Akosua Dardaine Edwards's Blog, page 6

Confessions on the Journey: Finding Faith in Uncertainty

 My love, do not be overwhelmed by all that there is to do. Stay with me, grounded in stillness and faith, and listen for my voice the way you just listened for the guidance of the tree, and you will be told exactly where I need you to go, what I need you to do, who I need you to help, how I need you to show up in service. Elizabeth Gilbert 

There are moments in life when the ground beneath us shifts so dramatically that we have no choice but to stop, take stock, and recalibrate. Over the past few weeks, I have found myself in that very space—navigating change, uncertainty, and the weight of risk.

The transition in government has meant the loss of a steady income, and yet, in this void, new opportunities have emerged. A program that I once designed continues to grow, drawing wonderful, familiar souls back into my orbit. The possibilities are exciting, the vision expansive—but the risks feel just as immense.

And here is my truth: I feel out of my depth.

There is no handbook for stepping into the unknown, no guarantee that every choice made will bear fruit. Yet, deep in my being, I know that things tend to unfold as they ought to. The fear of uncertainty is present, but so is the quiet assurance that I am not walking alone.

I hold onto the wisdom of Elizabeth Gilbert: Stay with me, grounded in stillness and faith, and listen for my voice. I am choosing to listen—to stay open to divine guidance, to trust the path as it reveals itself in its own time.

There are bills to pay, responsibilities to meet, and risks that demand courage. But panic will not serve me. Fear will not lead me

.Instead, I am learning to embrace the dance between uncertainty and trust. To find peace in transition. To allow faith to guide my steps, even when I cannot see the road ahead.

This is my confession: I do not have all the answers, but I am here. I am listening. I am ready.

Peace and Blessings

Are you ready to stop second-guessing yourself and start embracing your own wisdom? Change is inevitable, but fear doesn’t have to hold you back. If you're navigating uncertainty and want support in strengthening your self-trust, I’d love to guide you through the process.

Through coaching, you’ll gain the confidence to act despite doubt, find balance between intuition and ego, and step into the life you truly want.

🔹 Let’s work together! Book a session today and take the first step toward a more empowered, aligned version of yourself.

Ushering May: A Call to Remember, A Call to Stand

 

May has crept upon me, softly but steadily. It has arrived with the weight of passing time—a reminder that goals set in eager anticipation months ago now stand in front of me, waiting. Some are achieved, others still in progress. And there are moments when I feel time slipping, my breath tightening with the fear of falling behind. But life, in its infinite wisdom, always finds a way to show us where we are, nudging us to be present—especially when we forget.

This month, I remind myself: We all carry within us the intangible, yet unwavering, qualities of discipline, courage, love, and divinity. They are not distant ideals reserved for a select few; they are built into us, waiting to be summoned. In moments of doubt, resilience is within reach. In moments of hesitation, courage is at our core. When life’s currents pull us away from remembrance, the divine spark within waits to be rediscovered.

The true challenge is not in possessing these qualities, but in believing they are ours to use. The toughest thing is standing on them—trusting that they will hold us up when needed, that they will rise to meet us when we call upon them. And this is the invitation that May brings: To step forward from a different space, to tap into the wellspring within, to meet life where it greets us. 

May has also brought with it many changes for me through the loss of an important contract that paid the majority of my bills, loss of the contacts that came with that contract, and the fall out of having to pivot and pivot quickly

So, in this new month, I choose to stand. To walk with faith in my own resilience. To let my courage shape my actions. To love in ways that transcend fear. To embrace the divinity that pulses through my being. And to remember—always remember—that what I seek has always been inside me.

Here's and cheers to a month of remembrance

Are you ready to stop second-guessing yourself and start embracing your own wisdom? Change is inevitable, but fear doesn’t have to hold you back. If you're navigating uncertainty and want support in strengthening your self-trust, I’d love to guide you through the process.

Through coaching, you’ll gain the confidence to act despite doubt, find balance between intuition and ego, and step into the life you truly want.

🔹 Let’s work together! Book a session today and take the first step toward a more empowered, aligned version of yourself.

A New Perspective on Ego: Why It’s Not Holding You Back

 The ego craves a static existence because it thinks that this is the only path to security, but the greatest security we can cultivate is the release of attachments that comes from our acceptance of change. Yung Pueblo

 

Change is inevitable. Yet, when faced with uncertainty, our ego protests, gripping tightly to what is familiar. It is often cast as the antagonist in our personal growth journey—an obstacle to overcome. But what if, instead of waging war against it, we learned to work with our ego? This is the question I have been asking myself over the past few days. Drastic changes are coming into my life,  how I make a living is up for change, the location where I work will be up for change and this impacts so many other areas of my life. Come Monday evening, the life I lead will change ...again

Change is scary for me because there is a certain amount of risk and uncertainty. I love consistency, I love to keep it simple. I have now learnt that I cannot run from the change and it is important to incorporate the ego in this recognition. My ego fights for its life when there is change. 

Understanding the Ego’s Role

The ego’s job is not to sabotage us—it is wired to protect. When it senses instability, it amplifies doubt, fear, and resistance to change. It tells us that comfort equals safety, and it clings to past versions of ourselves to maintain a sense of control. But growth demands movement. If we resist change entirely, we stunt our own evolution.

Instead of dismissing the ego, we must engage with it, consciously integrating its warnings while ensuring they do not dictate our path.

The ego has been whispering  its concerns to me during this transition: Are you really capable? Is this too risky? What if you fail? These whispers I must confess has lead to imposter syndrome, hesitation, and avoidance.  I have been talking to myself to shift my mindset to seeing these as signs not  to retreat, but to  acknowledge them and choose to act anyway.

Here’s what I have been doing to rewire my brain and act in partnership with my ego. As a coach, I also share these tips with clients both as a practical way forward but also to let them know that I myself have also walked the walk.

Affirmations: Repeating phrases like I am safe. I am capable. I trust the process helps rewire  the fearful thought patterns in my head.

Following Intuition: Our inner guidance knows when it’s time to move forward. Trusting ourselves allows us to take action despite fear.

Taking Small Steps: When overwhelmed, tiny acts of courage—a single decision, a small risk, one conversation—can propel us forward.

Finding Balance

Our ego is not the enemy. When kept in check, it serves as a useful compass, reminding us to be mindful without keeping us trapped. The key is balance: integrating both the ego’s cautionary nature and our intuitive drive toward growth.

Instead of fearing change, let’s embrace it. Not by silencing the ego, but by guiding it alongside us in our journey of transformation.

Peace and Blessings

Are you ready to stop second-guessing yourself and start embracing your own wisdom? Change is inevitable, but fear doesn’t have to hold you back. If you're navigating uncertainty and want support in strengthening your self-trust, I’d love to guide you through the process.

Through coaching, you’ll gain the confidence to act despite doubt, find balance between intuition and ego, and step into the life you truly want.

🔹 Let’s work together! Book a session today and take the first step toward a more empowered, aligned version of yourself.

Self-Loyalty: Choosing Yourself Without Waiting for Permission

 "Self-loyalty doesn't wait for permission. It asks to be chosen." – Stacey Herrera

My Definition of Acceptance

"Acceptance is tomorrow. Even if the pain is still there, you realize it may always be, and somehow, that’s okay.” Briana Wiest 

Acceptance is a choice—a choice made when all other options have been considered and exhausted. It is the act of recognizing the end of a particular path and moving forward with grace and humility. Acceptance is not about forgetting or erasing the past; rather, it is about acknowledging it, learning from it, and preparing for the new journey ahead.

Acceptance is looking in the mirror – looking in your eyes with love and compassion and gently asking you to move in a different direction – this road has ended baby, you are at the end of it and there is absolutely no turning back, it is not a failure, it is a fork in the road. Fear not, whatever it is ahead will embrace you will all the lessons, feelings and memories that you come with. I believed acceptance was a forgetting to move on but that only made the process harder, forgetting years of my life, burying it in a hole so deep that no one can excavate it, not even you, but that thig happened, there were some good memories, some lessons, some laughs, some joy. Give thanks for it, Learn from it, cherish that then add to it, add it to the bag that you will take on your new journey because you will need some tools. Keep the useful ones. The attempt to wipe away and forget is exhausting. It happened, its over and done. Prepare for the new. Get excited, get curious, get ready. All of it is part of acceptance. 

Briana Wiest wisely states that while wemay never be okay with certain events, new things in our minds and heartsdeserve our energy and attention.

Peace and Blessings 

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Small Shifts, Big Changes: The Power of Daily Choices

 “There are the big things, the sweeping changes, the necessary systemic shifts that will take generations. Yes. And also, there are the day-to-day, moment-to-moment choices we make.” – Lisa Olivera

We often think of transformation as something massive—an overhaul, a leap, a bold declaration. But real change, the kind that lasts, often begins in the smallest of moments. It happens in the choices we make when no one is watching, in the seemingly insignificant decisions that quietly shape our habits, our identity, and ultimately, our lives.

The Choices That Move Us Forward

Every day, we have opportunities to align with the life we want to live. Here are a few choices that help us create the shifts we seek:

Choosing Presence Over Distraction – Instead of mindlessly scrolling, we pause. We engage in meaningful conversations. We notice the world around us.

Committing to Small Acts of Care – Drinking water. Moving our bodies. Resting when needed. The small choices to care for ourselves build a foundation of well-being.

Listening to Our Inner Voice – Instead of running on autopilot, we check in. What feels right? What needs adjusting? Self-awareness creates self-leadership.

Practicing Gratitude – A moment of appreciation, whether spoken aloud or written in a journal, shifts our perspective toward abundance instead of lack.

Saying No With Intention – Not everything deserves our yes. Declining what drains us makes space for what nourishes us.

he Choices That Pull Us Away

Just as small, intentional choices move us closer to the life we want, certain patterns can distance us from it:

Ignoring Our Needs – Working through exhaustion, neglecting our health, dismissing our feelings—it adds up.

Avoiding Discomfort – Growth requires stepping into the unknown. Staying in the comfort zone often means staying stuck.

Comparing Instead of Creating – When we measure ourselves against others, we lose sight of our unique path.

Short-Term Gratification Over Long-Term Fulfillment – What feels good in the moment isn’t always what builds a meaningful life.

The Power of Self-Awareness

At the heart of all of this is awareness. When we slow down enough to notice our choices, we step into greater agency. We realize that change is not some distant dream—it’s happening now, in the small shifts we make today.

So, what’s one small choice you can make today that moves you closer to the life you want?

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The Silent Slide Into Self-Abandonment

Self-abandonment doesn't announce itself. It slides in disguised as tension in your shoulders. As conversations where you leave yourself out— Stacey Herrera 

 Have you ever noticed how exhaustion settles into your bones long before you realize you’ve neglected yourself? How conversations flow where you nod and agree but never truly share your own thoughts? Self-abandonment is rarely loud. It doesn’t knock on the door and demand your attention—it creeps in quietly, disguised as obligations, people-pleasing, and the slow erosion of boundaries.  

Recognizing the Subtle Signs

Self-abandonment wears many masks:  

- Saying "yes" when you long to say "no."  

- Shrugging off discomfort in relationships to keep the peace.  

- Silencing your voice out of fear of judgment.  

- Putting your needs last under the guise of responsibility.  

- Harsh self-criticism that drowns out self-compassion.  

Over time, these patterns compound, leading to resentment—not toward others, but toward yourself. You wonder why you feel exhausted, disconnected, or frustrated without pinpointing the cause.  

The Price of Neglecting Yourself 

When we abandon ourselves, we slowly lose respect for who we are. We prioritize external expectations over internal truth, sacrificing our well-being for the illusion of keeping things together. The tension that starts in our shoulders becomes emotional fatigue, eroding our sense of worth.  

But the truth is, self-prioritization isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.  

Reclaiming Yourself in the Divine Order of Life

So, how do we reverse this slow slide into self-neglect? We start with small, intentional acts of self-honoring:  

1. Set Boundaries: Your needs are valid. Define what feels right and be firm in honoring them.  

2.Speak Up: Your voice matters. Share your thoughts, your ideas, your desires—without apology.  

3. Practice Self-Compassion: Replace self-judgment with kindness. Treat yourself as you would a loved one.  

4. Make Yourself a Priority: Responsibilities exist, but you are a part of them. Take up space in your own life.  

Self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a foundation. The world will ask you to show up for countless things, but before you do, make sure you’ve shown up for yourself first.  

Where Do You Place Yourself?

Stacey Herrera’s words are a gentle but firm reminder: be mindful of where you place yourself in your priorities. It’s time to stop neglecting yourself for the sake of everything else. Because when you fully acknowledge your worth, you create a life where fulfillment isn’t just a distant dream—it’s your reality.  

Peace and Blessings

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Owning Our Spaces: Changing the Narrative from Within

Our healing is our responsibility.

 When we root ourselves in the belief that what is meant for us cannot be taken away, we liberate ourselves from unnecessary fear and comparison, changing the narrative starts with intentionality—remembering who we are and the goals that anchor us

Showing up authentically requires walking the talk—not just speaking our truths but living them. It demands self-awareness and self-reflection, because transformation begins from within, shaped by the way we respond to challenges and opportunities.

Recently, someone shared with me the perspective that women are their own worst enemies. I’ve never experienced this, nor do I share that view. That narrative needs to shift. It begins with us—how we show up, how we behave, what we accept, and what we refuse to tolerate.

When we engage in thoughtful collaboration and mutual respect, we dismantle stereotypes and rewrite the stories often imposed upon us. Change starts at the personal level, but its ripple effect can influence the spaces we occupy. Let us hold ourselves accountable and set the tone for meaningful progress.

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Pausing Before the Wave: Approaching Rage with Grace

 I think that's—what I've learned about [rage] is that it's an energy that is always trying to teach us how to pay attention to aspects of our emotional lives that have often been neglected or violated or what-have-you. Ruth King 

Rage—the fiery emotion we’re so quick to suppress, hide, or judge—is often misunderstood. Many of us have been conditioned to view rage as inherently destructive or unwelcome. We blame ourselves for feeling it, or we avoid it altogether, burying it deep where we hope it won't surface. But what if rage isn't the enemy? What if, instead of rejecting it, we could learn to approach rage as a teacher, a creator, and even a healer?

This morning, as I walked along the beach, the sea mirrored this volatile yet profound emotion. The waves raged and crashed upon the shore, wild and unapologetic. But before engaging with this stormy sea, I paused—a moment of reflection before stepping into its unpredictable embrace. I noticed that the usual rhythm of the coast was disrupted. Birds, typically gliding overhead or skimming the water, were absent. Fishermen had kept their boats ashore, choosing safety over the tumult. The scene reminded me of how we navigate rage, both in ourselves and in others.

Rage often forces us to pause, to assess how we approach it. When someone is raging, we instinctively tread cautiously, mindful of its unpredictability. But this pause is not just caution—it’s also an opportunity for deeper understanding. Rage, like the ocean, has layers. It can be a surface reaction to immediate pain, or it can run deep, carrying emotions we’ve long neglected or suppressed. By engaging with it thoughtfully, we can uncover its roots and channel its energy into something constructive.

Far from being destructive, rage can fuel creativity. History is rich with examples of individuals who transformed their anger into art, innovation, and activism. Rage speaks to what matters most to us—it reveals our values, our boundaries, and sometimes even our deepest desires. By examining it, we learn more about ourselves and our capacity to grow.

Approaching rage healthily means learning to sit with it, to feel it without letting it consume or control us. It means creating space for expression—whether through words, movement, art, or introspection—and recognizing the lessons it holds. It also means extending grace to others who may be caught in their own storms of rage. Compassion, paired with boundaries, allows us to navigate these moments without losing our sense of self.

The raging sea this morning held a quiet beauty, a reminder that even chaos has purpose. When we honor our rage instead of suppressing it, we make room for transformation. Like the ocean waves, rage can erode what no longer serves us, carving out space for renewal.

So the next time you feel the surge of rage, pause—like I did before the waves. Ask yourself: What is this storm trying to teach me? And how can I use its energy to create, to heal, and to grow?

Peace and Blessings

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You Are Not Your Thoughts—You’re Their Keeper

 Popularity isn’t always true power. Money isn’t always success. Experience does not guaranteewisdom. Question it all. Danielle La Porte

Our minds are powerful storytellers. They narrate our fears, doubts, and insecurities with such conviction that we often mistake these thoughts for truth. But here’s the thing: just because you think it doesn’t mean it’s real.

Most of us live on autopilot, letting our unchecked thoughts dictate our emotions, decisions, and actions. We react instead of respond. We shrink instead of rise. Why? Because we forget one crucial truth:

You Are Not Your Mind—You’re Its ObserverYour mind is a tool—a relentless, opinionated, sometimes irrational tool. But you are the one holding it. The moment you realize this, everything changes.How Your Thoughts Shape Your Reality

Fixed Mindset Thought: "I failed. I’m just not good at this." → Action: Gives up.

Curious Mindset Thought: "What did this teach me? How can I adjust?" → Action: Tries again, smarter.

Same setback. Different narrative. Different outcome.

The Practice of Mental Discipline

Notice the story. (Ex: "This is too hard; I should quit.")

Pause. (Ask: "Is this absolutely true?")

Rewrite it. ("This is challenging, but I can figure it out.")

The more you do this, the more you train your mind to work for you, not against you.

Final Thought:

Your mind will always chatter. But you decide which thoughts to entertain and which to release. The next time a limiting belief arises, don’t just accept it—interrogate it.

You’re not a prisoner of your thoughts. You’re their gatekeeper.

Peace and Blessings

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