Roxie Nafousi On Finding Strength After A Setback
"We are often capable of more than we give ourselves credit for, especially in times of difficulty.”
Fans streamed in by the dozen for Manifest author Roxie Nafousi’s first-ever live show in Dubai this October, which saw the acclaimed “self-development coach, inspirational speaker, manifesting expert, and 3x Sunday Times bestselling author” take her audience through the life lessons and practical tools that have got her to be known as “the queen of manifesting.”
Standing alone on the Zabeel Theatre stage, the British-Iraqi Nafousi kept it real as she shared the experiences and epiphanies that she believed got her to where she is today; however, in doing so, she also revealed that she was performing on stage only a few days after her father had passed away.
Now, it is to Nafousi’s credit that her show was received extremely positively by those in attendance in Dubai (just check the comments she got on her Instagram profile after the event); however, when asked why she didn’t consider postponing it given that she had gone through what was undoubtedly a traumatic event, she replies that she had simply not thought of that as an option.
“I honestly didn’t even consider not doing it,” Nafousi says. “I know that it’s 100 percent what my dad would have wanted, he was so proud that I was finally doing my show in Dubai, and he always emphasized the importance of a strong work ethic. Also, I think the guilt of letting people down, and the logistical difficulties of having to rearrange the show would have been something I struggled with much more than doing the show itself. I also know myself, and what I’m capable of, and I knew that I’d be able to do it, because sharing the power of manifestation is what I love."
But wait – how did Nafousi actually manage to do it? After all, for many of us, it might seem just inconceivable to even consider going about with work – regardless of how much you might love what you do – in such a state of mind. “I just kept my focus on the task in hand, and I chose to focus on the comfort of believing that my dad was with me, supporting me,” Nafousi shares. “I also made sure to take moments for myself – whether it was deep breathing, a quiet moment before going on stage, or reminding myself of the love my dad had for what I was doing. These small actions helped me stay present. I also had an amazing team around me who were kind, supportive, and let me know that they were there for me if I needed anything.”
Nafousi’s on-stage appearance in Dubai can thus provide solace and sustenance for those among us who may, at some point in time, find ourselves having to perform in professional situations when things might not be going all that great on the personal front. “I think it’s important to remind yourself that it’s okay to compartmentalize, even if just for a while,” Nafousi advises. “Sometimes, putting your energy into what you love, or simply focusing on something you have control over, can be a powerful way to cope. Grief doesn’t need to disappear for you to keep moving forward; you can carry it with you, and let it fuel your resilience, and show you how incredibly strong you are. Leaning on a support system, trusting your inner strength, and remembering why you’re doing what you do can be incredibly grounding. We are often capable of more than we give ourselves credit for, especially in times of difficulty.”
This article first appeared in the November issue of Inc. Arabia magazine. To read the full issue online, click here.
