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EIGHT STEPS TO LIVING AN EMPOWERED, JOYFUL LIFE IN 2019

By on December 17, 2018
grateful

By Mensimah Shabazz

My elders from the Akan tribe of Ghana teach that: “Ka na ka bio yenkyi,” which means that repetition is not taboo! I have chosen to share last year’s message about joyful living again because a lot of us have been through insurmountable challenges this year—in our personal lives, politically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. By grace, we are still here on this planet, and the repetition will allow us to refine or perfect our approach to living joyfully.

It is that time of year when we reflect on what we have accomplished so far in life and what we wish it to be in the near future. We may be joyful and hopeful about our progress, station in life, or we may be saddened by our lack of progress in some areas. Whatever the sentiment, this is the time of year we often commit to setting new goals for the New Year.

I am reminded of how we focus specifically on the New Year as the perfect time to set new goals. And yes, we may incorporate themes that allow us to shift our perspective on the things we deem are ripe or poised for success. There are times we achieve these yearly goals completely, partially, or not at all. There are several reasons for these varied results but three of them come to mind:

  • Our passion for whatever we thought we wanted or needed weans out.
  • The mind-body-spirit continuum is missing.
  • The goal is Oprah-scale expansive, and not achievable in a short period for many reasons.

I am also reminded based on the ebb and flow of life we cannot set things in stone. I believe that there are eight themes that must be incorporated in our resolutions making to ensure our success. They are:

  • Putting Source, God, or our Creator first before we do our egos. We sometimes position Source as an afterthought in our aspirations, but it is important to remember that everything we are and all we have is by grace. Showing humility is essential. When we do, we elevate our experiences and maintain clarity of purpose.
  • Detoxing, or letting go of old baggage through forgiveness. We have to let go of old wounds. When we clear our minds, hearts, and cultivate serenity, we can call to us our destiny. Find time to be comfortable with silence via meditation or prayer.
  • Trudging through unforeseen challenges to meet that goal. When we set new, clear goals, the playing field would most likely shift. This is where an alignment with divine mind or intelligence would yield the best results. We gain wisdom.
  • Accepting the responsibilities that come with the growth we desire. People aspire to be presidents, senators, teachers, coaches, and so many other positions of responsibility to serve others, but they fail to transcend the old norms and behaviors. It is important to rise to that position of responsibility.
  • Exuding love and gratitude irrespective of what has happened or is happening. If we still believe in the promise, then there is no need to begrudge our progress or people who impede our progress. The genius within would be released when we are ready.
  • Engaging all relationships or taking actions with integrity. Some people may want to take short cuts and detours to reach their goal at all cost, and that road would certainly lead to disaster in the long run. Our endurance is the acceptance of faith. Trust in the universal flow.
  • Bringing harmony to our environment and relationships irrespective of progress. When our progress is slow, we tend to injure others, especially those we claim to love the most with our words and actions. It is important to recognize that we can only thrive and manifest our desires in harmonious environments.
  • Living in the present and acknowledging peace of mind, gratitude, and abundance. None of us is promised tomorrow. The indispensability of life nudges us to journey towards wholeness with peace, love, abundance, and gratitude.

The eight themes above give us the insight as to how to incorporate spiritual themes at every stage of growth. I am inclined to acknowledge that adherence to these practices require faith and perseverance. With intuitive understanding and guidance, we would yield better results if we engage Source or God at every stage. I don’t believe there is any other way. Be also grateful for what is.

Happy New Year and more grease to your elbows in creating and living joyfully in 2019!

 

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MS-18MENSIMAH SHABAZZ, Ph.D.

A native of Ghana, Mensimah Shabazz is the president of AGAPE Consulting, which focuses on women’s empowerment, and psycho-spirituality. She holds a Master’s Degree in Transpersonal Studies from Sofia University and a doctorate from the California Institute of Integral Studies’ Philosophy and Religion Program.

The author of Sankofa: Learning from Hindsight, Mensimah offers a unique perspective on spiritual living drawn from a variety of integrated resources—cultural background, education, and professional expertise. She brings a wealth of knowledge in how to balance life issues that will lead to self-healing and transformation.

She teaches clients how to stand in their own strength and to own a power from within that is greater than they have ever thought possible.

Mensimah’s purpose and vision is to facilitate her clients’ connection to Pure Source Energy and experience the jaw-dropping awesomeness of who they are.

Email her at —  Agapeconsulting9@gmail.com Or connect with her on Facebook at:

EMPOWERMENT COACHING

www.facebook.com/agapeconsultingct

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