Inspiring people to stay positive in the face of all odds- Alma Chopra

Deck- Align yourself to full potential says Motivational Speaker, Alma Chopra

Motivational Speaker, Alma Chopra

Being an example of courage and fortitude to the world, Alma Chopra has shown that with a positive attitude one can even combat a serious illness like Cerebellar Ataxia. Alma, a disability awareness advocate, a self empowerment coach, and an internationally renown motivational speaker has battled Cerebellar Ataxia for more than three decades and uses her life experience to act as a role model for many young generations.

Despite falling down, being pushed down, and being bogged down again and again she rose from the ashes like a phoenix and had become a beacon of hope to all those who feel stagnant. Her life story is the essence of hope, faith, and courage in the face of enormous uncertainty and has become one of the most inspirational stories of all time.

Q1. Tell us about your journey so far and how have your professional and personal journeys been so far?

My journey has been both difficult and enlightening. Though the hardships I have faced taught me invaluable lessons, they have been so pain-piercing and unwieldy that at times I've wondered whether I’d be able to get through. Be it personally or professionally, acceptance is the first step toward solving and overcoming an issue. I've been able to overcome many problems presented to me because of this ethic.

Rather than being a victim of my sickness and reflecting on how much of my life it has taken away, I chose to live despite it and not let it define me.

My personal achievements, professional experience, hardships, defiance, and victories should serve as an inspiration to everyone in a disempowering circumstance to determine their own limitations.

Q2. What would you say is the most difficult part of being a motivational speaker?

Life isn't always easy. One of my favourite things to do is to motivate others and give them the power to make positive changes in their lives. Empowering someone to make a change they felt disabled to make is my mission.

People with disabilities continue to be shunned, which has a negative influence on their mental health. It's difficult to re-establish their self-esteem while also motivating them.

Raising public awareness of any health condition is crucial. Disability awareness campaigns are critical for raising public awareness of people with disabilities.

Q3. What lesson have you learned from your past health problems?

I've learnt a lot from having a disability, but the most essential lesson I've learned so far is to live life to the fullest. I've learnt to look for perfection in flaws. Instead of living in fear of my shortcomings, I've learnt to accept them and live despite them. My disability does not define me; it is a part of who I am.

Having the right support is and surrounding yourself with positive people is also very important because many motions of the self are defined by others.

Q4. How would you define success in your career?

For me, success is not defined by becoming a millionaire or owning a car. Everyone has a different idea of what it means to be successful; success for me is measured by satisfaction, my accomplishments and the joy with which I was able to achieve them.

Despite the many challenges I've faced, I believe that if I can inspire even one person, I've succeeded.

I am a strong-willed, intelligent lady who fought this dreadful disease with a tenacious smile. I don't let my limits serve as an excuse for why I can't achieve my goals. What I'm doing gives me a sense of accomplishment. I push myself to the limit both professionally and personally, which keeps me active, energised, and involved.

Q5. If you could start all over again, what would you do differently?

If I had the chance to start over, I would accept myself as I am. I'll learn to accept my flaws and recognise my worth. Accepting my imperfections enables me to move past them.

Q6. What is your advice to the general public who are facing similar issues like you?

My advice is to focus on the inside rather than the outside. You will be able to appreciate yourself sooner if you stop allowing society to define you. The less you cling to other people's viewpoints, the more you will appreciate your own.

If you begin to accept yourself, the criticisms of society will no longer be relevant to you. So now is the moment to recognise, accept, and empower ourselves.

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