Today we’d like to introduce you to Saira Anwar
Hi Saira, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Every journey begins with a pivotal moment, and my turning point came in 2011—a year that reshaped my life and it started with a marriage proposal from Australia. A dream was about to come true. I was swept off my feet by the promise of a new life in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. Sunshine, fresh starts, and that beautiful Aussie accent everywhere. Who could resist?
But here’s where things took a turn. I got married within a month, ignoring advice telling me to slow down. And boy, did things unravel fast. What started as a dream quickly spiralled into a three-month-long nightmare. By the time I got back to the UK in October 2011, I felt like a shadow of myself. My confidence was shattered, and I was grappling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Nights were the worst – I’d often wake up crying or screaming. I shut myself away, not wanting to face the world or even chat with friends.
Then, something shifted. My brother, seeing the state I was in, suggested I try counselling. I was hesitant, but I went. And something amazing happened after that first session – I started writing. At first, it was just a way to process my therapy sessions, pouring all my tangled feelings and experiences onto paper. But then, it evolved into poetry.
That’s when it clicked for me. My journey through a failed marriage didn’t just end with a divorce; it led to the discovery of my voice as a poet. It was as if through the storm, I stumbled upon a hidden part of myself waiting to be unearthed.
So, I made a decision. I was going to take my poetry, my story, and share it with the world. I published a book and set up a website, not just as a creative outlet, but as a beacon for others navigating their own rough seas. Through my work, I delve into themes like marriage, divorce, healing, and the journey to self-love and understanding love anew.
My message is simple: through sharing our stories, we find common ground, and healing, and maybe, just maybe, we help someone else feel a little less alone. That’s the power of turning our struggles into art.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When I returned to the UK in 2011 my attitude to life was negative, as I had my confidence taken away from me. I was suffering from post-traumatic trauma. I was having nightmares, waking up screaming, and crying. I didn’t want to go out, or meet people. We would get visitors coming over to see me. Every time I spoke I would burst into tears. Until one day my brother suggested I take up counselling. I turned to counselling. After my first session, I decided to start writing. The therapy was writing all my feelings down and everything that happened. It then turned into poetry. So I decided one day, I’ll continue and will publish a book.
If I knew it was going to take me two years or less to see a published book with my name on it. I wouldn’t have believed it. I would’ve laughed at you. I would’ve even given up had I known it would take that long – I’m glad though that I didn’t. Looking back I feel privileged to be having a book out with my name on it.
I still haven’t come to terms with the fact that I have a book with my name on it. To have become a bestseller and within Amazon’s top 20, it was shocking, to be honest. It was humbling to have achieved this for a book I thought I wouldn’t have ever published. This was only possible by those who purchased and supported the cause throughout the journey.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I work as an educator in a school setting, specialising in supporting children with additional needs. My role involves helping students overcome any barriers they may experience with their learning. I assist and support teaching and learning within the classroom, prepare and maintain teaching resources, and deliver small group interventions and support.
I love being part of a committed team that works hard every day to keep children happy, safe, secure, and supported. I am very proud of how resilient the children are and their ability to challenge themselves to be the best they can be.
I am most proud of the positive impact I have had on children. Seeing them flourish, grow, overcome challenges, and achieve their goals year after year brings me immense joy and fulfilment.
What sets me apart from others is that I am bilingual. I speak English, Punjabi, and Urdu fluently, which helps children who speak another language to access lessons and supports ESL students in understanding and participating fully in the classroom.
My growth didn’t end there. I have spent 12 years writing poetry, publishing my own book, engaging in public speaking, performing publicly, and building an online community. I am known for my inspirational, lyrical, and uplifting poetry, which has resonated with many.
I express my passion for teaching and learning through content creation and live sessions on social media. Additionally, I have participated in poetry workshops as a poet and assisted in extracurricular classes as a teaching assistant. I have also volunteered and led teams at a local charity.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Among my favourite books are “Where Hope Comes From” by Nikita Gill, “Sins & Sunflowers” (second edition) by Emma-Jane Barlow, “Closer to Love” by Vex King, “The Soul Of A Butterfly: Reflections on Life’s Journey” and “The Greatest: My Own Story” by Muhammad Ali, and “Happy” by Fearne Cotton.
My favourite podcasts include “Diary of a CEO” by Steven Bartlett, “The School of Greatness” by Lewis Howes, “The Mel Robbins Podcast,” and “Happy Place” with Fearne Cotton. “Love Life with Matthew Hussey.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sairaanwar.co.uk
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/sairathepoet
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/sairathepoet
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saira-anwar-6b2331232?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
- Twitter: http://x.com/sairathepoet
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sairathepoet
- Soundcloud: https://m.soundcloud.com/sairathepoet
- Other: https://www.threads.net/@sairathepoet https://www.tiktok.com/@sairathepoet?_t=8lRf9p3rZqL&_r=1 , http://getbook.at/sairaanwar https://sairathepoet.substack.com Buy my books here: https://sairaanwar.co.uk/books/
