Akosua Dardaine Edwards's Blog, page 187
December 9, 2015
Your feelings are a signal
Holding your feelings in is detrimental to your health. Feelings need an outlet. They are intended to be expressed.
Your feelings are a signal. A signals sole purpose is to inspire action.
Whether you are feeling something positive or negative, communicate. Unexpressed feeling get trapped in your body, which is never a good thing. Conveying your feelings creates space for you and others.
Speak it. Write it. Express it. It does not matter how…
just say it. Stacey Hererra
So for those who know me for a while, they know that I am not a loud person or a talker, I talk when I have to, I say that I do not like to waste words, and there is sometimes a downside to not talking much. The downside is expressing of feelings get thrown to the wayside. Couple that with being "nice" and there can be a really be some consequences to this type of behaviorThough, this past year I have been shifting this behavior by speaking and expressing my feelings a lot more, there are some things that I have done this year that I shocked even my own senses - the voice in my head was screaming -"Chick, what on earth are you doing?" and the voice says it in that high pitched voice so you know it's shrieking and being super duper loud.And for those at the end of my new found courage to express myself know that I trust you enough to go down this road with you.And there were some consequences too, I feel that I may have scared away some people, made some of them really uncomfortable, lost some "friends" and even broke my own heart! But those consequences were so pale in comparison to feeling free, feeling that I can express myself without literally dying both outside and inside. And every time I fall into the trap of beating up myself or feeling sorry for myself or being timid about it I remember the space I created to feel more and to know who are my true blue, to know how I have grown and to realize how many lessons that I have learnt along the way.It's a daily practice, and I practice daily and I feel all the feelings, all of themI watch all the people who shrink away from my expression of feelings, all of the people who swell with it and know that it all matters, all the expressions even those that make me really uncomfortable and even sad!Find a way to express your feelings or else they fester and translate itself into health issues or just issues..... the ones that drip and makes hole in all aspects of your lifeFeel it, feel it allPeace
So for those who know me for a while, they know that I am not a loud person or a talker, I talk when I have to, I say that I do not like to waste words, and there is sometimes a downside to not talking much. The downside is expressing of feelings get thrown to the wayside. Couple that with being "nice" and there can be a really be some consequences to this type of behaviorThough, this past year I have been shifting this behavior by speaking and expressing my feelings a lot more, there are some things that I have done this year that I shocked even my own senses - the voice in my head was screaming -"Chick, what on earth are you doing?" and the voice says it in that high pitched voice so you know it's shrieking and being super duper loud.And for those at the end of my new found courage to express myself know that I trust you enough to go down this road with you.And there were some consequences too, I feel that I may have scared away some people, made some of them really uncomfortable, lost some "friends" and even broke my own heart! But those consequences were so pale in comparison to feeling free, feeling that I can express myself without literally dying both outside and inside. And every time I fall into the trap of beating up myself or feeling sorry for myself or being timid about it I remember the space I created to feel more and to know who are my true blue, to know how I have grown and to realize how many lessons that I have learnt along the way.It's a daily practice, and I practice daily and I feel all the feelings, all of themI watch all the people who shrink away from my expression of feelings, all of the people who swell with it and know that it all matters, all the expressions even those that make me really uncomfortable and even sad!Find a way to express your feelings or else they fester and translate itself into health issues or just issues..... the ones that drip and makes hole in all aspects of your lifeFeel it, feel it allPeace
December 8, 2015
Walking through vulnerability
If your desire is really to trust who you are when you are interacting with others, you simply must learn how to be vulnerable and be courageous enough to stand in your vulnerability
I was having a conversation today with someone who asked me what I was doing for Christmas and I told her I would be working or going away and she shot back right away "I think you are running away from something" I laughed. Perception is a hell of a thing isn't it?
I never put a meaning to my Christmas "me" time. I go away and feel absolutely refreshed when I return. Honestly, I would love to share my journeys with someone however I am willing to wait until it is someone who genuinely wants to share these journeys with me and I am ready to use my vulnerability as a strength that it really is.
Brene Brown has some done some great work on vulnerability and shows how much of a strength it can be. She says daring greatly means the courage to be vulnerable. It means to show up and be seen, to as for what you need,to talk about what you need, to have the hard conversations. She defines vulnerability as uncertainty, risk and emotional exposure
To be human is to be in vulnerability.
It is the cornerstone of confidence, you can't get to courage without walking through vulnerability.
And so here I am, walking through it to get to the courage to be unapologetic about what I do, and who I give my time and effort to
Journeys and more journeys
Peace
I was having a conversation today with someone who asked me what I was doing for Christmas and I told her I would be working or going away and she shot back right away "I think you are running away from something" I laughed. Perception is a hell of a thing isn't it?
I never put a meaning to my Christmas "me" time. I go away and feel absolutely refreshed when I return. Honestly, I would love to share my journeys with someone however I am willing to wait until it is someone who genuinely wants to share these journeys with me and I am ready to use my vulnerability as a strength that it really is.
Brene Brown has some done some great work on vulnerability and shows how much of a strength it can be. She says daring greatly means the courage to be vulnerable. It means to show up and be seen, to as for what you need,to talk about what you need, to have the hard conversations. She defines vulnerability as uncertainty, risk and emotional exposure
To be human is to be in vulnerability.
It is the cornerstone of confidence, you can't get to courage without walking through vulnerability.
And so here I am, walking through it to get to the courage to be unapologetic about what I do, and who I give my time and effort to
Journeys and more journeys
Peace
December 7, 2015
You are divine, you are holy
When we think we are unworthy, it means that, for some reason, we believe that we have to prove we have a right to our space on the planet, in life, as we are, That means that we will do all manna of wonderfulness to prove we deserve to be here.
In that effort, we tend to go overboard in our everyday interactions.
We overcommit, over-give, we over-do, we over-excuse, we overcompensate, and we stay in difficult, desperate, hurtful, harmful situations much longer than it is wise or productive to do so
Iyanla
This nails it for me! Iyanla nails it here for me, I repeat, it is so so close to home. Based on what she is saying here it's impossible to improve your self-worth without first recognizing your true value and seeing yourself as worthy. We look everywhere for it, everywhere outside of ourselves. But what I have learnt is seek outside of yourself and it will fail. When we do not know and more importantly do not believe that we are prosperous we go looking outside for it and do all manner of things to get there and some people go as far as stealing. When we do not believe or know that we are love - well of course, we go looking and looking and looking for it, and sometimes in all the wrong places.Me - I fall right into the trap of the "being nice and doing all manna of wonderfulness" yea I said it! So now I know I will act like I doWe are all divine, holy, useful and wonderful beings, we may have not been told or believe that we are but nothing and no one can change this!Say it to yourself daily, I am divine, I am holy I am wonderful and soon you will start acting as you really areIt really is that simpleIts us who complicate the shitToday, simply simplifyTravelling today so will holla on the other side Peace!
This nails it for me! Iyanla nails it here for me, I repeat, it is so so close to home. Based on what she is saying here it's impossible to improve your self-worth without first recognizing your true value and seeing yourself as worthy. We look everywhere for it, everywhere outside of ourselves. But what I have learnt is seek outside of yourself and it will fail. When we do not know and more importantly do not believe that we are prosperous we go looking outside for it and do all manner of things to get there and some people go as far as stealing. When we do not believe or know that we are love - well of course, we go looking and looking and looking for it, and sometimes in all the wrong places.Me - I fall right into the trap of the "being nice and doing all manna of wonderfulness" yea I said it! So now I know I will act like I doWe are all divine, holy, useful and wonderful beings, we may have not been told or believe that we are but nothing and no one can change this!Say it to yourself daily, I am divine, I am holy I am wonderful and soon you will start acting as you really areIt really is that simpleIts us who complicate the shitToday, simply simplifyTravelling today so will holla on the other side Peace!
December 5, 2015
Day 2 SVG
Sometimes we lose ourselves in others, around us or in the work we do. We stop asking when we last danced, when we last sang, and even when we last visited friends we love. A heartbreak is like a cleanser of the soul. It leaves us empty looking around to see where have we been and where are we in this emptiness. That starts a new journey of exploration of “who am I, where am I and am I where I want to be, with who I want to be with and what I want to be.” The emptiness allows for new arrivals of visions, learnings and dreams free of all inhibitions and restrictions with the sky as the limit if even. Zainab Saldi
Today I am travelling about an hour by car away from where I am staying to meet with a community organisation who have embarked on a project to start a business in their area, we have been working on this project for about 8 months and today is my last workshop with them, they are sharing lessons learnt, of course, and how they will move ahead without me. I am excited as I know that they are more than capable, I actually learn so much from them I think even more than I think I give!A young vibrant and positive group of young people who want a better life for them and the rest of their community! The food their is also sooooo good, I am excited about that as wellLove my SVG crew every timeHolla at you on the flip sidePeace
Today I am travelling about an hour by car away from where I am staying to meet with a community organisation who have embarked on a project to start a business in their area, we have been working on this project for about 8 months and today is my last workshop with them, they are sharing lessons learnt, of course, and how they will move ahead without me. I am excited as I know that they are more than capable, I actually learn so much from them I think even more than I think I give!A young vibrant and positive group of young people who want a better life for them and the rest of their community! The food their is also sooooo good, I am excited about that as wellLove my SVG crew every timeHolla at you on the flip sidePeace
December 4, 2015
Rest well.Eat well.Act right
You want to have more, give more and get more. In order to do it you must think abundantly.Do everything in an abundant way. Rest well.Eat well.Act right. Iyanla Vanzant
Today I am on a plane again, hitting the beautiful island of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), an absolute gem of an island in the Caribbean where I will be conducting two sessions. Always a pleasure to be there, the people are friendly and I feel a sense of calm and peace whenever I touch down on the SVG soil.
I am particularly excited to see the progress made by the community since my last visit in September, they have taught me the importance of using what I have, focusing on what is there. A true testament of what one focuses on grows. Instead of lamenting about what they do not have they rallied together within the community and decided to use whatever was available to them to make a better lie, I really cannot help but be inspired by them and their efforts
So my weekend will be spent working - on the beach, eating fruits, chilling with the residents of Rosehall and Diamond who demonstrate that anything is possible with persistence, consistency, self belief and a love of community and country
Holla at ya on the other side
Peace
Today I am on a plane again, hitting the beautiful island of St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), an absolute gem of an island in the Caribbean where I will be conducting two sessions. Always a pleasure to be there, the people are friendly and I feel a sense of calm and peace whenever I touch down on the SVG soil.
I am particularly excited to see the progress made by the community since my last visit in September, they have taught me the importance of using what I have, focusing on what is there. A true testament of what one focuses on grows. Instead of lamenting about what they do not have they rallied together within the community and decided to use whatever was available to them to make a better lie, I really cannot help but be inspired by them and their efforts
So my weekend will be spent working - on the beach, eating fruits, chilling with the residents of Rosehall and Diamond who demonstrate that anything is possible with persistence, consistency, self belief and a love of community and country
Holla at ya on the other side
Peace
December 3, 2015
What are you creating?
Leave people and places better than when you found them- Maxie McCoy
The ability to create - we were all born with it, if you think about it, creation is easy for us, every day we create something, sometimes without even thinking about it, sometimes mindlessly, sometimes unconsciously. It is really more challenging to destroy or live a life denying our creative juices and ability. Sooner or later the excuses catch up with us, or life becomes a task when we deny our inante creative abilities
And so I ask are you paying attention to what you are creating as you walk this path and on this journey
Creation is through thought, word and deed.
It starts with a thought add that to applied action and boom - you create something
What are you unconsciously creating as you go on your journey?
Peace
December 2, 2015
We are programmed to fear it
Truth comes, we can't hear it
When you've been, programmed to fear it Lauren Hill
One of my favourite teachers always says when the proverbial shit hits the fan for me, what is the truth that is staring you in the face that you are refusing to acknowledge? Ask yourself that and then come chat with me.And then I reflect, then I realize that I am in a big cave of denial!The truth needs no defenceThe truth is without oppositeThe truth just is....
Do what you like it isn't going to change to suit your fear or your situationIt is just the truth and guess what I have learnt? It really does set you freePeace
When you've been, programmed to fear it Lauren Hill
One of my favourite teachers always says when the proverbial shit hits the fan for me, what is the truth that is staring you in the face that you are refusing to acknowledge? Ask yourself that and then come chat with me.And then I reflect, then I realize that I am in a big cave of denial!The truth needs no defenceThe truth is without oppositeThe truth just is....
Do what you like it isn't going to change to suit your fear or your situationIt is just the truth and guess what I have learnt? It really does set you freePeace
December 1, 2015
Too busy for what?
Busy has become a tagline and it is quickly becoming a lifestyle.
The problem with busy is this… it does not work. Busy does not feel good. Busy causes more problems than it solves.
Busy creates stress and stress causes illness. The energy of busy is toxic and contagious. And it is wreaking havoc at home, at work, and in our relationships. Stacy Herrera
I asked someone yesterday "How are you?" and their response was "Busy"
Busyness has now become a state, a place of feeling. Since when?
The society values it, they place a premium on those who are busy, and those who are not are "skivers", skylarkers and not doing much. Society has let us know that being still or taking a pause is not a good thing and we have bought into it.
There is a time for everything under the sun. A time to work, a time for play, a time for rest and a time for fun. Being busy can sometimes be used as a state to escape, to leave the key issues of life on the back burner convincing ourselves that there are more important things to be taken care of.
If you are too busy to take care of your health
If you are too busy to eat
If you are too busy to chat with your friends and loved ones
If you are too busy to take your partner out or spend time with your family
If you are too busy to exercise
If you are too busy to do the very things you love
Then you need a reality check!
Peace
I asked someone yesterday "How are you?" and their response was "Busy"
Busyness has now become a state, a place of feeling. Since when?
The society values it, they place a premium on those who are busy, and those who are not are "skivers", skylarkers and not doing much. Society has let us know that being still or taking a pause is not a good thing and we have bought into it.
There is a time for everything under the sun. A time to work, a time for play, a time for rest and a time for fun. Being busy can sometimes be used as a state to escape, to leave the key issues of life on the back burner convincing ourselves that there are more important things to be taken care of.
If you are too busy to take care of your health
If you are too busy to eat
If you are too busy to chat with your friends and loved ones
If you are too busy to take your partner out or spend time with your family
If you are too busy to exercise
If you are too busy to do the very things you love
Then you need a reality check!
Peace
November 30, 2015
Wildly Grateful
Be wildly, precisely, obsessively grateful. When you treasure how much you have – from your good health, free evenings, expertise, a loving soul, a bit of cash – you KNOW you have so much to give Danielle LaPorte
London town was fabulous, freezing but fabulous! The bookstore staff was so friendly, and interesting, an international group who are concerned with giving back and changing the world! Lot's of synergies. I feel so grateful for all the good vibes and blessings that pour forth on my path!
I am not back in Trinidad for one week, feels great to be in the sunshine and back home. My friends told me that I have gained weight! Oh well! Life goes on, I did eat so much good food and drank so much lovely coffee in Kenya.
So thank you for accompanying me on the journey!
Peace!
London town was fabulous, freezing but fabulous! The bookstore staff was so friendly, and interesting, an international group who are concerned with giving back and changing the world! Lot's of synergies. I feel so grateful for all the good vibes and blessings that pour forth on my path!
I am not back in Trinidad for one week, feels great to be in the sunshine and back home. My friends told me that I have gained weight! Oh well! Life goes on, I did eat so much good food and drank so much lovely coffee in Kenya.
So thank you for accompanying me on the journey!
Peace!
November 28, 2015
London Town
Write down what you want.
Watch it happen.
Spelling is a spell.
Shhh
E.BADU
Hey beautiful people sharing with me on the journey. I have been travelling over the last day and have been in London town for the past day and a half for my forst book signing event here. London being a significant part of my journey. I am excited yet nervous, grateful and happy. I want to rant a bit here though. The other side of the story showed its face to me over the past few days. I came from Kenya, Wifi access there was free available and almost a given, a so called third world country, come to London, where I have a "history" meaning I have a bank account, a phone line and even an address and to get on line has been a nightmare to put it mildly! My patience was surely tested especially today on the phone with my mobile provider, I even told them that they ought to be embarrassed that Kenya is way ahead of them and I must be on the phone for almost two hours before my phone works or my Wifi! They did not appreciate it, I even said it nicely without raising my voice as well!
So in the end I realise that I am addicted to my phone, my gadgets and the Internet!
As we speak I am in a Library, the only place Wifi worked since I have been here!
Anyways, looking forward to tonight and sharing more lessons on the Journey, after which I am back on a place again
Will holla on the other side and thank you for listening to my rant!
Peace
Watch it happen.
Spelling is a spell.
Shhh
E.BADU
Hey beautiful people sharing with me on the journey. I have been travelling over the last day and have been in London town for the past day and a half for my forst book signing event here. London being a significant part of my journey. I am excited yet nervous, grateful and happy. I want to rant a bit here though. The other side of the story showed its face to me over the past few days. I came from Kenya, Wifi access there was free available and almost a given, a so called third world country, come to London, where I have a "history" meaning I have a bank account, a phone line and even an address and to get on line has been a nightmare to put it mildly! My patience was surely tested especially today on the phone with my mobile provider, I even told them that they ought to be embarrassed that Kenya is way ahead of them and I must be on the phone for almost two hours before my phone works or my Wifi! They did not appreciate it, I even said it nicely without raising my voice as well!
So in the end I realise that I am addicted to my phone, my gadgets and the Internet!
As we speak I am in a Library, the only place Wifi worked since I have been here!
Anyways, looking forward to tonight and sharing more lessons on the Journey, after which I am back on a place again
Will holla on the other side and thank you for listening to my rant!
Peace
