“The best things happen when we surrender…” with Ifunanya Nweke

Season 4
Written By Wellspringwords

Season 4 Episode 4

In this episode of Wellspringwords: The Podcast, Nkem sits for a conversation with Ifunanya Nweke, Empowerment Engineer, about surrender, trust, believing, and the nuances of setting boundaries. They speak from a place of lived experience, cultivating wisdom with each of their thoughts and actions. Scroll below for the topic timestamps.

One of the first topics discussed in this episode is on initiating our visions, which is a crucial part to our growth as human beings. It means allowing ourselves to express our unique qualities and talents in ways that positively impact the world around us. It allows us to shine in the world and find creative ways to go through iterations and problem-solving. Both Nkem and Ifunanya discuss how genuine leadership is essential for vision initiation, as a true leader possesses the ability to inspire others to believe in and work towards a common goal, and lead to transformation and positive change. It's having that clear vision that allows us to understand what the community you live in needs and take the step to start that initiative. 

It's also important to take in that not every attempt at creativity will be successful, and obstacles are bound to arise. In such situations, it can be helpful to surrender to a higher power and/or remain obedient to one's true inner vision. Trust and obedience are key components of spiritual growth, and connecting one's vision to spirituality can help provide the strength and resilience needed to overcome challenges, as demonstrated by Ifunanya and her relationship with her faith. The process of initiating a vision can be strong but always not easy. It requires a clear focus and a deep commitment to the vision, which may mean sacrificing distractions that can hinder progress.

“In the work you do, you realize your energy never fizzles out or dies, it just needs to be  transformed.”

Nkem and Ifunanya also discuss how with such vision, bravery is often a common characteristic within individuals that are willing to experiment with their choices. Bravery is often associated with impressive feats and daring actions, though it is not always what it seems. Ifunanya shares a very meaningful metaphor of a man riding on a lion to depict such a form of bravery. It appears impressive to the outside figures, when in reality, the man on the lion may be going through a moment (or many moments) of fear and uncertainty. It is important to remember that just because someone appears to have it all together, doesnt mean that they do, and that it's completely ok. In fact, Nkem and Ifunanya elaborate on how true bravery often comes from going against the grain and listening to the deeper part of yourself that screams for authenticity. Going against societal norms and expectations can be terrifying, but it is what makes a person a “trailblazer”. Embracing bravery means acknowledging the fear and discomfort but moving forward anyway. It means being true to oneself, taking risks, and challenging the status quo.

They discuss, at various points in the podcast, that being different and doing things your own way is not easy, but it can lead to significant shifts in your life. Being a trailblazer, as Nkem calls it, you are making big decisions about how your life will move forward, recognizing energy in a way that wasn't recognized before. The energy behind fear can be a powerful tool, requiring living on a deeper level as opposed to just the surface. Though fear is often associated with negative emotions, it can also be a motivator for change. It is essential to recognize the energy behind fear and use it to drive you forward. By acknowledging your fears and altering how you think about them, you can transform them into a positive force in your life. This shift in perspective can help you tap into your inner strength, allowing you to make bold choices and take risks that you may have otherwise avoided. The energy behind fear can be harnessed to become a powerful force for personal growth and transformation.

“Every interaction one has is neutral, but what we attach to it is what makes it subjective.”

The context may be fixed, but our perception of the environment can change depending on our mindset. Fear can be a significant obstacle to change, but it is essential to recognize that changing our perspective can help us overcome fear or be present with it in a way that empowers us. Each person has their own responsibility to determine what this means for them. It is about being in a place where you can create change for yourself without relying on external sources. When we tap into our wisdom, personal power, and agency, we become more creative and can create the life we want. The process may not be easy, but the passion and power we bring to intentional life changes can lead to transformative growth and fulfillment.

For Ifunanya, cultivating wisdom is all about being open and receptive to what is being communicated to her. She finds that the best things she creates come to her quickly and naturally, without any conscious effort on her part. Wisdom, for her, is aligned with being obedient and following the path she feels led to. When she is unsure of something or does not understand why something is happening, she does not feel wise. While she acknowledges that cultivating wisdom is something she can work on, she finds that her life experiences and surrendering to her calling are the keys to unlocking her wisdom and understanding.

Respecting boundaries is an important aspect of living authentically and protecting our mental and emotional wellbeing. It's essential to understand that no one but us can set our boundaries, and it's our responsibility to communicate them to others. Compassionate people often attract different energies, and it's important to remember that, generally, people will be alright, will be able to care for themselves, even if we can't help them – or if we choose not to. Life experiences teach us to know our needs and to distinguish between what is a load and what is a burden. The process of understanding our load is not an overnight process and requires self-inquiry, reflection, and documentation. Once we understand ourselves, we can see how the world affects us and set appropriate boundaries to live our lives authentically.

If you’re a fan of using scripture to support your journey, you’ll enjoy this episode. There’s a lot to get into!  Enjoy this episode in full and let us know if this conversation brought anything to mind or heart for you in a podcast review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser, on Instagram, or via email at bewell@wellspringwords.love. Be well!

Topic timestamps

0:10 - Introduction

1:23 - Introducing Ifunanya Nweke, Empowerment Engineer

5:36 - Initiating a vision

10:46 - Bravery, breath by breath

13:28 - The energy behind fear

19:29 - Passion and power in making intentional life changes

20:56 - How does Ifunanya cultivate her wisdom?

24:45 - Sinking into your own believing

30:12 - Respecting the lines you draw

39:32 - Seeing and feeling ourselves in each other

41:35 - Saying yes to yourself

42:36 - The stories our bodies hold

50:05 - No negotiation if boundaries are crossed

51:37 - Life changes when we do

53:31 - Stay connected and dive into more!

References and resources mentioned in this episode

Find Ifunanya here:

Find Nkem here:

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Wellspringwords

A space dedicated to holistic wellness through writing, through narrative reclamation and authentic storytelling. This is a space for healing, for feeling, for talking, and for seeing each other as we truly are, as we see ourselves, and as we want to be seen. 

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