Principles, Possibilities, Promises, Power…

Shelter In Place…

Show Notes will be uploaded at a later date…

PSA

Show notes will be posted later…

Principles, Possibilities, Promises, Power…

Principals, Possibilities, Promises, and Power. In this episode of The Lifeterian Podcast, with me Monique Monge, I talk about principals, possibilities, promises, and power. I share my story of overcoming adversities after going through the loss of my loved ones without losing my optimism and passion for life. Listen in to learn the principles that I have utilized as I maneuver through the most challenging moments of my life. You will also learn why it is important to drop negativity in your life and how you can begin a positivity journey instead. “Resilience; The ability to bounce back after tragedies; Being able to adapt to life’s misfortune.” What You Will Learn from This Episode: • [0:12] How I maintained optimism amid of loss. • [1:42] Why you have to accept complete ownership of your feelings about the situation. How not to disconnect from these feelings no matter how bad or hard it is. • [2:52] Develop a positive mental attitude. Avoid being constantly exposed to negative situations. • [3:46] Learn how you can begin your positivity journey. • [4:48] I share my personal affirmation that I learned from Dr. Stan Harrison. • [5:50] Why you need to have patience. • [6:32] The power of being resilient. • [8:19] How to release your fear about the ugly things in your life plus how I accomplished it. • [8:54] Why you have to exercise your faith- whatever that means to you. • [10:06] Have hope- the light at the end of the tunnel. How I exercised hope during adversities. • [11:35] How to have genuine forgiveness in your heart. • [13:01] Why you have to reclaim your own personal power.

The Gift Was A Miracle & The Bow Was A Bandage…

Show Notes: The Gift   In this episode, Monique shares her another one of her life-altering experiences, encapsulated by the theme: “The gift was a miracle and the bow was a bandage.” Monique met Ruben in the Spring of 2010. There was an immediate spark, and something beyond friendship quickly developed. Of all the things they had in common, the main trait that the couple shared was “a mutual desire for success, happiness, and love.” The story begins as Monique recalls a minor eye surgery she had to have at Grady Hospital, which she tried to conceal from Ruben. That was not about to happen—Ruben was there with her at the follow-up appointment. Monique’s embarrassment was highlighted by the fact that the physician did not hold back in saying that she was losing her eyesight at a very rapid pace. She was referred to the Center for the Visually Impaired to “begin training immediately.” In short, Monique and Ruben had just learned, out of left field, that she was going blind. Monique left the hospital crying uncontrollably. She impulsively told Ruben that perhaps it was time to call off their relationship. Calmly, Ruben simply said, “Woman, I already love you. I’m not going nowhere. I got you.” Tears again; but this time, of joy. They were married 18 months after they met, on January 20, 2012. A dream was realized. A few years later, another dream became reality: Monique was able to visit West Africa during a study abroad trip. She regards one particular day of the trip as nothing short of miraculous. The group visited the Akonedi Shrine in Larteh. Once inside, an Akan priestess entered, offered up a prayer, and recounts her journey to becoming a priestess, along with the history of the shrine. Later, as the group took their leave, the priestess gently touched the right side of Monique’s face and spoke in her native language of Twi. “I did not understand what she said,” recalls Monique. “But I heard her.” The translator caught her as she exited the shrine, and mentioned that the priestess said, “Speak what you see.” During the rest of the bus ride home, Monique was silent, looking out the window, with tears streaming down her cheeks—impacted, yet unsure of exactly what the priestess meant. One week after returning to Atlanta, Georgia, Monique was to have a cataract removed from her right eye. After the operation, when her bandage was removed, Monique was surprised that she could see. Apparently, she was born with a rare genetic eye disorder called retinitis pigmentosa and, according to her medical team, there seemed to be no explanation to how she was able to see again after a simple cataract removal. Not only could Monique now see with both eyes, but she no longer had glaucoma. “I believe that the Akan priestess, known for performing miracles in that small village in Larteh, blessed my eyes, and for that, I am truly grateful.”  https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/retinitis-pigmentosa http://www.mamiwata.com/akua.html

Family Affair

Show Notes: Lifeatarian - Family Affair In this episode, Monique presents an interview covering an incredible event that took place at her home in December 2019: a heartwarming reunion with her cousin Eugene, who had not seen his biological family for 58 years after being adopted. To start the interview, Monique introduces her long-lost cousin Eugene and his wife Sheila, along with Eugene’s brother Vincent and his aunt Rachel. Eugene reveals that it was Sheila who initially pushed him to go look for his biological family. He subsequently hired a private investigator, who got him back in touch with his siblings. Eugene pours out his love for Vincent—a type of bond that only brothers could ever share. He also expresses his admiration for Vincent’s wife and the authentic love that clearly binds them together as husband and wife. Eugene admits that his love for his biological family is amplified on account of his being away from them for almost six decades. Initially, Eugene was reluctant to face his relatives once again for fear of being ostracized. However, he was welcomed back with open arms, which added to the depth of his admiration for them. He likens the experience to waking up from a coma. To any other black man who may eventually share Eugene’s experience of reuniting with their biological family, he advises them to “take it slowly.” It is important to ask questions and brace oneself for possible hurtful truths and reactions, as these are all part of the package for such an ordeal. Aunt Rachel explains that, as her sister Connie was no longer around to welcome back Eugene, Rachel felt a responsibility to make the reunion a reality. She knew right away after hearing of Eugene’s search that he was her long-lost nephew. She wasted no time in facilitating the meeting between Eugene and his brothers, James and Vincent. She also explains that it was not only Connie, but Rachel’s other sister Margaret who put a child up for adoption. Rachel recounts the circumstances that led to these life-altering decisions, and her criticisms against the local legal system which, she believes, are the true forces that kept their family members apart for so long. Sheila closes the conversation by emphasizing the role of love over both her and Eugene’s actions, all of which culminated in this emotional reunion. She pours herself out, thanking Eugene’s family for welcoming him back with such warmth and enthusiasm. The paramount importance Sheila places on family was what prompted her to motivate Eugene to go on this quest to find his biological relatives.