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A Life Worth Living  

February 6, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Elizandra dos Santos

Living is the biggest challenge that human beings face, and most of them exist and are driven by the feeling of fear. Fear is not bad if it is used as a feeling that moves us to take action, which is not the case I am referring to in this article. I speak of fear as a paralyzing feeling, a feeling that makes us uneasy, no matter if it is in our imagination or real facts.


It is very normal for people to be afraid of snakes, dogs, wolves, and others because it is a natural feeling of human beings, and often this feeling is derived from things that were told to us in childhood and that are not real or bad events that end up turning into trauma.

One must be very careful because it causes suffering, harms physical and mental health, and can even cause us frustration. The nervous system is automatically out of control, the heartbeat is accelerated and increasingly affects all existing systems in the human body. You get a rash that you can't hide and people around you realize you're very nervous. At this time fear tends to increase when we realize that everyone knows we are afraid, as our mind can be destructive when misused.

People plan their schedule, what they should and not say, but at the right time, thet block due to excessive nervousness, which ends up meaning they do absolutely nothing. They feel defeated for not having been able to express their message and that makes them feel unhappy.

Does this situation define you? Clearly not, but it's important that we do this exercise of realizing that a situation doesn't define who we are. It can help us find points in us that need improvement, like learning to speak in public. So, if I have difficulties in public speaking instead of crucifying myself for not having done so well in that presentation, I can choose to look for Professor João Ndala from Indispensável to help me overcome this particular issue.

Fear is part of life and if this feeling did not exist, life would cease to be life and would be gone. The biggest problem is when we make it an addiction and associate it with other situations such as low self-esteem, depression, and insecurity. It is necessary that we know how to discern our real and illusory feelings, awareness is the first step towards healing. If you are facing a dilemma how to deal with your fear, and if you are not using the resources you have at your disposal, I recommend that you look for an expert who can help you to overcome this problem.

At this stage, avoid being around people who lower their energy frequency, remember that your mental health should always be your first priority. Anything that bothers you and you don't express for fear of losing someone or displeasing can in the long run bring you various mental and physical health problems. Remember, a quiet mind means an organized and happy life!

Thank you so much for walking with me this far, until the next trip in this wonderful world of self-knowledge.


Uma vida que vale a pena ser vivida

by Elizandra dos Santos / Portuguese version

Viver é o maior desafio que o ser humano enfrenta, sendo que a sua maioria existe e é movido pelo sentimento do medo. O medo não é ruim se for utilizado como um sentimento que nos move a partir para ação que não é este caso a que me refiro neste artigo. Falo do medo como sentimento paralisante, aquele sentimento que deixa-nos inquietos, não importando se é uma imaginação ou factos reais.


É muito normal que as pessoas sintam medo de cobras, cão, lobos e outros mais porque é um sentimento natural do ser humano e muitas vezes esse sentimento é derivado de coisas que nos foram contadas na infância e que não são reais ou de acontecimentos ruins que acabam se transformando em trauma.

Deve-se ter muito cuidado porque, este causa sofrimento, prejudica a saúde fisica e mental e pode ainda causar-nos frustrações.

O sistema nervoso automaticamente descontrola-se, o batimento cardíaco fica acelerado e cada vez mais afecta todos os sistemas existentes no corpo do ser humano.

Você fica todo precipitado que não consegue disfarçar e as pessoas ao seu redor apercebem-se que estás muito nervoso. Nessa hora o medo tende aumentar quando nos apercebemos que todos sabem que temos medo, pois como a nossa mente pode ser destrutiva quando mal usada.

O homem planifica a sua agenda, o que deve e não falar, mas na hora H, ele bloqueia pelo excesso de nervosismo, que termina não fazendo absolutamente nada.

Sente-se derrotado por não ter conseguido expressar a sua mensagem e isso faz sentir-se uma pessoa infeliz.

Será que esta situação o define? Claramente que não, mas é importante fazermos este exercício de percebermos que uma situação não define quem somos. Mas pode sim ajudar-nos a encontrar pontos em nós que precisam ser melhorados, como aprender a falar em público. Então se eu tenho dificuldades em falar em público ao invés de me crucificar por não ter me saído tão bem naquela apresentação, posso optar por procurar o professor João Ndala da Indispensável para ajudar-me a superar essa questão em particular.

O medo faz parte da vida e se não existisse este sentimento a vida deixaria de ser vida e passaria a ser ida. O maior problema é quando fazemos dele um vício e associamos a outras situações como a baixa autoestima, depressão e a insegurança. É necessário que saibamos discernir os nossos sentimentos reais e ilusorios, a consciência é o primeiro passo para a cura. Caso esteja a enfrentar algum dilema como saber lidar com o seu medo, e se não estiver a ser funcional usar os recursos que tem à disposição, recomendo que procure um especialista que lhe possa ajudar a superar este problema.

Nesta fase evite estar próximo de pessoas que baixam a sua frequência energetica, lembre-se que a sua saúde mental deve ser sempre a sua primeira prioridade.

Tudo aquilo que lhe incomoda e você não exprime por medo de perder alguém ou desagradar pode a longo prazo lhe trazer vários problemas de saúde mental e física.

Mente tranquila, vida organizada e feliz!

Muito obrigada por ter caminhado comigo até aqui, até a próxima viagem neste maravilhoso mundo do autoconhecimento.


Elizandra Dos Santos is a specialist in Personal and Emotional Development. She is an entrepreneur and Co-author of the book Extraordinary Women. Her training areas of expertise are in Positive Psychology and Emotional Intelligence, Life and Executive Coaching, Commercial Management and Marketing, DISC Analyst and High Impact Trainer. Elizandra is currently a Psychoanalysis student and licensed at Janela do Empreendedor in Angola. Contact Elizandra via her website www.elizandradossantos.com

More articles by Elizandra

Featured
A chave para o sucesso
September 6, 2022
A chave para o sucesso
September 6, 2022

por Elizandra dos Santos

Não sei qual é o seu sonho, mesmo não lhe conhecendo, sei que existem algumas coisas que temos em comum e que acabam sendo verdades não absolutas, mas arriscaria em dizer coletivas: todos queremos ser felizes e buscamos ter resultados em alguma área da nossa vida, alguns, no amor, na saúde, no profissional, espiritual, financeiro, na aparência física, no intelectual e assim segue uma infinita lista de coisas em comum. Alguns acreditam que sucesso é realizar aquilo que se deseja e outros defendem outras correntes, todos elas estão certas desde que faça sentido para o protagonista da sua própria história.

Read more →
September 6, 2022
The key to success
September 4, 2022
The key to success
September 4, 2022

by Elizandra dos Santos

I don't know what your dream is. But even though I don't know you, I know that there are some things we have in common that end up being non-absolute truths. I would venture to say collectively: we all want to be happy, and we seek to have results in some area of our life. For some, it’s in the areas of love, health, professional, spiritual, financial, physical appearance, intellectual, and so follows an infinite list of things in common.

Read more →
September 4, 2022
Do You Know How To Wait?
April 9, 2022
Do You Know How To Wait?
April 9, 2022

by Elizandra dos Santos

Do You Know How To Wait? It is the challenge that I bring to the present moment. It’s worse for the quick fixers who want instant results, quick effects, quick responses, goals achieved in the shortest time and miraculous resolutions. I wish life were like this. Many people, because they don't know how to wait, end up frustrated, immersed in anxiety, anger, depression, becoming impatient. They are overwhelmed by their own emotions, counting the days, hours, minutes, and crazy seconds, until the time comes to get out of this confinement, go back to traveling, or have a supposedly normal life.

Read more →
April 9, 2022
A Life Worth Living  
February 6, 2022
A Life Worth Living  
February 6, 2022

by Elizandra dos Santos

Living is the biggest challenge that human beings face, and most of them exist and are driven by the feeling of fear. Fear is not bad if it is used as a feeling that moves us to take action, which is not the case I am referring to in this article. I speak of fear as a paralyzing feeling, a feeling that makes us uneasy, no matter if it is in our imagination or real facts.

Read more →
February 6, 2022
Self Knowledge. Embracing the new.
September 18, 2021
Self Knowledge. Embracing the new.
September 18, 2021

by Elizandra dos Santos

From a busy life to a new way of living with a lot of calm, we are invited daily to embrace the new. This new is so uncertain that it makes us stop to reflect and rethink issues that before were not considered a priority due to the excess of work and the hectic life we ​​led. And now what to do with this excess of time if before we complained about not having it?

Read more →
September 18, 2021
Do You Know How To Wait?
August 28, 2021
Do You Know How To Wait?
August 28, 2021

by Elizandra dos Santos

Do you know how to wait? That is the question that I bring to the present moment. It’s worse for the quick fixers who want instant results, quick effects, quick responses, goals achieved in the shortest time and miraculous resolutions. I wish life were like this. Many people, because they don't know how to wait, end up frustrated immersed in anxiety, anger, depression, they become impatient. They are overwhelmed by their own emotions counting the days, hours, minutes, crazy seconds until the time comes to get out of this confinement, go back to traveling or have a supposedly normal life.

Read more →
August 28, 2021
The Awakening of the Mind
February 14, 2021
The Awakening of the Mind
February 14, 2021

by Elizandra dos Santos

About the book “Ho'oponopono", today I come to share the insights I had after reading the work three times, at different stages of my life. Written by three authors of different backgrounds, it is a very interesting and easy-to-understand book. I recommend it to all who seek to live a life with more love and lightness in their hearts.

Read more →
February 14, 2021
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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCASTS

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 1: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 1: Business Funding Journeys Podcast features Melanie Hawken, founder & CEO, Lionesses of Africa and Melissa Basque-Roux, Coordinator, AFAWA, who share insights on creating greater access to finance and economic growth opportunities for women business builders in Africa. Also in conversation are three women entrepreneurs building sustainable, impact-driven businesses - Anne Rweyora, founder of Smart Havens Africa in Uganda, an enterprise creating affordable, climate-smart homes for women; and Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, co-founders of Mo’s Crib in South Africa, a high-growth, sustainable handmade decor manufacturing business.

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 2: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 2: Business Funding Journeys Podcast focuses on women entrepreneurs in the agribusiness sector who are in growth mode. In conversation with host Melanie Hawken, founder of Lionesses of Africa, are Yvette Dickson-Tetteh, co-founder of Pure and Just Food in Ghana, a high-impact business transforming fresh fruit into premium tropical dried fruit products; and Hadija Jabiri, founder of GBRI Business Solutions in Tanzania, which specialises in growing, processing and selling premium fruits and vegetables for local and export markets.

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 3: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 3: Business Funding Journeys Podcast co-hosted by Melanie Hawken, founder of Lionesses of Africa, and Melissa Basque-Roux, Coordinator, AFAWA, focuses on the important topic of how to advance smart, inclusive investment in WSMES for sustainable economic development on the African continent. Guests in conversation and sharing their considerable insights include: Dipuo Phakathi, founder of Denic Cabinets in South Africa, Mariam Zein, MD of MAFCI in Mauritania, and Aniela Koffi, SME/SMI Manager, Commercial Banking Division, Ecobank.

Lioness Radio Show: Five Mozambican women entrepreneurs share their experiences of building successful green businesses and creating green jobs for local people. From an environmentally-friendly, high-impact skincare brand, to an innovative green transportation business transforming marine waste into bicycles, these Lionesses are making waves in Mozambique. Listen to their stories, learn from their experiences, and be inspired by their tenacity.


LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Vanessa Mhlom, a South African wellness brand builder
Vanessa Mhlom, a South African wellness brand builder

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Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Mo’s Crib, a premium sustainable homeware brand founded by sisters Morongwe and Michelle Mokone in Pretoria, South Africa. From humble beginnings making origami at local markets, the company has grown into one of Africa’s leading exporters of handcrafted décor. Using recycled PVC waterpipes and natural materials such as banana bark, cane, and sisal, Mo’s Crib creates globally sought-after baskets, planters, furniture, and ornaments. Today, the brand supplies major international retailers including Crate & Barrel, Target, and Woolworths Home. Committed to social impact, Mo’s Crib empowers over 85 artisans, creating jobs while advancing environmental sustainability and African design innovation. The business was launched in 2019 and today employs 280 people.

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IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Spez Catering

Special Occasion Cakes…If you are anything like the sweet treat-loving team at Lionesses of Africa, you will love a slice of the great cakes on offer from Spez Catering in Kenya, founded by Esmeralda De Souza-
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Statement Accessories…We love the power of accessories to make strong fashion statements, and Taíla Carrilho, founder of Atelier Taila Carrilho in Mozambique creates the most exquisite, eye-cat
Image of the Day / Nokware Skincare

Sustainable skincare…We love to see natural cosmetics companies with a sustainable approach to business succeeding in Africa, and Nokware Skincare, founded by Tutuwa Ahwoi in Ghana is a great example. She f
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Luxury leather tote…Petrina Auino-Mwandingi is the founder and creative director of her own brand of leather products, KOVA, in Namibia. The business produces high quality leather handbags, primarily totes as well as o
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Image of the Day / House of Cinnamon

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Image of the Day / Spez Catering

Special Occasion Cakes…If you are anything like the sweet treat-loving team at Lionesses of Africa, you will love a slice of the great cakes on offer from Spez Catering in Kenya, founded by Esmeralda De Souza- Image of the Day / Atelier Taila Carrilho

Statement Accessories…We love the power of accessories to make strong fashion statements, and Taíla Carrilho, founder of Atelier Taila Carrilho in Mozambique creates the most exquisite, eye-cat Image of the Day / Nokware Skincare

Sustainable skincare…We love to see natural cosmetics companies with a sustainable approach to business succeeding in Africa, and Nokware Skincare, founded by Tutuwa Ahwoi in Ghana is a great example. She f Image of the Day / Eloli

African luxury couture…For those who want to stand out from the crowd, Dibo Ndumbe Eyoh, co-founder and co-creative Director of Eloli, an award-winning luxury African fashion brand in Cameroon, has just what you need. Image of the Day / KOVA

Luxury leather tote…Petrina Auino-Mwandingi is the founder and creative director of her own brand of leather products, KOVA, in Namibia. The business produces high quality leather handbags, primarily totes as well as o Image of the Day / Hope Distillery

Boutique gin…If you are a gin lover, then check out Hope Distillery, a South African distillery in the heart of urban Cape Town. Established by Lucy Beard and her husband Leigh Lisk, Hope Distillery is a sma Image of the Day / Amorambique

Capulana with style... If you love Capulana, then explore the new range of modern accessories from Amorambique, Mozambique, created by founder Patricia Vasco. This proudly Mozambican brand of accessories and footwear i Image of the Day / Suzie Beauty

Marvellous Make-up…When you need to take your make-up routine to the next level, professional Kenyan make-up brand, Suzie Beauty, founded by Suzie Wokabi, has you covered. Suzie founded her successful business Image of the Day / Aya K Design

Sophisticated sandal style…If you love design that combines traditional with modern style, then these sandals from Aya K Design, founded by Aya Keita in Cote d’Ivoire, are a must-buy. Aya is an entreprene Image of the Day / House of Cinnamon

Animal print pumps…These eye-catching animal print pumps from House of Cinnamon in South Africa are a great addition to any stylish wardrobe. Founded by Frances Edwards, House of Cinnamon is a proudly Afro

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

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Dr Juanri Jonck and Bernadette Kruger, co-founders of a first-to-South African-market serum-only skincare range
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Claudia Machaieie, a Mozambican green business innovator transforming marine waste into reading glasses
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Startup Story

Cláudia Machaieie is the founder of Sea Glasses in Mozambique. She is a 28-year-old with a degree in Marine Biology, a postgraduate degree in Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship, and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Biology and Conservation Ecology. She has completed several technical courses in monitoring and project management. She began her activity as a volunteer and social activist at the age of 14 and is currently a founding volunteer of SOA Mozambique and a volunteer with Solo Adventures. She has worked in public (IIP), private (SEPPA, Centro Terra Viva), and international organizations (Girl Move Academy, UN - World Food Programme) developing activities in administration, monitoring, and management of humanitarian and environmental programs. Currently, she is the social responsibility coordinator at TOPACK Mozambique.

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LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams by Betsy Fore
Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams by Betsy Fore

Book Review

Successful entrepreneur Betsy Fore, in her new book Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams, shows how, by practicing a manifesting mindset, you can discover your deepest purpose. She calls this an “inner why” and believes finding it can unlock your greatest potential as a creator, founder, and builder of great products.

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The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur: The Art of Empowered Presence, Rising to New Levels of Impact and Influence, and Financial Success on Your Own Terms  by Mary Grant
The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur: The Art of Empowered Presence, Rising to New Levels of Impact and Influence, and Financial Success on Your Own Terms by Mary Grant

Book Review

The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur by Mary Grant is a transformative guide for high-achieving women entrepreneurs, business owners, and coaches who are ready to amplify their influence, impact, and income. Written by Mary Grant, a seasoned entrepreneur and innovation expert with over 30 years in the fashion industry, this book unpacks the art of empowered presence, bold confidence, and defining success on your own terms. Through insights, strategies, and a fresh perspective on success, the author empowers women to harness their unique strengths, navigate challenges, and rise to their next level with clarity and unstoppable momentum.

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Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out  by Fiona Soutter
Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out by Fiona Soutter

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Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out by Fiona Soutter is not just another business book. Most focus on strategies and tactics. This one rewires the woman behind the business—so your growth is aligned, sustainable, and actually feels good.

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Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
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Book Review

In the book, Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business, author Liz Elting, one of the most celebrated and successful women in America, has created a guide for how to not only dream big, but also win―both in business and in life.

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After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin

Book Review

In her new book, After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup, entrepreneurship expert Julia Austin shares battle-tested strategies to help founders and startup joiners build their venture from the ground up.

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