Akosua Dardaine Edwards's Blog, page 37
July 25, 2022
I dwell in Possibility
Possibility isn’t about forced positivity or false hope. It’s about taking responsibility for change in ways we can and choosing to hold space for what could be when we can’t. It’s about looking toward what else could be. Lisa Olivera
When faced with challenges and confusing moments, we retreat into old habits and comfortable patterns, it is also sometimes an easier option to withdraw altogether and look towards busyness, distractions and anything that will provide us with a reprieve. All of which may be a choice in the moment which can bring us closer to a solution - what is clear is that these methods are short term and unsustainable.
What I have learnt whilst in the fog is to focus on what is possible. I ask myself that question
"what is possible?" I also affirm to myself "I dwell in possibility"
Possibility allows me to imagine, to dream, to move away from what is in front of me. This is not to put me in a space of denial, it really is to move my thinking towards what can happen in a positive way, rather than what has happened which I cannot change.
Possibility requires me to have faith, courage and patience. Three important pillars that move me into a different way of thinking.
Possibility says do what you can and surrender the rest to the Most High.
Possibility says there is something bigger than you out there, believing in it can shift your perspective.
Possibility says I am open to a new thing.
Possibilities are endless.
Peace
Akosua's Books
Nyabo (Madam) Why Are You Here?
What Did I Learn Today? Lessons on the Journey to Unconditional Self Love
Sign up Now - Welcome to Self Awareness - Tools for The Journey
July 22, 2022
Some Responses are Gifts to Us
Sometimes responses are gifts to us - Minaa B
How well do you respond to feedback? How well do you respond to unsolicited feedback? I have learnt that feedback is a gift. I have also learned that when the feedback gets on my nerves its an even more important gift.
Let's face it, no one likes being told that they are doing something bad, wrong or ineffective. It becomes even more difficult when we spend time, effort and resources on that thing we are being told is bad and wrong.
Confessions on the Journey - I would take feedback very personally, I would internalize it, get wildly upset or totally withdrawn until I realized that I had a choice, that it was a gift and I get to choose what I do with the choice and the gift.
There were so many times that I did not do my best - when the feedback came I was defensive - I felt embarrassed to admit that I did not show up fully.
When feedback comes and I get defensive, attached and start justifying, I know that it is me avoiding hearing from anyone due to my own feelings.
I also have a choice to let the other person know that I am not open to feedback, this has also been hard to accept and say- not wanting to look like a jerk of course! Some people really do not have your own best interests at heart and can be plain ole' haters! Discernment is a great lesson here.
What I have learnt is to appreciate how gifts show up, and that I have the choice to use the gift in any way I see fit on this journey.
Peace
Nyabo (Madam) Why Are You Here?
What Did I Learn Today? Lessons on the Journey to Unconditional Self Love
Sign up Now - Welcome to Self Awareness - Tools for The Journey
July 20, 2022
From Confusion to Clarity
Confusion is a symptom of three things:
1. The fear of trusting yourself
2. The lack of clarity about the road ahead.
3. New momentum in your life that was self-initiated.
If you’re not moving forward, you are in your comfort zone and won’t be confused. Mastin Kipp
Guadeloupe was lovely, I thoroughly enjoyed the time spent, not only due to the amazing beaches, food, culture and company. The lessons on the Journey were also quite impactful.
There were so many moments where I chose to jump out of my own limiting beliefs and just be.
Be in the moment
Be in the experience
Be in the discomfort
Be in the present
Be in the laughter
And here I am still able to tell the tales and share the lessons.
Confessions on the Journey - Another reason I stay out of water (beaches, river, oceans, waterfalls) I feel uncomfortable in a swim suit. I gave up the freedom of getting in the ocean because of how I saw myself and my body. On this trip, I decided that that no matter what, I was stepping into the water. Let me tell you, the relief and freedom I felt was extraordinary, who knew? I started thinking about the time I spent worrying about how I looked and felt. In the water it did not even matter. I started thinking about what other areas in my life I had chosen to get in my own way because of my own insecurities.
I am now asking myself - In what other areas have I chosen to give away my power, to give in to the limitations?
Are you willing to ask yourself the same?
Peace
Akosua
Nyabo (Madam) Why Are You Here?
What Did I Learn Today? Lessons on the Journey to Unconditional Self Love
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July 18, 2022
Acceptance or Tolerance?
You want to be ethical and loving and harmonious? Love you and love your values of love. Revere your heart. Change the world by most excellently respecting your own ideals. Raise your standards and the universe will meet you there. Danielle La Porte
One of the most important lessons on the journey is acceptance. Iyanla Vanzant defines it Acceptance does not mean you agree with, condone, appreciate, or even like what has happened. Acceptance means that you know, regardless of what happened, that there is something bigger than you at work. It also means you know that you are okay and that you will continue to be ok.
I can totally relate to this definition. Confessions on the Journey, I struggle to accept the things that I cannot control and do not like. I also know that when I resist the acceptance of it, especially when it has already happened, I suffer.
So the question I ask myself is am I accepting or am I tolerating?
Acceptance, despite being hard at times, brings me to a level of peace.
Tolerance, leads to resentment.
Acceptance reminds me that the past cannot be changed and I can respond to what is knowing that I will be ok no matter what.
Tolerance sends me to a space of little communication of my feelings and the forgetting that I am okay.
What are you tolerating in your life? to keep the peace, to keep the relationship, to keep the job, to keep the appearance, to keep control?
You tolerate when you live in fear, forget that you will be okay and want to prove yourself, want to be right.
You accept when the justifications, rationales and excuses are gone. You focus on the lesson, the accountability you require, the lessons.
You accept when faith and trust comes in to play when there is uncertainty and confusion.
Daniele La Port asks "What on your “tolerance list” is lifting your life up, vs. what’s weighing it down?
Peace
Nyabo (Madam) Why Are You Here?
What Did I Learn Today? Lessons on the Journey to Unconditional Self Love
Sign up Now - Welcome to Self Awareness - Tools for The Journey
July 16, 2022
Lessons from Climbing to the Summit
Spend more time focusing on getting comfortable being wherever you are and less time comparing yourself to others who are further along the path- Maryam Hasnaa
Hello Lovies
I am enjoying the experience of Guadeloupe. On Wednesday, there was a scheduled full moon. A friend offered to do a moon light hike. I immediately said yes without asking too many questions. I thought to myself, how rigorous can it be to climb up a hill and watch the moon light. The plan was on, we arranged a meeting with head torches at 730pjust at the base of La Soufriere.I felt excited as ever.
I arrived at the base of the hill and it was FREEZING, I also could not source a head lamp or torch so I thought I would just go with the flow
Well...the flow was dark and freezing.
Luckily my friend had an extra jacked and kindly loaned it to me.
About 20 of us started the climb. I was pleasantly surprised that the terrain was bushy however there were paved tarmac to walk on, we proceeded uphill and I said to myself, "Yes I!" easy peasy
And then the road stopped and the terrain changed to rocky, windy and rainy. I wore glasses and they were fogging up, blocking my vision. I started slipping and falling on the rocks, started doubting myself, questioning why I said yes.
We continued to climb, now having to use all fours -(I guess this is why head lamps was a thing!) after 2hours and 20minutes I wanted to give up. I started talking to myself, I started paying attention to the magnificence of nature around me. It helped. the time I took to do that propelled me even further up the hill. The members of the group were also very kind an accomodating.
We reached a point where the wind was so strong we literally had to crawl on the rocks to avoid being swept away, that was one of the most scariest experiences of my life. The torch I was given blew away and I was swept to the ground by a strong gust of wind. The other team members rushed to help me up and coax me on to reach the summit. I sat on a rock in defiance, wanting to cry, I was tired, cold and frustrated.
Then I realised I was two minutes away from the summit. I just had to do it! I could not come all this way and not make it to the top
I dug deep and reached the summit.
Top of the hill babee
As I reflect on the lessons I am reminded that there will be tough times, however there will be support, there will be your own self talk, there will be summits to climb which require some tears and its all good!
and by the way, the moon was an absolute beauty from high up
Peace
July 12, 2022
When you are consistent, you become persistent
Persistence beats timing. Execution beats luck. Not immediately but eventually. Naval
This morning, I took a run along the coast line in Basseterre, Guadeloupe. The level of joy, gratitude and freedom I felt in my soul was high. The weather was perfect, the coastline was beautiful and I felt an energy that allowed me to run. Since I have been here I walked down to the beach on the morning. Today I ran, the persistence and execution of moving my body daily paid off to allow me to spend the morning running along the coast.
What do you do persistently in your life? Do you even know? What you do persistently allows you to execute well. There is no discrimination. If you eat poorly consistently, it will show up in your life. If you eat well consistently, your health will reflect it. Simple like that.
Life favours consistency. It works every time
Consistency supports discipline, building character, patience and courage. Consistency allows for self confidence.
When you are consistent, you become persistent.
Peace
July 11, 2022
May I be wise enough to recognise the teachers I encounter today
“I acknowledge and honor the teacher that is my life. May I be wise enough to recognize the teachers and lessons that I encounter today, and may I be open to receiving their wisdom.” Daily OM
Hello Lovies
I finally made it to Guadeloupe. It's been quite a journey!
The island is lovely, mountains, beaches, rivers running through the main town. Croissants and baguettes have been on the menu! the average bakery serving up treats that I would not even dare look at when I am at home. I am savouring it all.
While in transit from Dominica, I sat and checked the requirements to enter Guadeloupe. I prided myself in having prepared well for the trip, something I usually don't do. Now, with the pandemic, I prefer not to leave it to luck and chance.
As I enter the gates to the ferry which was scheduled to leave in one hour's time, I was told that I needed an Antigen test, travel insurance and a host of other documents that I did not have. Confessions - I got annoyed at the security official and started asking questions, and telling him that their website has something different, all with the intention of proving myself right and him wrong.
He would not budge. I stopped and got back int a grounded position. The security official gave me information on how I can get the required information in just under an hour "if I hurry"
So began the mad dash to get the required documentation to "get on that ferry"
I was literally running through the streets of Roseau.
The ferry was late, which helped me immensely. I was the last one on board. After spending more than I anticipated as well.
In the midst of it all I thought....what is the lesson here?
I deduced the following:
1. There is nothing to prove
2. Stay in your skin- when you jump out of the grounding that you have, chances are its a case of wanting to be right, using your ego.
3. When you surrender, amazing things happen, in this case surrender does not mean giving up, it means doing all the work that you can do and leaving the rest up to the Most High.
4. Do not force anything. Flow
5. Be Grateful - God's grace is sufficient.
Peace
July 6, 2022
Are you finding comfort in your illusions?
you sabotage yourself slowly when you ask for signs but choose to ignore them. i hope you heal the parts of you that fear truth and has found comfort in illusion, i hope you heal the parts of you that feel unworthy because of the past, i hope you learn to validate your intuition. iambrilliant
Finding comfort in illusions seems to be widespread. And I at the moment. get it, I have also found comfort in the illusions. It just seems simpler to deny, justify, rationalize what is there because making another decision involves change, uncertainty and effort.
Many times, I would know what I know and leave it alone with the hope that it changes - even if I have done nothing different - I just hoped that the situation would change, go away, be solved.
The truth will set you free - that lesson - is also true. One that I learnt early on. Life keeps reminding me of it at every turn.
When we want to be seen as a success, want to be right, when we are afraid and ashamed of disappointing others, when we have core beliefs that no longer serve us, when we do not know who we are, the illusions seem to be a comfortable place to sit. There is no major upheaval required, until..... the proverbial shit hits the fan. Life reminding us that we have what it takes to move past the illusion and step into a level of belief in ourselves and our intuitions that we are capable of handling any situation. There is nothing to fear and nothing to prove.
As you continue to become more self aware, you will see that the illusions are part of the Journey to show you that where you are, you must pay attention, perhaps it is time to change, shift or move on. If you continue to live inside the illusions, life will show you that your time has come to do a new thing.
Peace
July 4, 2022
He who blames no one has arrived
He who blames others has a long way to go on his journey. He who blames himself is halfway there. He who blames no one has arrived. Chinese proverb
One important lesson on this Journey so far is the importance of self talk. What are you telling yourself?
What do you tell yourself on a daily basis?
What are you hearing from yourself?
Are you speaking to yourself with love, compassion, empathy or judging yourself harshly?
Of course there are some times where your self talk must be stern, it must always however be with love and in love.
How do you start changing the way you speak to and about yourself? Start noticing what you say, pay attention, listen to what you are saying objectively then ask is what I am saying filled with love, is it useful? If not, anytime you catch yourself talking to yourself in that way, pause, apologise and start a new conversation. It takes practice, soon you will see how when your self talk transforms, how much your outer experiences follow.
It all starts within
Peace
July 1, 2022
Journey to Confidence
July, illuminate my path and cover me in love. let the light i exude attract what is meant for me, while simultaneously keeping what cant handle my energy at bay. allow me to identify distractions and what is temporary so i can shift my focus to what wants to stay. be abundant. Billy Chapata
July....
Confidence to speak the Truth.Confidence to live the Truth.Confidence to take a Stand.Confidence to trust Self.Confidence to Show Up...Real.Confidence to Listen.Confidence to Empathize.Confidence to Learn.Confidence to Share. Confidence to Love.Confidence to Serve.Confidence to Rest.Confidence to Walk Away.Confidence to Stay.Confidence to be vulnerable.Confidence to Feel...All of it.
Peace
