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Shortly after I found self-love within myself I began to discover this thing called purpose in life. My passion in writing and sewing began to develop new meaning to me. I suddenly became eager to share my talent, but I didn’t know how to apply it to my life. Although I knew I had talent it became a lot more challenging, because it was hard for me to envision myself expressing my talent with people.
The personal meaning of talent to me meant art or an expression of who I truly was inside. In reality it was challenging, but not due to the fact that I was afraid to show my true self. It was challenging because I didn’t know how to paint my talents on a blank canvas. To my surprise I didn’t panic; in fact, I had a feeling that everything was going to be fine. I thought that maybe Oprah felt that way before she decided to host her own show.
I honestly had no idea if she did. Still one thing I was very sure of was that pressure always makes diamonds, and I was going to figure out how to shine my light regardless. During this discovery an image popped in my head, similar to the one below.
I’m not sure if most of you may remember these gestures that these monkeys are portraying, but I definitely remember seeing similar images and/or gestures like this growing up. As a child I was associated with three religions: Seventh Day- Adventist, Pentecostal, and Baptist. These three churches are drastically different in their own ways, but I also believe in some ways they may have the same foundation. I say this because I can recall at some point during my attendance seeing these images/gestures at all the three churches I have attended. After thorough research on these cute little monkeys I have come to understand that they are in an example of a widely known principle across the globe. Christians not only have knowledge of this principle, but it is also very well known of in Japan, Thailand, and many more countries. In fact, Buddhist also is believed to have knowledge of 4 monkeys which signify 4 principles. So, what are these three monkeys signifying, and how does this principle apply to my life?
Allow me to explain, these monkeys are known as The Three Wise Monkeys and they are known for embodying the proverbial principle. In order for me not to contradict this principle I’ll paraphrase it in my own words. With that being said, to me this proverbial principle means: I WILL SEE VIRTUE. I WILL HEAR VIRTUE. I WILL SPEAK VIRTUE. It has been almost a full year after discovering this principle, and surprisingly I am able to say that there has been a tremendous change in my life from then to now. As you can see now, not only do I express my opinions through my writing but I also write about topics that I enjoy doing on my own website, in hope to one day motivate others to do the same with their passions. In addition to that, I also received my own sewing machine as a birthday gift and hope to start an online boutique in the near future. All of this happened in the width of a year, and it was just by deciding to apply this principle to my life. It has been easier for me to meet my goals and overcome so many obstacles. I’m not implying that I was a goody two shoe. I just learned to condition myself by paying careful attention to the messages I saw, heard, and spoke. Because I knew the same messages I took in was the same energy, message, and/or intentions I gave out. Here’s how I did it.
1. I will see virtue
When I thought about seeing virtue I instantly thought about the television, but that’s not the only media I saw. There’s of course social networks, such as Instagram, Tumblr, YouTube, and so much more. Personally I watched television sparingly, and sometimes post on social apps when I had the time. Which doesn’t necessarily make me a complete outsider.
I am just starting to grasp how valuable my time is now, so I do binge watch a handful of shows here and there, such as This Is Us and Empire. Here’s some advice I had gotten from a friend about television. A wise friend of mine once told me that his father always quoted “That in everything you watch or see there is always a message. Take every message out of each show, and apply it to your life.” I’m assuming most of you may know what to do with advice that’s given, right?
You either take it or you leave it. I decided to take this advice, and now I am careful with the shows I watch. I do this by taking a good message out of each television show, and it doesn’t matter whether it scary, funny, or full of drama I make sure I apply each message to my life. (Hint: The secret is in the way you perceive or choose to see things). Now as of social networks the primary apps I really use is Instagram and YouTube. I choose to use Instagram because I love seeing pictures and I believe pictures can have 1000 words in them. I also chose to use YouTube because there are a lot of people who I have found to be inspiring, or just simply express their selves in various ways through this source of media. So after establishing this principle I decided to condition myself into seeing virtue just by simply adding people who were either entrepreneurs, spoke positively, and simply just expressed their selves with confidence. For example, here are FIVE women I follow on Instagram now:
(Note: A lot of these women are different in their own peculiar way, but that’s ok because what’s so beautiful about them is how they embrace their differences and still have charisma. It’s like eating Cajun food and still putting hot sauce on it. BTW! Click here to check out my favorite Cajun recipe
@lifeofbrittanyadele : Before I had any type of passion or hobby I was always a lover of nature. I’m fortunate enough to have crossed paths with this woman once, but I had no idea how much she loved nature until I actually saw her Instagram. I cannot lie; the photos she takes are breathtaking. I don’t know how far she has to walk to find these places where she takes pictures at, but she just simply reminds me that if I at least I put forth an effort that life and opportunities are so much bigger than what we imagine it to be.
@empressak: Although this woman doesn’t hold her tongue for nothing, and she speaks her mind with some valid points. She has an incredible passion and career in making beautiful headdresses for women of African descent. She inspires me not only to say what’s on my mind but to also live my dream and embrace who I am.
@iloveyoufun: I love to see this girl on my feed, because she gives me so much life and inspiration. Not because she does whatever she wants to do, but because she doesn’t allow her passion to define her instead she defines her passion. She’s a model, a poet, and so much more, but in the end she owns it and is not bothered about whatever other people have to say.
@jasminenicholeart: This woman takes bold, beautiful definitive pictures but even though she appears regal, below her photos in every description she humbly expresses herself through poetry and reminds me that she is still human and has problems like everyone else.
@yandysmith: I think everyone knows of her from a reality show but I ran across Yandy on IG. What I love about her is that through all the things she’s been through she is a mother first and leads by example as an entrepreneur /C.E.O. next. The message I get from her is that although I have responsibilities as a mother, taking care of my family should always be first, and following my dreams to be a better me should always be next.
As of YouTube I just follow people who may be inspiring to me. YouTube is kind of different from most apps, because when I open up the app there is always an endless list of videos that are relative to the topics that you search. So if I could give any advice about this website I would say to just be mindful of the topics you search for. Some topics I search for would be inspirational videos, travel vlogs, DIY’s, and etc.
2. I will hear virtue.
This is one of the most important principles to me personally, because throughout history hearing things through song has helped my ancestors overcome so many pivotal things in life. In fact I don’t think I would even be here if music didn’t exist. Some of the greatest movements that consisted of listening were the Underground Railroad and the Civil Rights Movement. The Underground Railroad was a secret passage that led slaves to Canada in which they could obtain freedom but the way they knew about this passage is through spiritual songs that were coded with hidden messages that you could only hear if you listened carefully. The next critical period in history was the Civil Rights Movement a time when my ancestor finally stood up and fought for what was right. Not through violence but with song and by leading in example. Now music is so important to me because it has had a big impact on my childhood and simply gives a vogue expression of who I am. For example one of the cities I lived in was actually Atlanta. Today it is still known for its huge diversity and beautiful heritage in music. Even though I no longer reside there I still remember to have a song in my heart and dope music in my ear. Here are a few songs that have impacted my journey of self-discovery.
Kojey Radical- Water (If Only They Knew) ft. Mahalia (youtube link)
If any song tells my life story it would be this one. In the beginning it explains how I felt when I was hurt vulnerable and insecure plus on top of that there was still a lot of injustice happening in America so I had to be careful of the things I did. Not only because I was black, but also because I was a woman. Then later in the duration of the song the vibe switches up. It seemed as if he stopped becoming enraged by the things that were happening in the world, and all of sudden seen the bigger picture and became aware of the things or people surrounding him. Either way to me it sounded like a Public Service Announcement for us to start living our dreams and life purpose before it’s too late.
Sa-Roc- Forever
I love Sa- Roc because she does not come to play. She tells you how it is to be on the journey of self discovery, and that’s what I love about her (She gets to the point). She helped me understand that if I wanted to shine my light or express myself through my craft that along the way I must expect that people will doubt me, but in the end I will always be left to make a decision for myself.
Seinabo Sey- Good in You
This is a great song that can always keep me in a good spirit on a bad day. I strongly believe that this is a song about self-love but another part me just says it’s a love song. Either way I figure out ways to make it my own just by singing in the mirror, in the car, or maybe even with my daughter. I just discovered Seinabo Sey last month, and I almost have all her songs on my playlist.
Busy Signal- Dreams of Brighter Day
This song has been on my playlist for years, which is way before I learned about self-love. Listening to this song leads me to always dream of brighter days knowing that a day would come in which I would be completely happy and fulfilled. No matter how many days may pass by, I am still thankful because I always have another day to try again.
Martin Luther King- I Have a Dream (youtube link)
Everyone knows that this man was an icon. On the day he made this speech there were thousands of people who came to see him speak. He had a huge impact on America and I’m sure if he was alive today he would have completed bigger projects and mission than what he was able to do in the short amount of time he did live. Now after listening to his speech most days I believe I got the message and the vision of his ideal Dream. During the Civil Rights movement I’m sure it was hard for many people to have opportunities to express their opinions on certain topics. Fortunately now we have an open opportunity to not only share our opinions on social media and/or platforms, but also the potential to share with hundreds and maybe even thousands of people within the matter of seconds. It all could be done by just using our gifts, natural talent, or craft. That’s why I’m ever and more grateful to following his mission by applying it to my everyday life.
3. I will speak virtue
Out of all these three principles this is probably the most powerful one to follow. We talk most of the time so if you learn to speak virtue than it will come back to you ten times fold. That’s a fact! This is how I did it I went back to practicing my religion by opening up the Bible each morning and night. Each month I would choose a verse that was relative to something I wanted to pursue. Next, I would recite that same verse every day until I’m able to remember it. By the end of the year I am hoping that I can remember at least 12 verses. So far I am on my 10th month and actually remember 10 verse. Here are five verses that I remember which has changed my life drastically.
1st verse: Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalms 1
After remembering this verse I started establishing my foundation and beliefs by reciting verses in my mind and I begin to meditate each day when I woke up and also before I went to bed.
3rd month: Do not become weary of doing good unto others for in due season you shall reap thy harvest Galatians 6:9
The month I recited this I started giving without expecting to receive anything back in return, then eventually things that I needed started coming my way.
4th month: Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.- Proverbs 31:10-31
During this month came so many blessings but the main things I had the chance to do was buy a new sewing machine. Also shortly after that we found a beautiful house with a pond in the backyard and surprisingly a vineyard which harvested my favorite grapes, Muscadines.
7th month: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
This month I realized the definition of faith which was my dreams I wished to pursue. Although I had my draft blog entry written and recently published my website. I was able to clearly envision my niche and what I wanted to do with my hobbies.
9th month: Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.- 2 Timothy 1:6-7
This month I was going through a lot of things and contemplating whether I should even express the things I had gone through, because I’m a really private person when it comes to my life story. I eventually overcame my fears and was able to become the narrator of my own story. Now it is like a breath of fresh air. I’m also able to finally confirm that everyone has a gift, talent, and/or dream. So there’s no reason for anyone to deny it all you have do is find self love. Click here to check out my article on how I found Self-Love
4. I will act with virtue
If there was a 4th wise monkey, I would envision it embodying the principle of acting with virtue. Why? The reason being is because I was great at procrastinating before I actually started acting upon my goals. Before I could actually get all of my virtue I had to learn to stop over thinking my actions and stop pushing my goals to the next day. The way I did this was by simply making a daily checklist; accomplishing everything on my list; and then rewarding myself. Before you make a checklist try to write all your goals in a journal or notebook. This is an easier way to keep tabs on your accomplishments. Most Importantly Accomplish everything till everything has been checked off. Finally reward yourself. For example I’m going to go to the kitchen write after I publish this article and eat the last slice of Lattice Apple pie with Vanilla Ice Cream as a topping. I bet it’s going to taste ten time’s amazing afterwards, because without guilt I know I deserve every single bite of it since I worked just as hard for it. Always remind yourself that you live life to enjoy it!
Peace and Love,
Mami Kelviana
P.S. If you have never read The Alchemist and you need that extra boost for motivation this is definitely a book to consider. This story is about a young shepherd who gives up his job in pursuit to find treasure in which he dreamed of finding in Egypt. You can read more about this book if you purchase it from the amazon link below.
There is no GREATER AGONY than bearing an UNTOLD STORY inside you
-Maya Angelou
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This was very expiring. Honestly i wish I understood it better. I will apply your steps to my life. P.s. you are a great writer.
Thank you
Very nice writing
Thank you