Re-introductions, Resets and Reflections
Welcome to 2024; a new era.
Hi Oddfam, I hope we’re all doing good! It’s our first newsletter of 2024 and I couldn’t be more excited! There’s a lot in store this year and I really hope you’ll journey with us once again.
Welcome to Odyssey, a newsletter for the individual on a journey, or as we like to call it, an odyssey to becoming their most authentic selves whilst having difficult but much-needed conversations. We are a wellness house specially curated for those whose souls need refreshing, and mindsets, renewing.
Humor me for a second. Close your eyes, take a deep breath in and imagine you’ve been handed a reset button. Once you press down on it, you’ll have a fresh start. A new beginning.
What would you do with it? 💭
That’s the question for today, and hopefully as you come on this journey with me, the answer will be made clear. Just before we begin however, I’d like to wish you all a happy new year. Yes, I realize we’re already two months into the year and have just started another, but our year over at Odyssey has just begun so, Happy new year Oddfam.
Re-introductions 🕊️
Where do I even begin? As we closed out last year, I felt led to take a break. I considered even shutting it all down and starting again later on if I was instructed to do so by Abba. The reason for this was because I believed we were barely scratching the surface of the vision, as Abba would have wanted it to be. We needed to go back to the drawing board. After a season of waiting, what I can tell you is this. God is faithful. He is not an author of confusion, and He will always guide his children, as long as they ask.
It says in James 1:5-8;
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all and without reproach, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all his ways.”
We’ve asked, and He has answered so drum roll please….. we’re back! We’re very excited for this relaunch. A lot has changed behind the scenes so we’re very pleased to reintroduce what we do over here.
If I were to start writing about all that Odyssey might look like this year, I’ll possibly go beyond the word limit. Instead, I’ve outlined certain questions I believe are worth answering.
What is Odyssey?
The Odyssey Theory, or ‘Odyssey’ is a wellness house, a community dedicated to and specifically created for those whose souls need refreshing, and mindsets renewing. We are a hub for transformative wellness experiences.
When we say ‘for those whose souls need refreshing’, what do we mean?
The way I see it, the soul is the intersection between the mind and the body. I believe that both must be in unison at all times in order for a person to function at full capacity. Your mind is conditioned by whatever spirit drives you. Over here, our driving force is the Holy Spirit. So, when we say for those whose souls need refreshing, we mean that Odyssey is specially curated for those looking to reconnect with Abba, those who feel drained and depleted from legalism, those who seek to understand what it means to live a simple gospel and those looking to find meaning and fulfillment in the things that a life in Christ has to offer.
Simply put, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:28
Also, when we say, ‘and mindsets, renewing’, what do we mean?
This, as well, is quite simple. We live in a world filled with different people who have a number of varying views and beliefs and honestly, it’s quite easy to absorb it all and in the process, fail to filter. So, when we say for those whose mindsets need renewing, we mean those who are plagued by the overwhelming amount of information, especially information filled with error, those who are receptive to the patterns and beliefs that we must conform to as believers. Those who seek to think like Christ and allow him to change their thoughts and perspectives until it aligns with His will for their lives. Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 12:2.
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Having gone through mindset renewal ourselves, it is my deepest pleasure to introduce our new community pillars - Wholeness, Authenticity, Holistic Living and of course, Faith-based Practices.
As always, our content guidelines remain the same; Christ-Led, Excellent, Engaging, Vibrant and Aesthetically pleasing.
What is our Mission?
To provide community for those seeking total reformation and well-being whilst using Christ as their anchor. To provide an environment that fosters authentic conversations, healing and restoration through faith-based practices, curated events, products and experiences. We aim to inspire individuals to embrace wholeness and practice genuine self-love whilst putting God in the details, ultimately helping them find balance and renewal amidst the challenges of modern life.
What will this look like in practice?
For the last few months, this has played out in mostly conversations on here but this year, it will play out in more authentic discussions, events, conferences, worship hangouts, prayer, bible study, brunches and digital products and resources for wholesome living.
How do you become a part of this?
It’s pretty easy actually. You’re kind of already part of the community ;) However, if you’d like to serve with us or be the first to know about any events, sessions, pray with us, talk with the girlies, grow in faith and even help us ideate our products, all you have to do is register to join the inner community right here.
I have to say this though. The inner community is for those truly searching for rest. Those who have come to realize that such can only be found in Abba. Those who understand that doing life alone is exhausting and require a hand or two to help them along in their journey. Those who are committed to growing and don’t mind being accountable. Those who want to be vulnerable and break down the defensive walls. Abba invites you to find rest in Him. I’m excited to extend a personal invitation to you; it doesn’t matter where you are in the world, join us.
Resets and Reflections 💭
Earlier, I asked a question. I said, if you were given a fresh start, what would you do with it?
Well, here’s my answer. I would do everything exactly as before, well, with one major change. I would do it with God. Reading a newsletter from a friend I love and admire deeply; I learnt something that will change how I do life going forward. Sometimes, we put ourselves under so much pressure because we’re under the ruse that God expects us to be doing something for Him, when really, He just wants us to do it with him. ‘He doesn’t need us, He desires us.’
As we continue in the new year, I believe there are questions worth asking ourselves so that we let go of limiting beliefs and truly step into all that the Father desires us to be; Sons.
What is something you’ve believed about the person of God that is untrue and how did you unlearn or navigate that?
What can you do differently so that you learn to do things with God and not for Him?
Some ‘Odyssey’ related news
We’re hosting a virtual mindful movement class on Saturday, 9th of March 2024 and you’re invited! You can get your free ticket right here.
That’s it for this week! Catch us on our Instagram @theodysseytheory
And just in case you’d like to talk to us one on one, you can send us a message using the button below.
Until next time,
Love, Dara.
Odyssey Recommends
Our very first resource for the year! Our resource this week is none other than the beautiful newsletter I spoke about in our letter. It’s called The Power to Get Wealth: ‘Wednesday Wealthletter’ by Oladunni Adora. You can subscribe right here.
Don’t forget to drop a comment before you go 🤍
Loved this so much. Really excited for what this year will bring out of this amazing community. See you Saturday morning 🤍🤍