Women’s Empowerment: You’re Empowered If...

We’ve been blogging for over three years now and we’ve tackled the question of, “What is empowerment?” many times. However, would you truly recognize an empowered woman if you saw one? Odds are you probably wouldn’t; not entirely anyway.

At Soulspring Groups (the meetings, the gatherings and all the events), empowerment is a common topic of conversation. When asked about empowered women, you’re probably as quick as most to list off a slew of names; women you know, women you admire, women you aspire to be. Yet one important person is likely to be left off the list, and that person is YOU.

So we ask you...Would you recognize an empowered woman if you saw one? What behaviors do they exhibit? What traits do they possess? More importantly, are you one?

As the old adage goes, seeing is believing. Are you living empowered?  Check yourself against these ten examples of empowering qualities and behaviors and see just how empowered you really are.

You are empowered if...

• You recognize the fear and do it anyway. Why would we let a little thing like fear hold us back from what we want in life? After all, the key to overcoming our fears is to just stop it!

• You learn something new every day. The world is full of adventure and there’s a lesson around every corner.

• You believe that you have the potential to achieve great things. In the words of the great Dr. Seuss, “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You."

• You display patience and accept divine timing. We once heard Echkart Tolle, author of such great books as “The Power of Now” and “A New Earth” say, “Life will give you whatever experience is most helpful for the evolution of your consciousness. How do you know this is the experience you need? Because this is the experience you are having at this moment.”  Well said!

• You welcome each day with enthusiasm and excitement. Each day is a gift after all; is there really any other way to accept something so special?

• You accept challenges as opportunities for strength and character building. Heck, what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger, right?

• You squash the negative self-talk and speak only positive and affirming statements. Our positivity is what fuels us and makes us shine! That’s why we offer a new positive affirmation with every visit to the Soulspring Groups’ website!

• You begin your day with a ritual such as quiet journaling, meditation or prayer. Silence, personal reflection and time spent connecting to our Creator, keeps us focused and centered on the bigger picture.

• You believe above all else that you have what it takes. How cruel of a joke to be given a deep desire with no way to achieve it. No, we’ve got everything we need, or at least have access to it, if we stay focused and conscious. While it may not come to us exactly as we envision, our passions will be realized in wonderful ways if we keep the faith and believe.

• You take time for regular personal development and the exploration of important life principles. For a growing number of women, that means being active in their Soulspring Group. If you’re not yet part of this inspiring trend, you’ll want to learn more about joining a Soulspring Group or starting one of your own today.

The Soul Sisters

Soulspiration of the Week:

"By conquering your challenges, taking control of your thoughts, listening to your soul and uniting with others like you, you can bestow your unique gifts and talents unto the world. When your strengths and spirit meet that's when you achieve a level of true empowerment!" ~The Soul Sisters

30 Power Thoughts to Change Your Life

Thoughts are things and when you consider that 80% of our daily thoughts are negative, that can be a pretty frightening scenario.  It’s no wonder we’re stressed, overwhelmed, frustrated, stuck and afraid; it’s what we think about all day long!

But what if for 30 days you could take steps to change the way you think?  What if you took responsibility and control over the way you think?  What if you began each day with the intention to make a positive change? 

Below are 30 Power Thoughts that will help you do just that!  A statement to kick the day off right, we’ve given you one for each of the next 30 days.  Print the list and commit to focusing on the “thought of the day” for a few minutes each morning, afternoon and night.  Then watch how your perspective, attitude and life change as a results!  Please report back with your results!

30 Power Thoughts:

1. What today will be like is up to me. I get to choose what kind of day I will have!
2. To fulfill my desires all I need to do is step up and claim (and proclaim) what I want.
3. I teach people how to treat me. Today I will teach them to treat me the way I desire; kind, loving, respectful.
4. By holding on to past wrongs I am not making room for my future.  Today I choose forgiveness.
5. Even in difficult times, there’s a reward in knowing I did what was right. Today I will do what feels right to me.
6. I must be truthful to myself in order to grow.  I release myself from denial and choose honesty.
7. I was put on this Earth to fulfill a purpose and the sooner I discover my purpose, the sooner I can get busy!
8. I am in the here and now. I will no longer base decisions on what has happened to me in the past.
9.  There is no reason for me to fear failure. Failure is the best way to learn and grow in experience.
10. I am responsible for my own choices. Therefore, I will not make choices based on the desires of others.
11. It is never too late for anything. Instead of wasting time with regret I will set out to do what I’ve always intended.
12. I will take the golden rule one step further; I will treat MYSELF with the same kindness & respect as I show to others.
13. I understand that I can be my biggest problem.  But I also know within me is the power to be the ultimate solution.
14. Remaining in my comfort zone doesn’t allow for growth. Today I’m busting out from what feels comfortable and safe.
15. Everything in life is neutral. What I deem to be positive or negative is based on my attitude and perspective.
16. I always have a choice. While I may not like my options, I accept the power and responsibility that comes with decision.
17. I will not over-exaggerate nor belittle my problems. Instead I will face them, deal with them, and then move on.
18. I will take a hard look at what isn’t working in my life and take deliberate action to make positive change in those areas.
19. I will not limit things to what I perceive to be possible. I will dream big and have faith that the way will appear.
20. I will take the time to define my values. This is the only means by which I can gauge what is right for me.
21. Within me is the power to change my life. I will plug into it and use it to fulfill my purpose.
22. I no longer fear change! Every change in my life elevates me to new levels of empowerment.
23. I understand I’m the average of the 5 people I hang around with most. I accept loving and inspiring people into my life.
24. I rise above the daily chaos that keeps others busy and distracted. I allow myself to be centered, self-aware and wise.   
25. I accept that thoughts are things. I replace disempowering thoughts with empowering ones.
26. The past and future are illusions. We only have the present and I stay focused on the now, taking a moment at a time.
27. Life is a series of hellos and goodbyes. Cutting ties does not represent a failure. I know when it’s time to move on.
28. How I start the day sets the tone for the rest of the day. My morning ritual ensures I experience an extra great day.
29. Just because it’s a rule doesn’t make it right. I break the rules whenever my highest values are supported by doing so!
30. With each moment comes an opportunity to create a new beginning. My best self continually reveals itself to the world.

The Soul Sisters

Soulspiration of the Week:"You can close the windows and darken your room, and you can open the windows and let light in. It is a matter of choice. Your mind is your room. Do you darken it or do you fill it with light?"  ~Remez Sasson

We Encourage Returns

It always amazes me how quickly the Holidays fly by. With a blink of an eye you’re staring glassy eyed at a room full of ripped wrapping paper, boxes, and bows strewn about. All the time wondering to yourself how could it possibly be over? It seems like we just got finished with the dishes on Thanksgiving Day. But now we enter the unofficial part of the Holiday season….gift returns.

Millions will head to the costumer service department with receipts in hand ready to exchange their gifts for something different. Maybe they want to exchange it for a color or size that suits them better or even returning it all together because they don’t want it.

Things get returned to the store for so many reasons. Either it doesn’t fit or it’s not our style, we don’t feel good in it, maybe it’s damaged or we just plain don’t need it. Making a return has really come along way from years ago. It used to be a much avoided task. There you were standing in line waiting for your turn to be interrogated. The unhappy clerk would fire a dozen accusatory questions in your direction and upon finally realizing that they couldn’t change your mind would leave you with a sneer that made you feel guilty for the entire day. Fast forward a few dozen years and we now have the easy pain-free process which can take just a matter of seconds if handled properly.

Now this idea of sending things back from hence they came could really fit into some other areas of our lives…

As you head into this New Year, take notice of items you might be better off returning. Maybe you have a group of friends that are negative and full of criticism - they aren’t your style anymore. Trade them in for more positive models. Or, how do you spend your free time? If it’s in front of the TV watching drivel hour after hour – sounds like that might be damaged? You might need to return it for a few more productive habits like reading, journaling, or taking a walk. Let’s try one more… how are your goals and dreams coming along? If haven’t had any time or energy to focus on them – you probably don’t feel good about it! You should really consider exchanging some of your time and focus on a few things for yourself. Now, I think you’re getting the picture.

How many of us would keep a sweater that is too large or a set of towels that don’t match our bathroom? If we have the receipt we’d be the first in the return line. We do not need to hang on to those other things in our lives that just don’t fit right. And the best part about that is some returns don’t need receipts.

Jenny,
Sister of Soul

Soulspiration of the week:

"I exchange the habits and beliefs that I have outgrown for new and empowering ones that fit with the new vision for my life."

The Choice is Crystal Clear

The picture to the left is more than a lovely snowflake. It’s the result of an amazing series of experiments (or more accurately a life’s work) by Japanese researcher, Dr. Masaru Emoto.

I was first introduced to Dr. Emoto’s work in the 2004 movie “What the Bleep Do We Know!?” The movie highlighted Dr. Emoto’s studies on water and how water crystals change when exposed to various stimuli, specifically written and spoken work, and music.

It didn’t come as a great surprise to learn that water from clear springs produced colorful snowflake patterns and that water from polluted sources were murky, dull, blobs. What was eye-opening to me however, was that similar results could be duplicated by taking the same water and exposing it to positive and loving intentions, or negative words and thoughts. Depending on the stimuli, the water would transform when viewed under a high-powered microscope. He was able to capture the results using high-speed photography.

His experiments involved writing the words or phrases on the bottles which contained the water samples, or having classrooms of children speak to the water. With one water sample the children screamed, “You make me sick.” Another sample heard the children enthusiastically say, “We can do it!”

The water crystal above was formed when infused with the intention “love and gratitude”. And look at the two examples below. One crystal was formed when exposed to heavy metal music, the other heard Mozart.

When you consider that 50% of the earth is water, that 75% of our bodies are comprised of water, and that Dr. Emoto’s research is revealing how positive and negative stimuli can transform water dramatically, you have to pause and question how our own thought patterns and habits are affecting the makeup or our bodies. What an amazing visual reminder to maintain positivity in word, thought and deed, and as a result be filled with beauty. What you allow yourself to be exposed to should now be crystal clear.

Kim,
Sister of Soul

Soulspiration of the Week:
"I am as close to changing my life as my current positive thought." ~Louise L. Hay

Are You Contagious?

Oh, fall; it’s a glorious time of cooler weather, changing leaves, and warm wholesome meals. Most would argue that this is the best season of the year in the Upper Midwest. But every year as we enter fall, we are also entering the cold and flu season. From what we’re hearing from the media, this season will be a bad one. You can’t get too far these days before hearing someone bring up H1N1, the seasonal flu, strep throat, or the hundreds of other communicable viruses.

As contagious as all these illnesses are, I think I have stumbled across something that is way more contagious than any virus; attitude! It’s a common practice of the season to focus on all the ways to stop the spread of sickness. But when exactly do we focus on how to stop the spread of negativity? This is something just as serious as physical illness and deserves just as much attention as the Swine Flu. How often do we wake up in a pretty good mood, coast through our morning routine, and arrive to work only to look a crabby co-worker in the eye? Probably quite often if you’re part of the average population and it sure doesn’t take long for our good day to start on a downward spiral.

We all know the responsibility of stopping the spread of physical illness is everyone’s; by washing hands, covering a cough, and staying home when you’re sick. The same also applies to stop a bad attitude! Keep your demeanor in check, speak only kind words, and be conscious of how you’re affecting others.

Now, as contagious as a bad attitude is, a good attitude is just as infectious! It’s amazing how a kind word or genuine smile can lift someone’s spirits. I experienced this first hand while on my way home from a hurried errand run this week. During the drive home the events of the day were running through my head; sick kids, a doctor’s appointment, pharmacy run, all the stuff that I should have gotten done but didn’t, and all the things I needed to do once I got home. Just then I noticed an old gentleman selling produce on the side of the road and as I drove by he offered a friendly wave. I recognized the man to have been there before. A retired farmer who spends most his days in late summer parked alongside the highway selling his vegetables. It’s still a welcome surprise though when you come across him as he waves at every car that passes on this busy highway. That simple wave was all I needed that day to step outside my crazy day and take the time to just smile.

I say we all need to get a little more contagious this season! Make a point to spread a positive attitude and see how much of difference such a simple act can make.

Becky
Sister of Soul

Soulspiration of the Week:

“The greatest discovery of our generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind. As you think, so shall you be.” ~William James

Plant Good Thoughts

"How do I stop my negative thoughts?" - is a question that has been asked many times. If you have ever asked this question then you will feel such enormous relief in knowing the answer, because it is so simple.

Q. How do you stop negative thoughts?

A. You plant good thoughts!

When you try to stop negative thoughts, you are focusing on what you don't want - negative thoughts - and you will attract an abundance of them. They can never disappear if you are focused on them. The "stop" part is irrelevant - the negative thoughts are your focus. It doesn't matter if you are trying to stop negative thoughts or control them or push them away, the result is the same. Your focus is on negative thoughts, and by the law of attraction you are inviting more of them to you.

The truth is always simple and it is always easy. To stop negative thoughts, just plant good thoughts! Deliberately plant good thoughts! You plant good thoughts by making it a daily practice to appreciate all the things in your day.

Appreciate your health, your car, your home, your family, your job, your friends, your surroundings, your meals, your pets, and the magnificent beauty of the day. Compliment, praise, and give thanks to all things. Every time you say "thank you" it is a good thought!

As you plant more and more good thoughts, the negative thoughts will be wiped out. Why? Because your focus is on good thoughts, and what you focus on you attract.

Don't give any attention to negative thoughts. Don't worry about them. If any come, make light of them, shrug them off, and let them be your reminder to deliberately think more good thoughts now.

Becky, Sister of Soul

Soulspiration of the Week:

“The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible.” ~ Unknown