Category: Blog

The Language of the Soul: A Spiritual Journey to Self-Love and Connection Embarking on the spiritual journey to self-love unveils a profound impact that often goes unnoticed in a world emphasizing selflessness. In this exploration, we delve into the intricate relationship between self-love and the concept of love languages, recognizing that God’s love transcends and harmonizes with the unique ways we express and receive love. As we traverse the spiritual path of self-love, acknowledging and embracing our personal love languages emerges as an essential tool. Just as we express love uniquely in our personal relationships, understanding how we spiritually fill our love tank becomes pivotal. Spiritually led love languages guide us on this transformative journey: Words of Affirmation to the Soul: Picture whispering words of encouragement and affirmation to your inner self. Embrace the potency of positive self-talk, affirming your worthiness and divine essence. Let these words resonate within, creating a sacred space for self-love to flourish. Acts of Service for the Soul: Witness self-care transforming into a spiritual practice, viewed as acts of service to your soul. Nourish your body, mind, and spirit with activities that replenish and rejuvenate. Recognize the sacredness of taking time for yourself, understanding it as an act of love. Receiving Gifts from the Above: In moments of reflection and gratitude, acknowledge the gifts bestowed upon you by God. Your life, talents, and experiences are divine gifts. Embrace them with gratitude, recognizing that the universe expresses love in various forms tailored just for you. Quality Time with Your Inner Being: Dedicate quality time to self-discovery and introspection. Immerse yourself in the depths of your soul through meditation, prayer, or mindful practices. In this sacred space, connect with your true essence and cultivate a profound love for the unique being that is you. Physical Touch as a Spiritual Connection: Allow the physical touch of self-care rituals to evolve into a spiritual connection. A gentle touch during moments of self-compassion serves as a reminder of the divine love permeating every cell of your being. God’s love aligns seamlessly with your unique love languages, transcending all barriers and resonating with the depths of your soul. As you learn to love yourself fully, you become a vessel for God’s love to flow through you, extending to others. Your love languages, embraced and understood, become a channel for divine love to manifest in your relationships and interactions with the world. On this journey of self-love, remember that the love cultivated within is meant to be shared. Through your love languages, you radiate divine love—positivity, compassion, and understanding—to those around you. It’s hard not to! This spiritual journey of learning to love yourself fully is a transformation of the soul. Embrace your love languages as a sacred part of this process, knowing that God’s love aligns perfectly with the unique ways you express and receive love. As you bask in the warmth of self-love, you become a vessel for divine love, sharing its abundance with the world. I pray this journey bring you closer to your true self and the boundless love that God graciously shares.

Behind Closed Doors: Exploring the Shocking Cruelty Endured by Africans at St Georges and Cape Coast Castles I recently traveled to the Republic of Ghana, West Africa, specifically to see the DOOR OF NO RETURN. I visited St Georges and Cape Coast Castles – the two most infamous architectural structures in West Africa that became chambers of torment during the era of transatlantic slavery. It was an emotional journey as the guide shared the history my people endured behind closed doors, away from the public eye. These castles served as holding pens for captured Africans who were then transported to the New World for enslavement. Located along the coast of Ghana, the castles were initially built by European traders for commercial purposes but were later used as major hubs for the transatlantic slave trade. Despite their beautiful scenic locations, located on the Gulf of Guinea of the Atlantic Ocean, these castles have a dark history of unspeakable cruelty and human suffering. The construction of these castles began in the 17th century with the arrival of Portuguese traders to West Africa. The European powers that followed – including British, Dutch, Swedish, and Danish – also built their own forts along this stretch of coast for trade purposes. These forts were strategically positioned along the Gold Coast (now Ghana) as it was a major supplier of gold, ivory, and other valuable resources at that time. However, what started as trading posts soon turned into warehouses for human beings. In search of cheap labor for their plantations in America and Caribbean islands, Europeans began trafficking Africans from various parts of West Africa to the castles before transporting them on grueling voyages across the Atlantic Ocean. The conditions inside these castles were unimaginable. Africans captured by neighboring tribes or traded by African rulers would be held captive in overcrowded dungeons with little food or water. They were forced to endure extreme heat, disease-infested environments and horrific living conditions while they waited for their turn to go through the DOOR OF NO RETURN. Upon reaching the coast, these traumatized individuals were crammed onto overcrowded ships commonly known as ‘slave vessels.’ These ships had inhumane conditions – slaves were packed tightly together with no room to move or lay down comfortably. They remained below deck for most of the journey which could last several months depending on weather conditions. This experience became known as the “Middle Passage” – aptly named due to it being considered as “the middle” stage between captivity in Africa and enslaved in another land. The origins of this trade can be traced back to European exploration and colonization of the New World in the 15th century. As Europeans began establishing colonies in North and South America, they needed large numbers of laborers to cultivate crops such as sugar, tobacco, and cotton. The indigenous population was decimated by diseases brought by European colonizers, leading the colonizers to turn to Africa for a steady supply of labor. At first, enslaved Africans were captured through warfare or kidnapping by local African rulers who then sold them to European traders for goods such as guns, textiles, or alcohol. However, with increased demand for slaves in the Americas came an organized and highly profitable system of slave trading that operated on a massive scale. The vast majority of enslaved Africans were taken from West and Central Africa – primarily modern-day Senegal down to Angola – due to its geographical proximity to Europe and its abundant natural resources. This region became known as “the Slave Coast” due to its role within this despicable trade.  The transatlantic slave trade, also known as the triangular trade, was a horrific and exploitative system of human trafficking that lasted for over 400 years. It involved the forced migration of millions of Africans from their homelands to the Americas to work as laborers on plantations and in other industries. This brutal trade had far-reaching effects on African societies, political structures, and economies, shaping the history of the continent for centuries to come. For many Africans, this was their first encounter with Europeans. They were met with violence, intimidation, and harsh treatment throughout the journey. The physical conditions were grueling; they endured extreme temperatures, inadequate food and water supplies, as well as brutal punishments for any slow walkers or attempts to escape. The journey of captured Africans to the castles was a harrowing and traumatic experience that would ultimately lead to a lifetime of suffering for those who were “STRONG” enough to be sold into slavery. The capture and transportation of Africans from their homes in various regions across West Africa to the castles is a crucial chapter in the history of transatlantic slave trade, and one that is often overlooked. NOTE: We visited the site of the LAST BATH. The captives were placed, in chains, in the rushing river. Those who could swim would try to get away. Many drowned, while being dragged by others and the river. The guide invited us to walk down to the river barefoot in order to feel the ground and soil they walked on. I put my foot in the River for a few minutes and felt the anger of the churning river. This was one of my transforming experiences. One of the most shocking aspects of my visit to the castles was the inhumane living conditions endured by slaves. The dungeons were crowded and filthy, with little to no ventilation or natural light. These small spaces were often overcrowded with hundreds of slaves packed together like sardines. Adding to this physical agony was the psychological torture endured by slaves inside these castles. They were stripped of their identities, separated from their families and communities, and treated as mere commodities by their captors. This was purposeful to gain complete submission and total dependency on their masters.  The constant feeling of confinement and helplessness created a sense of despair among the enslaved population. Many captives suffered from anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues due to their…

As CEO of Your Life: Strategic Reflections on What to Stop, Start, and Carry Forward in the New Year As CEO of your life, you create your own reality. As you enter a new year filled with possibilities, it’s time to strategically reflect on what will truly propel you forward as well as leaving behind any habits or patterns that are holding you back. In this blog post, I want you to delve into the power of self-reflection and explore what to stop, start, and carry forward in order to experience a fulfilling year ahead.  I’m going to share some strategic insights that will empower you to take charge of your life. Being the CEO of your life means taking ownership of your decisions, choices, and actions. It is about embracing the role of a leader and creating a vision for yourself that aligns with your values, goals, and aspirations. Just like a CEO of a company, you have the power to make strategic decisions that will steer your life towards success, joy and peace.  If you’re going through the motions without actively taking control of your life…Then you’re living on autopilot. As CEO of your life, you are responsible for setting clear objectives and designing actionable plans to achieve them. You have to be intentional about how you spend your time, what habits you develop, and what relationships you nurture. This requires a deep understanding of yourself – knowing your strengths, weaknesses, passions, and purpose. Think about it – no one knows you better than yourself. You are uniquely equipped with knowledge about what makes you happy or unhappy; what motivates or demotivates you; what fulfills or drains you. It is essential to tap into this self-awareness regularly through reflection and silence and planning.  One of the main reasons why reflection and planning are important for personal growth is that they help you identify areas where you need improvement. By taking a step back and evaluating your actions, behaviors, and thought patterns, you gain valuable insights into your strengths and weaknesses. This self-awareness is vital as it allows you to focus on specific areas that require attention or change. You probably will discover patterns of behavior that have been holding you back from reaching your full potential or hindering your progress. Taking time for self-reflection allows you to slow down and tune into your thoughts, feelings, desires, and values. It enables you to understand what truly matters to you and ultimately align your actions with your spirit. Planning goes hand in hand with reflection as it empowers you to turn insights gained from self-reflection into actionable goals. Without a solid plan in place, it is easy to get lost or feel overwhelmed while trying to achieve personal growth. Planning provides structure and direction. Identifying what needs to stop in your life can be a difficult but crucial step towards personal growth and self-improvement. We often get so caught up in our daily routines and habits that we fail to recognize patterns or behaviors that may no longer be serving us well. This could mean anything from toxic relationships to negative thought patterns, or even destructive habits such as procrastination or self-doubt. The first step towards identifying what needs to stop is to  set aside some quiet time where you can honestly evaluate your life without any distractions. Ask yourself questions such as: What am I doing that is causing me stress? What are the things that drain my energy and bring me down? What habits or behaviors are holding me back from reaching my goals?  For example, a toxic relationship may cause feelings of insecurity and self-doubt, whereas procrastinating on important tasks can lead to increased stress levels and missed opportunities. These negative influences can also manifest physically in the form of headaches, anxiety, fatigue, or other health issues. By becoming more mindful of how these things affect you both mentally and physically, you’ll gain a better understanding of why they need to be stopped. As you start a new year, it’s natural to reflect on your past habits and behaviors and consider ways to improve. Whether you’re looking to become more productive, strengthen your relationships, or simply live a healthier lifestyle, incorporating new habits and actions into your daily routine can greatly benefit you in the long run. Here are some key steps for successfully introducing new habits and actions into your daily routine: Before starting any new habit or action, it’s important to have a clear understanding of why you want to implement it. Start small by selecting one or two key habits to focus on at first. Once these become second nature, gradually add more over time. Schedule specific times for when you will practice the habit each day and hold yourself accountable by setting reminders. Having someone else hold you accountable can be incredibly helpful when trying to introduce new habits into your routine. It is common to set goals and make resolutions for the future. However, before diving into the future, it is important to reflect on the past year and acknowledge what worked well. This practice of strategic reflection allows you to identify areas that may need improvement. Take time to reflect on what activities or habits helped you reach your goals or brought positivity into your life. This is why carrying forward positive practices from the past year is crucial. These could be things like regular exercise, setting aside time for self-care, networking events that led to career opportunities, or consistently meeting deadlines at work. Once you’ve  identified these practices, make a conscious effort to continue them in the new year. If they were helpful in the past, chances are they will continue to bring value in the present and future as well. It is important not to let go of things that are working well just because it’s a new year.  Also carrying forward positive practices also means learning from your mistakes and making necessary changes. Staying accountable and motivated…

Embracing the New Year: Expressing Love to Those in Our Front Row As the curtains begin to rise on a new year, the stage of life suggest that we ponder the roles people play in our personal narratives. It’s associated to a grand theater where individuals find their places—some in the front row, some in the balcony, and others relegated to the parking lot. The front row represents a select few—those special souls who walk alongside us through the highs and lows. Rita refers to them as our Ride-or-Dies! They are the pillars of strength, the ones who witness our vulnerabilities and celebrate our triumphs. These individuals aren’t just witnesses to our lives; they’re active participants, offering unwavering support and boundless love. In my journey, my dear brother occupied a prominent seat in this front row. His love was a compass that guided me through life’s labyrinth, his presence an anchor that provided support in rough and turbulent times. His passing emphasized the depth of this front-row connection, igniting a profound realization—a recognition of the value of expressing love and gratitude while we have the chance. Then there’s the balcony—a space reserved for those with whom we share a more peripheral connection. They’re part of our world, but their involvement is not as deeply rooted as those in the front row. These individuals witness parts of our lives, engaging in conversations and shared experiences, but they might not comprehend the intricacies of our inner world. It’s important to maintain your boundaries with these folks. Lastly, there’s the parking lot—a metaphorical space for people who were once part of our story but, for various reasons, no longer align with our journey. They might include former friends, acquaintances, Ex’s, or individuals whose paths diverged from ours.(Remember, some people are only in our lives only for a season) While their presence might have held significance at one point, life’s shifting dynamics led to their place in the parking lot. The separation between these tiers isn’t about hierarchies (or affordability like the theatre); it’s about understanding the varying degrees of connection and involvement in our lives. It’s about recognizing the depth of love, support, and loyalty you have surrounding you. Ultimately, it’s about comprehending the invaluable contribution of those in the front row—the love that molds our being and empowers us to embrace our truest selves. This new year prompts us not just to set resolutions but to reflect on the people who enrich our lives—the front row folks who offer unwavering love and support, the balcony acquaintances who share glimpses of our world, and the parking lot individuals whose paths diverged from ours. Reach out to those in your front row today—express your love and gratitude while you have the chance. May this new year be a testament to cherishing those in our front row—vocalizing our love and appreciation for their unwavering support. Let’s navigate this new year’s stage with gratitude for the roles these individuals play, for it’s their love that adds depth and richness to our stories. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

A Journey of Gratitude and Renewal in Ghana When Rita and I first met almost 4 years ago, she asked me to research options for us to visit Ghana. Initially, I didn’t have a pull to go to Ghana, but as I delved into my research, it became a journey I couldn’t resist. Despite facing obstacles such as time constraints and other distractions, we remained determined to make this dream a reality. Our shared passion for setting foot on the motherland, witnessing the Door of No Return, and connecting with local women entrepreneurs never wavered. And now, looking back on our trip, it has exceeded all our expectations – it truly was a dream come true. The impact it had on me is indescribable; it touched my soul in ways I never could have anticipated. Upon entering the vibrant soils of Ghana, I felt as if I had entered a world where history breathed alongside the present, creating a quilt (made from kenti cloth) of warmth, resilience, and awakening. Our journey was more than just a travel expedition; it stirred the depths of my soul and opened my eyes to the extraordinary. Embraced by Ghana: A quilt of Warmth and Protection From the moment we arrived, the embrace of Ghana enveloped us, tenderly introducing us to a land teeming with life and a people overflowing with kindness. Our guide, Dumba, became the lighthouse of our expedition, illuminating the historical nuances and present realities of this beautiful country. His knowledge was more than facts; it was a bridge connecting us to Ghana’s past and present heartbeats. Dumba, along with our driver, extended themselves beyond expectation, crafting an experience that felt like a protective cocoon, allowing us to explore the best of Ghana without fear. The Unyielding Work Ethic: Lessons from Resilient Souls The work ethic of the Ghanaian people was a masterclass in dedication, resilience and faith. Everywhere we turned, individuals were engrossed in their crafts, be it selling plantain chips on bustling streets or the entrepreneurial endeavors of the 25 remarkable women we met. Their unwavering commitment to their families and their crafts left an indelible impression on me. They were not just hard workers; they were artisans of life, embodying talent, skill, and a profound respect for family. What I found to be significantly profound was that many of these business/hustles were family ran. Everyone had a specific job based on their skillset and were appreciated for their participation. Confronting Heartbreak: Shadows of History Yet, with the vibrancy, we confronted the haunting shadows of history (history I never learned in school). We were fortunate to visit the slave river and the castles that once confined living souls was an emotionally staggering experience. I wavered between crying, to praying, to getting angry, to questioning the moral compass of “these people” that call themselves Christians to do this to other people. The pain we felt echoed through time, a stark reminder of unimaginable suffering and resilience. The juxtaposition of beauty and tragedy, the ocean’s serenity against the haunting dungeons, left me grappling with the depths of human endurance and the courage it took to survive such deplorable conditions. I have learned that I have deep within me what it takes to be a true survivor thanks to those who came before me. The Roots: A Profound Connection Setting off on this voyage alongside my younger sister, my unwavering pillar of support, heightened the significance of this journey as a shared family experience. A couple of years ago, I presented my parents with an ancestry test that revealed their Ghanaian heritage, with both parents showing 20-28% Ghanaian lineage. Gratitude overwhelms me for the resilience Rita and I exhibited in maneuvering through the occasional hurdles while organizing this expedition. Our joint determination not only helped us navigate logistical challenges but also solidified an enduring connection as we embarked on this remarkable adventure together. A Heart full of Gratitude and Renewed Purpose Returning home, I carry with me an immense gratitude for God and my ancestor’s orchestration that led me to Ghana, my new home. This transformational journey was a testament to self-discovery, connection, and a profound understanding of our shared humanity. We paid homage to our ancestors, met extraordinary souls, and confronted head on the anguish of history. Ghana, with its beauty and resilience, has etched itself into the depths of my heart forever. This expedition was not just a trip; it was a catalyst for change, a call to advocate for justice, and a commitment to honoring those who came before us. Ghana has gifted me a renewed perspective, a deeper appreciation for life’s tapestry, and an unwavering commitment to preserving the legacy of resilience and strength. This journey was a blessing—a gift that continues to shape my path with its profound lessons and unwavering spirit.