Podcast Title: Hope, to My Younger Self

Hosts: Aba Cato Andah and Zoe Baraka 

Guest: Veronica Safoa Owusu

Summary:

 The podcast is inspired by their best-selling book, "Letters of Hope to My Younger Self,".

Veronica Safoa Owusu emphasizes the importance of knowing oneself beyond labels and expectations, especially during challenging times like a relationship breakup or divorce. Veronica encourages listeners not to give up on love and emphasizes the transformative power of self-love.

The hosts discuss Veronica's book, "Rise Up Gold Dust Queen: The 50 Golden Nuggets of Wisdom to Reignite Your Spark and Rebuild Your Life After a Relationship Breakup or a Divorce." The book focuses on guiding individuals through their personal growth journey and rediscovering their true selves.

Learning Points:

• Know Yourself Beyond Labels: The key takeaway is understanding who you are beyond societal labels and expectations. Veronica highlights the significance of self-discovery and authenticity.
• Grieving Process and Resilience: Veronica mentions the grieving process that accompanies significant life changes. It's essential to acknowledge and navigate through difficult emotions while maintaining resilience and perseverance.
• Safeguard Your Essence: Protecting one's energy and essence from manipulation and energy vampires is crucial. Veronica emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries to maintain emotional well-being.
• Purposeful Love: Veronica encourages listeners not to give up on love but to approach it with purpose. Understanding and loving oneself is foundational to attracting genuine and purposeful love.
• Supernova Analogy: Veronica uses the analogy of a supernova to describe the transformative process after going through fiery explosions in life. The idea is that one can release their "gold dust" and become a stronger, more purposeful version of themselves.
• Consistency in Personal Growth: Personal growth is an ongoing process that requires consistent effort and application of knowledge. It's not just about intellectual understanding but also integrating lessons into one's core belief system.
• Releasing Gold Dust: The concept of releasing "gold dust" signifies embracing the transformative power of challenging experiences. Going through pressure and fire can lead to personal growth and the discovery of one's purpose.
• Law of Proportional Standards: The idea that one can only attract what aligns with their standards. Increasing self-love and self-worth expands the capacity to love others authentically.
• Supernova as a Symbol of Growth: The hosts encourage listeners to embrace their journey, likening it to a supernova. Going through difficulties is an essential part of personal growth, leading to the creation of something new and beautiful.
• Questioning Identity: A key question posed by Veronica is, "Who are you?" Beyond the labels and expectations, understanding one's true identity is essential for personal success and fulfillment.

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Veronica Safoa Owusu, also known as VPower Coach, Supernova Catalyst and Gold-Dust Queen - is an Educator, a transformative life coach and an online business growth strategist.

+44 07402441184 |[email protected]
www.vpowercoaching.com

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Letters of Hope To My Younger Self” is available for purchase!

Order from Amazon
https://a.co/d/3v05lqn

To order in Ghana:https://linktr.ee/lettersofhopetomyyoungeself

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Season 2 Episode 9: “OWN IT!” (with Yaa Foda Attobrah)

“I am a straight shooter; what you see is what you get. I believe in being your authentic self. A lot of times we put on these masks, and we don't have to; people need to know who you really are.”

“…A lot of us women, with the script we have been fed, we give so much away to our families, and we forget about ourselves…” 

“There is a finite amount of time that we have on this earth… what are you doing with yourself? A lot of women don’t think about it… and are completely lost”

- Yaa Foda Attobrah

Author Yaa Foda Attobrah discusses personal accountability and responsibility as vital components for our life’s journey. In this conversation, Yaa talks about her new book “Own It”, and shares several strategies and mindsets from her book, that will prompt us to be intentional in owning our choices so that we can become our best selves and live our best lives.

(Yaa Foda Attobrah is a woman of deep faith whose passion is the word of God and writing. She has always had a love of reading and a way with words which was nurtured in her from childhood. She has authored three books: "The Beauty of A Woman's Heart”, "Reflections For A Thirsty Soul", and "Refreshing for My Weary Soul". Her new book "Own It!", a book of precious nuggets for daily living, is available for pre-order on March 24th, 2022.)

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Join the "RE-BOOT Your Life" waitlist - Transformational Conversations for
 Purpose-driven, Impact-focused, Legacy-minded Women Over 40 - https://mailchi.mp/3cba658d11d7/reboot-workshop-with-aba-cato-andah 

Buy my book “Reflections of a Hopemonger” on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Reflections-Hopemonger-Aba-Cato-Andah/dp/9988902301

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Season 2 Episode 8: “Advocate” (with Dr. Jemima Kankam)

“Many [patients] I see, come to me for the problem at the time. But I end up saying, ‘do you know you’re a hero? Not everyone survives what you just told me’. I’m inspired by my patients!”

“…I think that it’s a gift that God gave me, to feel what the other person is feeling. Sometimes it can be a burden. But it’s a blessing…”

“God has always put advocates in my way; friends…”

"Why do I feel the need even now, to do as much in Ghana as possible? If education wasn’t free, I would never have walked the grounds of [the University of Ghana] Legon; my parents couldn’t have afforded it. I feel [that] I owe Ghana.”

- Dr. Jemima Kankam
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There is a saying that “what a child cannot see standing up, an adult can see sitting down”.  At 71 years young, at an age when many people have significantly slowed their pace, Psychiatrist and Mental Health Advocate Dr. Jemima continues to live her life fully; pursuing her purpose with zeal. In this conversation, as Dr. Jemima shares about her life and career, she gifts us with nuggets of wisdom on how to live joyfully, wholeheartedly and purposefully, through the twists and turns that life brings.

Dr. Jemima Kankam is a board certified psychiatrist with the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology and a distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. Dr. Kankam is an ardent mental health advocate, and dedicates much of her time to public education aimed at increasing mental health awareness and reducing stigma in churches, community gatherings and the general medical community.

 Join the "RE-BOOT Your Life"waitlist - Transformational Conversations for
 Purpose-driven, Impact-focused, Legacy-minded Women Over 40 - https://mailchi.mp/3cba658d11d7/reboot-workshop-with-aba-cato-andah

 Buy my book “Reflections of a Hopemonger” on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Reflections-Hopemonger-Aba-Cato-Andah/dp/9988902301

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Season 2 Episode 7: EMOTIONAL FREEDOM

 “Who are you really, outside of the roles you play? Put the mirror of who God has said you are versus what the world has presented to you…You will have to peel some layers, to find yourself in the rubble.”

 “…And not only are you not what happened to you, you are not the labels, people slap on you, you are not the misfortunes, the traumas, the failures…”

 “The things we most mostly don't want to deal with are actually the very pathway of the success we are chasing; the breakthroughs.”

- Rissi Carrey

 
Rissi is a prayer minister and a transformational coach consultant who desires to empower others to walk in total freedom and gain capacity to live out their purposes to their fullest potential. She is especially drawn to broken women who has gone through deep trauma and feel stuck. She is dedicated to unraveling the tangling soul issues that keeps women bound. 

Rissi and I sat down a few months ago to talk about the importance of emotional health and wellness.  In this enlightening conversation, Rissi discusses her signature program “Emotional Detox”. This 7-week program gives women the tools to give voice and language to their pain as she guides them through emotional healing, identity work and peeling back the layers of self-doubt and crippling fear. Rissi also discusses the work she does to help people achieve healing from their generational trauma, physical trauma, unmet needs, unresolved issues, “mother-wounds” and “father-wounds” so that they can move forward and live purpose-driven lives. 

 Tune in Rissi Carrey’s “Prayer Clinic Club – Stillness: Soak, Breathe, Talk, ASK, Listen, Reflect & Reframe” sessions on Clubhouse. (Search for “Rissi Carrey” on Clubhouse to see the schedule). 

Sign up for Rissi’s “Emotional Detox” program at risoasis.com 

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Join the "RE-BOOT Your Life"waitlist - Transformational Conversations for
 Purpose-driven, Impact-focused, Legacy-minded Women Over 40  - https://mailchi.mp/3cba658d11d7/reboot-workshop-with-aba-cato-andah

Buy my book “Reflections of a Hopemonger” on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Reflections-Hopemonger-Aba-Cato-Andah/dp/9988902301

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Season 2 Episode 6: PURPOSE, SELF-WORTH and a TESTIMONY

“The first thing I learned is that God will give you the grace. But you have to play your part.”

 “She told me, “If I were you, I would pack my bags and go back home”. And I replied, “I don't know how to do that. I don't know how to go back. I don't know how to look back. I would rather take a break… and then try to find ways to advance.””

 “There was a particular day when I was having suicidal ideations. And I felt God telling me, ”If you leave you won’t be here to see the end [of this story]. And you're going to deny every person that needs the story; that needs to hear this testimony…”” 

 “Marriage is a good thing, God created marriage. But… we need to take a moment to go to God and ask Him, why did you make me as an individual? Why did you create me as a woman, because then again, even the marriage we're talking about, it's not for everyone. It doesn't mean that if you do not marry as a woman, you would not have fulfilled purpose, or you're not worthy.”
- Nelia Gyemfi

Nelia Gyemfi aspires to pursue and live out her God-ordained purpose and assignment unapologetically. She is the founder of “Being Phenomenal”, a movement that is committed to encouraging young ladies to pursue their passion as they live purposefully in the consciousness of their worth. Nelia is a speaker, a blogger and the author of “Being Phenomenal, A Handbook for Today’s Young Christian Woman”. Professionally, Nelia is pursuing a career in International Maritime Law. In this episode, Nelia shares the following nuggets:

 Pause and take a break, and then try to find new ways to advance. But retreating should never be an option. 

Accept your pain, accept that bad things happened to you when they did. Being in denial doesn't help you resolve issues. 

 God gives the grace, but you have a part to play, which is why you need grit. 

 We get comfortable and say the grace of God abounds, but what you do with the grace of God is what produces results

 We can be victims in a situation through no fault of ours. Life happens! 

 Everything you put your mind to, you can achieve. 

 Have a plan. Be strategic and be proactive. 

 There's a time for rest, but there's a time to put on your warrior suit and power through.

Follow Nelia Gyemfi on rubiesworth.com and @beingphenomenal_31 on Instagram 

 Join the "RE-BOOT Your Life"waitlist - Transformational Conversations for
 Purpose-driven, Impact-focused, Legacy-minded Women Over 40 - https://mailchi.mp/3cba658d11d7/reboot-workshop-with-aba-cato-andah

 Buy my book “Reflections of a Hopemonger” on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Reflections-Hopemonger-Aba-Cato-Andah/dp/9988902301

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Season 2 Episode 5: ON PURPOSE

“The Bible that says since the beginning of time, Wisdom was there. When God was about to create the Earth, the only person that was there with God was Wisdom. God and Wisdom sat at the beginning of time, and He said, “Let us make man in our own image. So surely you have a Purpose?”

“The reason why we miss [our Purpose] most times is that we don't go back to our original Manufacturer and say, Master, I am here now in this world. What was your intent? 

“At the turning point of my life, I asked God: Who am I? What am I? Why am I? Where am I? How am I? I need You, God to answer these questions for me…”

- Zoe Baraka

Ghanaian/Burkinabe Zoe Baraka is a Storyteller, and as she describes herself, “a woman in love with Jesus”. With a varied professional background in journalism, film writing, speech writing and as a voice artist, Zoe says that her passion is storytelling in any form - print, film, oral, historical, poetic, philosophical, animated, structured or unstructured. Her love affair with storytelling gave birth to her weekly social media live series called “To My Younger Self” where guests are asked to share a story from their past and how it has defined their current perceptions of life. In this inspiring conversation, Zoe Baraka reminds us of these important truths to be aware of in discovering and accomplishing our God-given assignments:

• There are some deep waters in life you only learn how to navigate when you take the bold decision to step into them. No amount of advice can prepare you for such experiences. 
• Knowing your identity and being grounded in your identity is what distinguishes one’s purpose from the next. 
• Invest in your purpose one penny at a time; in other words, spare no expense
•  Your purpose is always within - never without. 
•  You were already chosen before    the beginning of time; act like it
• Be mindful of people who would want to dictate your life’s journey. Go back to God. He has got all the answers to the why, what, who, how, where and how, about you.

Follow Zoe Baraka’s weekly video series “To My Younger Self” on Facebook and Instagram 

Join the "RE-BOOT Your Life" waitlist - Transformational Conversations for
 Purpose-driven, Impact-focused, Legacy-minded Women Over 40 - https://mailchi.mp/3cba658d11d7/reboot-workshop-with-aba-cato-andah

Buy my book “Reflections of a Hopemonger” on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Reflections-Hopemonger-Aba-Cato-Andah/dp/9988902301

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Season 2 Episode 4:  AUTHENTICALLY PURPOSED

“I'm a mother, I'm a wife, I'm a business owner… I wear a lot of hats. But… everything that I do, I pour myself into… I am fully present in all the roles that I play.”

“Being authentic means that you are expressing who you really are.” 

“I’m just availing myself to do what I've been called to do. And that is what gives me fulfillment, that is what I define as success.”

- Julie Baidoe-Ansah

Julie Baidoe-Ansah, the founder and Image & Style Matters and the creative director of the “Efata By JUBA” clothing line, is a woman driven by Authenticity and Purpose. She describes her purpose as “to help women ascertain who they are, to their clothing choice. To encourage women to be themselves, and to be authentic in their personal branding.” In this inspiring conversation, Julie Baidoe-Ansah shares her strategies for being purposeful and authentic in her pursuit of accomplishing her God-given assignments.

• On Planning: “Without a plan, you set yourself up for failure. Write a plan, because that is what keeps you on course. If you don't have a plan, you will not be able to assess yourself, or to appreciate your progress. If you don't have a plan, you will follow other people's plans. And that could take you further away from your purpose.”
• On the power of Journaling: “In Habakkuk 2:2, it says write down the vision; write it on tablets… In writing and keeping a journal, you write down the vision [and] there'll be a download. When you start writing, He said that a Herald will run with it. “A Herald will run with it”, means that something is going to go ahead of you. It is your angels, your ministering angels. You will have angels at your disposal. You're supposed to give them stuff to do!” 
• “Purpose… is the thing that you've been created to do. Now, if you've been created to do something, you need to go to the Person that created you, to find out what you've been created for.” 
• “Have an anchor scripture; you have to have certain verses in the Bible or certain chapters or certain characters in the Bible that you resonate with. Are you an Esther? Are you an Abigail? You need to know who you are. And when you know that, your purpose will be revealed. And you know what? That purpose will be achieved!”
•  “In Joshua 21: 45, it says, “Everything that was spoken about the House of Israel came to pass. So, if you believe that everything that God has said about you will come to pass, you need to know what God has said about you! What are your promises [in the Word of God]. You need to find those promises!”
• “With my business, I have a covenant day [each week], that I spend at the feet of God. So, on that day, I spend praying for my business, praying for what's God wants me to do in this time and season…”

Contact Julie Baidoe-Ansah on efatabyjuba.com, and follow her “EfatabyJuba” pages on Facebook and Instagram 

Join the "RE-BOOT Your Life" waitlist - Transformational Conversations for
 Purpose-driven, Impact-focused, Legacy-minded Women Over 40
https://mailchi.mp/3cba658d11d7/reboot-workshop-with-aba-cato-andah

Buy my book “Reflections of a Hopemonger” on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Reflections-Hopemonger-Aba-Cato-Andah/dp/9988902301

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Season 2 Episode 3: PURSUING PURPOSE

 “We sing songs that say “this world is not my home; I’m just passing through”. But if that passing through is for seventy years, then you are here for more than “just passing through”. You are here for a reason.” 

 “Purpose answers the question of why we are here; the reason why God made you.”

 "Calling is the specific thing that you are called to… Calling gives a specific definition to your purpose.”

 “The fact that you’ve discovered your purpose or your calling doesn’t mean that it’s not going to be challenging. It will be challenging. Once you’ve found it [your purpose, calling], you’ve got to stay loyal to it; you’ve got to keep pushing.”  
- Lady Monica Aryitey

 Lady Monica Aryitey’s passion is to empower women, whatever their ages, backgrounds, or educational level, succeed in their calling, whether in ministry or the secular world. In this inspiring conversation, Lady Monica shares insightful faith-based nuggets on the subject of “Purpose”, “Calling” and “Assignment”: 

• You are not here by accident; you are here for a reason
• Your Purpose is the overarching reason why you are here
• Calling is the specific thing that you are called to… Calling gives a specific definition to your purpose
• Within your calling you will have different assignments
• Therefore, it is important to stay tuned in to God, so know when it’s time to move on to a different assignment
• It is important to stay connected to God so that he can keep guiding and shepherding you throughout that process of discovering and living your purpose
• As we walk in God’s calling, there are certain character traits that we ALL must exhibit in order to live a fruitful and productive life (example from Eph 4:1 AMP) – godly character, moral courage, personal integrity and mature behavior
• God requires a certain standard of behavior, in order for you to be able to get to where he wants to take you
• To stay in tune with God and on course with Him, we must live in obedienceIf we don’t walk in obedience, it can throw us off
• Our purpose manifests as part of a process. God intricately weaves our experiences for His purposes in our lives. Lady Monica shares that her training as a lawyer helped her be a better preacher, teacher and advocate
• Pursuing your purpose will have challenges along the way. Therefore, having conviction about your purpose, your calling, your assignment is very important. We must stay the course and in the fullness of time, the fruits WILL come.
• It’s important that we surround ourselves with people who will speak faith into our lives, who will pray with us and who will encourage us
• Even if you have stepped away from your purpose, go back to God and tell Him that you desire to get back on track and back to discovering what it is that He really wants you to do

Follow Lady Monica Aryitey on FFMIChapel.org, on Facebook “Monica Aryitey”, on Instagram @MAryitey

Buy my book “Reflections of a Hopemonger” on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Reflections-Hopemonger-Aba-Cato-Andah/dp/9988902301

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Season 2 Episode 2: WHOLE WOMAN LEADER

“I am a Whole Woman – I bring all of who I am to every space… so when I show up, I show up in the fullness of who I am. I refuse to live in compartments. And that means that I don't live in a performative manner. But I live in an authentic manner. I don't live in a transactional manner, but I live in a transformative manner.”

“Do good, but first be well. Out of the abundance of how well we are, it flows out to reach to others.”
 - Maame Afon Yelbert-Sai

 Internationally recognized thought leader, activist, transformative coach/mentor, advocate for women rights and leadership, mother, wife, author and gospel recording artist Maame Afon Yelbert-Sai has embodied a framework for living her life as a Whole Woman Leader. In this inspiring conversation, Maame Afon shares nuggets for how to be a Whole Woman Leader, so that we too, can show up in the fullness of who we are, in every arena of our lives.

• The value of an Abundance Mentality – the ability to complement, collaborate and celebrate others
• Stewardship – the power to lead comes from the commitment to serve. How are we being good stewards of the access, the resources, the opportunities we have been given?
• Building Authentic Relationships in which we bring our full selves to the experience of building authentic relationships
• Self-care – as a leader our well-doing is inspired by our well-being. Do good, but first be well. Out of the abundance of how well we are, it flows out to reach to others. 

Contact Maame Afon on https://themiltedge.com. Access Maame Afon’s music on http://maameafon.com and Subsribe to “Maame Afon” on Youtube 

Buy my book “Reflections of a Hopemonger” on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Reflections-Hopemonger-Aba-Cato-Andah/dp/9988902301

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Season 2 Episode 1: VISIONARY 

“Don’t be afraid to fail… Keep pushing. If plan A fails, go to B.”
“Hope is important. Don’t ever give up.”
“If you have the urge to do something, NOW is the time to start. You cannot GO, without taking the first step.”
- Marjorie Boafo Appiah (Marjy Marj)

 Visionary, management consultant, author and speaker Marjorie Boafo Appiah’s (Marjy Marj) life and career has been one of achievement as well as national and international impact. Sharing examples from her remarkable life, Marjy compels us to also go after our dreams.

 In this inspiring conversation, Marjy shares:

• How her naturally vivid imagination, inquiring mind as well as her love of family and community all channelled into her Purpose.
• That “Nurture” played a very significant role in her development – through her parents, her Christian upbringing as well as the influence of mentors, teachers and role models throughout her life
• That achievements do not happen overnight
• The importance of being your authentic self
• How “Nurturing” and encouragement plays a big role in her nuclear family, resulting in family of high achieving individuals
• Seeking God’s will and trusting God in every venture you undertake
• The importance of having a vision
• The importance of planning and setting goals
• The power of visualization
• The importance of not being afraid to fail
• The importance of always staying Hope-filled.

Marjy is the author of The Shimmigrant, Same Elephants and the acclaimed children’s book, Sasha Goes to America. Her second children's book, Sasha Perseveres in America, will be available in August 2021. Get in touch with her on https://marjymarj.com

Get my book “Reflections of a Hopemonger” on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Reflections-Hopemonger-Aba-Cato-Andah/dp/9988902301