557 Courageous Vulnerability and Loving Yourself with Najwa Zebian
Nov 1, 2017
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Najwa Zebian, a Lebanese-Canadian author and poet, shares her heartfelt journey through vulnerability, self-love, and cultural identity. She discusses the power of empathy and authentic connections, highlighting the importance of understanding one's own emotions. Najwa reflects on her transition from Lebanon to Canada and the challenges of belonging, emphasizing self-worth amidst life's trials. She encourages embracing vulnerability to foster deeper relationships and personal growth, inspiring listeners to pursue unconditional self-acceptance.
Najwa Zebian emphasizes the importance of finding a sense of home within oneself rather than relying on external relationships for validation.
The podcast highlights vulnerability as a key component of healing and building authentic connections, encouraging individuals to embrace their true selves.
Najwa advocates for self-liberation through prioritizing personal passions over societal expectations to foster inner growth and authenticity.
Deep dives
The Pain of Belonging
The podcast delves into the complex emotions surrounding the need for belonging and how it can lead to significant pain. Najwa Zabian shares her experiences of feeling isolated and invisible after moving to Canada at a young age, where she struggled to connect with peers and fit in. This overwhelming sense of not belonging was compounded by past bullying experiences, which left her searching for a sense of home and acceptance. Ultimately, she emphasizes that this pursuit can create deep emotional wounds if one becomes anchored to the idea of belongingness in external relationships.
Finding Home Within Oneself
Najwa highlights the critical idea that true home must be found within oneself rather than relying on external sources, such as people or places. She reflects on personal experiences that emphasize the danger of investing emotional worth in others, which often leads to feelings of emptiness once those connections falter. This realization, born out of painful relationships where she felt deceived, led her to understand that she must cultivate self-love and acceptance. By fostering a strong internal sense of self, she stresses the importance of not allowing others to define one's identity or worth.
The Role of Vulnerability in Healing
The discussion also underscores the importance of vulnerability as a pathway to healing and authentic connections. Najwa encourages listeners to embrace their vulnerabilities rather than conceal them, suggesting that doing so can foster deeper relationships and personal strength. She acknowledges that while vulnerability can expose individuals to potential pain and judgment, it is ultimately through these authentic expressions that true connections are forged. By being real with oneself and others, individuals can connect on more profound levels, leading to shared understandings and support.
Identity, Empathy, and Acceptance
Najwa discusses how her identity, shaped by her Lebanese-Canadian background and religious beliefs, influences her interactions and relationships. She confronts stereotypes about Muslim women and seeks to redefine narratives surrounding cultural differences, emphasizing that her experiences resonate with universal human emotions. Her call for empathy and understanding underscores the need for individuals to look beyond superficial differences to foster genuine connections. By sharing her message, she hopes to inspire a more inclusive dialogue that promotes acceptance, compassion, and deeper understanding among people.
The Importance of Self-Liberation
Finally, Najwa expresses the idea of self-liberation as a crucial aspect of personal growth and authenticity. She outlines her struggle to balance different facets of her life, including education, culture, and her calling as a writer. This journey has revealed the importance of prioritizing one’s passions and truth over external expectations and attachments. By liberating oneself from others’ judgments and pursuing inner growth, individuals can rediscover their true purpose and identity while fostering a supportive network that aligns with their vision.
"THESE MOUNTAINS THAT YOU ARE CARRYING YOU ARE ONLY SUPPOSED TO CLIMB." - NAJWA ZEBIAN
I started noticing Najwa's Instagram posts for months before I met her.
Her voice and thoughts were so compelling, I felt like she was speaking the exact feelings of my heart.
When I met her in Toronto to interview her, it was like meeting family.
Najwa may have a completely different background than me, growing up in Lebanon and Canada as a Muslim woman, but she is so relateable that literally hundreds of thousands of people read her posts every day.
I loved getting to know her story so much, I invited her to speak at the Summit of Greatness this year.
