I’m Aida Rejzovic, and I’d love to share a snippet of my journey with you, one that has taught me some invaluable lessons along the way.
I grew up in Brcko, a small town in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where life was simple, wrapped in the love of my family and friends. But in 1992, the Bosnian War began, and it shattered everything I knew. My family had to flee under the cover of darkness, and that was when I first learned what it meant to be a refugee.
We travelled from one country to another, including Croatia, the Czech Republic, and even Germany, living a life marked by uncertainty. Despite the lack of formal schooling, I found strength in small acts like cutting kids’ hair, which helped us get by. It was during those days that I learned one of my first lessons: resilience and the ability to make the most of what I had.
Being a refugee meant living with a lot of unanswered questions and fears about what’s next. Worrying about when I would see my family again, or when I can go back to school, or where I’ll live, felt like a heavy cloud that followed me everywhere. The biggest worry, though, was wondering if I’ll ever be able to return home. Every uncertainty felt like a silent storm inside me, chipping away at my hope. But even with all these fears, I’ve found a strength in myself I didn’t know I had.
In December 1995, my family and I arrived in Australia. The change wasn’t easy – I had to learn a new language, understand a different culture, and I spent countless hours alone in a library learning and escaping into the world of books. But I learned from that too; I learned about hope and transformation.
Australia taught me about the beauty of diversity and how acceptance can build strong bonds. By the time I finished high school, what initially felt like isolation had transformed into belonging. I discovered that embracing change is crucial; you need to adapt and grow, and that’s a powerful thing.
Now, when I look back at my journey, what stands out is the way I’ve turned hardships into lessons of courage, love, and unity.
I also found that our strength often lies in the very attributes we perceive as vulnerabilities. My past, with its trials and tribulations, has not confined me; rather, it has propelled me towards fostering a space that cherishes unity over division, warmth over indifference.
In this ever-changing adventure of life, I’ve found a powerful mindset that keeps me moving forward: nothing gets me down. Now, when life throws a curveball my way, I don’t spend time worrying. Instead, my mind kicks into high gear, focusing on action and finding a solution.
This wasn’t something that happened overnight. It’s been a process, of learning to channel the resilience gained from my past into a force for tackling today’s challenges. Each problem, no matter how big or small, becomes an opportunity to apply the lessons of toughness, change, and joy I’ve learned along the way.
Through my platform, Sassy Organics, I aimed not just to establish a business but to curate a collective space that champions sustainable living, kindness, and empathy. The endeavour is more than a reflection of personal values; it acts as a bridge, connecting people from various walks of life over shared concerns and aspirations.
My message to everyone is clear: happiness and a sense of fulfillment aren’t just dreams; they’re within your grasp. It’s about seizing the day, being surrounded by positivity, and having the bravery to step forward. You are the author of your story. Embrace each chapter, for even in moments of despair, there lies dormant, the seeds of incredible change and awakening.
My story isn’t just about overcoming challenges; it’s about thriving through them. To everyone reading this, remember your own strength, the beauty of being different, and the power you have to overcome difficulties. While we all share some common paths, your own journey is unique. With a bit of hope and courage, you can turn even the toughest times into your greatest adventures.
Aida Rejzovic
Aida Rejzovic is a founder of Sassy Organics — an all-natural, vegan and organic eCommerce store, committed to helping others adopt a healthier and more compassionate lifestyle.
