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This is a discussion topic for the February 2025 Book of the Month, "They Love You Until You Start Thinking for Yourself" by Monica Omorodion Swaida.

Did "They Love You Until You Start Thinking for Yourself" by Monica Omorodion Swaida challenge any of your own beliefs?

Her daring of flying to Poland in absolutely secret from her family, unwise of everything and in the poorest condition chalenges all my sense of surviving.This alone could we name beave. But taking all the consequencies of such choose is really extraordinary dor me.

Yes, "They Love You Until You Start Thinking for Yourself" actually did subtly challenge some of my own beliefs, or maybe "refine" them is a better word. It wasn't a complete upheaval, but it definitely made me think a bit differently about a few things.
For example, I've always intellectually believed in the importance of resilience and positive thinking. But reading Monica's story and seeing it in action, so vividly portrayed, really deepened my understanding of what resilience truly looks like in practice. It's not just about gritting your teeth and pushing through; it's about actively reframing setbacks and maintaining a forward-looking perspective even when things are really tough. Seeing her do it so consistently challenged me to think about how I personally respond to challenges and whether I could be more proactive in adopting that resilient mindset in my own life. It moved resilience from being an abstract concept to a more tangible and actionable quality.

While I wouldn’t say the book completely changed my beliefs, it definitely underscored the importance of critical thinking and having the courage to question the dominant stories we hear. It made me reflect on how, in some situations, we tend to mold our opinions just to avoid conflict instead of voicing what we truly think. That realization struck me and has left me contemplating my own willingness to speak up and be honest about my views.
It made me wounder about how different social and cultural contexts impact independent thinking. One of the standout moments for me was when the author talked about the pushback people often face when they dare to challenge the status quo, especially in places where everyone is expected to conform.

I wouldn't say challenged, but it definitely confirmed and validated some of the changes I'm making in my own life. We are raised to put others first and wait for others to think about our interest. But may not work well when it's about fulfilling your dreams and what you feel passionate about. For that you've got to speak up and act with resilience and confidence. That's something that validated for me - thinking of your own progress is not wrong, and seeking it can be a journey to be made alone but you've got to pursue it till the end.

Yes, They Love You Until You Start Thinking for Yourself challenged my beliefs about immigration and success. It made me rethink the idea that moving abroad always leads to a better life, showing the struggles many face after leaving home. It also pushed me to question societal expectations and the cost of independence, especially when standing up for oneself means losing acceptance.