Yesterday we held a workshop in a high school in Belgrade. 💕 There were three of us who shared our stories – Kristina, Boban and me. Each of us has our own disability that we struggle with and we are all different, but on the other hand we are also accomplished in the jobs we do.

Accomplished as parents. We try to live life to the fullest as we know how and are able to do it, and we wanted to convey the fact that being DIFFERENT is completely okay to these wonderful, slightly younger generations. 🦋

Yesterday, we had the opportunity to speak to a group of young, bright students at a high school in Belgrade. It was a day I’ll never forget, a moment that felt both powerful and humbling. The workshop brought together three individuals, each of us with our own unique experiences and struggles, but all of us united by the common thread of overcoming adversity. Kristina, Boban, and I each shared our stories, and in doing so, we not only gave a glimpse into our lives, but we also hoped to inspire the students to see beyond the surface and recognize the strength and potential in themselves and others, regardless of the challenges faced.

Kristina’s story was one of resilience and determination. She has lived with a disability for as long as she can remember, but that hasn’t stopped her from becoming an accomplished professional. In fact, her disability has shaped the way she views the world. It has taught her patience, the value of empathy, and the importance of never giving up. Kristina works as a counselor, helping individuals navigate their own challenges. Her passion for her job shines through, and it was clear from the moment she began speaking that she has found her calling.

What struck me most about Kristina’s story was how she spoke about the everyday struggles that come with living with a disability. She shared how simple tasks—like getting on a bus or finding a place to work—can often be daunting. But despite those hurdles, Kristina is always moving forward, learning from each experience, and turning obstacles into opportunities for growth. Her message to the students was simple but powerful: “You are stronger than you think, and your challenges will only make you more resilient.”

Boban, our second speaker, has had a similar journey, though his disability is different from Kristina’s. Boban was born with a physical condition that affects his mobility. He shared the difficulties he faced growing up, how he often felt like an outsider, and how society’s expectations of what he could and couldn’t do were often limiting. However, Boban’s determination to break free from these constraints led him to become a successful graphic designer. He explained how, despite the physical challenges, he uses technology to help him overcome barriers and do his job effectively.

Boban’s story resonated with the students because it highlighted the power of adaptation and the importance of using what you have, rather than focusing on what you lack. He emphasized that everyone has strengths, and those strengths don’t have to fit into a conventional mold. Boban’s passion for design was contagious, and by the end of his talk, the students could see how his disability didn’t define him, but rather, his ability to adapt and innovate did. “It’s not about what you can’t do, it’s about finding what you can do and doing it with all your heart,” he said, and it was clear the students were deeply moved by his words.

As for me, my own journey has been one of navigating both visible and invisible challenges. I live with a condition that affects my ability to process information in certain ways, which has often made communication difficult. However, over the years, I’ve learned how to work around my limitations, using various tools and techniques to help me succeed. I’m now working as a content creator, helping others share their stories and spread positivity through writing.

During my part of the workshop, I shared how important it is to recognize our own worth, regardless of the difficulties we may face. I told the students about the times when I doubted myself, thinking I wasn’t good enough or capable of achieving my goals. But I also shared the moments of triumph—those times when I pushed through the doubt, when I found ways to make things work, and when I finally succeeded in doing something that once seemed impossible. My message was simple: don’t let your fears or challenges define you. Embrace who you are, with all your strengths and imperfections. You are enough.

The workshop was an opportunity not only for us to share our personal stories but also for the students to see the power of diversity. Each of us—Kristina, Boban, and I—was different, with our own struggles and experiences, yet we had all managed to carve out successful careers for ourselves. We proved that success isn’t defined by what you can or cannot do physically, but by your determination, creativity, and heart.

It was also an opportunity for the students to reflect on their own lives and how they, too, can overcome challenges. We received many thoughtful questions, and it was clear that the students were inspired by our stories. Some shared their own challenges, while others asked for advice on how to stay motivated and positive. It was a beautiful exchange, one that reminded me why sharing our stories is so important.

As the workshop came to a close, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. We may have been the ones sharing our experiences, but in many ways, the students had given us just as much. They reminded us that we are not alone in our struggles, and that by being open, sharing, and supporting one another, we can all grow and accomplish things we never thought possible.

Yesterday’s workshop in Belgrade was a powerful reminder that we are all more than our disabilities, more than the challenges we face. We are individuals with dreams, passions, and strengths, and those things define us, not our limitations. I left the workshop feeling inspired and hopeful, knowing that we had made a difference in the lives of those young students—and that they, too, would continue to break barriers in their own unique ways.