Creating Your Story – By Tanzania Nevels

I saw a meme on Instagram that said,  “Embrace Your Whole Story”.  Not just the parts that feel good or look good to you. But the parts that are still broken, traumatized, messy, or maybe in their beginning healing stage. ALL of these parts make you a WHOLE being. So in reviewing your life story it’s important to go chapter by chapter, pay close attention to the uncomfortable  parts, and edit out the parts that no longer add meaning, peace and balance to your life.

I know it’s not an easy task, because there are some parts of our journey/experience we would rather forget. That was me for a long time too. I thought if I focused my attention on being a great mother, getting my degree,  finding a husband…blah, blah, blah, and on and on. I wouldn’t have to revisit those emotionally scary places. But I was very mistaken.

It took me some time to realize that if I wanted to completely heal and walk in my power, my purpose, my joy, then I had to do work. Along the way, I learned that pain and wellness are really not opposites, in the way that we might think.  Both experiences are happening to you  and each one has their lesson to teach. Growth, on all levels, can be painful, frustrating, annoying, or I just don’t feel like doing it right now. But it can also be satisfaction, job well done, wow I made it through this storm, gonna keep moving, and not giving up.

So, that’s why writing and reading is so therapeutic for me. It helps me make sense of myself, my experiences, and the world around me. And it continues to support my growth and healing. That is why I am extremely humbled and grateful for the opportunity to share some of my journey through this blog. So thankful for the Founder and CEO of Healing Hands Reiki & Spiritual Development Inc., Tiffany Monroe for providing this platform.

It’s a chance for me to share my thoughts and feelings as they align with the positive flow of my spirit. I’m all about going with the ebb and flow of life. Although, sometimes I do get caught up in those rip tides. So, depending on the spiritual energy, you might get an informative blog about a specific holistic practice, a thought provoking  poetry piece (forgot to mention that I write & perform original poems), or drop some ancestral and/or current wisdom for you to meditate on.

This space will ALWAYS be about the well-being and evolution of the “self”.  Like Oprah, what I know for sure is…when I get out of my own way magic happens, growth happens, abundance happens, healing happens, but most of all…LOVE HAPPENS!

Abundant Peace & Blessings!

 

About the Author:

I was was born in Blytheville, AR, but grew up in the Delta region of Grenada, Mississippi until the age of 14. I found my way to Flint Michigan and lived there for 18 years.

During this time I began to write and perform poetry as way to help make sense of myself and the world I lived in. It also helped define my role as a mother to three great children, Tyerica, Tiffany & Shakil, and the newest member…granddaughter, Sevalli.

Eventually, I moved to Atlanta and have been here for the last 19 years. I found my tribe of fellow poets and spoken word artists and dove into that scene with excitement and enthusiasm.

I have a BA in English & Organizational Communication and a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Michigan-Flint. In 2007, I started working at Agnes Scott College, a private women’s liberal arts college in the Registrar’s Office. I am happy to say that I am still there, but now in a new position as an Academic Adviser. Being an advisor provides me with the unique opportunity to motivate and empower my students.

However, one of my most important accomplishments has been taking my health and well-being into my own hands. I truly believe that the body, mind and spirit can be healed. One just has to give it what it needs. Which is why I incorporate yoga, meditation, prayer, tai chi, and reflective writing into my everyday life. Additionally, I plan to take classes to become certified in Reiki healing. And I am currently in classes to get a more in depth knowledge about herbs and how to use them.

Interesting facts: love to read, dance, play cards and board games (chess is a favorite), action & sci-fi movies, and the beach is my happy, happy, joyful place.