Dancing Through Adversity: Endurance as a Path to Fulfillment

Dancing Through Adversity: Endurance as a Path to Fulfillment

October’s Creative Morning took place at AFI+ Network, an innovation hub in the heart of Baixa Chiado. Upon entering this historic building, participants were met with a set of cascading limestone stairs that opened up into a cavernous space filled with traditional and modern art. It felt like a place of work, but also like a home.

People arrived on a windy, rainy morning sharing introductions and personal stories of their journeys to Portugal, and this event, over coffee and local pastries. Then My Nguyen, the guest speaker, bounced into the space with an enormous smile and contagious energy greeting strangers with a set of hugs and kisses. It was like we knew her, before knowing her.

Joshua Taylor, Founder & CEO of AFI+, shared the organization’s vision and mission, followed by Yasmina, a volunteer for Creative Mornings, introducing My and the theme of endurance. 

She started her talk by sharing what is traditionally connected to the idea of endurance, visuals of people holding their hands in the air and athletes in strident positions. But, she urged the audience to also think about what it means to entrepreneurs facing rejection, expats trying to establish a new life, or someone coping with unexpected loss.

While her journey from Vietnam to Finland, London, and now Portugal was intriguing, it was her vulnerability and honest account of facing defeat, loss, and adversity that resonated with the audience.

Not only did she reinvent herself numerous times but she continued to show up. Her unwavering commitment to keep trying, even when faced with rejection was inspiring. In one account she said: I’m going to work so hard they can’t ignore me. And even when ignored, she rediscovered her love of dance, and the leader inside that wanted to not only be herself but work for herself. 

Confidance, her latest endeavor, unlocks your full potential through the power of dance, mentorship, and engaged experiences. And engage us she did!  She ended her talk by getting us onto our feet, turning on Sean Paul, and getting a group of strangers to learn a choreographed dance.  

If you’re looking to step away from your desk, reconnect with your body, and elevate your confidence, check out the offerings from Confidance.

Photography by Matej Simko

Text by Tara Goulet