Akosua Dardaine Edwards's Blog, page 60
November 11, 2020
Now What?
“Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.” ~ Carl Bard
The time is drawing near for the release of my book "Now What?" Even though this is the third time around, I still feel butterflies and nerves. I still feel an excitement. Even more now with the way the world has shifted into a pandemic.
Writing this story this time around brought me so much growth. I had so many other things going on in my life, whereas with the other books I was far away from distractions and comfort zones. I had to focus on being present despite the distractions, it takes determination to fool proof the distractions.
I can safely say that the experience of writing during the mandatory stay at home period allowed me to reflect on where I have been and helped me make decisions as to where I am going.
Self Reflection with an open mind works wonders, trust me! It allowed me to see who is in my tribe, the people who are true, open and real and those who are not.
Self Reflection also led to a strong feeling of gratitude. Gratitude for the lessons and blessings.
Confessions on the Journey - self reflection is not for punks, nor is it for those who are afraid to be open and honest with self. Without the honesty and vulnerability the exercise if futile. There must be a willingness to see and accept all sides of ourselves, not criticize and judge- accept. Big difference!
This is not about putting self down, judging self or making self wrong. It is about recognizing all sides of us, accepting it and making the necessary adjustments to live your life in peace and on purpose.
As the time gets closer for the release of "Now What?" Reflection on the lessons from the first book brought me to the point of gratitude.
Today I honor my Ancestors—the sevengenerations that have come before me.May their souls rest in peace knowing they have contributed to this moment.Now What? - dropping March 2021.
Have you read any of Akosua's work?
Nyabo (Madam) - Why Are You Here?Daily Lessons on the Journey - A JournalFollow Akosua onTwitterInstagramFacebook
November 9, 2020
Honor Yourself with Boundaries
The essence of boundaries is differentiating what we want from what others want from us. John Amodeo
There will be times when what we want will blend in with what others want. There will be times when what we want will not be the same as what others want. When we have differing values and needs, there will be some disagreement and even some conflict.
This is where boundaries come in. Boundaries tell us and others where we begin and end. Boundaries tell us what we are comfortable with and what we are not. To know what our boundaries are, we have to know who we are. Boundaries are difficult for many people because it can reflect a difference of opinions and values, we may be scared to lose them. If we live from the space of fear of loss and avoidance of conflict, we may end up doing what we don't want to do and going against our values. We may end up not setting any boundaries at all.
Clearly stating your needs and desires is an important part in gaining self-respect. When there is self respect, decisions are made from that space, it also engenders respect from others. When self respect is present, you remain open to receiving feedback. Direct and clear communication is necessary for establishing boundaries, without it people can misinterpret what you want or what you have said.
The setting of boundaries and receiving communication from those who share their own boundaries allows or us to build healthier relationships. Through clear communication, sharing differences of opinions and not taking things personally, we can grow in a way that allows for safe spaces to be held for one another.
Setting boundaries takes practice, it is not an easy thing to do especially if we avoid conflict and want to keep those around us happy, there may be some boundaries that piss others off.
We have to ask ourselves, is it easier to please others and be resentful of ourselves, or is it easier to build self respect?
Peace
Have you read any of Akosua's work?
Nyabo (Madam) - Why Are You Here?Daily Lessons on the Journey - A JournalFollow Akosua onTwitterInstagramFacebook
November 5, 2020
I Give This Day to You
Allowing for today to happen, Accepting that this day may not turn out as planned, Accommodating for what is, and not what I may want, When I am grounded in Allowing, Accepting and Accommodating, I invite Sufficiency of what is rather than scarcity of what is not. Seven Stone Leadership
I have noticed that when I set a rigid to-do list on any particular day and things come up and I have to shift them, I start feeling anxious and annoyed. It is as if changing these plans or re arranging the list is a bother, an upheaval, a form of non achievement. I decided then, instead of writing a to do list daily I would set an intention and give the day to the Universe. Giving the day to the Universe, I ask for guidance on what is to come. I have noticed that "giving the day away" makes me less anxious and edgy. I have been practicing the giving away.
This is not to say that I neglect the commitments that I have, the difference is I am more open to change when it happens. I look at the day with the view of curiosity, how will this unfold given all my commitments.
Going with the flow takes a lot more effort and energy when one likes to be certain and in control. Going with the flow means that surrender and letting go is a must. Surrender and letting go comes with faith and trust! Going with the flow is saying to the Universe, I trust you, I trust me and I trust the process. It takes time and effort to get there.
Dear Universe
I give this day to you
Help me to remember who I am
Help me to perform whatever miracles you want of me today
May I not be tempted to stray from love.
Peace
Have you read any of Akosua's work?
Nyabo (Madam) - Why Are You Here?Daily Lessons on the Journey - A JournalFollow Akosua onTwitterInstagramFacebook
November 4, 2020
Noise Drowns it Out
Stop Thinking
And start feeling. Thought processes, as you have become familiar with them, are not needed here. Instead, begin to pay attention to the feelings in your body. Pay close attention to your chest and stomach areas. When people talk about “gut feelings,” they are referring to intuition. It creates very real feelings in your body. When you start to notice them, you can begin to listen to what they have to say. Leaders Edge
Have you read any of Akosua's work?
Nyabo (Madam) - Why Are You Here?Daily Lessons on the Journey - A JournalFollow Akosua onTwitterInstagramFacebook
November 3, 2020
Give Yourself Some Credit
There are so many ways to go backwards, but only one way forward. Danielle La Porte
Give yourself some credit, give yourself a high five. Why?
Eight months into a global pandemic that threw the world into a tail spin, you are still here - you deserve to say well done to self, to appreciate this.
Give yourself some credit for waking up daily and doing what you need to do, if you are doing what you want to do, give yourself an even bigger pat on the back.
Give yourself a break, this has been an intense year. Many literally have not made it.
Give thanks for the opportunities, the lessons and the blessings.
Celebrate the difficult conversation that you had that you usually avoid.
Give yourself credit for having the courage to do that new thing that you kept procrastinating with.
Congratulate yourself for speaking up even when your voice was trembling.
Many times we forget to celebrate ourselves, to give ourselves credit when we are so focused on achieving a particular goal, when we have not reached our target or still moving towards the big vision.
Celebrate the small wins. Have some fun. The Law of Balance is essential in navigating through this life.
So, today I am getting a piece of chocolate and celebrating my small wins, I will be eating it with a smile on my face and absolutely zero guilt.
What will you be doing to celebrate your small wins today?
Peace
Have you read any of Akosua's work?
Nyabo (Madam) - Why Are You Here?Daily Lessons on the Journey - A JournalFollow Akosua onTwitterInstagramFacebook
October 30, 2020
Life is Calling Us to Remember
SOUL DESIRE: To be a channel for unconditional love, abundance, and growth.
PURPOSE: To nurture growth and create community. Solutionary.Com
The brilliant Journey of Life calls for us to remember and to recognize.
Life is a calling for us to remember who we are and recognize that who we are is never dependent on anyone or anything outside of ourselves. That we have been given all the required tools. We may not see, notice or believe that we have, that lack of belief does not change what is.
Think about the signs we have been given when we feel that we are at the end of the rope?
Think about the support you have received in times when we require it?
Think about the grace you have been given when you make choices made in fear?
We are called to recognize and remember that we are on a collective Journey. That may mean we do not always see eye to eye with everyone but we can do it with respect and in love.
We may have to set some boundaries and say no.
We may have to forgive.
We may have to just be willing to open our minds to seeing things differently.
We may have to be willing to be flexible.
We may have to do new things in new ways which goes totally against what we have been taught by people who mean so much to us.
When we move towards the remembrance and your recognition, we take the time to sit still, to respond minus fear, and on that Journey we see our Purpose, we recognize our Soul Desire, and we get the courage to make the necessary shifts.
Peace
Have you read any of Akosua's work?
Nyabo (Madam) - Why Are You Here?Daily Lessons on the Journey - A JournalFollow Akosua onTwitterInstagramFacebook
October 28, 2020
The Power of Being Authentic
Guidelines for Creating Authentic Power - Focus on what I can learn about myself all the time, especially from my reactions (such as anger, fear, jealousy, resentment, and impatience), instead of judging or blaming others or myself. - Gary Zukav
My contribution to the 2021 Initiation Portal was called the Power of Authenticity.
I wanted to give my own personal take, the lessons that I learnt on what authenticity has taught me and how I harnessed its power to improve how I live my life now. I wanted to share what and why did I think authenticity was important.
Authenticity is the knowledge and acceptance of Self - all aspects of Self, the parts you like and the parts you struggle to accept.
Authenticity is the ability to show up with the knowledge that you are divinely guided, through your intuition and other signs which are there for you always.
Authenticity is the recognition that you are a unique being, filled with innate power.
Authenticity leads to courage, the courage to show up, to be real, to be in the room
Authenticity leads to setting of boundaries - as you build up your courage, there is no longer the need to ask for permission or to people please.
Authenticity is the cornerstone to knowing self value and self worth. Authenticity is the ability to live our life with total trust in your divine guidance and uniqueness.
You have to ask yourself questions:
What do I like?
What brings me joy?
What do I appreciate about myself?
When you get curious about these questions and answers, the revelations are startling.
Living authentic is a practice. The work cannot be skipped.
There will be some off days, but life loves us so much it will keep us on track.
Peace
Have you read any of Akosua's work?
Nyabo (Madam) - Why Are You Here?Daily Lessons on the Journey - A JournalFollow Akosua onTwitterInstagramFacebook
October 27, 2020
Ten Books That Guided me on the Journey
you can't control your way to real love and happiness Yung Pueblo
A dear friend of mine sent me a link from Oprah, who has chosen this month to feature seven books that got her through dark times. My friend's message "looking forward to seeing yours"
Well, they say ask and you shall receive, here it is my friend
1. Love Without Conditions - Paul Ferrini - taught me so much about unconditional self love and helped shift my thinking from seeking external validation alone as a way of being seen and heard.
2. A Course in Miracles - another mindset shift which emphasized to me that only love is real, and nothing threatens love.
3. One Day My Soul Just Opened Up - Iyanla Vanzant - a 40 day Journey to opening up one's soul.
4. A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle - oh the revelations about ego!
5. A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson - teachings on the Course in Miracles.
6. The Way of Mastery - Shanti Cristo Foundation
7. Conversations with God - Neale Donald Walsh
8. You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay - opened my eyes showing me that my attitude can assist in my healing.
9. In the Spirit by Susan L. Taylor - affirmations for Black Women
10. The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer
Have you read any of Akosua's work?
Nyabo (Madam) - Why Are You Here?Daily Lessons on the Journey - A JournalFollow Akosua onTwitterInstagramFacebook
October 26, 2020
Remember the Word - Choice
But whatever you do, don't forget about that word choice - Jessica Dore
There is an old saying "however you make you bed, you have to lay in it" My interpretation of it was always that whatever choice I made I would have to endure it.
What I have learnt is that when we make choices, there are consequences. We must live with and accept the consequences but we can always make another choice. Each choice supersedes the previous one.
Choices allow for us to activate our innate power. When we allow others to make all our choices for us, we give that power away. This action usually leads to resentment and resistance as we haven't participated in the choices that impact us, when we can. Not making a conscious choice or not participating in choices that you know you must is living by default.
I have also learnt that when we do decide to make a choice, it must be from a place of love, rather than fear.
Make your choice - from a place of love.
Make your choice - using your intuition.
Make your choice - knowing that it may not be pleasing to all.
Make your choice - recognizing that your choices may piss off others.
Make your choice - knowing that you are to deal with the consequences.
Make your choice - knowing that it is your power.
Peace
Have you read any of Akosua's work?
Nyabo (Madam) - Why Are You Here?Daily Lessons on the Journey - A JournalFollow Akosua onTwitterInstagramFacebook
October 24, 2020
Living in the unknown can be scary
Living in the unknown can be scary, but there's a very beautiful and mysterious dimension to it. When you're not attached to your mind, or clinging on to it, or trying to control it. you find that your mind starts to function in a completely different way. Integral Enlightenment
I want to know.
I want information.
I want to be briefed.
I want an update.
I want to know when, how, and why?
Any of these questions sound familiar to you?
These are some of the questions I ask myself when I am having a conversation with myself in my head. , especially when I am about to embark on something new, or get into a new partnership. Anything in the unknown brings on a type of fear which, somehow I deduced that knowing everything in advance will assist in me overcoming it, that it will show that I am well prepared and I am not wasting anyone's time. Newsflash - does not work, never did for me, it just made me more anxious. The unknown teaches us about faith, about intuition, about self belief and trust. Knowing everything cannot teach us those lessons - plus its so damn boring to know it all!
I have learnt that letting go is a process, and a process takes time, letting go involves surrendering to the inner guidance that we all have inside of us. The more we practice using our inner guidance, the more it shows up in our lives as seemingly random timing of information, knowing what to say in the right time, getting a hunch to call or email the best person who can support us and a general peace of mind.
Control is encouraged and rewarded in our society, we are praised for being experts in our fields, the loudest mouths become popular as early as pre school.
What I have also learnt is that we surely have no control over many of the things that we believe that we do. Recognizing that helps us on the Journey
Peace
Have you read any of Akosua's work?
Nyabo (Madam) - Why Are You Here?Daily Lessons on the Journey - A JournalFollow Akosua onTwitterInstagramFacebook
