Living Out Loud

By Kristine Price

Maybe you commune with nature, maybe the thought of a warm sauna and room service thrills you. Whatever your inner nature, we all have ways in which we say “Yes!” to life, knowing that when we do, life works for us. Try and find an idea from the following list that appeals to you and implement it in your life. Then, acknowledge to yourself that you already say yes to life in many ways, and give yourself credit, especially if your past includes a struggle through depression or loss.

• Instead of rushing headlong into your day, take your cup of coffee on the porch and watch the birds play. Even if you are not religious, you will be reminded of a promise: If even the sparrows are cared for, how much more are we? They don’t show signs of anxiety, worry or fear. Only we humans experience the travails of the ego.

• Post your favorite inspirational quote somewhere in your house or car. If you can’t think of one, write the following words: Everything Is Okay. I have a friend who has that on their garage wall! It reminds them there is nothing to fear.

• The next time someone at work or home offers a criticism, try not to respond defensively. Note your anger, but don’t react to it. Experiment with the freedom that comes from this. Just allow your negative feelings to be. Tell them, “Thank you, I will take your comments into consideration.”

• When a friend calls with an invitation, say Yes! If you are tired, modify the plans but find a way to give yourself the good things, i.e., love and friendship, and not be mired in routine.

• If you find yourself stocking up on necessities on sale, note that you are saying Yes to life! I had a friend who, during a serious depression, wouldn’t stock up on anything because she didn’t feel certain that she would be around to use them. When she stocked up again, she knew she was getting better.

• Feng Shui your house. Add bubbling water fountains and chimes. Create your own sanctuary. Check out websites or magazines for inspiration and give yourself beauty everyday.

• Vary your routine! Don’t always follow the same well worn paths through life. Even if it is one small change a week, awaken the inner child who is somewhere inside there, wanting to play.

• Ignore the ads that say you need to be and have more. If you use retail therapy to cope, opt out for a period of time and say Yes to life by acknowledging it already has given you everything you need to be happy!

• Don’t put yourself, however, on sale. If you are self employed, charge what you are worth. If you are long overdue for a raise, prepare a list of your accomplishments so you can discuss them with your boss. If you are doing too much for your children, stop. Often that is an attempt to fulfill something inside of us, and doesn’t help them at all.

• Ladies, take care of your bones with good quality calcium supplements and weight bearing exercises. Our bodies have served us through illness, babies, and menopause. Invest the time in taking care of them in turn.

• Consider a silent retreat, organized or not. If you do not do the laundry for one day, the world will still turn. As we grow older we are going to drop a ball or two anyway. Embrace nothingness for a day!

• Buy a dry erase board and list your dreams. Or cut images from a magazine and mount them on a poster board. Place it where you can see it, perhaps in that sanctuary you created for yourself. These “dream boards” can be powerful vehicles to bring about our desires and are a big Yes to life!

• Learn to let go. When the car behind you is on your bumper, move and let them by. They will find someone else to bother. Don’t be disturbed by the actions of others life a weak leaf in the wind. Realize that there is a steady drumbeat of calm at your own core, and rely on it.

• See your customers as real people with problems you can help solve rather than as burdens placed on your already stress-filled plate. When you give them your attention, you transform your work into joy.

• This works with children, too. The more you shoo them away, the more they will resist your efforts. Whatever the Universe gives you at this moment, accept and say Yes.

• Stop resisting change. It’s coming anyway. Whatever change is occurring is there to serve your growth, and all is well.

• Smile. It’s a powerful attracter of good, and affirms to Life you have something to share.

• Save for a rainy day and pay attention to your 401K. Dare to learn about money. Nothing says Yes to life more than the belief that there is a future to plan for.

• The next time you hear a conversation bemoaning the state of the world, the price of gas or the war, walk away. Dare to believe in a world that endures and is safe.

• Oftentimes in our hurry we pass by our fellow travelers here like they are street lamps on the road. Say Yes to Life today by making eye contact with whomever Life places on your path.

• Begin a daily routine, even if it’s brief. Start with a favorite prayer or moments of stillness. Say “thank you” to Life for what is. Leave prayers that beseech the Universe to give you what you want behind for a time. Gratitude brings us what we need.

For those who were counting, that was twenty-one. You already are saying Yes to Life, so share what you know with others. Strengthening each other is the biggest Yes of all!

Posted by admin at 10:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Have you ever thought that with such technological advances, it seems
like we still don't have time to do everything we want? In the past, my
grandmother did her shopping on foot; when she wanted to communicate with
someone, she wrote letters that took forever to get there. Nowadays, the
groceries can be delivered to our house, we can chat with anyone on the planet in a matter of
seconds, and yet, sometimes it seems like we don't have the time to talk to our neighbors.

When I was a child, my neighbor's mom used to serve cake with coffee
every Friday afternoon. She would get the whole street together for a
chat. It was great. Not just the cake, but also the chatting. I remember
how much I used to enjoy listening to people's stories and getting to know
them better. Even today, every time I smell coffee, I feel an
atmosphere of peace and friendship.

Things have changed with time and today, when people meet someone, the first
question they ask is: "What do you do?" meaning, "What do you produce?".
I find people are mistaking themselves for machines. They want to produce more and do it faster.
We can see this affecting our relationships, some couples instead of making
love they are contented with "a quickie". ( I don't know any of these couples, I just heard about it. LOL.)

Stop the world... I'm getting off! I don't know about you but I want to have the time to sit with people
and listen to them telling stories rather than listen to them boast. I want
to love without hurry, I want to produce without losing sight of myself and
I want cake with coffee!!!

I don't want to be those people who only look back at the past and do nothing about the present. I'll take the first step to change all that and I'll start today, actually, I am going to start now! After I finish this article, I'll rush to the kitchen and make a delicious banana cake, call some friends up and chat away.

Well, I just remembered that I don't have any baking powder. Well I can get some
from my neighbor... Uh oh... I don't remember her name. I think it is Steph, or Pat, or Tina...
Maybe it's a good time to introduce myself to her after so many years. Who knows, maybe she is the
daughter of my grandmother's aunt who went missing and by a turn of events come from Brazil like me and bought the house next door. Just like a good soap opera.

Ok, I' l leave you now and wish you a week with lots of work,
accomplishments, joy and, if at all possible, find time to have a cake with your coffee. You
deserve it!!!
Beijos!( kisses) Tchau!

Continue reading "I want Coffee and Cake!!" »

Posted by Joanne at 05:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

SHARING KNOWLEDGE & INSPIRATION
by: Lynn Carnes

Do you ever feel stuck? Maybe feel stuck in a job or a life you really aren't happy with? Do you ever think that "someday" I'll do what I want? Or maybe "someday" I'll like my job or my life or my partner or...

Sometimes you just feel a sense of "well, I'm not sure what it is I do want, but I'm pretty sure this isn't it." So you find yourself slugging into work every day, kinda' gritting your teeth and wondering when you're going to start liking your life again.

I've felt that way, too, and I know so many friends and co-workers who do too. I know that when I quit the corporate rat race (more on that later), I was fairly stunned by the number of people who came to me and said that if it weren't for (fill in the blank), they'd do what I'm doing in a heartbeat.
They filled in the blank with kids, college, health care, bills. You name it.

You know, the older I get, the more I realize just how precious life is, and how quickly it all goes. I started realizing that "someday" might just never happen if I didn't start now. I know so many people in my parent's generation who worked all their
life and denied themselves the things they wanted until "someday," only to find themselves retired, sick and gone before they could enjoy life.

I'd like to encourage you to really think about this. Ask yourself. "Am I stuck?" "Is this the life I'd choose if I could choose anything I wanted?" And then ask yourself the big one. "Am I willing to take a risk to change to a life I really want?"

Amazingly enough, many of us (me included) hang on to what we have because we're afraid to change. For the last 10 years I was in the corporate world, I knew I wanted to be an
entrepreneur. Yet I stayed in there, moved to two
different companies and tried to feel happy about it all. After all, I was making very good money, had good jobs, worked for good companies. What's not to like?

Continue reading "Getting Unstuck is the Beginning" »

Posted by Joanne at 10:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Contributed By Ursula Mentjes

2008 is upon us and with that the opportunity to write down all of the goals you would like to intentionally achieve in the New Year! Most people get extremely motivated this time of year, aggressively write down all of their goals, and then wait with anticipation. Soon, though, life kicks in and they forget about all about their "list". At the end of the year, they pull the dusty list out and realize that they only achieved a few goals, or maybe none. Feeling down, they wonder why they even "tried" in the first place.

Sound familiar? Most New Years Resolutions are never achieved. Why? Is it because we're too lazy? No. Is it because we don't care? No. Over the years I have found two simple reasons why people don't achieve their goals and I wanted to share three tips with you to change all of that and live intentionally in 2008!

People don't achieve their goals for two reasons. The first reason is because deep down they don't believe they can achieve it or they don't think they deserve it. Second, they aren't intentional about the goals they choose. Instead, they choose so many goals that they don't put enough energy into the goals they really want to achieve.

Continue reading "Experience the Power of Intention in 2008" »

Posted by Joanne at 04:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Submitted by Jan LaPitz, Minneapolis, MN

Every day is a day to be lived well! As a once in a lifetime treasure,
today will be reborn at tomorrow's dawn as a "cherished yesterday".

Thanksgiving is an excellent day to acknowledge and be grateful for the
family values by which my generation was raised. The gifts of our cherished
yesterdays brought us to who we are today. The morals and traditions woven
through the tapestry of our youth were presented with loving hearts, strong
parental convictions, focused "can do" attitudes, and consistencies specific
to that time in our country's history.

Many gifts have been bestowed upon the women of my generation. We have much
to be grateful for, and a legion of heroines to thank. Many women have
gone before us blazing trails through the worlds of business, sports,
science, performing arts, fashion, medicine, journalism, education,
literature, politics, economics, religion and more. They tore down the
walls of sexism and racism one brick at a time with their bare hands to
achieve their goals. We bask in the aftermath of their sacrifices, and in
the radiance of their triumphs. Personally I bow to each of them. Their
accomplishments are truly responsible for the successes we all share as
women today. Take a breath, ponder that, and say "amen" and "thank you"
ladies.

So, here we stand today in 2007 with all these freedoms and choices. We can
be what ever we want to be when we want to be. But, do we try to do too
much? Are we trying to pack too many options into our lives? Do we try to
wear too many hats, the trousers, and the push-up bras all at the same time?
In the rush of life, are we trying to take advantage of so many
opportunities that we're losing sight of the values of our youth? Are the
truly important things in life slipping through our fingers? Have some of
us perhaps created a sense of self-importance to feed our egos, and our need
to be needed? Or, have we just simply gotten caught up in the whirlwind
life style of today's electronically fast paced society.

In this hurried atmosphere we live in, "what will you really be bringing to
this year's Thanksgiving table?" Will you be so engrossed in preparing the
perfect supper table and special feast that you lose sight of the
opportunity for togetherness this Holiday affords? Will you be an observer
on the sidelines of life spending too much time capturing "Kodak moments" on
film? Or, will you be an active participant in the day's photo ops?

Where will your freedom of choice take you this Holiday season?

Will you need to do it all? Or, will you order bakery pies, and let a guest
bring a dish to share.

Will you give yourself the gift of a day lived to its fullest, to hold in
your tomorrow as a cherished yesterday.

Posted by Joanne at 05:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

by Sheila Ulrich

I discovered the five B’s of living as I traveled an amazing transformational journey healing from terminal cancer.

Be Present Now Our attachment to the past and future is the GREATEST cause of stress in our lives. This moment is the only thing that is real. Choose to celebrate what is happening NOW. The past is gone, the future is yet to be, so all we have is NOW, which is the present. That is why it is a true gift.
Every emotion, action, relationship, role, and every experience we ever had is in the files of our human self. Each moment we can choose to pull from our files or create something new in the present. It is our choice!
We can really only create and experience life right now in this moment.

Be the Creator You and only you are the creator of your reality. Somewhere along our journey, we come to believe something outside of ourselves is creating all these things in our lives. What happens in your life, inside and out, comes from you, either consciously or unconsciously. We spend too much time, emotion and energy focused on what we don’t want or don’t like, and then we wonder why it keeps showing up in our life.

What is it you really want in your life? Dream big!

Be the Observer Becoming the observer will help you stay present and create in the moment. The OBSERVER is a part of you that is always watching what is happening. It stands aside and just watches. It has no agenda for what "should" happen. It just watches. Become more aware. Observe yourself, what’s around you, and how you react, think and feel.

Be Love The more you love and accept yourself exactly as you are, the more love you get from others, and the more loving, empowering, and abundant experiences you will have. Loving yourself is the greatest way to improve yourself, and as you improve, you improve your world.

“I accept, approve, appreciate and love, myself exactly as I am.”
Be Grateful The easier and fastest way to feel better and create goodness in your life is to be grateful. When you live in a world of gratitude, you naturally feel the divine love and abundance that is always present inside you and all around you. Embracing gratitude is like opening the door to a brilliant new world, where the sun is always shining and you feel totally and amazingly alive all the time! The heart is always thankful.

Open your heart, breathe deeply, and tell yourself the many things you are grateful for.

Pass on the love and gratitude to all at this special time of year.

Continue reading "The Five Be’s of Living" »

Posted by Joanne at 06:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Excerpted from Raising Change's "7 Steps to Awakening the Bold, Big Dollar, Social Change Fundraiser Within!")

A few weeks ago I read an article by a fundraising consultant about how to stay motivated during difficult fundraising times. Included in his article was this sentence (which I am slightly paraphraising): "Fundraising can be demoralizing which means it's important to find ways to stay motivated and excited."

Fundraising can be demoralizing.

May be no suprise then that non profits are finding it increasingly difficult to secure and retain great fundraising and development talent. If fundraisers view their work as demoralizing it may make it a tough sell to someone who is peeking around the corner to see if this is a field that might interest her or him.

Years and years ago I would have agreed with this fundraiser. There were times when I felt I was asked to pander to a donor, to swallow my voice for the sake of "getting the gift", and to say what needed to be said to keep a donor happy. I think I did this for about a whole 10 minutes before I decided to try to be as authentic in my fundraising work as I was in programmatic work. Fifteen years and more than $100M raised from individuals later I know now what I think each of us knows intrinsically: leading with truth and authenticity is the only way to build real, lasting partnerships. It is this approach that honors the donor, the fundraiser and the work.

What does it look like to fundraise with truth and authenticity?

1. Take stock of all that you have to offer! Often fundraisers sell ourselves short, believing what folks have said about our profession ("Oh, I could never ask people for money. It's so rude."). What we forget is that we are in this field because we believe deeply and passionately in the work, know that is must be funded to its fullest potential and are willing to take on the task of raising the dollars because the work is essential. Before you go on your next donor meeting I want you to take 30 minutes and ask yourself:

- What unique gifts do I bring to a conversation with a donor about this work?

- What parts of my own story qualify me to be a leader in this field?

- What knowledge do I have that can add value to the donor's thinking about being involved in this work?

Remember that each of us has something to offer the social change movement. Know what your gifts and skills are and confidently bring them to all of your donor conversations.

2. Lead With Vision. When fundraisers go into donor meetings we are often anxious about making sure we share all the information we want to share, trying to figure out when we "do the ask" and hoping that we will bring a YES! back to our organization. Here's the flaw in this approach: it does not allow the fundraiser and the donor to discuss their visions, shared values, hopes, concerns, sense of possibility. It doesn't allow the fundraiser to learn more about the donor's philanthropic priorities, what they're funding these days that is cutting-edge, what has been their most rewarding philananthropic experience. When the fundraiser is so focused on getting the check we miss out on the most rewarding part of development: building relationship and seeing if we can match a donor to an organization.

I want you to be a fundraiser that leads with vision. I want you to leave your money expectations at the door. I invite you to see the donor as a long-term partner in making the world a better place. Lead with vision and possibility and watch what you will help create.

3. Honor the Partnership. When I was learning the field of Development I remember feeling that the appreciation and stewardship tools being taught were canned and artificial. "Send thank you note within 24 hours of receiving the gift", "Have Board member write note within 1 week of gift", "Send report within 6 months of gift", "Be sure to have 2 times when you meet but aren't asking for money." I got that these were best practices in the field and that they could certainly guide me but it wasn't as though I just sold someone a radio and was trying to keep them as a customer.

After securing an investment from a donor here is what I do:

- Congratulate the donor. This donor has just aligned their money with their values to help make the world a better place. What an extraordinary act. I believe in acknowledging that act with a congratulations and not a thank you. After I make a gift and get a thank you letter I feel like the other. "Thank you for making our work possible." The work belongs to all of us. Engaging donors means getting that we're all in it together. When a donor makes a gift s/he has done something extraordinary for the community and the world. Congratulate them!

- Write a note from your heart. For sure you should block out time in your calendar to write handwritten notes to donors, but not because the note will have them continuing to give. Rather because it is an act of intention and conscientiousness in today's e-world to handwrite a note. It pulls you out of your ordinary routine and gives you a few extra moments to really think through and feel what this new donor partnership means to you. Write from your heart. Let the donor know what their participation means. And above all, mean what you write.

Fundraising with authenticity and truth produces many results: raises more money, builds more powerful and impactful partnerships, and it honors the fundraiser and the donor. Even moreso it does that which I think will advance our work more readily: fundraising with authenticity and truth brings social change into the act of fundraising. And this is where community begins.

Contributed by:
Kathy LeMay, President & CEO
Raising Change, LLC
136 West Street, Suite 202
Northampton, MA 01060
P: 413.586.3366
F: 413.586.3376www.raisingchange.com

Posted by Joanne at 06:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

When given the choice to have fun or not, wouldn't it be crazy to let the opportunity for fun slip through your fingers?

Yet “denying myself fun” was something I was prone to do and could justify on many levels.

Reasons (and excuses) to say no to fun:
“That would cost too much money”
“I don't have time for that”
“I would fall behind on my business, and I can't keep up with it already”
“I don't really know those people well enough”
“Taking the time off seems irresponsible, people need me”

I've always envied those people that can throw themselves great big birthday parties.
Too many times my birthday has rolled around with nothing much planned for celebration. With my 50th birthday approaching, my sister suggested I join her in Los Angeles for a long weekend to attend the Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl.
She had made it a tradition to attend every year, and raved about the music and ambience.

Faced with this decision, all the excuses mentioned above came weighing down heavily.
But this year I made the decision to celebrate in style and say “yes” to this fun opportunity.

Reasons I’m glad I said yes to fun:
“I made myself important and celebrated my life”
“I experienced something brand-new”
“ I bonded with my sister and brother”
“I laughed more than I have for months”
“I got away from the routine and came back refreshed”
“My clients, business, cat and dog seemed to get along fine without me”
“I budgeted and made it happen without breaking the bank ”

So the next time you're faced with an opportunity for fun, quiet all of the excuses and say “YES” - having fun is good for the body mind and spirit. It refreshes, relaxes and he destresses you …now I’ve got wonderful memories to prove it!

Continue reading "I Decided to Have Fun" »

Posted by Joanne at 11:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Growing up, I thought being strong meant you had to go it alone, especially since the only time I ever heard the word “strength” used was when the media referred to bodybuilders or super-heroes. So I set out to conquer the world by myself….and fell flat on my face. I quickly realized that I could create and do much more with the help of others, and eventually, I discovered that my circle of strength became stronger when I included people who were talented, smarter, or different than me in their own unique ways.

“We don’t accomplish anything in this world alone…", said Sandra Day O’Connor, former U.S. Supreme Court associate justice, and she was right. When I share my life purpose with someone who has agreed to support me along my journey – someone who has the ability to have a tremendous impact on my life – I achieve my goals faster and more easily. Their energy adds momentum to mine, helping me to stay on track and hone my vision as I move toward it.

When I began creating a circle of strength, I tended to include people who were a lot like me. Because they thought much like I did, they told me exactly what I wanted to hear; and although they continue to be wonderful supporters of my vision, I realized that I needed something more—something to stretch me. I began to intentionally connect with people who challenge me as they bring completely new perspectives to my life.
To really grow, I had to make myself vulnerable and then I had to listen. It’s not enough to surround yourself with people who can help you to grow; you have to make the decision to listen and to make choices based on the broader perspectives they offer.
Something that makes this even more challenging in my own life and in my work with leaders is that women have difficulty accepting strength and support from others. Typically, we’re better givers than receivers, giving to our families, jobs, communities, and friends without ever expecting anything in return. Our nature is to nurture and help others; but sometimes, we don’t allow others to do the same for us. In order to create my powerful circle of strength, I had to open myself up to receive blessings and new perspectives from others.
As Helen Keller said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

Continue reading "Finding A Circle of Strength" »

Posted by Joanne at 11:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

"Dear Raising Change,

Are there a lot more non profits than they're used to be when I was a kid? It seems like every time I turn around I'm getting a fundraising letter, a phone call or a friend is asking me to sponsor her in a bike-a-thon. I don't have endless money. How do I choose?"

If, like this caring donor you feel a little non profit overwhelmed by the amount of requests for funding you receive you're not alone.

In the United States there are 1.6 million registered not for profit organizations* working to meet the political, social, economic and cultural needs of our communities. If we were divide that equally among the states it would average 320,000 not for profit organizations per state.

With so many worthwhile organizations in your community and around the world what criteria should you use to help you make a decision in your giving?

Top 3 Tips When Choosing a Non Profit Partner:

1. Start with your heart. May sound a bit pedestrian but it's tried and true. If you give to your friend's bike-a-thon are you sure you care about the issue the gift is supporting to give again? If not here's something to think about: the non profit will likely put you on a master donor list, research you on-line, review you at Development Committee meetings, assign a staff or board member to you. All the while you hadn't planned on making a second gift. Choose those organizations that align with your heart and your values. You'll be more likely to stay for the long-haul- which is needed to enable real change - and the organization will spend its time and resources on those donors who are looking to build a long-lasting donor partnership. One-time gifts can meet an immediate need but won't they won't build is deep systemic change.

2. Ask your top 10 questions. To really make a difference each of us can invest our time, treasure, talent. If you're going to write a check, volunteer, offer your professional services you want to make sure the non profit is the right match. Before I think about writing a check or offering my support I ask 10 questions of an organization that piques my interest. This is not to make them jump through hoops. This helps both me and the organization know if we are a good match for each other and can together meet our shared values and vision. A few I ask:

1. What's your organization's vision for the community/ the country/ the world?;
2. What strategic actions are you hoping to unleash to move you closer to that vision;
3. Tell me the boldest, most unapologetic action you've taken in the last year or two;
4. What is your Board's take on the role of the Board in fundraising?

These questions are based on my values- bold, powerful, visionary leadership and action. What are your values? What characteristics do you need to see in a non profit to know that you have a match and can make great change together? Think about them first, jot them down then....

3. Make an appointment. Don't wait for a non profit to reach out to you. Reach out to the non profit. You may find an organization that is working on direct aid to Darfur, rebuilding in New Orleans, or ensuring rule of law in the United States. Read through their website. If you're interested and serious about considering a gift: call their Development Director, ask for an appointment; share that you want to explore the possibility of becoming a donor partner. You'll feel powerful and thrilled you took action and they'll be grateful that they didn't have to find you and spend valuable resources seeking you out.

The number of non profits needn't be daunting. A little research, reading and thinking on your part will not only help you navigate the waters but will deepen your capacity to impact the issue you care most about.

*National Center for Charitable Statistics

Contributed by:
Kathy LeMay, President & CEO
Raising Change, LLC
136 West Street, Suite 202
Northampton, MA 01060
P: 413.586.3366
F: 413.586.3376www.raisingchange.com

Continue reading "Choosing A Non Profit to Invest in and Partner With" »

Posted by Joanne at 10:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

phi•lan•thro•py (fĭ-lăn'thrə-pē): voluntary promotion of human welfare.

There is a lot of talk and buzz these days about philanthropy. Many of us have read about Bill Gates, Warren Buffet and Bill Clinton's foray into the philanthropic space and their hopes to have impact on the world's most marginalized.

While I applaud their efforts and the media's coverage of their work I'm reminded of the thousands of women, on the ground, in their communities who daily work for the greater good, for the "promotion of human welfare." Some of these women I have met have significant financial resources and apply those resources to benefit those in need. Most however give more of their time, talents and sweat equity to make a difference. And what a difference they make.

Continue reading "Women and Philanthropy" »

Posted by Joanne at 06:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Having practiced in the field of women’s medicine for the past 20 years and being a woman myself I feel somewhat an expert in the filed of the female psyche. Day after day women come through my practice telling me how tired and burnt out they feel. Some are hormonally challenged, some suffer from depression but all have one underlying theme of not feeling good enough.

Just look around at the never ending borage of media telling women who they should be and what they should look like to be smart, sexy and lovable. Every cover story drips with unrealistic diet tips, sex tips for making your man happy, and how to be the perfect wife, mother and friend all at the same time. The sad truth is that we as women have bought it hook line and sinker. The words that come out of women’s mouth about themselves are shocking. Why do we as women find it necessary to be our worst critic?

Ladies, the war against self has got to stop. Words of self appreciation need to replace the negative connotations that we have allowed to invade our brains. Who you are at any given moment makes you unique and one of a kind. Everything that has happened in your life up to the present needs to be cherished for it is what makes you special. We all have experienced clouds in our lives but those clouds over time yield silver linings if we chose to see them. We need to let optimism be the mantra of the day. How we see ourselves plays a big factor on our health. So let’s start getting healthy again

Put down your cell phone and just walk down the street ready to smile and strike up a conversation with a stranger. Who knows that person could be your new best friend. Send a card snail mail instead of an e-card. Unplug the ipods and re-discover the joy of conversation. Women need to connect so let’s start re-connecting.

Continue reading "The Need for more self appreciation" »

Posted by Joanne at 08:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The women in Bend, Oregon are engaged in making a difference in their community, their lives and the world.
On March 20th, a group of women sponsored an event called "Women Making Change" and invited Kathy LeMay, President and CEO of Raising Change.

Kathy is a champion of social change and spoke to a sold out group of 450 women about how to have a positive impact on the world in which you live by empowering yourself with the tools you've already got. She talked about how to discover that affecting positive change through simple action is open to us all; that it is a global force that every woman can and should be part of.

I was in Bend, OR last fall attending an expo for women. The energy amoung women there is exciting, there are many organizations making a difference in the community. They believe that can and will make a difference.
My hats off the the women in Bend, I am so impressed with your enthusiasum.

We all can make a difference in our communities and the world. Look at the links on my page called "Links That Make You Think" for philanthropic organizations and be sure to check out Raising Change and finds out more about Kathy LeMay.

Posted by Joanne at 10:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)