Finding Strength in Adversity: Mariam Elhouli's Journey
Episode Overview
Mariam Elhouli shares her experiences living through three wars. Discusses the impact of mental health challenges within her family. Highlights the importance of setting boundaries for self-care. Emphasises taking small, consistent steps towards personal growth. Encourages finding joy and laughter even in difficult times.
There is hope, that the past does not equal the future we can make tremendous differences by taking small but consistent steps every day.
In this episode of 'Steps To Sobriety', Stephan Neff sits down with Mariam Elhouli, a remarkable woman who has faced incredible adversity and come out stronger. Mariam's story is one of resilience, having lived through three wars and raised five children, all while reinventing herself against all odds. Her journey from Lebanon to Australia is filled with trials, but also triumphs, as she shares her experiences of war, mental health struggles, and the pursuit of self-love and happiness.
Mariam opens up about her tumultuous childhood, describing it as living in a 'burning house'. Each of her ten siblings had different perceptions of their shared experiences, but Mariam's story stands out for its raw honesty and humour. She talks about being evacuated during the 2006 Lebanon-Israel war and the impact it had on her life. Despite the chaos, Mariam found ways to cope, even finding moments of laughter amid the turmoil.
The conversation also touches on mental health, a topic close to Mariam's heart. She candidly discusses the challenges of living with a family member who had severe mental health issues and how it shaped her understanding of trauma and resilience. Mariam's insights into the importance of setting boundaries and prioritising self-care are both relatable and inspiring. Stephan and Mariam explore the idea that our past does not define our future.
They emphasise the power of small, consistent steps towards personal growth and healing. Mariam's story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the possibility of finding joy and fulfilment despite life's hardships. If you're looking for a dose of inspiration and a reminder that it's possible to thrive even in the face of adversity, this episode is a must-listen.
Mariam's journey will leave you feeling hopeful and motivated to take those small steps towards a better tomorrow.