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In a world that increasingly demands perfection or for us to follow a path that is expected of us by society, the book “A Woman on Top of the World” is an exception to those rules. It follows the life story of Maria Conceicao who refuses to back down or give up on her goals.
When she starts to work with Emirates as a flight attendant, it is on one of her many trips around the world, with a stopover in Dhaka that Maria experiences the realities of extreme poverty. She felt an unstoppable desire to help and felt that she could make a difference. She didn’t just see poverty; she also saw potential, especially in the young children of the slums.
Coming from poverty herself, Maria understood the difference that a helping hand could make. She also quickly recognized the need for education. What started as a humble quest, collecting items from friends to take on her return, turned in to something much, much bigger.
The book tells the story of the many obstacles faced on a journey to fulfill a promise. At one point, with everything about to collapse, Maria was pushed to take extreme measures. She had to step out of her comfort zone to reinvent herself as an athlete, an adventurer, and a mountaineer.
The story is human, real, something we can all relate to. The constant improvement that Maria forces herself through is inspiring. Overall, it is captivating, with highs, lows (some so low that it is truly heartbreaking), but ultimately it’s one of a never-give-up attitude and success.
Available in: Eng, Arb & Portuguese
When you think about a butterfly, chances are you think about a symbol of beauty that emerges from difficult circumstances. It’s only after the butterfly has tirelessly fought its way out of the cocoon that its full transformation is revealed—and it is the fight itself that produces that transformation.
Without the struggle to break free, the butterfly’s wings would never develop, leaving the caterpillar halfway between what it was and what it should become.
This is the theme of Maria Conceicao’s book, Butterfly Stories 2. But don’t let the title fool you: while the book is full of amazing personal accounts of rescue and transformation, it is also full of brutality and harshness.
The women featured in Maria’s book have paid the price to achieve their transformation; they have struggled against cultural oppression, spousal abuse, poverty, and—perhaps worst of all—the hopelessness that comes from being born into those circumstances with no apparent way out.
This is a book about transformation; about the ability of any person to change their world through a willingness to reject negative values and learn and live good values instead. This is a book of struggle and perseverance and courage because transformation is not a passive process. It requires action to light the fires of change.
Butterfly Stories is page after page of women who decided that they would be the spark of transformation. Through the faith and assistance of my friend Maria and her Maria Cristina Foundation, these women discovered their strength and took advantage of the necessary tools to transform their lives and the lives of their children.
Available in: Eng, Arb & Portuguese
When you think about a butterfly, chances are you think about a symbol of beauty that emerges from difficult circumstances. It’s only after the butterfly has tirelessly fought its way out of the cocoon that its full transformation is revealed—and it is the fight itself that produces that transformation.
Without the struggle to break free, the butterfly’s wings would never develop, leaving the caterpillar halfway between what it was and what it should become.
This is the theme of Maria Conceicao’s book, Butterfly Stories 2. But don’t let the title fool you: while the book is full of amazing personal accounts of rescue and transformation, it is also full of brutality and harshness.
The women featured in Maria’s book have paid the price to achieve their transformation; they have struggled against cultural oppression, spousal abuse, poverty, and—perhaps worst of all—the hopelessness that comes from being born into those circumstances with no apparent way out.
This is a book about transformation; about the ability of any person to change their world through a willingness to reject negative values and learn and live good values instead. This is a book of struggle and perseverance and courage because transformation is not a passive process. It requires action to light the fires of change.
Butterfly Stories is page after page of women who decided that they would be the spark of transformation. Through the faith and assistance of my friend Maria and her Maria Cristina Foundation, these women discovered their strength and took advantage of the necessary tools to transform their lives and the lives of their children.
Available in: Eng, Arb & Portuguese
One of the biggest challenges in life can be to change ourselves or our situation in life. We all have the power to do it, but it takes perseverance and determination not to lose sight of the goal, even when we constantly get blocked or knocked back by what seem to be the biggest barriers.
Altered Path, is a collection of short inspirational stories of powerful women, whom despite unimaginable hardship and injustice managed to persevere and transform into the butterflies they are today. This collection of stories is about transformation. The transformation that has come through the courage to go against all they have known to make a better life for them and their families.
“This is a book of struggle and perseverance and courage because transformation is not a passive process. It requires action to light the fires of change.” John C. Maxwell
Available in: Eng, Arb & Portuguese
Not all heroes wear capes. Everyone who has given their life to something bigger than oneself is a hero. This is the story of a hero who tried to make this cold world a warmer place for people to live in. Maria learned that kindness was free so she sprinkled it everywhere!
This book was written for the sole reason which is to serve the good cause of our hero. For every book sold, a child will be given a helping hand, hope, and a chance in life.
Mother earth is always reminding us to look after each other. We cannot help everyone, but everyone can help someone. Let’s join hands together and make a difference in the world. Awaken the hero inside you because the world needs YOU.
SAMIRA HAMMADI, the author, has also written:
• Having manners is the new cool
• Princess in the making série
She is also the founder of The Modern Etiquette Academy and Modern Etiquette Consultancy
Available in: Eng, Arb & Portuguese