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Monday, February 27, 2012

"When the bull retreats, he is not running away, he is gaining strength to charge" Senegalese Proverb

Sometimes it is hard for us to understand that we need time to unwind and rejuvenate.  And it is even tougher for us to convince hardworking loved ones to take time out to attend to their own needs.  Many women, including myself are so many things for so many people that when there is nothing to do and no one to attend to we almost seem out of element or not a peace.  We have to put ourselves in a position of making the greatest impact we can and we can only do that by taking a break to attend to ourselves.  The Senegalese people say "When the bull retreats, it's not that he is running away but he is gaining strength for a powerful charge."  So I think from time to time we have to retreat to get our strength up and we will be all the more a force to reckon with. 

Sunday, January 8, 2012

"Plant the first seed right at your toes", Senegalese Proverb

Where to start?
How can we bring about change when it seems to be such an impossible feat? In thinking of all the things I'd like to change in my life, my relationships, my household, my community, my world, I don't know where to start.  It seems like such an insurmountable task.  Some days I ask myself, "Is it realistic to care about the many problems and issues that crop up around me.  But after some reflection, I know that if I am blessed with the intellect to be able to observe, acknowledge and analyze then it must be for a reason. That reason may be as simple as just being aware and helping others to be aware.  Honestly, the many thoughts that I give over to contemplation and worry does make it hard for me to fall asleep at night and so the first place I will start is to ask God for patience and wisdom.  Sometimes the best solution is the simple one but without patience will we get to it and without wisdom will we recognize it?  And so after my prayer, I will start with the changes in myself.  I will plant the first seed right at my toes.