A Life Shaped by Virtues: My Journey from Cyprus to America and the Freedom from Fear
Conquering Life's Obstacles with Unyielding Courage with an Unbreakable Spirit
I was born in 1970, a first-generation Greek Cypriot in Knoxville, Tennessee. My earliest memories are tied to the strong values my parents instilled in me, values that became the foundation of my life. My father, a farmer turned biophysicist, and my mother, a resilient woman who balanced a career and homemaking, gave me a life rich with lessons on courage, faith, and humanity.
1973: The Birth of My Brother and Ice Cream in Cyprus
In 1973, my family and I visited our homeland, Cyprus. My mother, heavily pregnant with my brother, brought me to a world where simplicity and community were the greatest treasures. My fondest memory of that time is my grandfather picking me up from school every day with a homemade ice cream cone in his hand. Fresh, vibrant, and full of life—just like our village.
When my mother went into labor, I saw her resilience. She had a scare, tripping in her platform heels, but despite the worries of our family, she carried on. It was that same strength she showed throughout life. Even though she fell, she rose again—physically and spiritually. It is that kind of faith in the face of adversity that she passed on to me.
1974: War and Displacement
One year later, in 1974, the Turkish invasion of Cyprus forever altered our family’s history. My extended relatives fled their homes in fear, leaving behind everything, including precious photo albums—memories we could never recover. The weight of injustice was palpable.
At home in Knoxville, we anxiously watched Walter Cronkite's broadcasts, waiting for news. I was too young to fully grasp the situation, but my parents' tension filled the air. My father, often silent about his past, shared stories of living under British rule and the occupation. It was through their endurance during these years that I learned the meaning of courage. To flee one's home, to start over in a new country—these are acts of courage that go beyond physical strength.
Late 1970s: Finding My Voice
Growing up as a quiet, introverted child, school was a challenge. Speaking English was foreign to me, and I often retreated into silence, overwhelmed by the shame of not being understood. It wasn’t until I was called to present a book report in 5th grade that I faced my fear. I prayed for strength, and when I stood up to speak, something miraculous happened—I found my voice. For the first time, I spoke clearly, confidently, and with conviction. It was a moment of faith rewarded, and from then on, I began to understand the power of self-expression.
1980s: Lessons from Gandhi
In 1982, I was a 12-year-old sitting beside my father, watching the movie Gandhi. For the first time, he opened up about his childhood under British rule in Cyprus, drawing parallels between Gandhi’s struggle and his own. My father’s quiet resilience in the face of oppression and his commitment to justice resonated deeply with me. It was through his stories that I began to understand the importance of fighting for what is right and standing firm in the face of injustice.
1990s: Education and Identity
As I pursued my education, I became acutely aware of the privilege and opportunity that my father had worked so hard to secure. He was the only member of his village to earn a doctorate, a feat that earned him a hero’s welcome when he returned to Cyprus. His journey taught me the value of wisdom—not just in terms of formal education, but in the understanding that true learning comes from life experiences. My own pursuit of higher education in counseling was driven by this same thirst for knowledge and a desire to help others.
The Present: A Legacy of Humanity and Temperance
I often reflect on the values my parents instilled in me: courage to speak up, wisdom to guide others, and justice to fight for what is right. But perhaps the greatest lesson they taught me was humanity. Whether it was my father’s tender care for his family after the war or my mother’s relentless spirit in the face of illness, they showed me that true strength lies in compassion.
Through my work, I continue their legacy, fostering healing and growth in others. Whether I’m baking bread in my kitchen, just like my mother did, or leading a workshop on personal development, I carry their virtues with me. And every loaf of bread I bake reminds me of the warmth, comfort, and sustenance they provided for me and countless others.
Overcoming Anxiety: From Fear to Freedom
In my past, speaking in front of people was a source of deep anxiety. For years, I struggled with what I now understand to be selective mutism—an intense fear of speaking in public or to new people. It wasn’t until much later in life that I learned how to transform this anxiety into excitement, and that realization changed everything.
Research in cognitive neuroscience has shown that anxiety and excitement are processed in the same part of the brain. When we feel anxious, our heart races, we feel jittery, and our minds are on high alert. Interestingly, the physiological response to excitement is almost identical. The key difference is how we interpret these sensations. Anxiety focuses on the potential negative outcomes, while excitement focuses on the potential for something positive to happen.
Dr. Alison Wood Brooks, a Harvard Business School professor, published a study on this phenomenon, suggesting that simply reappraising anxiety as excitement can dramatically improve performance under pressure. I began practicing this shift—telling myself, “I’m excited,” rather than, “I’m scared.” It didn’t happen overnight, but slowly, my nervousness transformed into a sense of anticipation and possibility. Instead of fearing judgment, I became eager to share my message.
This breakthrough has given me the freedom to speak in front of audiences, lead workshops, and coach others with confidence. It’s been a transformative journey, one that has taught me that change is possible for anyone. Just as a butterfly emerges from its cocoon, we too can break free from the anxieties that hold us back. It takes time, but by reinterpreting our fears and shifting our mindset, we can emerge stronger, more capable, and more fulfilled.
To anyone reading this who struggles with anxiety, there is hope. The power to transform is within you, and the journey begins with a simple shift in perspective. If I can do it, so can you. It’s never too late to break out of your cocoon and spread your wings.
