Connecting with the rest of the world
In honour of International Women’s Day this week, I was privileged to speak in two different countries on the same day.
This certainly was a time to reflect on the progress that have been made over the years, pay
tribute and celebrate the acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played extraordinary roles in the history of the communities and countries around the world.
I had a chance to reflect on the importance of being oneself:
1. Stay true to yourself
As much as it is important to have a role model in life, someone you can look up to, follow their every move, be like them, talk like them, and feel like them, it is crucial not to take pieces of other people to create ourselves and copy somebody completely.
We are naturally creatures of imitation and striving to improve ourselves constantly is normal but it is also essential to remember to be ourselves.
After all we were all born as originals, so why die as a copy?
As a motivational/ keynote speaker as much as I want to inspire others with the perfect words, it has dawned on me that people will be more open with you, if you are genuine, speak from your heart rather than your notes; tell them how you felt when you experienced that particular moment at that special time. Using big words won’t take you any further, be approachable and connect with others.
2. Listen to others
During my networking event in Paris this week I have spent a considerable amount of time with other women, talking about their fears and dreams and how to overcome the inevitable. My aim was to put my main message into practice and action those techniques I suggested. As the conversation went on, what I experienced was extraordinary, I saw women transforming before my eyes: hearts were lifted & started opening, immediate crisis and ongoing struggles were left behind, smiles were forming and own sense of freedom expanded.
The art of listening to others is crucial.
The goal is to shine the spotlight on others rather than yourself.
From small actions, people worldwide can do great things globally, so whether you want to be a "Malala Yousafzai" or a "Mother Theresa", if you continue to follow their steps but still manage to be yourself, you will become the heroine of your own story and be recognised as such by helping others to overcome their fears.