BE THE CHANGE

Sherina Sham, a clinical psychologist and transformational coach, infused the symposium with the essence of selfdiscovery as she delved into “Be The Change.”

Her narrative began with the fundamental question, “Who Am I?” For Sherina, a multifaceted background played a pivotal role in shaping her identity, triggering a persistent yearning for belonging during her school years. To address this, she consciously crafted an identity characterized by unwavering politeness, correctness, and an illusion of flawlessness. However, as she shared with us, this persona, while initially empowering, gradually concealed her authentic self beneath layers of insecurity and self-doubt.

With her gaze fixed upon the young changemakers in the audience, Sherina extended her narrative to her university years, which exposed her to the formidable force of change, thrusting her into uncharted territories. Stripped of her familiar cocoon, she grappled with a profound sense of self-estrangement, resorting to self-harm as a coping mechanism. She candidly confided, “My arm looked like a piece of art,” emphasizing the desperate attempt to navigate the intricate labyrinth of her inner world. These struggles and internal battles spoke to a shared human experience often overlooked – the realm of our emotions and feelings.

In the solitude of her journey, Sherina invited the audience to join her in exploring self-discovery, where continuous reflection served as her guiding star. She recounted how she engaged in a series of self-inquiry questions, probing her likes, values, and dreams. The deeper she ventured into herself, the clearer her surroundings became. Gradually, recognized the facade she had constructed, one disconnected from her genuine aspirations. Her transformation was catalysed by travel and encounters with kindred spirits, igniting her growth mindset.

Sherina shared the enlightening lessons drawn from her odyssey:

1. Beliefs as Catalysts of Change: Sherina asserted the role of beliefs as the architects of our actions, shaping our destinies. Her conviction in her mission and self-served as a turning point prompting introspection within her audience.

2. A Call to Action: Urging the audience with the words, “If you don’t like where you are, move; you are not a tree,” she emphasized action as the starting point for transformation.

3. Unveiling Emotional Intelligence: Sherina spotlighted emotional intelligence, with selfawareness at its core. She advocated that connecting with oneself is the foundation for empathetic connections with others.

4. Embracing Acceptance: Embracing acceptance as the birthplace of self-love, Sherina illuminated a path where compassion blossoms, fostering trust and action.

5. Cultivating Unique Gifts: She gracefully shared that each individual possesses a treasure trove of unique gifts awaiting nurture and growth.

6. Potential Arising from Adversity: Sherina imparted the wisdom that being broken does not equate to being useless. She shared a poignant parable of two buckets, one pristine and unbroken and the other riddled with holes. Despite its apparent flaws, the leaking bucket served a purpose on the journey, irrigating a barren land into a flourishing garden. The lesson was clear – perspective shapes our reality, and we hold the brush of responsibility in painting the canvas of our lives.

7. Transformation through Gratitude: Sherina illuminated the transformative power of gratitude. A slight shift towards a positive mindset can often incubate profound changes.

Sherina’s words left an enduring impression on our minds. Her message resonated as a poignant reminder that the path to transformation requires courage and resilience, guided by the beacon of self-discovery.