Girls Night #264: How to Welcome Change and be Unapologetically you (Even if Others Wish you Were Different!) — with Najwa Zebian
Aug 12, 2024
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Najwa Zebian is a Lebanese-Canadian speaker and author known for inspiring self-acceptance and personal growth. In this conversation, she delves into the complexities of embracing change, sharing her own journey from Lebanon to Canada. Najwa emphasizes the transformative power of self-compassion over shame and the importance of nurturing one’s true identity against societal expectations. She also opens up about her experience with the Hijab, reinforcing the fight for personal freedom. Listeners are encouraged to celebrate their unique journeys.
Embracing change is essential for authenticity, as it fosters personal growth through both chosen and unexpected life transitions.
Staying true to oneself requires letting go of external validations and societal pressures to define personal authenticity and identity.
Expressing emotions through creative outlets, like writing, can aid healing and foster community by sharing relatable narratives of struggle.
Deep dives
Navigating Life's Changes
Embracing change is fundamental to leading an authentic life, as highlighted in the episode. The journey of self-discovery often involves navigating chosen changes, such as career shifts or relocations, alongside unexpected life events, like loss or relationship upheaval. The discussion emphasizes that these changes, whether voluntary or not, can lead to profound personal growth. Understanding the spectrum of changes—those we choose, those imposed on us, and those we must confront—enables individuals to better align with their true selves during turbulent times.
The Power of Authenticity
Staying true to oneself amidst life's transitions is a central theme of the conversation. Authenticity requires a willingness to let go of external validations and societal expectations that often dictate one's path. The speaker shares the experience of reevaluating personal values and the importance of defining what an authentic life means on an individual level. This focus on personal truths encourages others to embrace their unique identities and reject the labels or roles assigned by their backgrounds.
Healing Through Expression
Expressing emotions through writing or other forms can serve as a means of healing from past traumas. The guest, Nejwa Zabian, discusses how her journey of writing poetry and prose has allowed her to articulate pain, loss, and the complexities of self-identity. By transforming personal struggles into relatable narratives, she empowers others to find their voice and share their stories. This sharing fosters a sense of community and understanding among those facing similar challenges.
Breaking Cultural Norms
The conversation highlights the challenges of breaking free from cultural and religious expectations that can stifle personal growth. The guest shares her experience with wearing the hijab and the emotional struggle that preceded her decision to remove it. This process reflects a broader narrative about women navigating their identities within societal constraints. The discussion underscores the importance of self-acceptance and the courage it takes to redefine one’s identity, despite potential backlash from one's community.
The Role of Self-Compassion
Self-compassion is presented as a crucial element for sustaining change and embracing one’s true self. The idea that compassionate self-talk can lead to lasting transformation contrasts sharply with the damaging effects of shame-based motivation. Cultivating a nurturing internal dialogue empowers individuals to face their struggles with kindness rather than harsh judgment. This shift in perspective encourages listeners to trust their intuition and inner wisdom as they navigate their journeys through change.
I’m so excited about today’s episode. Today, we're talking about how to stay true to who you are no matter what changes life brings your way
I'm looking forward to diving into this topic because, let's face it, change can be tough — and even tougher when it affects our livelihood or loved ones. This conversation felt incredibly timely and relevant considering I’m in the midst of a major life transition myself, having moved my family to Spain. And I know I’m not the only one — so many women in our community are walking through big changes in their lives as well.
So that’s what we’re diving into today!
Our guest for today’s episode is my new friend, Najwa Zebian. Najwa is a Lebanese-Canadian activist, author, speaker, and educator. Since self-publishing her first collection of poetry and prose in 2016, Najwa has become an inspiration to millions of people worldwide and a trailblazing voice for women everywhere - name dropped by the New York Times, The Huffington Post, and CBS News, among others. She has published books of poetry and self-development that followed her journey of healing, building a home within, letting go of her conditioning and reinventing herself. Her newest book, The Only Constant, explores the power of embracing change.
My hope is that by hearing Najwa's story — one of hope, power and resilience — you will have the courage to make change in your own life and fully embrace the person you were created to be!
Okay, you ready? Let’s dive into our conversation!