Asha has forged her mental tools to escape child marriage, free herself from poverty and overcome inequality for girls and tribals. She found her purpose – she has become a VOICE for all the girls in Janwaar and for many girls in India.
She has worked hard because she understood that the change can only come from herself. Not from anyone else. She started to treat herself with the consideration she deserves.
And that’s exactly what the following advice from Asha is for: it’s help on how you can work on yourself and change. It is the most direct and immediate thing we can do.
Send us your message by clicking the “Tell us your thoughts” button. Or dig deeper into the topic by clicking on “More”.
1. FIND OUT WHAT YOU WANT AND FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS!
- Asha wanted to skateboard.
- Asha wanted to determine her own life.
- These two things were very clear to her.
- She put all her efforts behind to achieve these goals.
- And she pursued her dreams.
>>> So, ask yourself: What do I want in this specific situation? The clearer you are for yourself, the better it is. And then go for it!
2. DON’T TAKE “NO” AS AN ANSWER!
- Asha’s parents were telling her: No, you can’t skateboard.
- You can’t go to England! You can’t determine your own life!
- But Asha did not listen to the nay-sayers.
- She listened to what her heart was telling her! And she stood up for it.
- She listened carefully to her parents’ arguments and made her own arguments for her case.
- She stayed calm and respectful. And achieved what felt right for her.
>>> So, don’t stop, if someone tells you NO! Do what feels right for you!
3. SEE THE POSITIVE, NOT THE NEGATIVE!
- Asha faced many challenges and problems on her way.
- And yes, sometimes she was desperate and thought she can’t make it.
- And she was ready to give up.
- But then she paused – and asked herself: What can I learn from this problem? She did so when she took over the Barefoot Skateboarders Organisation (BSO) and ran it on her own.
- She did so when she was facing all these threats from the villagers.
- In the case of BSO she learned that communication can solve a lot of problems. So she became a better communicator.
- Asha turned the negativity from the villagers, who threatened her and her family, into positive energy.
- She succeeded to deliberate herself from family constraint.
>>> So, see every problem as a possibility to learn and to grow! It comes to you for exactly that reason!
4. ALLOW YOURSELF TO MAKE MISTAKES!
- Asha learned at the skatepark that making a mistake and falling, is a great possibility to learn.
- You realise what went wrong and you do better next time.
- That’s the way she became better in skateboarding.
- And she applied it to other areas such as BSO and music. Asha became better there as well!
>>> So, allow yourself to make mistakes, understand what went wrong and do better next time!
5. LEARN – DON’T HUNT DEGREES!
- Learning is something you do to yourself! And it does not only happen at school.
- Most of Asha’s learning happened outside the school.
- Even outside the so-called education system.
- Learning is something very personal and it surely has no age restrictions.
- It grows lifelong.
- Asha decided what she wanted to learn, no matter if it comes with a degree or not.
- Learning has made Asha a more complete human being.
>>> So, don’t chase degrees, learn what you want! Find your passion and your purpose!
6. SHARE AND CARE!
- Asha cares a lot about the younger children in her village.
- She lends her support whenever they require it.
- Whatever you learn, whatever you achieve – share it with others. And encourage the others to do the same.
- Then the team and entire community will become better and grow. And if all becomes better, things will become easier for everyone.
- Don’t build an ivory tower around you and look down on others. Like Asha did when she became famous.
- No! Share and care for the people around you – then others will take care of you, if you need help.
>>> So, more often than not, put your “ME” in the service of the “WE”.
7. YOUR ACTION MATTERS!
- Asha has understood in many ways, that her action matters.
- That she has to start and doesn’t wait for others to do something. This is regarding her own life. She started the changes she wanted. And the same holds true for her activities in the community.
- If she starts, she knows others with follow.
- Even if she doesn’t always know, how to drive the action.
- She has learned to trust the process!
>>> So, please act! Don’t wait for others to start.
8. CONFLICT IS A WAY OF FINDING AGREEMENT!
- Asha learned how to disagree well when she laid out her reasons for not getting married.
- She learned how to be a good listener in her daily meetings with Anil. Also during circle time with the kids – it dramatically reduced conflicts.
- Asha offered criticism towards the villagers in a way that is caring.
- She was addressing social issues (= potential conflicts) in theatre performances together with the children.
- Conflict is a way of creating common understanding and avoiding complete shutdown. If done in the right way.
>>> So, please don’t shy away from conflict. Make your points thoughtfully. And provide valid arguments. Then many will listen. And you will move forward.
9. BE AUTHENTIC AND SHOW YOUR VULNERABILITY!
- Asha stayed away from her second rap song, because she said: “I am not as good as others! I can’t do it like others are doing it!”
- My response was: “Be, who you are. And do it your way.” That’s the only way you can do it.
- Reveal your vulnerability – and go for it!
- Ask for help when needed. Don’t be stubborn.
- When you are authentic, people will always be there for you.
>>> So, there is no one better in being you than you. Love yourself and show by all means who you are!
10. FORM ALLIANCES!
- When you want to walk far, walk together!
- Asha demonstrate the value of community and relationships.
- In many of her activities: in her work with Anil. In her travels with the kids.
- Or when she connected with her mum in order to sway her father.
- Alliances have always made Asha’s life easier and more powerful!
>>> So, reach out to others, work together on common goals!
11. BE PATIENT AND RESILIENT!
- When Asha dealt with her parents about her marriage, she was very patient and resilient.
- The same with the children on their travels or at the Villa.
- The kids listened to her better and her own ideas became clearer.
- She is fully aware that some things do not happen overnight, but take time.
- Asha is ready to give that space and time to let things unfold.
>>> So, don’t push things. Allow yourself and others time!
12. BE FORGIVING!
- Asha is very forgiving. Especially to her father.
- After all she has experienced with him, she is still taking care. And respecting him. This is very positive.
- It keeps the family going and certainly helps her mother.
>>> So, don’t be resentful, forgiveness makes you free and creates the space for the new!
13. RECOGNISE YOUR INNER ENEMY!
Asha is capable of looking into herself. She did it over and over again. She found out what is hindering her:
- Her being easily distracted.
- Her being lazy.
- Her being self-serving.
Whenever she went deep inside herself and was honest to herself,
Asha always found a good way forward. With BSO, the media and social media.
>>> So, be honest to yourself and find out what is hindering you to get your things going!
14. NOTHING IMPOSSIBLE!
- Many times Asha accomplished the impossible.
- She escaped from getting married.
- She is is determining her own life in a society where girls have no right to do so. She has broken down caste barriers. And giving other girl a voice.
- She went for a secondary education. And passed her exams.
- And she is planning to study now. Not many Adivasi girls do so!
- All what seemed impossible, Asha made possible.
- Because she found out, what is written above!
>>> So, nothing is impossible, when you want to achieve it!
This are the essentials what Asha has learned on her way to becoming a voice. Let us know what works for you!
Send us your message by clicking the “Tell us your thoughts” button. Or dig deeper into the topic by clicking on “More”.