At BrilliantRead Media, we always strive to bring meaningful and powerful stories from India and around the world to empower and motivate our growing community. As part of this endeavour, we invited Aliya Patel for an exclusive interview with us. Aliya is a Mentor, Life Coach, Counsellor and an Influencer Let’s learn more about her incredible journey, background, and advice for our growing community!
Excerpts from our exclusive interview with Aliya:
Could you please talk us through your background and your journey?
I am thrilled to share my journey of transformation from a dedicated homemaker and mother to a passionate Life Coach, Counselor & Mentor. My path has been shaped by my upbringing in a socio-economically supportive family, as well as my experiences as a wife, mother of two, and caregiver for over 25 years.
Growing up in a socio-economic family provided me with a strong foundation rooted in traditional values and beliefs. As the eldest daughter, I was taught the importance of responsibility, hard work, and selflessness from a young age. While my family’s values provided stability and structure, they also instilled in me a desire to challenge societal norms and pursue my own path of personal and professional fulfilment.
After getting married and starting a family, I embraced my role as a homemaker with dedication and love. For over two decades, I devoted myself to creating a nurturing and supportive environment for my husband my children, my in-laws, our family business and my differently-abled sister. From managing household responsibilities to providing emotional support and guidance, I found fulfilment in caring for my family and building a loving home.
As my children grew older and more independent, I felt a stirring within me to explore new opportunities for personal growth and fulfilment as at the same time my children were struggling to find a right career guidance,Inspired by my own journey of self-discovery and transformation, I pursued training and certification in counselling and life coaching & Mentoring. Today, as a counsellor and life coach & mentor, I am deeply passionate about empowering others to overcome challenges, discover their strengths, and live their best lives. Drawing from my own experiences as a homemaker, mother, and caregiver, I offer guidance and support to individuals seeking personal and professional fulfilment. My approach is grounded in empathy, compassion, and a deep understanding of the human experience.
My journey from a homemaker to a counsellor, life coach & mentor is a testament to the power of resilience, self-discovery, and the pursuit of one’s passions. While my upbringing and family background provided a strong foundation, it was my willingness to embrace change and follow my heart that led me to where I am today. I am grateful for the lessons learned along the way and excited for the opportunities that lie ahead as I continue to empower others and make a positive impact in the world.
How did you discover your passion?
Discovering my passion as a Life Coach, Counsellor and Mentor after dedicating 22 years to being a full-time homemaker is a remarkable journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
Self-Reflection: Over the years, I have engaged in introspection and self-reflection, pondering my interests, strengths, and aspirations beyond my role as a homemaker. This introspection has sparked a curiosity about counselling, coaching, mentoring related to personal development and helping others.
Life Experiences: My experiences as a homemaker, mother, and caregiver, likely provided valuable insights into human behavior, relationships, and emotional well-being. These experiences have inspired me to explore ways to leverage my insights and skills to support others in navigating life’s challenges and achieving personal growth.
Lifelong Learning: As my children grew older and more independent, I found myself with more time and opportunities for personal and professional development. Engaging in workshops, courses, or self-study on topics related to counselling, coaching, or psychology has ignited a passion in me for helping others and sparked my interest in pursuing these fields professionally.
Supportive Environment: Perhaps I received encouragement and support from my family, my kids, & my mentors who recognized my natural talents and passions and encouraged me to pursue my interests outside of traditional homemaking roles. Having a supportive environment can play a crucial role in empowering individuals to pursue their passions and realize their full potential.
Desire for Personal Fulfillment: While being a homemaker brought me joy and fulfilment, I have felt a longing for personal growth and fulfilment beyond my domestic responsibilities. Discovering my passion as a life coach and counsellor, Mentor could have been a natural progression as sought to fulfil my own aspirations and contribute to the well-being of others in a meaningful way.
Overall, my journey from a homemaker to life coach and counsellor, mentor is a testament to the power of self-discovery, resilience, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment. Embracing new opportunities for growth and following my passions has led me to a path of purpose and impact, enriching both my life and the lives of those I serve.
Despite the challenges, what keeps you going when things get tough?
My journey as a life coach and counsellor, mentor especially in the face of personal and family challenges, is a testament to my resilience, determination, and commitment to growth. Factors that make me keep going on along with my clients
Passion for Helping Others: deep-seated passion for making a positive difference in the lives of others fuels up my drive to continue as a life coach and counsellor, mentor. Seeing the transformation and growth in my clients gives me a sense of fulfilment and purpose that keeps me motivated even during challenging times.
Personal Growth: As a lifelong learner, I understand the importance of continuous self-improvement and growth. Despite facing personal and family challenges, I view each obstacle as an opportunity for learning and growth, both for myself and my clients. My commitment to upgrading myself allows me to better support and empower my clients in their own journey.
Resilience: My ability to persevere and bounce back from setbacks demonstrates my resilience and determination. Rather than allowing challenges to deter me, I see them as opportunities to strengthen myself, resolve and adaptability. My resilience serves as a source of inspiration for my clients, showing them that it’s possible to overcome obstacles and thrive despite adversity.
Support System: Surrounding myself with a supportive network of family, friends, mentors, and colleagues provides encouragement, guidance, and strength during difficult times. Knowing that I have a supportive community to lean on helps me to stay focused and motivated to continue my journey as a life coach and counsellor, mentor.
Impact and Meaningfulness: The meaningful connections I form with my clients and the positive impact I have on their lives serve as constant reminders of why I do what I do. Knowing that my work as a life coach and counsellor is making a difference motivates me to keep pushing forward, even when faced with challenges.
Vision and Purpose: Having a clear vision of the impact I want to make in the world and a sense of purpose in my work as a life coach and counsellor, mentor provides direction and focus. My vision inspires me to keep striving for excellence and to continuously upgrade oneself to better serve my clients and achieve my goals.
Overall, resilience, passion, commitment to growth, and a sense of purpose are key factors that keep me going as a life coach and counsellor, even in the face of personal and family challenges. My ability to overcome obstacles and continue upgrading yourself alongside your clients is a testament to my dedication and unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the world.
What are the three most important lessons you have learned in your life?
As a life coach, counsellor, and disciplined homemaker, mother, and daughter, I have likely gained invaluable lessons from diverse experiences.
Here are three of the most important lessons I have learned:
> Self-Care is Non-Negotiable: Through my roles as a homemaker, mother, and daughter, I have undoubtedly realized the importance of prioritizing self-care. Balancing multiple responsibilities can be demanding, but I have learned that taking care of oneself is essential to one’s well-being and ability to support others effectively.
I have discovered that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary for maintaining physical, emotional, and mental health. Whether it’s setting aside time for relaxation, pursuing hobbies, or seeking support when needed, I understand that self-care enables me to show up as my best self in all aspects of my life.
> Empathy and Compassion Foster Connection: As a counsellor and life coach mentor, empathy and compassion are central to my work. Through experiences as a mother, daughter, and homemaker, I have learned firsthand the power of empathy in building meaningful connections and relationships.
I have realized that truly understanding and empathizing with others’ experiences, emotions, and perspectives strengthens bonds and fosters trust. Whether supporting clients, nurturing your family relationships, or interacting with others in your community, empathy and compassion create a foundation for authentic connection and support.
> Adaptability and Resilience are Keys: Life is filled with unexpected challenges and changes, and I have learned the importance of adaptability and resilience in navigating these moments. Whether it’s adjusting to new family dynamics, career transitions, or personal obstacles, I have demonstrated resilience in overcoming adversity.
My ability to adapt to changing circumstances, maintain a positive outlook, and persevere through setbacks has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth. I understand that resilience isn’t about avoiding difficulties but about facing them with courage, flexibility, and determination.
These lessons – self-care, empathy and compassion, and adaptability and resilience—have undoubtedly shaped your journey as a life coach, counsellor, disciplined homemaker, mother, and daughter. By embracing these principles, I have continued to grow, learn, and inspire others with wisdom and strength.
In your opinion what are the keys to success?
As a homemaker, mother, and life coach, I possess a wealth of wisdom and insights that can positively impact others. Here are some key opinions
As a Homemaker:
Home is Where the Heart Is: Emphasize the importance of creating a warm, welcoming, and nurturing environment within the home. Share tips for fostering a sense of cosiness and belonging, such as incorporating meaningful rituals, maintaining a clutter-free space, and prioritizing quality time with loved ones.
Organization is Key: Stress the benefits of staying organized to manage household responsibilities effectively. Offer practical advice on decluttering, meal planning, and establishing routines to streamline daily tasks and reduce stress.
Creativity Adds Flavor to Life: Encourage creativity and self-expression in homemaking endeavours. Share ideas for DIY projects, home decor, cooking, and gardening to inspire others to infuse their homes with personal touches and creativity
As a Mother:
Unconditional Love is Powerful: Advocate for the transformative power of unconditional love in nurturing strong parent-child bonds. Emphasize the importance of expressing love, acceptance, and support to children unconditionally, regardless of their successes or failures.
Patience is a Virtue: Share the value of patience in parenting and the importance of practising patience when dealing with children’s challenges, tantrums, and developmental milestones. Encourage parents to cultivate patience through mindfulness practices and self-awareness.
Communication is Key: Stress the significance of open, honest, and respectful communication in parent-child relationships. Offer strategies for effective communication, active listening, and conflict resolution to strengthen connections and promote healthy family dynamics.
As a Professional Life Coach & Mentor:
Self-Discovery Leads to Fulfillment: Encourage individuals to embark on a journey of self-discovery to uncover their passions, values, strengths, and goals. Emphasize the importance of self-awareness in guiding personal and professional growth.
Growth Mindset Fuels Success: Advocate for the power of a growth mindset in overcoming challenges, embracing change, and achieving goals. Share strategies for fostering a growth mindset, such as reframing setbacks as opportunities for learning and development.
Authenticity Breeds Confidence: Highlight the importance of authenticity in living a fulfilling and purpose-driven life. Encourage individuals to embrace their unique qualities, values, and aspirations and to pursue their dreams with authenticity and confidence.
By sharing these key opinions as a homemaker, mother, and life coach mentor, I inspire and empower others to cultivate fulfilling lives, nurturing relationships, and personal growth.
What advice would you give students and young professionals who want to have a successful career?
As a professional coach, mentor, and homemaker, I have a unique perspective to offer students and young professionals. Here are some pieces of advice
Embrace Lifelong Learning: Encouraging students and young professionals to adopt a growth mindset and embrace lifelong learning. Highlighting the importance of seeking out new experiences, acquiring new skills, and continuously expanding their knowledge base to adapt to a rapidly changing world.
Prioritize Self-Care: Stressing the importance of self-care and well-being in achieving long-term success and fulfilment. Encouraging individuals to prioritize their physical, emotional, and mental health by establishing healthy habits, setting boundaries, and taking time for self-reflection and relaxation.
Cultivate Resilience: Reminding students and young professionals that setbacks and challenges are a natural part of life and career development. Encouraging them to cultivate resilience by reframing obstacles as opportunities for growth, staying flexible in the face of change, and seeking support when needed.
Foster Authentic Connections: Highlighting the value of building authentic connections and relationships in both personal and professional spheres. Encouraging individuals to cultivate meaningful connections based on mutual respect, trust, and empathy, and to seek out mentors and allies who can offer guidance and support.
Set Clear Goals: Guiding students and young professionals in setting clear, achievable goals that align with their values, interests, and aspirations. Encouraging them to break down larger goals into smaller, actionable steps, and to regularly review and adjust their goals as needed to stay on track.
Practice Time Management: Stressing the importance of effective time management and organization in maximizing productivity and minimizing stress. Offering strategies for prioritizing tasks, setting realistic deadlines, and minimizing distractions to make the most of their time and energy.
Embrace Diversity and Inclusion: Advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion in both personal and professional contexts. Encouraging students and young professionals to embrace diversity, respect differences, and actively work to create inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and empowered.
Find Balance: Emphasizing the importance of finding balance between work, family, and personal pursuits. Encouraging individuals to prioritize activities that bring them joy and fulfilment outside of their professional responsibilities and to set boundaries to protect their well-being.
Clear communication is a key for a progressive future
Setting Boundaries is as important as having meals a day
By offering this advice, drawing from experiences as a professional coach, mentor, and homemaker, i can help students and young professionals navigate their personal and professional journeys with confidence, resilience, and authenticity.
Last but not least, what about your journey makes it satisfying/exciting?
My journey as a coach, mentor, mother, and counselor is deeply satisfying and purposeful due to several key factors:
1. Making a Positive Impact: my roles allow me to make a positive difference in the lives of others, whether it’s guiding clients toward personal growth and success, supporting and nurturing my children’s development, or providing counselling and guidance to individuals facing challenges.
2. Fulfilling Personal Values: my work aligns with my personal values of empathy, compassion, and helping others. Being able to live out these values in my daily life brings a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction.
3. Continuous Growth and Learning: As a coach, mentor, mother, and counsellor, I am constantly learning and growing alongside those you support. Each interaction provides opportunities for personal and professional development, keeping your journey dynamic and rewarding.
4. Building Meaningful Connections: my roles allow me to build deep, meaningful connections with others, whether it’s forming bonds with clients as they navigate their personal journeys, nurturing relationships with your children, or connecting with individuals seeking guidance and support.
5. Contributing to the Greater Good: By empowering others to overcome obstacles, achieve their goals, and lead fulfilling lives, I contribute to the greater good of society. My work has a ripple effect, positively impacting not only individuals but also families, communities, and beyond.
6. Finding Balance and Integration: Despite wearing multiple hats, I find a sense of balance and integration in my various roles. Each aspect of my life complements and enriches the others, allowing me to experience a holistic sense of fulfilment and purpose.
7. Leaving a Legacy: Through my work as a coach, mentor, mother, and counsellor, I am leaving a lasting legacy of love, support, and empowerment. The impact I have on others will continue to resonate long after each interaction, shaping the lives of those, touched for years to come.
Overall, it is the combination of making a positive impact, living out my values, continuous growth and learning, building meaningful connections, contributing to the greater good, finding balance and integration, and leaving a legacy that makes my journey as a coach, mentor, mother, and counselor satisfying and purposeful.
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