What is something you’re proud of?

Hanifa | Tāmaki Makaurau

Hanifa reflects on the challenges of starting over in a new country, finding strength in her family and pride in choosing kindness and presence during a difficult time.

“My husband got a scholarship to study at the University of Auckland and we refused the idea of a long-distance marriage. So I resigned from my old job and I come here with him and our son. As much as I love being here in New Zealand, I have had to put my life on hold – some of my plans, or dreams – and I didn’t know it was going to be this hard.

I feel like I’m being left behind compared to my peers and I wish I could be more proud of myself at this moment by just being able to do my best in the circumstances that I’m given. And at this moment, I’m trying to be as kind as I can to myself.

First of all, I am trying to be more present and enjoying this moment, not focusing on what could have been and what I missed. I would endorse everyone to take care of their mental health. Because you can self-sabotage yourself if you are not nice to yourself. It was not easy at all. But here we are. Living one of the best moments of our life. Nothing worth having comes easy, right?

I’m proud of our family. To be able to lift each other up when we are not feeling our best.”