Summary
Highlights
Muniba Mazari expresses gratitude and introduces herself not as a motivational speaker but as a storyteller. She highlights the immense power of words, their ability to create or destroy, and her conscious effort to use positive language. She redefines adversity as opportunity, weakness as strength, and disability as being 'differently able'.
Muniba shares the profound impact of a car accident at 18 that reshaped her life. The accident, which occurred in a remote area, led to severe injuries including a crushed spine, multiple fractures, and paralysis. She describes the harrowing journey to the hospital and the realization of her permanent paralysis, along with other physical limitations.
During her two and a half months in the hospital, doctors delivered news that she would never paint, walk, or bear children again. This propelled her into a period of deep despair, questioning the purpose of her life. She describes feeling incomplete as a woman and fearing societal judgment and divorce.
Muniba's mother's words – 'This too shall pass, God has a greater plan' – became her anchor. To cope with her pain and the confinement of her hospital room, she asked for colors and began to paint. Painting became her therapy, allowing her to express her emotions and stories without words, even if others only saw the beauty in her art.
After being discharged, Muniba was bedridden for two years due to complications. This period of isolation made her realize the privilege of simple freedoms and fueled her desire to share her story to make others appreciate their blessings. Her 'rebirth' came when she was finally able to sit in a wheelchair, marking a new beginning.
Facing her reflection in a wheelchair, Muniba decided to accept herself fully, realizing no miracle would make her walk again. She chose to live for herself, not for others' expectations. She then systematically confronted her fears: divorce, infertility, and facing people's sympathy.
Overcoming her fear of not being a mother, Muniba decided to adopt. Two years later, she received a call about a two-day-old baby boy, whom she immediately welcomed into her life. She also conquered her fear of public judgment and sympathy by actively appearing in public, painting, and engaging in modeling campaigns, breaking barriers and embracing her unique identity.
By accepting herself, Muniba found that the world accepted her. She became the National Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women, Pakistan, advocating for women's and children's rights, and promoting inclusion and diversity. Her work earned her recognition in BBC's 100 Women for 2015 and Forbes' 30 Under 30 for 2016.
Muniba emphasizes that success is a collective effort ('We' not 'Me'). She acknowledges her mother as her greatest inspiration. She advises against expecting life to be easy, calling it a test and a trial. She argues that failure is an option that leads to growth, but giving up is not. She promotes the idea of being 'perfectly imperfect' and using imperfections to connect with others, citing her work with children and the transgender community.
Muniba shares her secret to smiling: letting go of what's lost and cherishing what remains. She urges people to embrace each breath as a blessing and to 'live' rather than just exist. True life, she says, involves making others' lives better and spreading positive vibes. She concludes by stressing the importance of gratitude, being kind to oneself, and spreading love, affirming that challenges only make one stronger.