Margaret
“All woman must make this journey into Te Ao Marama, enlightenment, to stand in our truth and live it. Our intuition is our true guide.”
Margaret is honest, determined and wise. She doesn’t give up when she sets her mind to something, especially when it comes to helping others. Meet Margaret. This is her story.
Margaret at home (her happy place)
P: Please introduce yourself!
M: Kia ora my name is Margaret Rose Graham. I am 66 years old and have recently retired. My new found freedom means I can focus more on the things that I love and that give me pleasure, like my family and my personal interests.
P: Describe or define yourself in your own words.
M: I was brought up by my grandmother and learnt from a young age that I could do anything I wanted if I really wanted it. I have been blessed with a determined and persistent nature that has helped me face challenges with honesty and courage and to keep going no matter what.
Margaret at Waitarere Beach
P: What is your favourite thing about yourself?
M: My sense of humor.
P: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that has defined you or made you stronger?
M: I remember as a young girl being given an ultimatum by the coach of our girls softball team: “Margaret you either have to improve your game or sit on the sideline.” Well the end of that season I won the cup for the most improved player and the next season I won the cup for player of the year. I also ended up representing our region. This experience has always been a reference for the wisdom gained. I went from sitting on the sideline to playing four times a week no room for fun.
P: What advice would you give your younger self?
M: My advice to myself would be, "love yourself and find your bliss and live it.”
A: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say to her if she were here now?
M: I am inspired by a lot of women who have overcome personal adversities and become stronger as a result. My grandmother is such a woman. Despite only having one lung to us she was strong and resourceful and instilled that in me a love of education. After she died I left school to go to work and support myself financially.
If she was here now I would say to her, my journey into Tino Rangatiratanga (empowerment as a wahine/woman) started with you. All woman must make this journey into Te Ao Marama, enlightenment, to stand in our truth and live it. Our intuition is our true guide.