Written by Community Wellbeing Champion, Afzal Hadi, in January 2024.

In the practice of holistic wellness, the intertwining of physical and emotional health forms a compelling narrative of self-discovery. 

Aifa Ahmad, a vibrant individual and co-founder for Centre for Community Wellbeing, shares her inspiring journey from battling her insecurities with her body image, to becoming a beacon of resilience and well-being for those around her.

Aifa's story begins with the challenges of not fitting into society's conventional beauty standards. Growing up, she felt overshadowed by insecurities about her body and her appearance.

“I was the tallest and biggest girl in class for my years in primary school, and secondary school. It didn’t really feel good because the usual ‘attractive person’ is small, and petite, the total opposite of my appearance back then”, Aifa shared, recalling her younger days of feeling physically unattractive.

In our formative years, usually, to blend in feels safer than to stand out. Aifa wanted so much to blend in with the rest of the class. Soon, however, she found her voice and emerged out of her cocoon.

Determined to break free from these shackles, Aifa stood firm and decided to take charge of her life. Joining NPCC and later pursuing outdoor activities marked the beginning of her physical and emotional transformation.

Where most would crumble in fear and succumb to pressure, Aifa dedicated much of her resilience to the people around her. They, she proudly exclaimed, were the pillars that allowed her to bloom free. Her family and her clique from NPCC were primary communities she felt safe, supported, and challenged to grow.

Mentally, she did not feel she was ready for OBS** because of her size. She believed that she was also not ‘leadership material’, and thus did not deserve the opportunity to go to OBS.

Little did she know that this drove her down the path to become an Outdoor Adventure Instructor.

“If I cannot go to OBS when I was in school, then I will find a way to practise my love for the outdoors in another way”, shared Aifa, with a glint in her eye, proud of her journey from her primary school days.

Aifa's newfound potential propelled her into a journey of self-improvement, embracing multiple activities, focusing on nutrition,

… and eventually becoming an Outdoor Instructor

Aifa's resilience didn't emerge in isolation; it was nurtured by a supportive community.

The camaraderie within the NPCC* community provided a safe space for her to be herself. The positive influences and overseas adventures with like-minded individuals fueled her love for the outdoors. Beyond NPCC, Aifa found camaraderie in her ITE classmates, the arts community, and her family, all of which contributed to her sense of belonging.

Her time in ITE was one that was particularly refreshing.

“I had friends that were about my height! For once in a long time I felt that there were people like me who also faced what I had faced before”, she said.

Stamina emerged as a key motivator in Aifa's wellness journey. Her passion for exploring nature became a driving force, compelling her to maintain physical fitness.

Above all else, Aifa commended her love for nature as the primary reason for her fitness journey. Knowing that poor physical health meant that she would not be able to jump, climb, and walk to immerse herself in nature, she was determined to stay fit so she could continue pursuing what she loves. Truly, her "why" was stronger than her "how".

Some call it luck, others call it serendipity – but her pursuit of fitness not only supported her adventures; it also opened doors to unexpected opportunities.

Aifa's wellness journey extended beyond personal accomplishments to community projects. Recognizing the challenges Muslim women faced in maintaining modest attire during physical activities, Aifa founded Grundy.

Having faced her own hurdles in finding activewear for muslim women locally, she found a community of ladies just like her that would soon become her self-initiated community, Grundy.

Grundy introduced sports products for Muslim women, emphasising inclusivity and safety in the outdoors at the same time providing Aqua Fitness, Kayaking and Paintball Sessions for women and families. From community to community, Aifa found that moving through her own struggles with physical fitness and appearance shifted her lenses, and was grateful for where it has brought her thus far.

Fast forward to today, Aifa's commitment to physical wellness seamlessly integrates with her family life. They embrace a shared fitness routine, reinforcing the importance of accountability and support within the family unit. Night walks and fitness corner circuits, followed by a light supper after in the neighbourhood, became integral aspects of their total wellness journey. Though young, her two children look forward to these sessions – a beautiful time practising self care with loved ones.

For Aifa, physical wellbeing is not just a personal endeavor; it's a commitment to safeguarding loved ones.

“As a mother, if I am unfit, how can I take care of and protect my children?” Aifa shared with love and concern. The energy derived from maintaining physical well-being serves as a protective shield, enabling us to actively engage in and protect their families. “When I am unfit, I might feel extra worried and stressed out, because then who will care for my kids? It is more than just physical fitness, my emotional wellness is also affected if I don’t take care of my body.”

Aifa's journey encapsulates the transformative power of intertwining physical and emotional wellbeing. By sharing her experiences and breaking stereotypes, she inspires individuals to embrace physical wellness for themselves and their communities.

Her message echoes the importance of embarking on this journey not for comparison but for personal growth. Aifa invites individuals to explore diverse paths, find what resonates with them, and, most importantly, share their wellness stories to create a supportive community.

You’ll never know who you can touch because you took a stand in your community to stand up for yourself.

In Aifa's words, "Do it for yourself, and then do it for your community."

Notes :

*NPCC - National Police Cadet Corps. A uniformed youth organisation in Singapore closely affiliated to the Singapore Police Force

**OBS - Outward Bound Singapore is part of the network of Outward Bound centres worldwide