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Have you seen people who are anxious, upset, and always worried, who just can’t seem to think positive? That is because they are lost in their misery. When you look at the dictionary, positive attitude has a few different meanings, but I focus on these: optimism, confidence, and focusing on the good things rather than the bad.

People often ask me, “How have you survived all the things you have gone through, Habibo? How can you be the sole care provider for three children, work two jobs, attend school full-time, and most importantly give back to the community?” I tell them it is the product of a positive attitude and determination.

I was raised by my grandmother and uncles in south central Somalia, a male-dominated society where young boys were praised for conquering little girls and little girls were punished for letting it happen. As a toddler I was left alone in our hut while the adults took the livestock to graze. The neighbor boys came and they conquered. By 5, I was grazing the sheep and goats in the grasslands alone, seven days a week. By 11, for months at a time, I grazed my grandmother’s cattle as a nomad. I fought off jackals and hyenas and survived crocodile attacks.

At 15, I was reunited with my mother and siblings in Dadaab, western Kenya, the largest refugee camp in the world at the time After three years spent surviving murders, rapists, malnutrition and starvation, I was selected by lottery to immigrate to America as a refugee. Without any education, no knowledge of English, or any understanding of Western culture, I traveled alone to the United States. Today, despite all this, I work at the finest hospital in the world as a Registered Nurse and am pursuing my PhD in nursing.

Many people give up on a thing after their first try, saying, “I want to do this or that, but….” They suffer from a lack of determination. When we are determined, positive and persistent, we do not give up easily. We fight. We have a hunger for success, or whatever it is we have in mind. When you fall, you get up, because falling down is part of life and getting up is part of living.

Life has its ups and downs, so we must remain positive; success comes from taking action and not giving up. It is our attitude toward experiences that make life a joyful ride. Time is precious and we must spend it with our loved ones. We must laugh often and treasure each moment with carefulness.

We need to find the power within us, the jewel hidden within, for one to be connected to him or herself deeply. That is what makes someone resilient and the ability to conquer all. Your life circumstances or your past do not define you — you above all are the driver of your life.

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Habibo Haji was born and grew up in a small primitive village in the desert of Somalia. She lived in the largest refugee camp in Kenya before immigrating to the United State, without knowing a word of English. After many struggles, she has conquered the odds to live a successful life.

Comments (7)

  1. Holy Habibo.That is some life experience you went through. I thought I had a hard life,constantly moving,went to 12 schools before i went to grad 9.That w2as when my life changed. I found alcohol and pot. That was a whole new world. I found my relief,so I thought. That was the gate way to use harder dope. With parents dieing,and the pain of that,I was on the highway to hell. The 90s were a blur. In 2005,I stopped every thing.Another life change.I didn’t know what to expect. So went with it.Almost 9years ago,I have a life I could never even dream about.I care about others,and anything that lives on this planet. Its amazing how I think positive about every thing-My past is just that,past. My motto is-learning about yesterday,and living for today,and hope for tomorrow.And being of service to humanity.All the hate,and woo is me,to be right where I need to be.
    You are an amazing woman,with a gift to inspire,after all you went through,to inspire me to respond,and share some of the things in my life.
    Im all about love today,and love that you touched me.I hope you have an awesome weekend.
    Lots of Love

  2. Very inspiring story Habibo. Thank you for sharing your wisdom. I am also a RN who finished my PhD in 2011. Congratulations on your successes and best wishes on your healing journey~ Jen

  3. Wow Habibo! You are so inspiring! Thanks for sharing your wisdom. We only have one life to live. It’s our choice what to make of it. You are a blessed soul.

  4. HOLY LORD GOD be with you & your family, Habibo Haji, BRAVE & COURAGEOUS CHILD of the MOST HIGH… PRAISE & THANKS BE TO GOD for it is HIM WHO MADE your TESTIMONY POSSIBLE!

    THANK YOU, for sharing GOD’S WILL, PLAN & PURPOSE in this LIFE, thru YOU.

    PRAYING in the HOLY SPIRIT for us ALL… GOD’S RICH BLESSINGS & MIRACLES anchored in FORGIVENESS, DIVINE LOVE, JOY & THE GIFT which IS THE WORD of GOD bountifully ABIDING & continuously ABOUNDING, NOW & ALWAYS, NOW!

    Elle💜
    LetGoAndKeepGoing.com
    ChocolatGarden.com

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