Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shiva Negar. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Shiva , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
You know, I couldn’t tell your for sure but I believe I get it from my mom. And I think my life journey as an immigrant only added to my resilience. My mother made a very difficult choice when she was living in Iran, to leave the life she knew behind, in order to give me and my sister a better life. She did just that! I was 7 years old at the time when we left Iran and migrated to Turkey and 4.5 years later to Canada. I then moved to US by myself later on.
We had to start from scratch so many times, and we hit bottoms and got back up each time. I have seen and experienced things in that part of the world and throughout my journey that have really opened my eyes and have made me stronger. Most importantly I’m grateful for everything I have and don’t have today and I let my experiences be the fuel that I need to keep moving forward.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a human being on planet earth who decided to follow her passion of Performing Arts and have never looked back since. I am an Actress, mainly in Film & Television and a humanitarian. What I love about what I do is the story telling and the ability to walk in so many remarkable characters’ shoes.
What excites me is telling real and relatable human stories, and using my voice and platform to shine light on people who deserve to be seen, to be heard, to raise awareness. Ultimately this is one impactful way to connect us all as humans, no matter what part of the world you live in.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Resilience, Perseverance, and Tuning out negativity and other people’s opinions. When it comes to your own life and your journey, no one knows better than you do. You may seek guidance at times of course, specially at a young age, but at the end of the day it’s that voice inside you. You just have to listen to it and follow your gut because it knows the way.
Now I’m not saying it’s going to be easy. There are usually easier choices or options that may seem more convenient, keeping you in a comfort zone. But ultimately those choices don’t make you happy.
I made a difficult choice to pursue a career no one in my family and friends knew anything about. I started the journey on my own and therefore faced so many challenges as a consequence. But when you stay true to yourself and walk on the path that is meant for you, it will fulfill you and bring you peace, no matter what life throws at you.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
Not only the most impactful but the absolute best thing my parents did for me was to leave our home country and to migrate. We went through a lot of hardships of course and it took us years to get back on our feet. But we survived, and looking back now, it was definitely worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3078532/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theshivanegar/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theshivanegar
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/theshivanegar
Image Credits
Adam George @1ag_photography; Getty Images – David Livingston
