mantras in relation to this concept are "you victoriously made it to the egg and so you are successful" and "all the adversity that comes our way is here to reveal our greatness."

Ameri, who also goes by the name "Buddhaslim," is in the process of contacting American educators to provide students with the "Carrorist" philosophy and resources.

"I’ve developed a curriculum to promote conscious acts of kindness and aid in the eradication of bullying and verbal violence," she says.

Ameri’s curriculum includes conscious acts of kindness workshops, healthy word focused materials and books. Educators can download free Carrorist card activities for students to practice conscious acts of kindness. She also offers packages for schools and corporations.

"Through this, businesses can outsource their goodwill and get their company a Carrorist seal of approval," she says. "And every company that I work with, I’m utilizing a percentage of the proceeds to execute my conscious acts of kindness campaign in the schools."

Since 2016, Ameri has photographed more than 600 hearts as part of her Carrorist practice and earlier this year she published "Buddhaslim 101: A Hero’s Guide to a Healthy Heart" which is a collection of heart meditations, wisdom and spiritual insights available at Beans & Barley and Rochambo Coffee & Tea House.

Ameri says she experienced an epiphany a few years ago that led her to her new name. While riding back home from Chicago with a friend, she expressed that she was transforming into a happier, more positive person.

"I said to him, ‘Our mind, bodies and emotions are always changing, but our essence remains the same’ and he said, ‘Wow that’s very buddha-esque,’" says Ameri. "I replied, ‘Yeah the buddha belly represents the abundance of the universe and yet I have abundance without a big belly,’ and then he said, "Yeah, you're slim. You’re Buddhaslim!’"

And so Buddhaslim was born. Some of her students also refer to her as "Ms. Slim."

Ameri says she is finally living the life she wanted to live – one steeped in positivity – and she wants nothing more than to help others experience a similar transformation.

"I love it when people tell me they were always Carrorists but just didn't have the word for it," she says. "It's inside all of us."