Living Out Loud

Benazir Bhutto (June 21, 1953 – December 27, 2007) was a Pakistani politician who chaired the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), a centre-left political party in Pakistan. Bhutto was the first woman elected to lead a Muslim state, having twice been Prime Minister of Pakistan (1988–1990; 1993–1996).

Bhutto had declared her intention to return to Pakistan within 2007, which she did, in spite of Musharraf's statements of May 2007 about not allowing her to return ahead of the country's general election, due late 2007 or early 2008. It was speculated that she may have been offered the office of Prime Minister again. Bhutto spent her entire life representing the People’s Party and was assassinated December 27, 2007 at the age of 54.

Continue reading "WOMEN OF STRENGTH" »

Posted by Joanne at 03:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Contributed by Mrs. Toi Moore

My Circle of Strength is my husband, Gregory Moore. The reason he's my circle of strength is because he's ALWAYS there for me! He's there for me when I'm feeling weak, sad, or disappointed. He always lifts me and my spirits up. He tells me, it's alright to have one pity party day, but don't allow yourself to have too many, because they'll become easier and last longer. He constantly builds me, my character and self esteem up, even when I can't do it on my own. He is my rock!

We have been married for over 23 years and on September 11, 1982, we met 25 years ago. September 11 has a special meaning for me, because on that day I met the man that I fell in love with. I met a man who would eventually become my best friend, a husband I adore, and the best father in the world for our two son's that anyone could ever ask for. We have fun together as a couple. I look forward in spending time with him and talking to him on the phone, I love him! Greg means the WORLD to me! Even if we are having differences in our relationship, when it comes to him providing for me, protecting me, and loving me, he never misses a beat. He's my rock, my heart, and someone who I know will ALWAYS be there for our family, no matter WHAT! Oftentimes people judge the mistakes of someone, but if you judge their hearts, you'll get the best that person has to offer, just like I continue to get the best from Greg!

Continue reading "Who is your Circle of Strength?" »

Posted by Joanne at 03:04 PM | 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)

I dont know where to start, But my strength comes from my husband if it wasnt for him I don't know where I'd be today. When the chips are down he's always there with his love and support, His encouraging words our faith and the kids help too. So with that , family is huge when things are not going right it's great to lean on them support. I tell him and the kids how lucky we are to have a great family unit and hope its that way till we are old and grey.

NANCY BLAZEVIC

Posted by Joanne at 01:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I'm an only child. Mom and Dad both came from small
families. With the exception of a few cousins and one aunt,
they've all passed on. I'm also childless. My wonderful
husband of 27 years has always generously shared his family
with me; especially his three children. The kids are now
all grown with spouses, lives and children of their own. We
have four grandchildren - wow.

What is my circle of strength? It depends upon the
circumstances, where I am, and who I'm with at the time. I'm
pretty much an I'm where I'm suppose to be, when I'm suppose
to be there person. I believe we're all connected. Take a
moment to ponder that thought. For what ever reason our
path crosses with that of another. Coincidence? Often
times, yes. However, not always, and we do have purpose in
each other's lives. Perhaps it's only for as long as it
takes to exchange a smile, or simply give someone
directions. Sometimes the meaning goes much deeper; for
reasons we may never know.

JoAnne and I started our personal "circle of strength", our
friendship decades ago. Through years of triumphs,
failures, changing life styles, joys, sorrows, career
issues, family issues, and miles of separation, we've always
stayed connected. The power and strength of our connection
amazes me. Thirteen years ago, with thousands of miles
between us, we worked together to help save the life of
another friend. It would take me pages to tell you about
that friend's life, purposes, accomplishments, circle of
strength, and connections since.

I believe appreciating what a blessing each friend is, and
treasuring each relationship is a person's beginning to
their circle of strength. Nurturing current relationships,
and cultivating new friendships are the obvious keys to
keeping your circle of strength alive and healthy.

The strength of your circle is the true measure of your
wealth - may you be rich beyond your wildest expectations
and imagination...

Jan Lapitz
Aitkin, MN

Posted by Joanne at 06:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)