Setbacks are part of life
Pain has prompted Marcia Malatji (39) from Xavier Reef Estate to write a motivational book, Finding Strength In The Midst Of A Storm.
She said most of the time we depend on other people, families and churches. However, everything in life starts with you.
Marcia was diagnosed HIV-positive 14 years ago and has since turned her life around and lived a positive life.
“Sometimes in life you go through difficulties: family problems, losing business, financials that doesn’t make sense, loss of loved ones and making wrong decisions. In the midst of all that, you need to find strength to go on and serve your purpose in life. These are just obstacles that will make you stronger,” she said.
After receiving the news that she has the virus, Marcia knew she needed to live her life to the fullest.
“At first it came as a shock but I knew I was living healthy before the virus and I continued to do so. I started to take medication for it three years ago. I have always been a positive person,” noted Marcia.
She is also the founder of Queens Forum, where she motivates and encourages people who are HIV positive.
“I want people, especially women, who recently found out about their statuses to have strength and face life because sometimes it is not their fault that they found themselves in that situation.
“I remember giving hope to a couple who were about to get married, and had a nine-month-old child. When they found out that they were HIV positive, they wanted to give up on life. Through my intervention I prevented that and four years down the line, they are still living their healthy and normal life,” explained Marcia.
Marcia the motivator
“I’m also a motivational speaker. I go to schools and make learners aware about life in general. I have been buying sanitary pads and donating to the less fortunate. I’m also open for any assistance the community can give. We need to come together as a society to help those who cannot help themselves,” she said.
She said with this book she wants to encourage everyone to pick themselves up and take better routes in their lives.
“The book contains my life experiences. So get the book and empower yourself. Remember, if you are blessed it is easy to bless others,” she said.
Marcia lives happily with her 16-year-old daughter, eight-year-old stepson and husband.
Anyone who wants the book may contact Marcia on 071 798 0587.
