Akosua Dardaine Edwards's Blog, page 103

Keep Going

“What's done is done. What's gone is gone. One of life's lessons is always moving on. It’s okay to look back to see how far you’ve come but keep moving forward.” 
― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart


It's been a whirlwind, between meetings, seeing people, running, and catching some of the sights in Soweto. I am inspired by what is happening here. the attempts to create an Arts and Culture District, to create and stimulate entrepreneurship, to focus on reducing unemployment, to build technology
I am heartened by the progress they have made, it is not perfect yet they soldier on learning the lessons as they go.

What Did I Learn Today?
Keep Going, Learn as you go
Assemble a team, do not be scared to leave some of them where you found it
Do not be afraid to be wrong, don't be afraid to admit it and don't wait to apologise
Keep an open mind and a willing spirit
Think Big, Think Global

Have you read any of Akosua's work?

What Did I Learn Today? Lessons on the Journey to Unconditional Self LoveNyabo (Madam) - Why Are You Here?Daily Lessons on the Journey - A Journal
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South African Lessons continued...

When we want to change someone, we are trying to change our reflection. The reflection which we don't like - Sylvia Salow
Have you ever considered that the people around you are mirrors? Have you ever considered that the life you live is a mirror?Sometimes we look into the mirror and we don't like what we see and rather than accept it, we strike at the mirror as if that would change anything!Being here in South Africa (SA) is like looking into a mirror, sometimes it's challenging to look in the mirror and accept that somethings need adjusting especially when it is unexpected!
Those are my lessons for today!
I had a lovely meeting with the African Women in Mining, hoping to make some wonderful connections in the future.
Have you read any of Akosua's work?

What Did I Learn Today? Lessons on the Journey to Unconditional Self LoveNyabo (Madam) - Why Are You Here?Daily Lessons on the Journey - A Journal
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South African Lessons...continued

at some point it may serve you to decide thata particular project or undertaking is complete.
Seeking excellence is one thing; never finding anything totally satisfactory is another. It is as I have told you before: Perfection is the obstacle of creation Neale Donald Walsh 

Today I had the opportunity to be a judge at the The Innovator's Hub and Black Umbrella's Pitch Competition in South Africa. 24 entrepreneurs pitched their ideas in three minutes with 2 minutes for questions for  the prize of a grant worth $100k Rand
The competition was intense, the pitches were quality, the room was packed.
I truly had funThe Innovation Hub in Pretoria is one of the most modern facilities that I have ever seen,  a futuristic type of vibe! finger print and face recognition, open green spaces, technology throughout, healthy food and promoting green! Apart from a book store and Library,  this would be my version of heaven.I was smiling all day!Entrepreneurs take risksThey provided me with a reminder that taking a calculated risk is essential to moving forward, even if you stumble  that is a forward movement.
Failing forward is a thing! A useful thing
I also met some really wonderful and interesting peopleAwesome DayGive thanksPeace  
Have you read any of Akosua's work?

What Did I Learn Today? Lessons on the Journey to Unconditional Self LoveNyabo (Madam) - Why Are You Here?Daily Lessons on the Journey - A Journal
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More Lessons on South Africa Week 2

Without action, the dream will fade away without effects. For it is your action and self beliefs that strengthens it. ACIM

Met today with a young tech entrepreneur in Johannesburg. Invited by my soul sister who is part of the Innovation Hub in South Africa I took the opportunity to see first hand  what they do to support and grow young entrepreneurs
These are my top lessons:

1. Create a supportive and enabling environment
2. Listen more than speak or offer advice
3. Ask questions
4. Build trust
5. Be authentic
6. Remain open

Simplicity is so awesome
Peace

Have you read any of Akosua's work?

What Did I Learn Today? Lessons on the Journey to Unconditional Self LoveNyabo (Madam) - Why Are You Here?Daily Lessons on the Journey - A Journal
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South Africa - Week 2

The fear of sacrifice and loss is one of the greatest obstacles to our spiritual progress. And as long as we think we are losing something real, we will drag our feet. ACIM

Anytime I visit  South Africa,I get an overwhelming feeling of hope and the urge to make my life better not just for me but for anyone that I come into contact with.

I look on from the outside and see the combination of improvement and struggle and angst and happiness which accompany the country's movement from a separated society to one that is moving towards unity.
I am reminded that everything is a process, it will not happen overnight, an unraveling of sorts.

This weekend I was fortunate to witness so many rituals all honoring long standing traditions. Some I agree with and some I look on and think, was this to accede or keep the peace?
In the church  I visited with the white Jesus, yet only black people in the congregation, singing what it would seem, like African freedom songs.

The honoring of the ancestors moved me, and the sense of community that the process brought, it seemed as though everyone from the surrounding areas came, people were streaming into and out of the house, people were on the street standing, eating, talking, celebrating.

I also witnessed a wedding at the Pretoria Botanical Gardens, well wishers and attendees in their traditional wear, the dancing and singing. A truly joyous moment.

Extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to he here to be a part of it all

For the reminders and lessons
of love, community, service, honor and tradition
Peace

Have you read any of Akosua's work?

What Did I Learn Today? Lessons on the Journey to Unconditional Self LoveNyabo (Madam) - Why Are You Here?Daily Lessons on the Journey - A Journal
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The Flip Side

Be aware that patience is not the art of waiting - its the metaphysics of knowing that resting calmly will deliver - Guru Singh

Hello lovely people

It's been a while, I know! I have missed connecting with you! I finally touched town in South Africa after 2 days of travel. I overnight-ed in New York City then spent over ten hours to Dubai and another ten to Johannesburg. I must admit, I was beat! As soon as I arrived there was a dinner to attend, the following morning the SABIC Conference commenced with the formalities. I am so grateful to everyone that made it possible for me to be here!
I was schedules to speak on Rural Development, Women and Youth however, on the spot I  was asked to join another panel to speak on Entrepreneurial Eco Systems - I was so nervous. The host had to say "Don't Be Nervous" it turned out well in the end. I also did my scheduled talk the following evening.
I enjoyed it, I know that this is where I feel happy and of service
Straight after the talk I headed to Pretoria to spend some time with my soul sister and this is where I will be based for the next ten days of so.
I will find a way to remain in touch, I didn't do my homework and came without a convertor for my laptop, needless to say, the voltage here is different! I found some charge last night and I thought of first connecting with you lovely peep
Sending you love and peace from SA
Peace

Catch you on the Flip Side

It’s ok to grow, stretch and become more. Just make sure as you get bigger you are expanding from a pure place, as your true self. Otherwise you simply become a much bigger, more exaggerated version of who you are not. Maryam Hasnaa

I am off to South Africa today, this has been a real test of faith, patience and support. I am scheduled to speak at the SABIC Entrepreneur's Conference at the Emperor's Palace in Johannesburg,sort out a book talk and then fingers and toes crossed, hop over to Malawi to check out a women's project.
I went to check in this morning and I was told that my ticket was void. I called the organisers and they did not understand what happened. There was a mix up. By the time I was booked on the flight there were reroutes and delays which extended my trip by an entire day! I am reminded that despite the challenges I am on my way, I am reminded to learn from the experiences
The statement that pushed me there was on Saturday when a virtual perfect stranger - the lady responsible for booking the ticket says to me "You must have faith, have a little faith"
I paid attention to that and right there and then I asked that whatever negativity or fear that is in my consciousness to leave me, to focus only on the lessons, on the experience, on the love

So, that being said, see y'all on the flip side!
Peace

 Have you read any of Akosua's work?


What Did I Learn Today? Lessons on the Journey to Unconditional Self LoveNyabo (Madam) - Why Are You Here?Daily Lessons on the Journey - A Journal
Follow Akosua onTwitterInstagramFacebook

Don't Let No Doubt Fool You

Push. 
When your mind says, "No!" you say, "Yes." (No, you can't think positively about that plane delay? Yes—two hours to yourself!—yes, you can.) 


It is very easy for our thoughts to run away with us, it is very easy to become so focused and overwhelmed by thoughts that it takes us over. We focus on the negatives, in what we don't want, in what we fear.

If we listen to our language we can realize how much we talk about what we don't want and don't have
What e fear and what we don't like
Where is the talk about the possibility?
Where is the talk about using what we have?
Where is the talk about what we want?

I have learnt that the Universe produces exactly what we focus on. Focus on the now, the yes, the possibilities and see what happens!

Don't let doubt and fear fool you
Peace


Have you read any of Akosua's work?

What Did I Learn Today? Lessons on the Journey to Unconditional Self LoveNyabo (Madam) - Why Are You Here?Daily Lessons on the Journey - A Journal
Follow Akosua onTwitterInstagramFacebook

Stay in Your Business

If you are living your life and I am mentally living your life, who is here living mine? We’re both over there. Being mentally in your business keeps me from being present in my own. I am separate from myself, wondering why my life doesn’t work.To think that I know what’s best for anyone else is to be out of my business. Even in the name of love, it is pure arrogance, and the result is tension, anxiety, and fear. Do I know what’s right for me? That is my only business. Let me work with that before I try to solve your problems for you. If you understand the three kinds of business enough to stay in your own business, it could free your life in a way that you can’t even imagine. Byron Katie



Staying out of other people's business can be a challenge especially when you either care about them, believe that what they are doing is wrong or bad, or think you have the answer to their dilemma We want people who we care about to thrive, to live well, to be happy.
However we have to ask ourselves what is our real intention behind this belief.
I have learnt that many times we want our own way, we want to be seen as useful, we want to be of value to others.
I have learnt that people are on their own journey. that we can be of support but we cannot hold them up to meet our dreams and standards. I have learnt to stay in my lane, to respond to when asked rather than stick my nose in in places without being asked
People say, why not simply help others. We can help others by being supportive, not by being nosey to make ourselves feel good or to live up to our standards of that is right or not right
Bitter pill to swallow
Peace


Have you read any of Akosua's work?

What Did I Learn Today? Lessons on the Journey to Unconditional Self LoveNyabo (Madam) - Why Are You Here?Daily Lessons on the Journey - A Journal
Follow Akosua onTwitterInstagramFacebook

Testimony

Love wishes to be known, completely understood and shared. It has no secrets; nothing that it would keep apart and hide. It walks in sunlight, open-eyed and calm, in smiling welcome and in sincerity so simple and so obvious it cannot be misunderstood . ACIM

Yesterday's event at The Arts Cafe TT was lovely, the spirit of kinship, the support of my friends and family, an absolutely full house! Give thanks
I want to share a testimony from the evening...Happy Reading

Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending a Wellness Wednesday event featuring @akosuadedwards at @theartscafett.Let me start by saying that the universe works in mysterious ways.I catered an event earlier this year for which the feature speaker was Ms. Akosua Edwards. At the time I was hiding from accepting the huge changes that occurred in my life and so, it wasn’t my time to meet Akosua. Other than catering the event, I had no idea who she was.Six months passed during which I had a complete breakdown. Yet somehow, pulled myself together enough to start this page to actively track my self-love journey and hopefully help others along the way.A total of ONE day after starting the page I stumbled upon Akosua’s event and it was like everything in the universe lined up. It was about self-love, in San Fernando at a convenient time and it was free! I had to attend.Akosua’s profound words resonated so deeply with the packed room that by the time I heard what my soul knew I needed to hear, I was in tears. Like Akosua at the beginning of her journey, I’d lost my “identity” and was struggling to come to terms with that loss.I needed to hear that, to truly move forward, I need to accept where I am, that I can’t hide from the truth and that I should not sit in judgement of myself for not being where I think I should be.Sometimes our greatest obstacle is ourselves.
Sometimes we fear failure so much that we never try.
Sometimes we decide for ourselves long before we even give it any real thought.Always be kind to yourself.
Always be honest with yourself.
Always give yourself the benefit of the doubt.#selflove #nojudgement #acceptance #positivity #honesty #author#inspirational

Have you read any of Akosua's work?

What Did I Learn Today? Lessons on the Journey to Unconditional Self LoveNyabo (Madam) - Why Are You Here?Daily Lessons on the Journey - A Journal
Follow Akosua onTwitterInstagramFacebook