Malala Yousafzai - 5 Lessons You Taught Me

Aloha!

Half way through the week & it's #WednesdayWisdom

Happy International Women's Day!

On this day of days, I get to feature an unbelievably powerful soul amidst the chaos that is the World. One of the most influential and bravest women this world has ever known.

Malala Yousafzai S.St (Malālah Yūsafzay: Urdu: ملالہ یوسفزئی‎; Pashto: ملاله یوسفزۍ‎ [məˈlaːlə jusəf ˈzəj]; born 12 July 1997) is a Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate.

Ever since I heard of Malala, I have been a massive fan & supporter of what she stands for. She's inspired so many all around the world & not just girls but more importantly; I have mad respect for the fact that she is advocating for reading & books. I remember the interview on Oprah where she said she was on the bus & when the terrorist asked for Malala, she got up without hesitation. Such bravery, such fortitude, such impossible courage. Through it all she survived & like a Phoenix, rose from the ashes, more powerful & iridescent than ever before.

5. Gender Equality

“Extremists have shown what frightens them most: A girl with a Book.”

Woman is the companion of man, gifted with equal mental capacity.~Gandhi#CelebrateWomen #books
Here's to you! pic.twitter.com/Vc1hxkRG7V

— Enricoh Alfonzo (@Alfonzowords) May 5, 2016

There are so many places in this world where women are not treated equally. Sometimes it's the actual law and worse still, sometimes it's the unwritten rules. This frustrates me to no end. One of my favorite presidents of all time, Nelson Mandela believed in a "Rainbow Nation", where all are equal.
As a man you should vow to never oppress not only woman, but anyone you come accross.
As a woman you should vow to never Be oppressed, no matter the circumstance.

4. F.E.A.R – False Evidence Appearing Real

“I am Stronger than Fear.”

"I said to myself, Malala, you must be Brave. You must not be afraid of anyone.You are only trying to get an education. You are not committing a Crime."

Let weakness, fear & hopelessness die. From the ashes let strength, power & courage be born.

3. ParentHood

“People ask me, what special is in my mentorship which has made Malala so bold and so courageous and so vocal and poised? I tell them, don't ask me what I did. Ask me what I did not do. I did not clip her wings, and that's all.” ~ ‎Ziauddin Yousafzai, Father of Malala

Probably the most important lesson for everyone on this planet. It has never been your duty on this earth to clip anyone's wings.

No matter the dream, no matter the goal, no matter the crazy sounding idea.

When a friend, family member, or even a stranger comes to you with their ambition - Ask yourself, is it absolutely, positively Your Duty to dissuade,discourage or otherwise push them from it?

For all parents, I implore you from the bottom of my soul with true evidence of the power of a child. Be there, to support, encourage & most of all, never doubt. For children are the true innovators & world changers. Just imagine what this world would be had Malala's father been part of those who treat women as unequal? Would those empowered girls, encouraged to read books around the world now, even exist?

2. Dreams Are Our Future

"Let us make our future now, and let us make our tomorrow's reality." --From a speech at Harvard in September 2013.

Dream BIG & Never give up Until you achieve it!

1. The Principle of One

“One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.”

If we want to achieve our goal, the let us empower ourselves with the weapon of Knowledge and let us shield ourselves with Unity & Togetherness.
Let us wage a glorious struggle against illiteracy, poverty & terrorism. Let us pick up our books, and our pens, they are our Most powerful weapons.

© Enricoh Alfonzo ~ Alfonzo Words

• I’d love to keep connected with you! 

Follow on Twitter | Like on Facebook | Join my Instagram community | Watch me on Pinterest | Subscribe to blog post Updates |

~Be Kind to One Another~ Ellen Degeneres