Lemondrops is another great place to find inspiring, successful super women.
Silent Grief August 21, 2009
Sometimes we can see the pain of sacrifice and loneliness in women’s eyes. Grant Wood’s American Gothic is a classic example.
Grant Wood's American Gothic
I know those eyes. Not the grim accepting ones, focusing forward, strong and determined; but the other eyes, the ones containing a well of sadness, the repository for years of unwept tears. The tears that couldn’t be shed, the pain of silently bearing the loss of youth, of beauty but most of all, the loss of self.
When youth skipped merrily through your soul, you came to this god-forsaken land hoping to bring life to barren plains, but found that the fields were cruel and demanding masters, eroding your lively spirit, painstakingly consuming your woman’s heart.
Now all that’s left of your youthful dreams swims in the pool of grief that is your eyes. Weariness turns the corners of your mouth grim, and you stare off into the horizon searching for the reason you will end your life here, barren and alone, in these lifeless fields.
My heart reaches for your sadness; I long to cradle your pain in loving arms, to rock your soul-ache away. But we both stand across the distance of the years, each with our own grief, each with a story in our eyes.
Code of Silence June 26, 2009
Code of Silence
Beneath the American Dream
by Jenny M Miller
Code of Silence/Beneath the American Dream
To understand the journey from darkness into light, you must follow the path from the childhood beginning of the abuse, to the adult behavioral consequences, and finally to the recovery and reclamation of life.
In the beginning: abuse is delivered by the those who should have been there to comfort, to protect. Physical, emotional, sexual abuse are familiar denizens of childhood years for all too many children.
And, of course, there’s the cover up–bury the memories deep, hide the pain, live in desperation and unending solitude–a hard place to live, a hard place to leave, a hard place to survive. Because no one really wants to know he truth. No one wants to look too closely at just how tragic the effects of abuse are.
I choose to part the veil of silence–atrocities brought into the light diminish in power and no longer control me. And, in the process, if I can help lead others out of the shadows into the light, then my journey is not in vain.
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Celebrate Womanhood June 3, 2009
Each and every day we need to take the time to celebrate ourselves and all the wonderful women in our lives. It isn’t always to find the time to send personal notes and cards, but since we spend so much time in cyberspace, why not take advantage of this wonderful medium to recognize, encourage, and support the women in our lives.
Women of Today
Assertive Communication May 30, 2009
Do You Have a Bill of Rights?
Assertive communication is the key to getting your message heard, getting the respect you deserve, and being rewarded for your strengths and contributions.
What is the definition of assertive communication? All too often, when we’re asked what assertiveness is we come up with elaborate scenarios, statements, and descriptions. Let’s keep it simple. Assertive communication is getting what you need without offending anyone else.
Easier said than done, you say. Once you learn the steps to assertively communicate, you’ll be saying “easily done.”
Like the founding fathers of the United States, you need to create a Bill of Rights. What do you have the right to do?
Some basics are:
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You have the right to speak your mind.
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You have the right to take care of yourself.
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You have the right to say no.
Create your Bill of Rights today. Carry it with you everywhere you go. Read it out loud every day. And start learning more about the techniques of assertive communication. One good place to start is: http://assertive-communication.blogspot.com
Do what you love . . . May 27, 2009
. . . and the money will follow. We’ve all heard it, but do we really believe it?
All too often women spend a good deal of their time and energy being caregivers. We take care of family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, pets, and more. Doing so brings a deep sense of satisfaction and joy. However, are we treating ourselves with the same amount of tender loving care?
Henry James said, “Live all you can; it’s a mistake not to. It doesn’t so much matter what you do in particular, so long as you have your life. If you haven’t had that, what have you had?”
The question is “are you living your life, or some else’s?” Don’t get lost in other people’s expectations. Choose your path, your passion. What do you absolutely LOVE to do? And, are you doing enough of it?
Set your goals today, and make them SMART goals.
Specific
Measureable
Actionable
Realistic
Time sensitive
Specific–don’t be vague. It’s not “I want to be a writer.” It’s “I want to finish my first fantasy novel and get it published.”
Measurable–always make sure you know when you’ve achieved the goal.
Actionable–the goal can be broken into steps on which you can take action.
Realistic–with a reach. Goals that are too lofty can cause us to freeze. Goals that are too easy don’t help us grow. Make sure you can realistically reach the goal with a little work and growth on your part.
Time sensitive–set a specific date.
Remember, it’s your choice every day to do what you love or do what other people expect of you. Live your passion now. Tomorrow is but a dream.
Welcome all Women April 11, 2009
My mission in life is to help all women achieve the success and happiness they deserve–no matter their what life circumstances are. I come from a background of abuse and deprivation, but managed to survive and now thrive despite my rough beginning.
I welcome all women who have stories to tell, help to offer, inspiration to provide–or simply want a forum of friends supporting their life missions.
Please invite all the beautiful women you know to visit and share, so that we together can achieve our wildest dreams.
