The Power Within
Image captured in Cairo, Egypt at Mosque of Muhammad Ali, 2021
It’s a new year and I have never been more at peace about the power that I have created within. The power to define myself for myself. The power to develop self-awareness skills to know what I need and when I need it. The power to ask for what I want and not be afraid to go and get it. The power to use my voice, my body, my mind, my spirit, and my support. I am in a place where I have recognized the power, my power, and the source of my strength.
Let me rewind. This was not an easy place to get to. If you have been following my series of blogs, there has been a lot of gaps between the struggle of balancing life, work, loss of friendships, break-ups, traumatic events, and even grief (the death of one of my best friends). But as a wise man once said, “no weapon formed against me shall prosper.” I know y’all heard of that one right? Well, that quote has guided me through some of my most challenging and most memorable times. The quote reminds me that I can get through, no matter what circumstance or situation that I am in.
As of late, I have experienced some good things too! I’ve purchased my first home, took a personal intimate and life changing trip to Cairo, Egypt, and self-published my first children’s book! Countless times have I been asked “how do I manage the good and the difficulties” and I never really have had an answer. But today, I’ve decided to reflect and be vulnerable with you all…..here we go.
Imagining the possibilities.
In 2017, I created a vision board of what I wanted my life to look and feel like. I added pictures and the words of “Rasheeda’s Vision.” In addition to my financial goals, I listed my health goals to work out and strengthen my body more; my career goals to work with children; my goal to be more involved in policy to end mass incarceration on behalf of my brother’s innocence; and to free my folks locked away. I also listed my dreams to be an author as well as travel to Egypt.
Image captured at a Vision Board Party, 2017
I was very intentional and direct with the words I spoke to be more intentional mentally and emotionally, to be more present, more patient, and to embrace my journey with my joy and inner peace. Within the vision, I made a conscious decision to keep the board as my television monitor and follow up with small goals in between on a dry erase board and with small note cards. I really wrote, visualized, and spoke everything into existence for what I wanted for myself since I was a young girl. And what a joy it is to see it come to fruition.
It is true, if you want something write it down and work on it daily. What words are you speaking and working into existence?
Enjoying the hard work and sacrifice.
Along the journey, a lot of sacrifice was required. Oftentimes when we think of sacrifice, we look at it as a negative thing. However, all sacrifice really means is giving up something now for something greater later. I gave up watching television, gave up buying things that I did not need, gave up unnecessary social engagement, gave up sleeping in on weekends and gave up my weekends for work.
Giving up sleep, my weekends, and time away from my nieces and nephew was the hardest but staying consistent and locked in on my goals through hard work and sacrifice made me reaching my goals that much more meaningful and powerful. During the sacrifice and hard work, I made sure that I enjoyed the process by taking small free trips around my city of Los Angeles, spending time in laughter with family and friends who inspire me, and I kept talking about how much I looked forward to what is to come. This is important!
What are you willing to give up temporarily to help you reach your highest self?
Being honest with myself.
During the summer of 2021, I enrolled in an 8-week meditation course that helped me develop and increase my self-awareness skills.
Self-awareness is defined as conscious knowledge of one’s own character, feelings, motives, and desires. It is the ability to take an honest look at your life without attachment of it being right or wrong. This process was very emotional but so necessary. I was asked a lot of hard and tough questions. Like what makes me happy? Sad? What fulfills me or what is my purpose? What inspires me? Who am I? I answered questions that made me really look into the mirror and be proud of who I was. Questions that made me sit on the bed with tears because I had yet discovered an answer. If I am ever asked what makes me proud, I am proud to say it would be allowing myself to be authentic, vulnerable, and honest with myself during this time. I learned so much about myself. I was not Rasheeda the daughter, employee, aunty, author, writer…I removed all hats, titles, and attachments and got really honest with who I was at the core.
There is power in vulnerability and solitude! Who are you at your core? How does who you are now align with what you want?
Maintaining powerful relationships. I don’t care what people may say but staying connected to people who are good to you and for you is therapeutic!
In the last two years my therapist has helped me become the best version of myself. He has held me up and held me down being an active listener by allowing me the space to process the good, bad, and ugly. Therapy allowed me the space to acknowledge and explore traumas and triumphs in which he laughed with me and held me accountable when things got crazy! The relationship served as a reminder that there is power within therapeutic relationships of therapists, family, friends and even random people on airplanes or in your direct messages :). It’s encouraged to use those relationships and allow them to inspire, motivate, and to be of support rooted in deep and communal love.
Extend your appreciation and love every chance you get. Who holds you up and accountable?
Connecting my power to the source.
As a mental health advocate who has been avidly utilizing this platform, it is imperative that I emphasize that maintaining your emotional and mental health is essential. You must be mentally and emotionally balanced as you work hard and use your power to manifest the best life you want to have.
Now the good part!
I am nothing….I am nothing….I am absolutely nothing if I had not connected to my high power and source of strength in my relationship with God.
I manifested, I worked hard, I maintained relationships, but the power of prayer and God’s love for me has truly kept me whole. I cannot assume that everyone is a believer, but through MY EXPERIENCE, faith has been a tool to help me reconnect spiritually and build my intimate relationship with God, who has served as the reason ALL of this happening. The joy, the peace, the continued blessings, the ability to decipher and have discernment and the power to keep going!
In Cairo, Egypt I had the opportunity to engage in a lot reflecting, writing, and praying. I prayed there more than I ever had in a while….God, thank you!
No matter who you are connected to stay connected.
To sum it all up, the power within has to come from the power above. The other side of what you want and how you want it is all up to YOU! Move strategic, move with grace, wisdom, pure intentions, power, and most importantly move with love.
Below are 6 Mental Notes by Imani Tawfiq to support you.
1. Be reminded of your greatness. Look in the mirror and remind yourself of who you are.
2. Write the vision. Grab a paper and writing tool and visualize your life. From the smallest goal to your wildest dream. Please be specific with what you want and need. Find a quote that will remind you of the vision.
3. Prepare to work. There is hard work, dedication, and consistency that is required for any outcome of substance and value as a reward. Just as much as you work hard please be reminded to play harder.
4. It takes a village. Stay connected to GOOD PEOPLE! There is a community for you that’s rooting for you. Please allow these people to hold you up. You are not alone (even in times of difficulty). Also remember the importance of solitude.
5. Self-awareness is key. Have vulnerable conversations and discover the many layers of you. The way to truly define you and develop a power that no one can take from you is to get to know YOU!
6. No weapon formed shall prosper. Connecting spiritually through prayer, meditation, and your higher being will protect you from all weapons prospering. (Weapons: people, places, things, circumstances, barriers, challenges) Never forget that!
This blog is dedicated to any individual who is looking for something to keep going. Thank you to my mother, my late father, my brothers, and family who keeps me grounded in love. Thank you to my best friends Jane’t, Leani and Lionelle, who held me in spaces where I needed love, laughter, and a get-away. Thank you to my sister and friend Amethyst for holding my hand in prayer and growing with me through travel (You get it!) Thank you to Bradley and Kennard for standing by my side during my time with you both. Your unconditional love and support for me set a foundation. Y’all really was there when it mattered most. Thank you to my community for trusting me to be of service. Thank you to my ancestors who passed the power throughout generations and laid a solid foundation. Thank you God for being my source of strength.
To my future husband and children, mommy is doing ALL the necessary work and is ready for you.
Mental Note: Comment below or reflect on the following questions. What goals do you want to manifest this year? What do you need mentally, spiritually, financially, physically, emotionally, socially, to help you reach them?