As the host of this podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Farah, a woman of Parsi origin, born in London and raised in Norfolk. Farah’s story is one of resilience, strength, and the power of embracing one’s identity. In this blog post, I’ll share some of the key insights from our conversation.
## A Journey of Self-Discovery
Farah is a woman who embodies the concept of embracing one’s identity. After the loss of her mother, she embarked on a journey of self-discovery, finding ways to channel her grief and build a successful career in the banking industry across continents. Currently based in Dubai, Farah also finds joy in baking during her spare time.
What drew me to Farah’s story was the concept of choosing our lives for the lessons we will learn. Farah’s diverse background, being of Parsi origin, raised in London, and educated in a Catholic convent in a historic Muslim city surrounded by Hindu mythology, is a testament to this belief.
## Choosing Lives for Lessons
When asked where her belief in choosing lives for lessons stems from, Farah explained that it was her mother’s spirituality and faith that instilled this belief in her. Her mother would often remind her that she chose her life and the people in it. Farah believes that each lesson in life has taught her something and has brought out hidden strengths and skills within her.
## Writing as a Form of Healing
Farah’s journey of self-discovery led her to write a book, an homage to her mother. Despite initial doubts about her writing abilities, she found that the words flowed effortlessly one evening, leading her to write a couple of chapters. Encouragement and positive feedback from trusted friends and the lady who runs the literature festival in the bay motivated her to continue writing.
## A Tribute to a Brave Mother
The heart of Farah’s book revolves around her relationship with her mother and the journey of loss and overcoming grief. She recounts the tragic incident that led to her mother’s death. Her mother, a lawyer by profession, stood up against a group of men who made lewd remarks towards her sister-in-law. Unfortunately, one of the men shot her mother at close range, resulting in her passing away after 25 days of fighting for her life.
## Finding Solace in Dubai
Farah also shared her experience living in Dubai and how the city has changed over the years. While she misses the older version of Dubai, she acknowledges that it has become a popular destination for visitors. She also expressed surprise at seeing many Americans, especially the younger generation, wanting to move to Dubai.
## Yoga and Baking: Therapeutic Activities
To cope with the grief she experienced after the tragic event, Farah turned to yoga and baking. Yoga became a moving meditation for her, allowing her to suspend her thoughts and process her emotions. Baking, on the other hand, became a therapeutic activity. She found joy in sharing her creations with others, and the act of working with her hands and the smell of freshly baked goods helped her process her emotions and bring joy back into her life.
## Navigating Life After Loss
Farah’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength within us. She reflects on the loss of her mother and the emotions that came with it, talking about the need to rediscover her own strength and navigate life without her mother’s presence. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of embracing one’s identity, and the healing power of finding joy in the simple things in life.
