Alis Cerrahyan

“The greatest victory of my life happened the day I finally admitted my limitations and stopped pretending to be someone who walked through life, straight as an arrow, while trying to sweep her flaws into a dark corner, where they would remain out of sight. Though I always knew they were there; I didn’t want others to see them, because their opinion of me was highly important. Keeping them hidden shaped me into someone politically correct and socially acceptable; so I wouldn’t feel like an outsider.”
― Alis Cerrahyan, Dance Like Nobody's Watching

“The process of becoming a refugee varies for each person. It’s a journey of defiance and dares; because what each individual leaves behind is entirely different. Their personal goal is unique. Their ability to cope with the unpredictable hasn’t been challenged enough. Nor can they foresee the hand they’ll be dealt. Not everyone receives a strong hand. So, the results are always uncertain. For many, it’s the last game!”
― Alis Cerrahyan, Dance Like Nobody's Watching

“Both voice and self are established in early childhood. People who have not been given a voice then, have the lifelong need to be heard. The self goes under construction with unexpectedly large cost overruns in order to acquire a sense of value and importance.”
― Alis Cerrahyan, Dance Like Nobody's Watching

“Looking back, I now see that I was exaggerating. “Forever” was a big word for a seven-year-old. But feeling unimportant does feel like forever.”
― Alis Cerrahyan, Dance Like Nobody's Watching