PIGMALION: Of Lives, Illusions, and Self-Discovery

A powerful story of resilience, self-discovery, and the impact of mentorship. From surviving emotional struggles to reclaiming independence, this journey unveils the strength within.

“The show must go on…” echoed through the auditorium at the Faculty of Political Sciences, where, in the company of well-known journalists, Pigmalion held his lecture. He was quick, sharp, interesting, every word perfectly placed. He wasn’t one of those people who gestured too much or used filler words and stuttered while speaking. He knew who he was and what he was, as well as how much he was worth. His body language pointed to someone who knew they could get whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted. Still, there was no sign of arrogance, even though he had every right to be. In 2013, he was incredibly popular. I knew him from television, and he constantly surrounded himself with politicians, yet never truly belonged to any of them. He sold his knowledge very well, and that was enough, because he was one of the few whose opinion everyone “fought” for.

The Trap of Perfectionism and Inner Struggles

At that time, I was a scholarship holder at the American Institute. Due to my complex feeling that I wasn’t educated enough, I applied for every possible and impossible competition to improve myself in every field. Fortunately, the Germans recognized me and awarded me the scholarship I so desperately needed. Yet, the complex remained, despite everything. Even today, I wonder where it comes from. I’m in my second year of doctoral studies, with two completed degrees, a master’s degree, management of a Women’s Protection Center, countless professional papers, and research. Yet, I still feel like I haven’t achieved enough.

Maybe it’s because of my mother’s words, which have been echoing in my head since puberty, telling me that I’m wanted for my body, not my brain, that I don’t even have a brain because I focus on my hips. Or maybe it’s because of my sister’s insinuations that I can’t keep a man because I’m shallow and rude. Or perhaps it’s because of the fifteen years of abuse from my ex-husband, who only saw me as a mere object. Maybe it’s all of this, or maybe it’s none of it. There are so many “maybes” in my life.

A New Beginning with Pigmalion

What happens when a mentor becomes a lifeline? This is a story of self-discovery, inner struggles, and the battle against societal expectations. Through resilience, empowerment, and personal transformation, I found the strength to rebuild my life. Inspired by the legend of Pygmalion, this journey reveals the power of belief, the weight of past trauma, and the fight for independence.

On the recommendation of the American Institute, who took me under their wing, Pigmalion invited me to his firm a few days after that lecture for a potential job interview. He was running a PR agency with headquarters in Belgrade, but his business spanned across the world. I remember sitting in his office in Vračar, talking for hours while he drew diagrams and tables for me. He asked me if I could keep up because, at first, my job would require understanding what he was talking about. I understood every word, but all that was running through my mind was… How do I start working? How, when at home I have two young children and a husband who is incapable of taking care of himself, let alone them?

Between Difficult Decisions and Inner Strength

Although I had no support, I had no choice. To this day, I don’t know how I always managed to appear like nothing was missing. Even if all I had at home were noodles and tomato soup, I looked like a million dollars in public. I remember asking one bitchy politician for help back then because, of course, I had been accepted on a temporary contract. I wanted her to help me secure a permanent position so I could buy my children books and clothes on installment plans. That’s when I kicked that bastard of a husband out of the apartment, and the debts he left me with surpassed not just one, but ten salaries.

At that time, Pigmalion became my support. He continuously encouraged me, giving me checks to buy everything my children needed, and he even began transferring money to my account. “Come on, go to the bank, withdraw what I’ve sent you, and buy whatever you need.”

Questions About Myself and Inner Understanding

Am I just the statue you brought to life, or something more? I ask myself this every day. You’re the only man who gave me, without asking for anything in return.

Have you ever faced a moment in your life where you felt completely lost? How did you find your way back?

What does “self-discovery” mean to you, and how do you embrace it in your life?

Is there someone in your life who has guided you through difficult times? How did their support change you?

Do you believe it’s possible to transform your life, no matter how deep the struggles? What would it take for you to believe in that change?

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