Akosua Dardaine Edwards's Blog, page 179
March 19, 2016
Day 7 Medellin
Your words are massive power. What are you using them for? Maxie Mccoy
Today I went to the favellas in Medellin, what a fascinating experience, to get there I took the most amazing cable car that took me above the City, it almost seemed that I was on the roof of the houses as we climbed higher and higher up! And it was quite inexpensive as well. Well done to the city for now considered to be one of the safest big cities in Latin America, with character, nightlife and public art that any urban area would envy. The cable car offers visitors possibly the least expensive but most comprehensive and photogenic city tour in the world.Prior to the completion of the cable cars, people stranded in the favelas wanting access to jobs, education, healthcare and even basic shopping had to make a slow and arduous journey down the mountainside to get into the city. Sporadic and unpredictable buses were available in some areas, but mostly people walked – sometimes for hours. This isolation, depravation and hopelessness contributed substantially to Medellín's famous and now rapidly fading history of crime and violence.The Metrocable has made commuting from even the furthest edges of the favelas a quick, affordable and scenic journey, travelling over the mountain and down into the valley where it seamlessly connects with the trains. Access to the system, including transfers between the trains and Metrocables, which effectively allows for an orientation tour of the entire city, is a refreshingly inexpensive 1750 pesos -- or about $1.Absolutely amazing and awesome work by the City!Peace
Today I went to the favellas in Medellin, what a fascinating experience, to get there I took the most amazing cable car that took me above the City, it almost seemed that I was on the roof of the houses as we climbed higher and higher up! And it was quite inexpensive as well. Well done to the city for now considered to be one of the safest big cities in Latin America, with character, nightlife and public art that any urban area would envy. The cable car offers visitors possibly the least expensive but most comprehensive and photogenic city tour in the world.Prior to the completion of the cable cars, people stranded in the favelas wanting access to jobs, education, healthcare and even basic shopping had to make a slow and arduous journey down the mountainside to get into the city. Sporadic and unpredictable buses were available in some areas, but mostly people walked – sometimes for hours. This isolation, depravation and hopelessness contributed substantially to Medellín's famous and now rapidly fading history of crime and violence.The Metrocable has made commuting from even the furthest edges of the favelas a quick, affordable and scenic journey, travelling over the mountain and down into the valley where it seamlessly connects with the trains. Access to the system, including transfers between the trains and Metrocables, which effectively allows for an orientation tour of the entire city, is a refreshingly inexpensive 1750 pesos -- or about $1.Absolutely amazing and awesome work by the City!Peace
March 18, 2016
Day 6 Medellin
DO SOMETHING! You're not dead yet.
Today I spent some time at SENA in Medellin
SENA is the National Service of Learning in Columbia, who are doing some amazing work through empowering communities especially women led homes through entrepreneurship. In a green space, lovely trees open spaces and in the middle of the mountains they set up their headquarters , and there we experienced their enthusiasm, their innovations and their love.
They seemed to have found the formula for building and empowering communities with the objective of peace and sustainable development for their people
I was quite inspired by what they have been able to achieve and still pushing to achieve even given their levels of success
Very grateful for the visionaries who said listen we have life let's do something despite what is happening in our country!
Big up to them
Peace!
March 17, 2016
Day 5 Medellin
Holding on to beliefs limits our experiences in life. That doesn't mean that beliefs or ideas or thinking is a problem: the stubborn attitude of having to have things be a particular way, grasping on to our beliefs and thoughts, all cause these problems.
To put it simply, using your belief system this way, creates a situation in which you choose to be blind instead of being able to see, to be deaf instead of being able to hear, to be dead rather than being alive, asleep rather than awake Pema Chodron
Medellin has a history, it is not a very rosy history, one of violence and strife. Today the city is growing, it is becoming peaceful, it is thriving and bustling. This took risk and a huge change of belief. It did not happen overnight but the point is that it happened and now is a testimony of changing belief systems, taking risks and loving their city so much to stand up and be counted
It is a very inspiring place for me, I am extremely excited at their prospects of all the awesome work that they are doing at all levels because it really takes a village. Everyone has taken their responsibility very seriously,
Being willing and ready is the start, what a great lesson for me
Peace
To put it simply, using your belief system this way, creates a situation in which you choose to be blind instead of being able to see, to be deaf instead of being able to hear, to be dead rather than being alive, asleep rather than awake Pema Chodron
Medellin has a history, it is not a very rosy history, one of violence and strife. Today the city is growing, it is becoming peaceful, it is thriving and bustling. This took risk and a huge change of belief. It did not happen overnight but the point is that it happened and now is a testimony of changing belief systems, taking risks and loving their city so much to stand up and be counted
It is a very inspiring place for me, I am extremely excited at their prospects of all the awesome work that they are doing at all levels because it really takes a village. Everyone has taken their responsibility very seriously,
Being willing and ready is the start, what a great lesson for me
Peace
March 16, 2016
Day 4 Medellin
'Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible to your approach'.
~ Anthony Robbins
Today I listened to a number of entrepreneurs pitch their new businesses with excitement, enthusiasm and gusto! I listened to someone talk about trust and how important it is in the process of developing a successful company and how vulnerability is a quality successful entrepreneurs possess
I thought about how many start ups and growing companies are one person shows,trust and vulnerability is undeniable and vulnerability is a strength, cracking one's self right open, stepping in the ring and being willing to take blows to get to where one want's to go!
Totally inspiring
Peace
Today I listened to a number of entrepreneurs pitch their new businesses with excitement, enthusiasm and gusto! I listened to someone talk about trust and how important it is in the process of developing a successful company and how vulnerability is a quality successful entrepreneurs possess
I thought about how many start ups and growing companies are one person shows,trust and vulnerability is undeniable and vulnerability is a strength, cracking one's self right open, stepping in the ring and being willing to take blows to get to where one want's to go!
Totally inspiring
Peace
March 15, 2016
Day 3 Medellin
“It’s well known in wisdom communities that delays are not denials. Remember this at all times. Keep focused on what you can do in the moment, and if there is nothing to be done – you are being taught patience. Apply yourself everyday towards your deepest desire – work hard, then let go. This is how mastery is attained.”love
- Jackson Kiddard, author & polymath.
I spent the entire day listening to people's stories of patience, endurance, success and setbacksEntrepreneurs have been giving their stories of how they achieved their dreams and in all cases it involved hearing no, waiting and learning to discern who was "in their corner" Starting is the key, no amount of planning and talking will get you to this, action must take place and taking action involves courage and vulnerabilityAnd so I thought today for everything on my own journey, courage and vulnerability. Courage over comfort and vulnerability over playing toughGrateful for the lessonsPeace
- Jackson Kiddard, author & polymath.
I spent the entire day listening to people's stories of patience, endurance, success and setbacksEntrepreneurs have been giving their stories of how they achieved their dreams and in all cases it involved hearing no, waiting and learning to discern who was "in their corner" Starting is the key, no amount of planning and talking will get you to this, action must take place and taking action involves courage and vulnerabilityAnd so I thought today for everything on my own journey, courage and vulnerability. Courage over comfort and vulnerability over playing toughGrateful for the lessonsPeace
March 14, 2016
Day 2 Medellin Columbia
Nobody else can really begin to sort out for you what to accept and what to reject in terms of what wakes you up and what makes you fall asleep. No one else can really sort out for you what opens your world-what to reject-what seems to keep you going round and round in some sort of repetitive misery
Pema Chodron
This is my second day in Columbia, I am here for a series of workshops on women and youth entrepreneurship under the Global Entrepreneurship Council - very happy and proud to be invited to be a part of this and looking forward to sharing and learning
Medellin I love so far, very green, hilly. and the people are friendly. So until.....
Will holla on the flip side
Peace
This is my second day in Columbia, I am here for a series of workshops on women and youth entrepreneurship under the Global Entrepreneurship Council - very happy and proud to be invited to be a part of this and looking forward to sharing and learning
Medellin I love so far, very green, hilly. and the people are friendly. So until.....
Will holla on the flip side
Peace
March 12, 2016
I give thanks for the reminder
Wherever you are in life, IT'S A PROCESS. Creating success, finding your purpose, falling in love, breaking up, loosing weight, healing your heart, gaining more confidence, earning more money... WHATEVER it is that you are asking for or focused on IS HAPPENING. You will not be able to SEE all that is happening with your physical eye, but you must BELIEVE and use your faith while you are in the process.
THINGS ARE WORKING! It is happening. Things are changing. Just BE PATIENT . Love yourself through the journey and let the process find its completion.
.
IMPATIENCE will only prolong your process. It's like opening an oven while a cake is trying to bake. It will NEVER finish cooking all the way through. So calm down. RELAX. TRUST. And before you know it, this process will be OVER and you will receive all that you've been believing for. Shanel Cooper Sykes
It's been a week of lessons!
Two community awards were given to me this week, I am still dripping with gratitude
The best part of the event in which I was the feature speaker were the 15 schools that attended with girls between the ages of 15 to 18 and we got an opportunity to speak after- so much promise and love and fun was had on Friday at the Hyatt with these young ladies- lessons reminding me of my responsibility to give back, to serve my country and my world!
I give thanks for the reminder
Peace
THINGS ARE WORKING! It is happening. Things are changing. Just BE PATIENT . Love yourself through the journey and let the process find its completion.
.
IMPATIENCE will only prolong your process. It's like opening an oven while a cake is trying to bake. It will NEVER finish cooking all the way through. So calm down. RELAX. TRUST. And before you know it, this process will be OVER and you will receive all that you've been believing for. Shanel Cooper Sykes
It's been a week of lessons!
Two community awards were given to me this week, I am still dripping with gratitude
The best part of the event in which I was the feature speaker were the 15 schools that attended with girls between the ages of 15 to 18 and we got an opportunity to speak after- so much promise and love and fun was had on Friday at the Hyatt with these young ladies- lessons reminding me of my responsibility to give back, to serve my country and my world!
I give thanks for the reminder
Peace
March 10, 2016
Don't Hide
Don’t hide. Share your experience. Let the world know where you are and where you’ve been. There is no shame in breaking through. Your truth could very well trigger a breakthrough for someone else… and that’s cause for celebration!
Stacey Herrera
Over the past few days I have been called upon to speak and chose to share my story as opposed to making a speech and many of the responses were "OMG you are so brave" "How can you tell people your story so easily" (as if!!) "I can't believe you said that"
I am sharing my story, I heard other people's stories and it healed me, it allowed me to grow and blossom and so I want to share my stories so that someone else can heal, grow and learn. Collectively this can transform where we are and by extension the world
So, share your story, in a way that is empowering, that is real, that is authentic, that is lovePeace
Over the past few days I have been called upon to speak and chose to share my story as opposed to making a speech and many of the responses were "OMG you are so brave" "How can you tell people your story so easily" (as if!!) "I can't believe you said that"
I am sharing my story, I heard other people's stories and it healed me, it allowed me to grow and blossom and so I want to share my stories so that someone else can heal, grow and learn. Collectively this can transform where we are and by extension the world
So, share your story, in a way that is empowering, that is real, that is authentic, that is lovePeace
March 9, 2016
Second Chances
The most powerful pain remedy, elixir, solution, galvanizer, waker-upper, injection of strength is…
gentleness Danielle La Porte
This piece is from Alex Elle - a top top truth teller, thank you for sharing Alex
It's always good to give others the benefit of the doubt. We all make mistakes. We all seek forgiveness at times. The gift of a second chance is precious. What I've learned though, is to be cautious and sensible in giving it.
When relationships, (both love and friendship) are seriously unhealthy, the same things often happen repeatedly. You keep thinking that "this time" it will be different. If you find yourself looking over your shoulder, arguing over the same things, and feeling hurt over and over again, perhaps it's time to be more honest with yourself.
Are you clinging to the potential of what you hope for and disregarding the reality of what actually is?
Yes, second chances are important, but they should be sincerely asked for and earned.
They also entail mostly letting go of what was to build something new - something better.
You should never feel obligated to give a second chance.
It has to make sense.
It has to feel right in the innermost chambers of your heart.
Really contemplate it. Be smart. Be careful. And know this - when you release what no longer fits, you create space for something...for someone who will be far better suited for you.
You won't have to chase it and work so hard for it.
In time, the right connections and experiences will come to you.
Let's take a chance on that.
Peace
This piece is from Alex Elle - a top top truth teller, thank you for sharing Alex
It's always good to give others the benefit of the doubt. We all make mistakes. We all seek forgiveness at times. The gift of a second chance is precious. What I've learned though, is to be cautious and sensible in giving it.
When relationships, (both love and friendship) are seriously unhealthy, the same things often happen repeatedly. You keep thinking that "this time" it will be different. If you find yourself looking over your shoulder, arguing over the same things, and feeling hurt over and over again, perhaps it's time to be more honest with yourself.
Are you clinging to the potential of what you hope for and disregarding the reality of what actually is?
Yes, second chances are important, but they should be sincerely asked for and earned.
They also entail mostly letting go of what was to build something new - something better.
You should never feel obligated to give a second chance.
It has to make sense.
It has to feel right in the innermost chambers of your heart.
Really contemplate it. Be smart. Be careful. And know this - when you release what no longer fits, you create space for something...for someone who will be far better suited for you.
You won't have to chase it and work so hard for it.
In time, the right connections and experiences will come to you.
Let's take a chance on that.
Peace
March 8, 2016
Happy International Women's Day 2016
Gratitude. The units of understanding increase with experience. Value. Grateful for everything. Every moment that one would seem to wish to undo. Innerstanding now the past and it's truths. From fighting to stay the same to accepting that one must change. Evolution. And my appreciation has multiplied, so much so that I embrace it all. Not just parts, but the whole story. Give thanks. Natalie Stewart
Today is International Women's DayI am eternally grateful for all the women who paved the path for me to be in a space where I can do anything, I mean anything, I can study, vote, drive, anything.... and this was not the case in my great grandma's timeI take my responsibility seriouslyI take nothing for granted on this dayHow can I leave this place so that my great great grankids can say the same thing?That's my motivation now and forwardMay I continue to walk the path and may I walk it with couragePeace
Today I am speaking at the Tunapuna Public Library at 9am, I appear on the Everywoman Program at 11.15 and will present as the feature speaker at the First Caribbean International Bank at 4pm,
Today is International Women's DayI am eternally grateful for all the women who paved the path for me to be in a space where I can do anything, I mean anything, I can study, vote, drive, anything.... and this was not the case in my great grandma's timeI take my responsibility seriouslyI take nothing for granted on this dayHow can I leave this place so that my great great grankids can say the same thing?That's my motivation now and forwardMay I continue to walk the path and may I walk it with couragePeace
Today I am speaking at the Tunapuna Public Library at 9am, I appear on the Everywoman Program at 11.15 and will present as the feature speaker at the First Caribbean International Bank at 4pm,
