What did I learn today? Lessons on the Journey to Unconditional Self Love

Anytime you feel danger or fear Then instantly I will appear 'cause I'm every woman, it's all in me - Chaka Khan Thank you to the real ones Thank you to every single woman that: - worked without pay - worked with little pay - worked with half pay - worked yet late pay - showed up tired - showed up and did the damn thing Thank you Thank you to every single woman: - who stayed - who stayed because... - who stayed proud despite.. - who stayed the course Thank you Thank you to every single woman: - who travelled far to find work - who left their homes in the dark to get to work' - who left the children at home or with the  family to do the work - who took a lotta shit at work - who beat off the advances on the job to keep the work - who walked off the work because that didn't work - who called it out because they were not afraid to lose the work - who did the work Thank you Thank you to every single woman: - who paid their dues, my due...

  Forgive the past and let it go, for it is gone. You stand no longer on the ground that lies between the worlds ACIM The time is drawing near to leave South Africa,  there so many emotions wrapped up in this trip, in this leaving. I am always amazed at how distance away from the norm,  the distance away from the day to day grind can bring so much of a difference in the way I think. I can almost say that it is inspiring, it has been a reminder to me that the world is not the space I occupy but there is so much more out there. So, for this I have decided to share my top lessons learnt on this trip. 1. Keep an open mind - things can be done differently to what you know and still be okay. 2. Everyone is connected - people are people everywhere. We want to feel heard, to be seen and to learn and share experiences. 3. Even is you are not in control it does not mean that things are out of control - on this trip I did not even have too much say even about what ...

There is no king who has not had a slave among his ancestors, and no slave who has not had a king among his . Helen Keller My mother gave me an African name, 2 in fact. My mother is wise with foresight. She listened to the guidance given. I have been fortunate to see and visit many places in the world (give thanks) There are two places in particular, that speak to my soul (Super Island T&T and the African Continent) When I set foot on the Continent, my soul rises up and speaks to me in ways I cannot even begin to explain I am reminded of my responsibility: - to myself (to honour myself because there were those who came before me and made this path easier) I am reminded of my responsibility to learn, to teach. To teach is to demonstrate, rather than to talk and pose and pretend. I am reminded that I have work to do, to continue to build spaces for me, for others, to show up...real I am reminded of how powerful I am How courageous I am How things take time to manifest to...

The people who make it to the top -- whether they're musicians, or great chefs, or corporate honchos -- are addicted to their calling ... [they] are the ones who'd be doing whatever it is they love, even if they weren't being paid." -- Quincy Jones The Innovation Hub hosted me at their Movation Mondays, a platform for their,entrepreneurs to learn from others. It was indeed a privilege to be the speaker for the 26th November 2018, the record will show, that I, Akosua Dardaine Edwards, contributed to this movemnt. There was a penny dropping moment where it dawned on me - I was having fun! I liked speaking in front of these people, I liked seeing their faces, I liked how they were engaged, and I liked how I worked to pull back those who I was losing. This is what I love doing! OMG what a feeling! I speak for free quite a bit, people ask me why. I can now answer that I simply love it. I simply love sharing the lessons that I have received. I also believe that at some...

Perception is a choice of what you want yourself to be; the world you want to live in, and the state in which you think your mind will be content and satisfied. It chooses where you think your safety lies, at your decision. It reveals yourself to you as you would have you be ACIM This morning I participated in  a 10K Race in Pretoria. The setting was at the Voortrekker Monument. Starting the race I was confident that I could run a 10k having run one a few days before, as I navigated the course, I realised that there were quite a few monster hills. It was a tad bit discouraging but I was determined to complete the race. The self talk was real! "whatever happens, complete the race" and that was my mantra. It was my choice on how the course and race was perceived. I decided that it was challenging but whatever happens I will complete it.  At Km 8 there were 107 steps to climb, cue in the mantra. "whatever happens, complete the race", the course was beauti...

“What's done is done. What's gone is gone. One of life's lessons is always moving on. It’s okay to look back to see how far you’ve come but keep moving forward.”  ―  Roy T. Bennett,  The Light in the Heart It's been a whirlwind, between meetings, seeing people, running, and catching some of the sights in Soweto. I am inspired by what is happening here. the attempts to create an Arts and Culture District, to create and stimulate entrepreneurship, to focus on reducing unemployment, to build technology I am heartened by the progress they have made, it is not perfect yet they soldier on learning the lessons as they go. What Did I Learn Today? Keep Going, Learn as you go Assemble a team, do not be scared to leave some of them where you found it Do not be afraid to be wrong, don't be afraid to admit it and don't wait to apologise Keep an open mind and a willing spirit Think Big, Think Global Have you read any of Akosua's work? What Did I L...

When we want to change someone, we are trying to change our reflection. The reflection which we don't like - Sylvia Salow Have you ever considered that the people around you are mirrors?  Have you ever considered that the life you live is a mirror? Sometimes we look into the mirror and we don't like what we see and rather than accept it, we strike at the mirror as if that would change anything! Being here in South Africa (SA) is like looking into a mirror, sometimes it's challenging to look in the mirror and accept that somethings need adjusting especially when it is unexpected! Those are my lessons for today! I had a lovely meeting with the African Women in Mining, hoping to make some wonderful connections in the future. 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 Twitter...

at some point it may serve you to decide that a particular project or undertaking is complete. Seeking excellence is one thing; never finding anything totally satisfactory is another. It is as I have told you before: Perfection is the obstacle of creation Neale Donald Walsh  Today I had the opportunity to be a judge at the The Innovator's Hub and Black Umbrella's Pitch Competition in South Africa. 24 entrepreneurs pitched their ideas in three minutes with 2 minutes for questions for  the prize of a grant worth $100k Rand The competition was intense, the pitches were quality, the room was packed. I truly had fun The Innovation Hub in Pretoria is one of the most modern facilities that I have ever seen,  a futuristic type of vibe! finger print and face recognition, open green spaces, technology throughout, healthy food and promoting green! Apart from a book store and Library,  this would be my version of heaven...

Without action, the dream will fade away without effects. For it is your action and self beliefs that strengthens it. ACIM Met today with a young tech entrepreneur in Johannesburg. Invited by my soul sister who is part of the Innovation Hub in South Africa I took the opportunity to see first hand  what they do to support and grow young entrepreneurs These are my top lessons: 1. Create a supportive and enabling environment 2. Listen more than speak or offer advice 3. Ask questions 4. Build trust 5. Be authentic 6. Remain open Simplicity is so awesome 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 Twitter Instagram Facebook

The fear of sacrifice and loss is one of the greatest obstacles to our spiritual progress. And as long as we think we are losing something real, we will drag our feet. ACIM Anytime I visit  South Africa,I get an overwhelming feeling of hope and the urge to make my life better not just for me but for anyone that I come into contact with. I look on from the outside and see the combination of improvement and struggle and angst and happiness which accompany the country's movement from a separated society to one that is moving towards unity. I am reminded that everything is a process, it will not happen overnight, an unraveling of sorts. This weekend I was fortunate to witness so many rituals all honoring long standing traditions. Some I agree with and some I look on and think, was this to accede or keep the peace? In the church  I visited with the white Jesus, yet only black people in the congregation, singing what it would seem, like African freedom songs. The hono...

Be aware that patience is not the art of waiting - its the metaphysics of knowing that resting calmly will deliver - Guru Singh Hello lovely people It's been a while, I know! I have missed connecting with you! I finally touched town in South Africa after 2 days of travel. I overnight-ed in New York City then spent over ten hours to Dubai and another ten to Johannesburg. I must admit, I was beat! As soon as I arrived there was a dinner to attend, the following morning the SABIC Conference commenced with the formalities. I am so grateful to everyone that made it possible for me to be here! I was schedules to speak on Rural Development, Women and Youth however, on the spot I  was asked to join another panel to speak on Entrepreneurial Eco Systems - I was so nervous. The host had to say "Don't Be Nervous" it turned out well in the end. I also did my scheduled talk the following evening. I enjoyed it, I know that this is where I feel happy and of service Straight ...

It’s ok to grow, stretch and become more. Just make sure as you get bigger you are expanding from a pure place, as your true self. Otherwise you simply become a much bigger, more exaggerated version of who you are not. Maryam Hasnaa I am off to South Africa today, this has been a real test of faith, patience and support. I am scheduled to speak at the SABIC Entrepreneur's Conference at the Emperor's Palace in Johannesburg,sort out a book talk and then fingers and toes crossed, hop over to Malawi to check out a women's project. I went to check in this morning and I was told that my ticket was void. I called the organisers and they did not understand what happened. There was a mix up. By the time I was booked on the flight there were reroutes and delays which extended my trip by an entire day! I am reminded that despite the challenges I am on my way, I am reminded to learn from the experiences The statement that pushed me there was on Saturday when a virtual perfect s...

Push.   When your mind says, "No!" you say, "Yes." (No, you can't think positively about that plane delay? Yes—two hours to yourself!—yes, you can.)  It is very easy for our thoughts to run away with us, it is very easy to become so focused and overwhelmed by thoughts that it takes us over. We focus on the negatives, in what we don't want, in what we fear. If we listen to our language we can realize how much we talk about what we don't want and don't have What e fear and what we don't like Where is the talk about the possibility? Where is the talk about using what we have? Where is the talk about what we want? I have learnt that the Universe produces exactly what we focus on. Focus on the now, the yes, the possibilities and see what happens! Don't let doubt and fear fool you Peace Have you read any of Akosua's work? What Did I Learn Today? Lessons on the Journey to Unconditional Self Love Nyabo (Madam) - Wh...

I f you are living your life and I am mentally living your life, who is here living mine? We’re both over there. Being mentally in your business keeps me from being present in my own. I am separate from myself, wondering why my life doesn’t work.To think that I know what’s best for anyone else is to be out of my business. Even in the name of love, it is pure arrogance, and the result is tension, anxiety, and fear. Do I know what’s right for me? That is my only business. Let me work with that before I try to solve your problems for you. If you understand the three kinds of business enough to stay in your own business, it could free your life in a way that you can’t even imagine. Byron Katie Staying out of other people's business can be a challenge especially when you either care about them, believe that what they are doing is wrong or bad, or think you have the answer to their dilemma We want people who we care about to thrive, to li...

Love wishes to be known, completely understood and shared. It has no secrets; nothing that it would keep apart and hide. It walks in sunlight, open-eyed and calm, in smiling welcome and in sincerity so simple and so obvious it cannot be misunderstood . ACIM Yesterday's event at The Arts Cafe TT was lovely, the spirit of kinship, the support of my friends and family, an absolutely full house! Give thanks I want to share a testimony from the evening...Happy Reading Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending a Wellness Wednesday event featuring @akosuadedwards at @theartscafett. Let me start by saying that the universe works in mysterious ways. I catered an event earlier this year for which the feature speaker was Ms. Akosua Edwards. At the time I was hiding from accepting the huge changes that occurred in my life and so, it wasn’t my time to meet Akosua. Other than catering the event, I had no idea wh o she was. Six months passed during which I had a complete break...

The way in which we do this is becoming aware of our current choices, what choices feel good in our body and what do not. This takes a level of honesty and non-judgement that is non-negotiable within this process. Looking at our less than favourable habits, thoughts, and emotions will almost always bring up discomfort, and force us to take a look at where we’ve been hiding from or lying to ourselves, but let me tell you from personal experience  That moment of pause, without judgement, is a game change r.Lee Ann Rimes Today I have  and am grateful the opportunity to speak at an event called Wellness Wednesday's at the The Arts Cafe TT. The owner's vision is to share empowering stories to women in particular on how to be well, on how to keep well. She believes that loving one's self plays a significant role in remaining well. I applaud her vision and also share in the view. The conditions of my speaking today is not perfect and I was tempted to say no -  I have ...