“Life will always bring storms – but storms pass and it is within our power to endure and overcome” says the wonderful Idah Chiwa. In July of this year she debuted her book titled ‘Passing Storms’ in which she details the downs she has navigated in her life and also the great success that have seen her enjoy success as an author, coach, entrepreneur, mother and wife. 

Chiwa (IC) was generous enough to talk to My Afrika Magazine columnist, Kudzai Mhangwa (KM), about her book, her work as a life coach and other musings that reside in her heart.

KM: Welcome Idah! Thanks so much for agreeing to the interview. Please introduce yourself to our readers.
IC: Hie! I’m Idah Chiwa, a life coach, speaker and author who believes every storm carries a purpose. My passion is helping people lift the lid on their potential, to rise above pain, grow through adversity and step into who they were created to be. 

KM: You are the author of ‘Passing Storms.’ Please tell us a little about the book.
IC: ‘Passing Storms’ is my heart on paper, a guide I call the ‘Storm Manual.’ It’s about breaking and becoming, simply going through life’s storms and coming out wiser, stronger and more powerful than before. Every storm refines, not defines you; it reveals the strength you never knew you had. 

KM: That is so powerful. What inspired you to write the book?
IC: The book was inspired by my own storms, seasons that broke me and built me. I discovered that true healing begins when we lift the lid on our truth and allow our pain to shape purpose. ‘Passing Storms’ is my testimony that we can all rise, rebuild and become. 

KM: What is the book about?
IC: ‘Passing Storms’ is about navigating the emotional, spiritual and mental tempests of life with grace and resilience. It helps readers reflect, heal and realign, learning to see storms not as punishments, but as preparation. It’s about breaking and becoming, transforming pain into purpose and fear into faith. 

KM: How difficult was it to talk about your personal life in such a way?
IC: It wasn’t easy to open up, but vulnerability became my strength. Writing about my personal journey meant reliving moments of pain, but also reclaiming my power. I knew that if my story could help even one person find hope in their storm, it was worth it. 

KM: How has reception for the book been so far?
IC: The reception has been deeply humbling. ‘Passing Storms’ has touched hearts across different walks of life, many readers say it feels like the book was speaking directly to them. It’s also finding its way into academic and professional learning spaces, where it’s being used to inspire reflection, emotional growth and resilience. Seeing it impact both personal and educational circles has been truly rewarding. 

KM: What would you say is the best way to deal with life’s challenges and storms?
IC: The best way to face life’s storms is to pause, reflect and reframe. Don’t fight the storm, flow with it. Every challenge carries a lesson and an invitation to grow. When you choose to lift the lid on what the storm is teaching you, you come out refined, not broken.

KM: As a coach, what is the biggest hurdle people are facing in this time in reaching their potential?IC: The biggest hurdle people face today is self-doubt, the silent belief that they’re not enough. Many are trapped in cycles of negative talk and limiting beliefs that quietly erode their confidence. They carry invisible lids of fear, comparison, and unhealed wounds. My role as a coach is to help them lift those lids, silence the negative voices and see that their potential was never lost, just buried beneath disbelief. 

KM: Apart from your brilliant work, what do you do?
IC: Beyond my work, I love wellness activities that nurture both body and spirit, from morning devotion and prayer walks to journaling and quiet moments in scripture. I’m also drawn to creative spaces where people share stories, because every story holds wisdom. Music, laughter and deep, faith-filled conversations fuel my spirit and keep me grounded.  

KM: Thank you so much for your time Idah. What would your final words to readers be?
IC: Thank you. My final words to readers: Don’t fear your storms, face them. Within every breaking moment lies the beauty of becoming. Lift the lid, trust the process and remember, storms don’t last, but the strength they awaken does.  

Chiwa hosts empowerment workshops to help people overcome their own life storms and become victors. Her latest session is on the 29^th of November in Highlands, Harare. Her books and details of her events can be viewed on her Facebook page ((5) Facebook).