e028 – #SHAREYOURTRUTH – …And So She Rises – With Saira Amjad

Welcome to April. This is another ‘Share Your Truth” episode, the second in the series where we share the true story of one inspiring mama. We couldn't think of a better fit. Saira is a relatable woman. Her story is a challenging one but if you listen with an open mind and heart you will be able to see yourself in her story. Saira Amjad is a Pakistani-Canadian Poet, Best Selling Author, Certified Coach, Entrepreneur, Speaker, ex-Corporate Professional, Self-Love Advocate, and a Single Mom. Her new book ...And So She Rises has become an international bestseller on Amazon, which is a deeply intimate collection of poems about her struggle through a failed arranged marriage, a suicide attempt, sexual abuse, pressures of being “the perfect Muslim woman”, and learning how to love herself. Saira has invested thousands of dollars in her personal development to learn, grow, heal, and expand in order to rebuild her life alongside her young daughter. Saira has emerged as an inspiration for men and women around the globe as a strong and compassionate woman. She recently launched Saira Amjad Inc., through which she helps CEOs and Entrepreneurs revive their relationships, break-up with their fears, and accelerate their healing. She empowers her clients with the necessary tools and knowledge to rise above adversity and fall in love with themselves all over again because she believes that no one should ever have to live in fear, hate, lack, abuse or depression. Saira has always been ambitious, she had a career in the corporate world prior to the bulk of her journey. She was also coined a rebel in her family and culture. She was the first woman in her family to pursue a post-secondary education. This was an unusual path for a Muslim woman. She always had a negative opinion of marriage because arranged marriage was common in her family. Saira lost track of her health at one point in her obsession with success. She was at her lowest when her parents arranged for her to be married. Shortly after she quit her corporate job and was wed. She was in love and excited, they moved to Saudi Arabia even though her husbands family intentions were Canadian immigration. The marriage started to break down, Saira conceived in an to attempt to save the marriage. She stayed in Saudi Aribia for nearly a year. She realized many of her actions were a reflection of her mothers. "Saudi Araibia is like heaven for Muslims" so Saira wanted to stay because for much of her life she considered herself a bad Muslim. Saira took a lot of abuse and toxicity from her and her husband's families and was still struggling with bad health even after her daughter was born. After a long time dealing with abuse and poor health, a dear friend reached out with an opportunity with an MLM company. She dove into using healthier products and personal development. This was a big turning point in her life. She went to a seminar and learned about new concepts like manifestation and personal growth. She woke up. She left her husband and went to court to get custody of her daughter. During the custody battle and tough more tough times she continued her personal development journey. She invested about $50-$60K in her self-improvement over the years on courses, and seminars. Saira now has a book, a modest clothing line, and mentors and guides women (and men) on how to heal from trauma with her online courses and coaching programs. Saira attributes her ability to rise above adversity to personal development and growth. There are a lot of free resources available to start your journey. They mamas open up about what it means to be a perfect Muslim woman. Saira half way though her corporate career removed her hijab, she wore short sleeves, she had male friends and was independent. This was considered rebellious to her culture which is very much still the case. There is typically very high expectations for women to be in the home,