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

  When you know of a thing, all that you know is locked in place in your mind . Mama Bello I was listening to Carolyn Myss talk about power. Her perspective was that there is so much power in humility, and humble is not being poor and not having a place. I listened to how she described a humble person and it literally brought tears to my eyes and want to live a life of humility. Call me humble because this is my standard to now live by  The most protected person in the world is also the most humble, and humility makes someone nearly impervious to the tricks of darkness. Why is that? Because a humble person desires nothing that doesn't rightfully belong to them. They are untempted by fleeting, material possessions, and their sense of worth isn't rooted in insecurity. In fact, humility and insecurity cannot coexist. A humble person has no fear of judgment and understands their own boundaries—they know what they don't want or need. They aren't dependent on external validat...

  By entering into the silence, acknowledging divine substance, affirming his faith in and oneness with it, man becomes conscious of substance .Law of Metaphysics  Every year, like clockwork, the streets of Trinidad and Tobago come alive with the pulsating rhythms of soca, the vibrant colors of costumes, and the infectious energy of Carnival. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a part of this celebration, losing myself in the music, the laughter, and the sheer joy of it all. But this year, I decided to do something radically different. Instead of joining the revelry, I chose silence. No music, no phone, no distractions—just me and my thoughts for two whole days. What I discovered was both challenging and transformative. I’ll admit, the decision didn’t come easily. Carnival is more than just a festival; ever since I have known myself, Carnival has been a part of my life, whether it was playing mas, going to fetes, joining in the Panorama.  Two years ago I took a trip...

This is one of the most profound lessons that I have learnt from reading A Course in Miracles. My intention is to embody and remember this for the month of March and beyond Let's go! Come Journey with me.   There is a deep responsibility you owe yourself, and one you must learn to remember all the time. ²The lesson may seem hard at first, but you will learn to love it when you realize that it is true and is but a tribute to your power. You who have sought and found littleness, remember this: Every decision you make stems from what you think you are, and represents the value that you put upon yourself. Believe the little can content you, and by limiting yourself you will not be satisfied. For your function is not little, and it is only by finding your function and fulfilling it that you can escape from littleness.  Work with Akosua as your dedicated accountability partner to move forward with confidence. (Sign up Below)  Embrace Your Journey of Transformation with Akosua D...

  What happens to our sense of self when we’re only valued for what we can produce? What happens to our sense of self when our value is tied solely to what we can do, rather than who we are?  For me, it started at a young age, rewarded for doing my homework, scolded for playing too much. Having to hide to play with my imaginary friend who I named Penelope.  As I grew up homework turned into good grades, steady job, being a productive person, not being lazy - the bottom line was in the proving that I was doing and what I did could be validated, that it was good, that it brought no shame on Self and family. What seemed acceptable to the society that could be measured and valued. These are the markers of a "valuable" person in this society that we now live. When our value is reduced to a checklist of tasks, our souls begin to wither, imagination is placed on the back burner . This is the silent crisis of modern life—a crisis that erodes our self-worth, distorts our iden...

  We carry our constraints in our bodies — the shoulds, the what-ifs, half-truths, and watered-down desires. But the body remembers —EVERYTHING. How to expand. How to reach. How to take up space. Stacey Herrera  This quote stopped me in my tracks. It’s a reminder of how often we shrink ourselves, how we internalize the weight of expectations, doubts, and fears until they become part of us. These constraints live in our bodies — in the tension in our shoulders, the shallow breaths we take, the way we fold ourselves smaller to fit into spaces that were never meant to contain us. We carry the shoulds: the voices that tell us who we’re supposed to be, what we’re supposed to want, how we’re supposed to show up in the world. We carry the what-ifs: the paralyzing fear of failure, of judgment, of not being enough. We carry the half-truths: the stories we tell ourselves about our limitations, our worth, our potential. And we carry the watered-down desires: the dreams we’ve muted becaus...

This or something Better is my praye r - Michael B Beckwith    We live in a world that constantly tells us to set goals, make plans, and strive for specific outcomes. While ambition and effort are valuable, an excessive attachment to results can often lead to stress, disappointment, and self-doubt. Instead of fixating on a single outcome, what if we focused on the journey itself? What if we embraced the idea of doing our best and allowing the rest to unfold as it will? Today as I sat to set my intention for the day, I thought about living today without attachment to any specific outcome, to only focus on doing the work to the best of my ability and leaving the rest. There have been so many situations where I was SURE about how something would have unfolded, then there were times when I placed every part of my being in receiving a specific result and things happening a certain way. When it did not happen, I was devastated - imagine that I was even devastated when the situation ...

we forget that growth starts long before it’s visible. Growth starts underground. At the root system. And “all of a sudden” happens after months of invisible work, deep rest, and contemplation . Dr Robin   In a world that often celebrates saying “yes” to every opportunity, there’s an underestimated power in knowing when to say “no.” True empowerment doesn’t come from pleasing everyone or overextending ourselves; it comes from understanding our boundaries and honoring them unapologetically. Power isn’t just about influence or authority. It’s about having the clarity and courage to define what you will and will not tolerate. It’s about safeguarding your mental and emotional well-being. When you know your boundaries, you reclaim your time, energy, and self-respect. The Cost of Ignoring Boundaries When we constantly say “yes” out of obligation or fear of disappointing others, we slowly chip away at our own strength. We become overwhelmed, exhausted, and sometimes even re...

  Let ordinary move you. Let ordinary pull you in as much as the big, booming things. Thoroughly enjoy a green olive. Two green lights in a row. A living room dance party. A good view of the moon. And maybe let yourself be boring sometimes. Let ordinary remind you of what really matters. Danielle La Porte  This morning, as I walked to the boxing gym, earplugs in, lost in the rhythm of my  soca classics playlist, I looked up, and there it was—the most magnificent full moon, hanging in the sky like a luminous masterpiece. It was so breathtaking, so awe-inspiring, that I literally screamed in delight. The moon wasn’t just lighting up the sky; it was lighting up *me*. In that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of connection—to the universe, to myself, and to the beauty of simply being alive. The full moon has always held a special significance across cultures and time. It’s a symbol of completion, clarity, and illumination. But this morning, it wasn’t just a celestial event...

  The next time change feels uncomfortable, ask yourself: Am I resisting because I’m afraid, or because I’m attached to what was? Awareness is the first step. Life is full of uncertainties, but two things are guaranteed—change and death. Everything else is fluid, unpredictable, and fleeting. For a long time, I resisted this truth. I held on tightly to people, places, and phases of life, wishing things could stay just as they were. But life doesn’t work that way. The more we resist change, the more we suffer. The moment we learn to surrender and flow with it, we find peace. We like to believe we have control over our lives, but the reality is, we don’t—not in the way we think. We can set goals, make plans, and try to shape our future, but life has its own rhythm. Unexpected events happen, people come and go, and even we, ourselves, change in ways we never anticipated.  The truth is, control is an illusion. The tighter we grip, the more we struggle. But when we release that grip...

  The Most High is coming through you Michael Beckwith  I n a world that often measures worth by grand achievements, shiny accolades, and visible impact, it’s easy to feel like what we have to offer is insignificant. Maybe it’s a talent that feels too small, a dream that seems too far-fetched, or even a thought that feels too simple. We look at ourselves and think, *“This? This is nothing.”* But here’s the truth: whatever you have, the Most High can use.   You see, the value of what we hold isn’t determined by how it looks in our hands but by what it becomes in the hands of the Divine. That idea you’ve been dismissing as too ordinary? It could be the seed of something extraordinary. That skill you think is too basic? It could be the very thing someone else needs. That quiet thought you’ve been carrying in your heart? It could be the answer to a prayer you didn’t even know was being whispered.   The key lies in how we see what we’ve been given. It’s not abo...

  Don't be discouraged when you are being tested. Don't register when you are being tested that there is something "wrong" or that you are being abandoned. Now its time to step it up, to act like you kno w Rev Deborah Johnson  Life has a way of throwing curveballs when we least expect them. Whether it’s a sudden setback, a challenging relationship, a career hurdle, or an internal struggle, these moments can feel like tests. And in those moments, it’s easy to feel discouraged, to wonder if we’ve done something wrong, or even to feel as though we’ve been abandoned by the universe, God, or whatever higher power we believe in. But what if these tests aren’t a sign of abandonment? What if they’re actually an invitation to step up, to grow, and to prove to ourselves just how capable we are? The Misconception of Abandonment When life gets tough, it’s natural to feel alone. We might ask ourselves, “Why is this happening to me?” or “Why does it feel like I’m being left to figu...

  Practice gratitude. Practice it daily. Name and give thanks for the blessings that hold up your life, the blessings you receive, the blessings you offer your world. Hiro Boga   The Illusion of Settling Have you ever convinced yourself that settling was gratitude? I have. There was a time in my life when I stayed in a job that drained me, telling myself, “I should be grateful to even have a job.” I called it gratitude, but deep down, I knew I was just settling. I was making something work because I was too afraid to admit it wasn’t what I wanted. Same with relationships, I stayed in the thorns and called it roses - I was thankful to have a relationship. Gratitude is not about resignation or forcing yourself to be okay with less than you deserve. It’s not about plastering a smile on your face and pretending everything is fine when it’s not. True gratitude is a devotion—a courageous, intentional practice that requires us to dig deeper, to know ourselves, and to embrace both the...

  Having the humility to admit there is room for improvement and to act on that with self-development is one of the most beautiful aspects of character that a human being can have . Yung Pueblo  We've all been there—holding on to a belief or standing firm in an argument, only to later realize we were wrong. Admitting it can be tough, but it's one of the most liberating things we can do.  This is where humility comes in, it keeps us grounded and growing. Contrary to what many might think, admitting you're wrong doesn't make you weak. In fact, it takes a great deal of strength and courage to openly acknowledge a mistake. This act of vulnerability can lead to greater self-awareness and open the door to personal development. When we recognize and own up to our errors, we're more likely to learn from them and avoid repeating the same mistakes in the future. Self-reflection is key to self-improvement. By admitting our mistakes, we create opportunities for growth and learn...

But in 2025, let’s take a different path—one rooted in humility, courage, and the transformative power of doing our emotional and healing work. Don’t cheat or betray yourself by taking what feels like the easy way out. Dr Robin Smith Confessions on the journey -the mere thought of addressing uncomfortable truths feels like torture, it scares me to no end. It’s easier to stay quiet, to let things slide, to avoid rocking the boat. I tell myself  that silence is the kinder path—that it spares feelings, prevents conflict, and maintains peace. But is that really true? Or am I  simply convincing ourselves of a narrative that avoids the discomfort of honesty?  On the surface, staying quiet may seem like an act of compassion. After all, why bring up an issue if it’s only going to hurt someone? But beneath this veneer of kindness often lies fear: fear of confrontation, fear of being disliked, fear of making a situation worse. In the moment, silence feels safer. It allows us ...

  My life feels more peaceful, more dignified, more lovely than ever before.  Elizabeth Gilbert  I had this belief that once I do everything "right" that life would be kind to me, no problems, no stress. Do it right and pray. Of course, life demonstrated otherwise.  It took me a minute to understand that life's events are not personal. its universal and intimate. Everyone will encounter experiences that challenge them to grow, to learn, to accept, to surrender. No one is exempt from the experiences of life. What we can do however is have the willingness to accept that life will throw us some curve balls and be prepared to face them with courage. We can remember to tell the truth, first to ourselves We can remember to take responsibility for our actions and for remembering that we are built for life. The moment we forget, deny, doubt we get into all sorts of trouble. The  peace comes from the surrender - and this is not a "giving up" surrender, its an uncondition...

  Resisting manifests in many forms including a tendency to reject, refuse, insult, separate, push away, or remove ourselves from a situation. Resisting leads to estrangement, animosity, dread, and fearfulness. Resisting is the underlying cause of anger, hatred and violence. R    Resistance is not always obvious. It can appear as a simple act of rejection—saying "no" to a proposal or refusing to engage with an idea. At other times, it takes the form of anger or hostility, expressed through insults, pushing others away, or cutting ties entirely. Whether it’s separating ourselves from uncomfortable conversations, avoiding accountability, or rejecting differing viewpoints, resistance often masks itself as self-preservation.        On a deeper level, resistance can emerge from fear—fear of the unknown, fear of change, or fear of vulnerability. These fears manifest in behaviors that isolate us from others and reinforce our biases. We push away what we don’t...

  I will feed my spirit rather than my fear s - Sonia Choquette  I have been paying more and more attention  when fear  takes center stage, dictating my choices and actions.  The revelations demonstrated that sometimes fear is my default ,sometimes because of social conditioning and sometimes because I make up stories in my head that say I cannot or ought not to do, act or receive. Fear of abandonment, fear of rejection, fear of losing has been a running tape in the back of my mind, I must admit that I have a very long way in being more self aware about these fears, for which I am grateful.  Understanding how fear influences our decisions is the first step toward breaking free from its grip. It's important to recognize the ways in which fear can manifest, whether it's fear of failure, rejection, or the unknown. Our spirit, on the other hand, represents our inner strength, passions, and true desires. By nurturing our spirit, we can align our actions with our...

  This undeniable truth of change reveals that the attachment to always trying to feel good is something that will cause inner tension. The craving to feel pleasant makes you have a strong preference for some emotions over others. It makes you seek solutions and quick fixes that can help you experience a smaller range of emotions than what is normal. We welcome and try to hold onto the pleasant and we strive to fight away the unpleasant. Yung Pueblo I have been noticing trends on social media and even in chatting with some of my friends there is a tendency to bypass tough emotions and to focus on always being happy and positive. The quest for happiness often feels like a never-ending journey. We're bombarded with messages that suggest we should always strive to feel good, be happy, and avoid negative emotions at all costs. But what if this relentless pursuit of happiness is actually leading to more suffering? Focusing on being happy all the time at the expense of feeling and deali...

  Find freedom in uncertainty. Be receptive and responsive instead of predictive and protective. Sister Corita Kent  Have you ever felt like you're alone on a boat in the middle of the ocean, tossed and turned by the waves of life's challenges?  I have learned that it's a  more common feeling than I realized,   It's a universal experience that binds us all together in our shared humanity. When we are in the space of transformation, it sometimes feels like being out on the ocean, the ground beneath us is no longer solid. Life’s experiences, no matter how personal they may seem, are often universal in nature. The struggles, triumphs, joys, and sorrows we face are part of the human condition. We all go through periods of uncertainty, moments of self-doubt, and times when we feel lost. It's as if we are all navigating the same vast ocean, each in our own little boats, yet on a collective journey. This is where the importance of faith in something higher comes ...

Authenticity invites us to explore who we really are. It encourages us to engage in practices that foster self-awareness, from journaling to meditative reflection. As we get to know ourselves on a deeper level, we gain clarity about what truly matters to us—whether it’s a career path, friendships, or personal values. With this clarity, we make decisions that align with our true selves rather than living according to someone else’s script.  In January, the intention I have set for myself is to show up in Authenticity. And what does that mean or what does that look like? To show up in authenticity means to be fully present, wholly , holy and true  in any given moment or situation. It involves letting go of any pretense, masks, or personas you might feel pressured to put on, and instead, embracing who you truly are—your thoughts, feelings, values, and beliefs—without fear of judgment or rejection. Now as a recovering people pleaser, showing up authentically is a process, a p...