Why Do You Play Small

FB memories gets me every-time. This morning one popped up from six years ago, I wanted to share it with you as it really resonated with me.

Peace

What did I learn today? She asked me, “why do you play small?” my first reaction was that she was talking about my weight as the conversation was previously on the different type of African food that I have been “sampling”. I responded “ I play small because I I am” and I chuckled! Blank stare!! “Do you know that you have a responsibility to yourself, to your ancestors, to your spirit?” Ok now it was getting serious, now it was time for me to pay attention. “what do you mean?”
She said to me that it is your responsibility to excel, to glow, to do what you know you can do. It makes no sense holding it all back! What are you saving it for? Why do you give one single thought to what other people think? Those who are for you and what you stand for will remain, the rest are passing through on your journey, leave them, and continue along your path! Please, honor your responsibilities, your purpose and your ancestors. There is no way that you will go off course, off target without getting back on track. You said to me that all things are lessons didn’t you? Well there it is! It is time!
My only response was ok! 

Join Akosua at Unveiling

Peace

What Are You Focusing On?

Each of us has a set of core beliefs that compete with our divinity and attract the very things we try so desperately to avoid. Iyanla

I have learnt that when I focus on things I don't want they manifest! It really is a mind set to realign my focus onto the very things that I do want.

I have learnt that what we focus on grows

Subconsciously or not, focus has growth faculties, so ask yourself, what do I focus on daily

and when you do, see what is evident in your life

If you are fine with it, carry on smartly

If you are not, then it really is this simple, change your focus!

Peace

Mastery requires Committment

The path of mastery is not about valuation or appreciation from the outside. 
It is about overcoming doubts and fears on the inside. When mastery is growing within you, life will happen easily, without any struggle, and victory will become a way of life. Iyanla Vanzant

I love Iyanla's definition of mastery. It is what I would call an inside job, it is resting in the knowledge that despite the doubt, the fear, the trepidation, the questions, I can rest easily knowing that all will be well even if it turns out different to what I had anticipated.

Mastery is part of the self love process, Without mastery the doubts can take you over

the work, causing you to look outside of yourself for kudos and validation.

That can lead to aiding in poor choices.

Mastery requires commitment and discipline,

Mastery requires faith

Mastery requires self belief

Peace 

Looking Back to Move Forward

You will never know how much you are holding until you let it go. Maryam Hasnaa

Yesterday, as I was making preparations for Unveiling- Looking into the Mirror of Self on Saturday  ( I am so excited and happy for this weekend - I digress)

As I was going through the materials, in between them was a journal from 2013 called " The Accountability Process".  In the Journal was a through detail of the vision I had for myself and how I would hold myself accountable for it.

I laughed a hearty laugh when I saw it. I pulled it out and started reading it.

What was the vision I wanted for myself?

That year was a tough year, freshly out of job, house, marriage  and just floating around in Uganda laying low, I wrote out the vision I wanted for my life. To feel free, to serve the world in a meaningful way, to share my story, to be financially comfortable.

I read it back last night. I was living my vision, plus or minus a few small details (the financial part!! - confessions on the Journey)

 I immediately gave thanks! I had no idea how it would come to pass, and this further proves to me that I really don't need to know the how, my role is to be willing, be faithful, do the work that is required and  to have patience.

Making choices also form part of the process, and more importantly when the choice made does not work,  please feel free to make another choice

There were 2 items that startled me- I am still there, I haven't moved. Finances! I am still in the same spot. I stared at the paper.

I gave thanks again because it came as a timely reminder that there is still work to do, there is still faith to gain and there is still a gap in the belief that I am enough. It's closing, but the gap remains!

The Universe is always on time

Come see Akosua at Kaiso Blues Cafe

Opportunities

"If a window of opportunity appears, don't pull down the shade." Tom Peters

I am grateful for new opportunities. Iyanla Vanzant defines opportunities   as  grounds for action, a state of affairs that makes something else possible. It is the falling together of things and people and circumstances.

can relate to this definition of opportunities. Particularly  the falling together of things people and circumstances which makes something else possible!

I think of flow, of not forcing a thing, of trusting the process.

After doing the first Unveiling - Looking in The Mirror of Self Retreat, the team wanted to do another one in the same format, it wasn't happening, and now we are doing another Unveiling - Looking in the Mirror of Self but in a totally different way that we had envision.

An opportunity arose and we took it, it brought together people and circumstances that created action to move us forward

What would opportunities be without gratitude

I give thanks for this opportunity and this team that made it happen.

Peace

Set Some Boundaries

Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves, even when we risk disappointing others. Brene Browne

My friends, I have missed you! How have you been?

I have been on a Journey to Boundaries

Yes, I said it!!

Over the past few days I have been on the road where I had to not only set some boundaries, but enforce them

Confessions on the Journey - Its downright darn challenging for me to set and keep boundaries. I want to be a nice person, I want people to like me, I want to avoid conflict, so I ignore a lot

but what I have learnt is that if I want all those things at the expense of my self respect and peace, then that's just downright plain ole crazy making behaviour

And so the Universe is divinely timed to show us where we are, through sending people and situations

Boundaries are invisible lines which you draw that determine the things you accept from yourself and others. Boundaries require discipline, honesty and the willingness to make some tough decisions

When someone crosses a boundary that you have set, what are you willing to do?

Before this week I would hardly ever enforce the conditions that came with stepping over the line, I would let it build up and then either explode or never speak to the person again! That now takes too much energy and very little courage

Setting boundaries also taught me about having hard or awkward conversations ( do it with kindness and love)

So, I enforced the consequence and guess what? I am still alive! I was willing for the other person to be pissed off, to deal with that and to learn from it all

So, I will continue to practice this and you now what they say, practice makes masters

Join Akosua at Heart Fire January 26th 2019

Journey to Detachment

I went  for my first run of the year  and fell over bust my knee over! I couldn't even believe that the first thing that pissed me off was - sheez I cannot run for the next few days, maybe weeks!

The pain was mashing me up, I had to walk about just over 1 KM back to where I parked and all the while I was thinking the same thing - I will not be able run for a while

Then I thought - wait- get a grip girlfriend.

This fall could have been worse

I survived it without any major injuries

My glasses are still on my face

The knee is bust open and paining but I know that there is some lesson in there, not sure what it is yet

I took the day and rested (not much else could be done if walking was a problem right?)

I have become so attached to running, almost daily, now I have to accept that running will not be a part of my daily routine until I am fully healed, it is really a lesson for me not only in acceptance but in letting go and detachment

When we are attached to something there is a possibility that it can be come addictive and we believe that we are unable to live without the thing, the person, the activity

That is a recipe for making an idol out of a thing and setting us up for unnecessary heartache.

And so, I am on my healing, detachment and acceptance journey

Wish me luck

Peace

Have you read any of Akosua's work?

What Did I Learn Today? Lessons on the Journey to Unconditional Self Love

Nyabo (Madam) - Why Are You Here?

Daily Lessons on the Journey - A Journal

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Genuine Relationships

The ego establishes relationships only to get something. And it would keep the giver bound to itself through guilt. ACIM

Still in reflection mode as we enter 2019, yesterday's reading in ACIM threw out the line that "the ego establishes relationships only to get something" It stopped me in my tracks as I had to ask myself how many of my relationships are fuelled by the ego?

How many times have I established a link with someone to further along my own agendas rather than for a genuine reason?

It's quite a sobering thought

So, my assignment today is to write those down and decide- what's next?

What about you?

Are you willing to join me on this journey and share the lessons?

Peace

Have you read any of Akosua's work?

What Did I Learn Today? Lessons on the Journey to Unconditional Self Love

Nyabo (Madam) - Why Are You Here?

Daily Lessons on the Journey - A Journal

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Share Your Story

"Your Silence Will Not Protect You" - Audre Lorde

There is power in your story. Your Power

 Your story may irritate some, piss off some, trigger some, unchain some

people will call you names - like emotional, high-strung, opinionated, arrogant, even bitchy.

So what's the alternative?

Staying silent?

Change because people called you names?

Nah - because trust me, the word will not end if people call you names

Your story will free you, it may even free others

it will reshape your world, give you wings

it will bring you clarity

and clarity will keep you open to what life wants to give you. Life usually has something better in store for you than you have on your to do lists

Clarity will give you the guidance when to speak up and when to shut up

because... yea...it's your story, with power

Peace

Have you read any of Akosua's work?

What Did I Learn Today? Lessons on the Journey to Unconditional Self Love

Nyabo (Madam) - Why Are You Here?

Daily Lessons on the Journey - A Journal

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Heart Fire 2019

You must have your heart on fire and your brain on ice. Vladimir Lenin

What sets your heart on fire?

Do you know?

Do you have a burning desire to do something, be somewhere, change something?

Heart Fire 2019 is my new mantra!

Got this from a very divine soul, a wonderful friend of mine who graciously shared it with me as use for a 2019 theme.

It got me thinking about how many times we have a burning desire, a raging flame inside and we ignore it for one reason or the other. Mainly due to fear or the belief that this is your lot. Have you heard the saying "you make your bed, so you lie in it?" what is that anyways? can we not get off the bed, change sheets and remake it?

So, for 2019, I am ready to honour the fire raging in me, the fire in my heart, the burning desire, to respect it, to not dismiss it

Are you?

Have you read any of Akosua's work?

What Did I Learn Today? Lessons on the Journey to Unconditional Self Love

Nyabo (Madam) - Why Are You Here?

Daily Lessons on the Journey - A Journal

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The Light Comes In

I think when you are entirely open and honest with yourself a door opens and the light comes in - April Green

I had a penny dropping moment this moment, you know the type where you saw "Oh!" or "Aha" or "Hmm"

I was, of course, writing in my journal this morning and it came to me - I have been anxious about everything! the flow, the relaxation, the belief has been usurped lately by doubt and anxiety and pressure - albeit on myself. I laughed out so loud when it came to me. The awareness of it all made me chuckle. How can I let doubt take over this? Why would I? I have planted the seeds and the lessons will be learnt along the way

Have you ever been so anxious for something to work, you stress over it? you dig up the seeds?

As I reflected on 2018 I realised, even the things that I planned that went differently was even so much better either in terms of lessons learnt or in terms of the events itself, the joy it brought, the love that was present

So, here we are, with the awareness that anxiety comes from a smidgen of self doubt, that self doubt will fool you, so speak to it, let the doubt know that you have seen and heard it but will not let it fool you, that the seeds planted will be taken care of, with enough care and love. And when storms come know that it will wash away what it must and we can start again with the confidence that the storms will not last forever

Peace

I DeClare

The intention to grow instantly creates space for your body to step into but, unless you let go of everything weighing you down then that space dissolves into air like a broken promise  - April Green 

I DeClare

It is rare that I make resolutions

Don’t want them to haunt me in the dead of night

Each day guilted by all the things I said I would or would not do

I only do what I want, when I want

With a full heart or not at all

And the rest will have to settle somewhere between my lips and my intention

I don’t DeClare often

But there comes a day

When I am more than dependable woman

More than what I’ve accomplished or seek to and as that day approaches

Know this:

I declare to remember how to love

In the face of hurt in my heart

I will love you, that’s me

Foolishly, at times, but courageous

I vow to forgive

To ignite the soft of me and surrender to that knowledge that everything ain’t gonna grow like I grow

Aint gon’ know what I know, how I know

And that is ok

There is still love in letting go

I commit to love myself

To honor this girl with dreams she can’t stomach yet but works hard to

In the morning, I will pray to a God I hope to be more like and she will laugh Knowing I have forgotten already that she loves me unconditionally

Just a girl wanting more and more and more

But having everything I already need

I commit to laugh hardest when life is most challenging

I will  to tell strangers they are beautiful because they haven’t heard it in too long

I promise to dance across the floor when I’m excited

I promise to be excited

To sit with my mother to remind her that she makes amazing things and prays that she believes it

To listen to my elders, to honor the repetition in their stories

To watch intently as my cousins blossom

I promise to be there for them how they want me to be

And none of this comes easy

None of it will be overnight

I might be scared and stubborn at first and when I am

I vow to lean into it

To let life make a masterpiece of me

To be a thank you note to God

To say what needs to be said in the moment and trust that I am prepared

I promise to listen to the way God moves

I promise to be moved

To notice the details in the day

I vow to never stop picking up on energy

And feeling responsible for humanity

I promise to let this fire rage

To drink more water and carry this skin like a gift

I promise to breathe on purpose - every breath is blessed responsibility

And to fall in love without fear

I DeClare I vow. I promise

Peace!

(Big love to Natalie P)

Knowing Who You Are is the Beginning and End of It All

whatever parts of me you are drawn to are simply those parts that are already within you - all I am giving you is the gift of awareness. April Green

Everything comes back to you. Everything

It really is quite an empowering feeling to know that we have what it takes to make the required moves and changes in our lives - the trick is taking responsibility and ownership of it.

We cannot outsource our power, our happiness, our well being

It is between you and the Universe

This is a hard concept to grasp because since we were children we were taught to depend on others for everything. This led to us neglecting our inner voice and our power. To look outside of ourselves for every.single.thing! It even became disconcerting to look within and rely on self for answers. To praise self, to honour self. Trust me my friends, this is where it all begins and ends

With Self!

Knowing and trusting who you are at the core of your being

As we come to the close of 2018, I want to remind you of your power - which lies in your authentic selves

Peace

 Have you read any of Akosua's work?

What Did I Learn Today? Lessons on the Journey to Unconditional Self Love

Nyabo (Madam) - Why Are You Here?

Daily Lessons on the Journey - A Journal

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Happy Holidays

The past does not equal the future unless you live there - Tony Robbins

Blessings to each and every one of you. I want to say a huge thank you for accompanying me on the Journey of 2018 and sharing your own lessons as well. I am truly grateful.

2018 was truly a wild ride, with it's ups and downs, highs and lows. How boring life would be without them!

The highlight of my 2018 was spending time with the young ladies of the St Jude's Home for Girls, and being part of their birthday celebrations!

What were some of your highlights?

Drop me a line, let's share lessons on the Journey

Peace

Have you read any of Akosua's work?

What Did I Learn Today? Lessons on the Journey to Unconditional Self Love

Nyabo (Madam) - Why Are You Here?

Daily Lessons on the Journey - A Journal

Follow Akosua on

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Download Now

Destination Addiction

Don’t get so caught up in the pursuit of happiness that you forget to feel happy on the way there - Gabrielle Tranor

This morning I read a piece and the focus was on "destination addiction". 

 It’s a term used to describe the belief that success and happiness is the destination: “Everything will be better once we’re in our new house,” “I’ll be successful when I can buy myself a new car,” “I’ll be happy when I can fit into a smaller pair of jeans.” Sound familiar?

 It means there’s a feeling of dissatisfaction, unhappiness even, with your life as it is currently. 

So, what I understood from reading about destination addiction is, to focus on the now, still keeping in mind your goals and objectives. Focus on where you are and you will see that not only are there many reasons to be grateful but there are many reasons to be happy. We miss the moment by looking at what is coming or what should be

It's funny how we "should" and "focus on the intangible" for things as opposed to taking the risks to get those said things

So we will want a better job and state all the reasons why we stay at the old one, and state how it should be but never line up the action to leave said job! It fascinates me how that works

So my destination is right here and right now, I get to focus on the wonderful things around me and be happy, I get to keep in mind that although things can be improved it is no reason to not be present in the moment.

Peace

Have you read any of Akosua's work?

What Did I Learn Today? Lessons on the Journey to Unconditional Self Love

Nyabo (Madam) - Why Are You Here?

Daily Lessons on the Journey - A Journal

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Universal Laws and Life

It has always been in the nature of humanity to believe mostly in the things we can see, feel, taste, hear or touch while doubting anything else that is beyond the perception of our immediate senses. However, whether you believe it or not, these Universal Laws influence our everyday lives and you cannot change that. G. Gold-Flight 

Not all days are fun days, not all times are fun times, not everyone is kind and lovely, I have learnt that those things are not and never a reflection of who I am. I used to think that bad things only happen to bad people, so if I was good then only good things will happen to me!

Well, here we are! that theory busted!

Who defines what is good anyway?

What I have learnt is that there is a Universal Law of Duality. There is also a Universal Law of Polarity. Most importantly I have learnt that many of other people's choices has nothing to do with me.

Basically, The Law of Duality basically states that everything is on a continuum and has a complementary opposite within the whole.  To use an old adage, there may be two sides of a coin but there is only one coin. In other words, things that appear as opposites are in fact only two extremes of the same thing. 

For instance, heat and cold may appear to be opposites at first glance, but in truth they are simply varying degrees of the same thing.

What becomes problematic with the Law of Duality is when we start thinking that one aspect of the spectrum is better than the other aspect of spectrum.Seeing things from only one perspective is a trap that keeps you locked into one aspect of a condition.   In every situation in life, under the Law of Duality you are simply seeking to balance the duality.  It is not about operating in either extreme.  It is about keeping to the middle path.  One does not however deny the moment.

 According to the Law of Polarity, everything is dual. So things that appear to be opposites are actually two inseparable parts of the same thing. Think of hot and cold, for example; although they’re opposites, they’re actually on the same continuum and you cannot have one without the potential for the other. 

I am reminded of these lessons when I head into the "woe is me" thinking, or the "why me" feelings. I am reminded that everything is for a reason and a season, that love remains love and that judging anything is a complete waste of time and effort.

Look for the lessons

Understand that Universal Laws exist whether we believe them or not and always give thanks.

Perspective is a hell of a thing!

Peace

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Have you read any of Akosua's work?

What Did I Learn Today? Lessons on the Journey to Unconditional Self Love

Nyabo (Madam) - Why Are You Here?

Daily Lessons on the Journey - A Journal

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