My Reel Inspirations
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Follow as Aakowa uses his stories and songs to offer lessons, inspiration and encouragement with short, timely messages.
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Story context: Creating A Set
Difficult Family Relationships quote: “Instead, these people in your life, who have been a thorn in your side, are actually the keys to you mastering yourself, and are often the gateway in letting you discover your purpose. It is your bad experience with them that puts a spotlight on areas of your soul which will almost force you to focus on these areas, and you, in turn, you become the master of these areas.”
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Story context: Nun Other Sacrifice
Teachers Learning to Let Go quote: “I don’t want any of us to underestimate how valuable it is, or how important it is to have a person you are connected to, who might not be in your physical presence, but is putting forward this positive energy in the air on your behalf. Without people praying for you or pulling for you, the world becomes a different place. Compared to when you know there is somebody out there who loves you, who is rooting for you, who you can call on if you are in trouble. That person becomes like a safety net in your heart in a world that can sometimes be cold and disconnected.”
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Story context: Back on ‘Da Block
My Insecure World quote: “Why not just be honest about who you are? Why not stop hiding what it is you are going through? As they say: ‘the truth shall set you free’. Freedom is being able to tell people about your struggles, so that you aren’t living with the anxiety of needing to hide every time you speak. I will note that it takes courage to stand in your truth, and yes, there are people that will want to use your weakness against you. But, in actuality, you disarm them when you are comfortable with sharing what information they would normally use to harm you.”
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Story context: More Than A Dream
True to Love quote: “You can meet someone who is, at the time, who they say they are, but if they are not grounded in themselves, there is a good chance, they will eventually even surprise themselves. So, if you are wise, you take your time. Slow down to first discover who you are and what you are, and where you want to go, before getting into anything serious emotionally with anyone else. Analyze the person you are going to be with to see if they, too, are steady when in comes to knowing and loving themselves. You do not want to build a life, and then realize you never actually wanted it.”
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Story context: Slums of Gratitude
The Money Illusion quote: “Why having money as a measure of persons worth or intelligence or power is so flawed, in practical ways, is because money will come and go. You can have it one day and the next lose it; or you cannot have it one day and then get a windfall. And the truth that applies to all of us is that nobody takes their money with them when they die. So, regardless of how much you have, or don’t have, with the ups and downs of life, at the end of the day, we’re all going to be at the same level. And when you think of it like that, doesn’t it seem almost silly that we place so much weight on this one aspect of life to decide how we treat one other, and how we see ourselves?”
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Story context: Means of Defense
Bad for Good quote: “We like to believe that if we do good to others, others will be good to you, or things will come that are good. Well, we learn quickly, just as Lonnie did (in the story Means of Defense) it’s not always the case. Most of us have had good intentions and been left paying a hefty price that we did not rightfully deserve. So how have you managed with this in your life? How have you navigated the hardships, emotionally and mentally, when your love and good intentions, have been met with hate and hardships?”
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Story context: The City Still Has Life
City of Hope quote: “We cannot afford to have you give up hope, because you might have a vital role in the eventual outcome of our collective future. You might have a special set of skills or that special idea that will be necessary for the rise of all humanity. But, just for now, you’re misplaced. Just for now, you’re lost. Only now you don’t have a vision, or you can’t see what’s next. But you might lead, or be part of something very important, if you just hold on a little while longer.”