Women's Empowerment Stories ...

Living a Life of Service
~ Odayin Ikway

Heart Woman shares her wisdom about how we can learn to cope and even thrive in difficult situations.

A very long time as it seems now, someone I once knew suggested I was a martyr. I felt that out, wondering if this was true even though I was so very happy to do what I was doing. You see, I was in a life of service; I did not need a lot of "things" in life to bring me happiness. I was content with my life and the people as well as the love I had to share. I asked a question that led to another and another. In not too short of time I was very confused. Was I co-dependent? Was I broken? What was wrong with me? My mind felt taut like a piece of leather stretched over a hoop. What I did not know then was that the person who was asking was considered very selfish and would not think of assisting people. I did not know this – I had passed over my own sense of authority to them assuming they had a better life view perhaps. I learned to not fix what is not broken. If it brings joy to yourself and others you are on the right track. If not then have a look. Trust yourself and honour your own path.

Since that time I have learned some valuable things about assisting people to hear their hearts, not mine – theirs. It was in fact a lesson in standing in one’s truth. Now when troubles brew, I know it is there for me to perhaps grow as there is always something to learn. I stand firm within myself, knowing what compassion is, remembering kindness and prayer. I take time to fortify myself with beauty so when the troubles in life come and the boat starts to sway in the turbulent seas, I do my best to go with the sway instead of against it, keeping the circle of positive energy strong within my heart and mind.

It is important to be with laughter, people who care about what how I feel, to keep that in place within my life. Life changes that are tough will happen, yet if we allow our lives to unfold, there will be constants within our lives that sustain us through all challenges. Mine I keep with me written in my heart, like the Creator chooses a mate for me with the gift of love mirrored back, my children love me and I feel my love for them and this sustains me during times of trouble. Another is nature, the beauty and essence that holds simplicity, shows an order that is profoundly abundant. It lives and thrives without our doing. With these thoughts I am anchored within to the majestic abundant source of life. With self acceptance we understand ourselves enough to be able to relate and accept others’ lessons and paths...

~ Odayin Ikway


Click here to return to the women's stories index