Nifty Conversations Nifty Conversations

This story is about perseverance, the kindness of strangers, and the support of friends. In this episode, Felicity shares her story. Growing up in east London was not easy for her, as she did not start with the usual mother and father environment. Felicity still manages to navigate her way through life, despite the challenges she encounters. She shares what she has learnt and implemented along the way to help shape the person she is today.

Along the way, Felicity finds interesting jobs like working as a security guard, jobs that helped her survive. Seeking out advice from strangers along the way made her very vulnerable, avoiding crime and drugs, partly because of the auntie that raised her, who was straightlaced. It helped that she worked with younger kids and was a magazine director at the local community centre, where she wrote and learnt about drugs. Participation in schemes like the Duke of Edinburgh's Award developed her independence skills and cultivated a positive mindset.

She went from being bullied to transforming her life after completing her Psychology degree, which gave her confidence, and belief in education. This achievement helped her understand self-confidence, planning, strategy, teamwork, and the importance of focus. It also helped her understand the importance of support. There is a point in her journey when she realises that she cannot continue living the way she was.

Nowadays, Felicity continues to work hard as an owner of properties with another business that sells dolls (find her @felizfelizz2020 on Instagram and Facebook). She values freedom, independence and wants to retire on a beach with cocktails. The independence and freedom that it offers are what she wants, not money. Her advice to others is to ask for help and not think that you are not good enough.

It is rare to hear from men who have experienced miscarriages, about how they grieve, and what they continue to go through. After experiencing four miscarriages, Martin shares his story and talks about the expectations, the pain, the dashing of hopes and the emotional roller coaster. He speaks movingly about how the emotions that come afterwards are unrehearsed and unapologetic. They don’t even ask for your permission before they hit you anywhere at any time.

Touching on the sense of loss and disappointment that comes with the experience. It is interesting to hear Martin speak about the internalisation of the issue to the point that you live with these invisible accusations based on how you think society sees and portrays you. What is clear from this conversation is that men going through miscarriages also require support.

He has been able to cope with his grief because of his faith and support from his wife. Now with three boys, he speaks of the unconfined joy of holding his first son for the first time. His advice to others going through this is not to blame yourself and never to look at yourself as a victim.

Chaghig is Lebanese with Armenian roots (speaks Arabic, English, French, Armenian, and half Italian). After completing a Masters and Ph.D., she started Globetrot with Arabic, where she teaches Arabic online.

You will hear about the differences between Lebanese and Armenian culture, dialect, language, and get an insight into her journey to developing Globetrot with Arabic, including her motivations, self-doubt, and growth.

The conversation with Chaghig raises various questions about independence, the risks, and rewards. The story is also about someone that is not afraid to make changes if it is the right thing to do.

Why would you not pursue independence if you were able to? That is the underlying question that echoes in the clip.

If you want to learn Arabic, check out Chaghig’s courses on Instagram @globetrotwitharabic.