Who asked you?

Empathy. Truth. Service.

From a young age, I felt a profound connection to the world, nature, and the universe—an awareness that I did not quite belong in the family I was born into. Growing up in an emerging, underdeveloped country and being raised by a God-fearing, hardworking, and conservative family, I found solace in the diversity of people who entered my life, the embrace of nature, and escaping into the pages of a good book. Nurtured by a spirit of healthy living and a family-centered conservative lifestyle, I inherited a rebellious curiosity, artistic vision, spirituality, and discipline from my fathers, and a cautious, sharp, skeptical strength from my mother, a fierce matriarch who taught me resilience.

My best friend in high school often listened to my openness, empathy, and desire to save others. In response to my candid truths and moments of oversharing, she’d playfully remark, “Who asked you, Sofiye? Incidentally I met her when I came back from vacation to my school I grew up in, as she was a new student in high school and noone wanted to talk to her after 4months of being there, so  I walked up to her and showed her around, so as she felt safe, and welcomed. I reminded her later jokingly that if it wasn't for my greeting her despite so many people not liking her as a new person, she would have had a hard time adjusting.

A Childhood of Contrasts

Even as a child, I displayed an entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, compassion, discipline, and an unwavering sense of self. I dreamed early of self-sufficiency and service to God, influenced by the awakened fathers who raised me. I thrived in school events, connected with people from all walks of life, and found joy in acts of service and curiosity-driven projects. Solo travel, spirituality, and private reflection shaped my perspective, while trusting my intuition allowed me to navigate meaningful encounters with strangers. Stubborn yet introspective, I was committed to growth, both in learning and in knowing myself.

Grounded in faith, I sought understanding through asking "why" from within. Early solo travels and strict spiritual practices helped me refine my instincts and intuition, yet I remained somewhat naive and sheltered, living a conservative lifestyle immersed in my own world.

Lessons from Strangers

Raised in a community of diverse socio-economic backgrounds, I gained wisdom from strangers both locally and globally. Despite the world’s trauma, sin, and violence, I strived to live spiritually, envisioning a life of purpose while maintaining discipline and kindness. The real world, however, revealed masks of envy, malice, and toxic behaviors disguised in familiar roles—partners, family, friends, and colleagues. I grieved the shadows inherited from our ancestors but chose to serve with authenticity, clarity, and forgiveness.

Resilience and Growth

Enduring life’s challenges, including emotional detachment and betrayal as the price of authenticity, I learned that success is the best revenge. Embracing forgiveness, boundaries, and healing became acts of service, fostering resilience and evolution. My vision for life—to grow with passion, love, integrity, and peace—provided the foundation to rise above setbacks.

Finding My Path

Orthodox Christianity and nature’s healing gifts offered initial spiritual guidance, discipline, and clarity. Questioning societal norms, cultural biases, and global inequality pushed me to seek authenticity. Raised in a patriarchal society by empowered yet conservative fathers and a matriarchal force, I navigated challenges by focusing on inner growth, empathy, and forgiveness.

Prayers, meditation, fasting, and self-reflection guided me through life’s crossroads. I embarked on an adventure of service, launching a business to champion projects that aligned with my values. Returning to the continent my family once left for survival, I found purpose in contributing to the change I sought.

When questioned again by my family and partner, “Who asked you, Sofiye?” my spirit answered, "I did. God did."

Overcoming Challenges

Fulfilling one’s spiritual purpose comes with setbacks, failures, and moments of vulnerability. I embraced the lessons within solitude, trusted my intuition, and connected with a higher power. Along this journey of spiritual awakening and authenticity, I encountered both inner conflict and external resistance.

Boundaries, growth, and self-love often alienate those benefiting from your stagnation. Yet, I learned to release them and seek my tribe. I realized that no one is coming to save me—and that is okay. The answers lie within.

Living a Purposeful Life

Through introspection and personal growth, I found my calling to serve. Life’s contrasts have taught me the power of authenticity, compassion, and spiritual evolution. Committed to empowering the powerless, I strive for an impactful, sustainable lifestyle while staying true to my boundaries and purpose.

True happiness is rooted in living authentically, embracing emotions, and connecting deeply with others. Forgiving myself and seeking peace within has allowed me to align with my higher potential. A balance of masculine and feminine energy, gratitude, and unwavering faith guide my journey of healing and growth.

Like everyone, I remain a work in progress—spirited, curious, and learning profound lessons in both triumphs and failures. With every heartbreak, I open my heart wider, striving to live multidimensionally in love and truth.

So, who asked me?

“My spirit is nomadic. In the stillness, I hear God asking.”

This life is my love letter to myself—a testament to being the safety, love, and peace I am meant to be.