Women’s Empowerment Tip: Personal Reflection

Years of stifling our passions and dreams makes us quickly lose touch with who we are and what we truly want for our lives. Prayer, meditation and journal writing are only a few of the many techniques you can use to once again get in touch with your true you.

As our Soulspring Members can attest, journaling exercises are incorporated throughout the entire Soulspring process. Of course each membership includes an Empowerment Journal, which was designed as an accompaniment to the Soulspring Groups Membership Program. We also integrate journaling into each Soulspring Group meeting and encourage regular independent reflection between gatherings too. Creating a record of your “aha moments” is an amazing self-development tool!

If you’re not experienced at journaling it can be an intimidating process for a newbie. The most common challenge we hear is that old question, “I don’t know how to start.”

We’ve been there ourselves and that’s why we have incorporated a wonderful tool into the Member’s area of the Soulspring Group’s website. Members, did you know that with each login you will find a new Soul-Searching Question on the Member’s homepage? We’ve been told time and again the amazing power of the Question, and how it’s the perfect query for the specific challenge you’re facing at the time.

And, if you’re not yet a Soulspring Group’s member you can still take advantage of the Soul-Searching Questions! Subscribe to our Soul-spiration e-newsletter and receive a new Soul-Searching Questions collection in each month’s edition (you can subscribe by entering your email address in the space on the right).

If you’re feeling stuck in a rut, or just want to get focused in on your goals, dreams and passions once again, these questions are just the ticket to promote reflection and inspire your journal entries. You’ll soon get to know yourself again!

Kim,
Sister of Soul

Soul-spiration of the Week:“Journal writing is a voyage to the interior” ~Christina Baldwin

Tribute to Dad

Here at Soulspring we spend a lot of time and focus on women. Having just celebrated Father’s Day, and with dads on our minds, we’d like to take the time to recognize the men who were instrumental in making us the women we are today; our fathers!

It’s really amazing everything we learn from our fathers. The “maybe not so important stuff” like not taking the first bite of an ice cream cone from the bottom, to the more important work ethic we carry into our first part-time jobs. I would say the most important though, is our fathers joining forces with our mothers to teach us about the kind of person we’d like to grow up to be. While I think back to everything I learned from my dad I can see as an adult how vital these tidbits of wisdom have been. Please allow me to share:

Never pass up the chance to strike up a conversation with a stranger. By observing my dad over the years I’ve come to discover the wonderful things that come from meeting new people. Maybe they have the scoop on the best place to find burgers in town, maybe they’ll offer to take you on a tour of the area, or maybe you’ll just walk away feeling happy that you had a connection with someone. Be friendly; not so difficult of a task, right? So next time you’re pumping gas or standing at the supermarket husking sweet corn, say hi to the person next to you.

Keep your sense of humor. I was blessed to get my Dad’s sense of humor. A little corny at times but we’re always the first and last ones laughing. Always look for the comedy in things and you’ll make life that much more fun.

Use a lot of paper when working through a problem. This originally started out to apply to algebra. My dad would constantly remind us to use a lot of paper and lay out the equation and our figuring in a neat and organized manner. But what about using this idea for all problems in life? Sit down and write your problem out…and use a lot of paper.

Never pass up an opportunity because of fear. I can think back to more than a few fun experiences we got to do all because Dad wasn’t afraid to go for it. When I feel myself sinking into fear I sometimes ask myself, “what would Dad do?” And more than likely the answer is, “he would have gone for it!”

Here’s to all the dads out there (especially our dad):
Thank you for all your love, support, and wisdom throughout the years. Thank you for raising such happy and empowered daughters. We love you and are so very blessed!

Becky,
Sister of Soul

Soul-spiration of the Week:
"The father who would taste the essence of his fatherhood must turn back from the plane of his experience, take with him the fruits of his journey and begin again beside his child, marching step by step over the same old road.” ~Angelo Patri

Who Are "They", Anyway?

Several weeks ago I was offering some assistance to someone in the office. She had several different copying projects to do and I noticed she was adding an unnecessary step to her task. I asked her if anyone had ever shown her this simple trick that would allow her to finish her job in half the time. She looked at me in horror and said, “They said I can’t do it that way.” I inquired who “they” were. She simply said, “I don’t know, but that’s what “they” said.” I reassured her that it is perfectly safe to rearrange her projects and the end result would be the same, but she would complete her assignment in half the time. She seemed satisfied and finished her project in short order.

I thought about that conversation several times since then and wondered who “they” were. Obviously, “they” had their information wrong about the use of the copy machine. I needed to get to the bottom of who “they” were and set the record straight. Wait a minute, who named me the copy machine police? I decided to leave well enough alone and didn’t track them down, but I did come to realize the incredible power that “they” had. It really goes so much further than the proper use of copy machine.

How many times do we listen to the “they’s” in our lives? We don’t bother to question what “they” say because apparently “they” know best. How many times do we give in on something we think is important because “they” say we can’t do anything to fix it anyway? How many opportunities do we let slip through our fingers because “they” say it’s a waste of time? How many dreams have we set aside because “they” say it’s not worth it? How many goals do we give up on because “they” say they are not possible?

Who are these unidentified folks in your life? They may think they are the copy machine experts, but they certainly aren’t the experts in your own life. Fortunately, only you can have that job!

Jenny,
Sister of Soul

Soul-spiration of the Week:
"The greatest revenge is to accomplish what others say you cannot do." ~Unknown

Top 25 Empowerment Quotations for Women

We love a good quotation, and apparently you do too. Often it’s a simple post of a quote on our Facebook page that will draw the most comments and “likes”.

So what is it that draws us to these short lines of text? Is it the feelings of inspiration they provide? Is it the nuggets of wisdom buried in their meaning? Are we so pressed for time that we can only afford the few seconds it takes to read and ponder these sayings? We believe the answer to be, “all of the above”.

We’ve been amassing quotations for years and we’ve built quite the collection. Some are deep, some are funny, and our favorites remind us of the potential and unique power within each woman. We’ve drawn from our quotation library when we’ve needed a lift, and also tapped into this resource when we’ve recognized another is in need of a pick-me-up.

Below we share some of our favorites about women and women’s empowerment. We hope they offer you some inspiration and we invite you to forward this post to a friend who is in need of a power-boost! We know you have your own favorites too, and invite you to post them in the comments area of this blog to help us build an even larger source of empowerment for women everywhere!

Enjoy!

Kim,
Sister of Soul

TOP 25 EMPOWERMENT QUOTATIONS FOR WOMEN:

1. “It doesn't matter who you are, or where you came from. The ability to triumph begins with you. Always.” ~Oprah Winfrey

2. “The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any.” ~Alice Walker

3. “Courage is like a muscle. We strengthen it with use.” ~Ruth Gordon

4. “There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” ~Anais Nin

5. “You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try.” ~Beverly Sills

6. “It's not what you call me, but what I answer to.” ~African proverb

7. “You take your life in your own hands, and what happens? A terrible thing: no one to blame.” ~Erica Jong

8. “Our deepest wishes are whispers of our authentic selves. We must learn to respect them. We must learn to listen.” ~Sarah Ban Breathnach

9. “A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.” ~Diane Mariechild

10. “When we speak we are afraid our words will not be heard or welcomed. But when we are silent, we are still afraid. So it is better to speak.” ~Audre Lorde

11. "The question isn't who's going to let me; it's who is going to stop me." ~Ayn Rand

12. "Remember, no one can make you feel inferior without your consent." ~Eleanor Roosevelt

13. "The thing women have yet to learn is nobody gives you power. You just take it." ~Roseanne Barr

14. “I do not wish [women] to have power over men; but over themselves.” ~Mary Wollstonecraft

15. “You don't have to be anti-man to be pro-woman.” ~Jane Galvin Lewis

16. “There is a growing strength in women but it's in the forehead, not the forearm.” ~Beverly Sills

17. “It's hard to fight an enemy who has outposts in your head.” ~Sally Kempton

18. “Men are taught to apologize for their weaknesses, women for their strengths.” ~Lois Wyse

19. “Remove those 'I want you to like me' stickers from your forehead and, instead, place them where they truly will do the most good -- on your mirror!” ~Susan Jeffers

20. “Never underestimate the power of a woman.” ~Nellie McClung

21. "Women have to harness their power - it's absolutely true. It's just learning not to take the first no. And if you can't go straight ahead, you go around the corner." ~Cher


Good for a giggle…

22. "The truth will set you free. But first, it will piss you off." ~Gloria Steinem

23. “Whatever women do they must do twice as well as men to be thought half as good. Luckily, this is not difficult.” ~Charlotte Whitton

24. “A woman is like a tea bag: you cannot tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” ~Nancy Reagan


Long on power…

25. "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of god. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.

We were born to make and manifest the glory of god that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

~Marianne Williamson

Soulspiration of the Week:
“When emotions are locked up in your heart, they can find release through words.” ~Simran Khurana

Life is a Road Trip

Last fall I decided to begin taking an annual mother/daughter trip with my four year old daughter. What fun! She’d be the perfect travel partner for me since my husband doesn’t like to travel as much as I do.

Four weeks ago we left on our first adventure. We packed our bags and headed to Houston, TX to spend a few days with my friend Anne and her husband, and then spend eight days experiencing the life of “retired RVers” with my parents.

My parents, who have been full-time RVers for 6 years, spend their winters in southern Texas and their summers back here in western Wisconsin. This year, my daughter and I were going to be riding back north with them, for what would be for both of us our first RV trip.

We covered a lot of miles that week; hit some tourist sites, tasted some wines, spent some quality time with Grandpa and Grandma, and created some lasting memories for my daughter. Trips of this nature are far different now than they were 10 years ago thanks to GPS. Every morning my parents would enter in the day’s final destination and our path was set. We were always in the good hands of “Tillie” (what my parents named their GPS). Now, what I found odd was as soon as Mom took her seat as co-pilot, she would pull out multiple maps and follow along with the GPS every mile of the way. They just couldn’t trust their travels to this piece of modern technology.

As I observed this behavior each day I got to thinking about what a great analogy this was for life. How often are we lead down a path but don’t trust enough to follow it? We see all the signs, but because of fear, timing, or just thinking that we might know better, we don’t follow where our life-path is leading. These so called paths are the passageways that are leading us towards fulfilling our life’s purpose. We must learn to believe our internal GPS and head confidently in the direction that it leads us.

I think we’re all there from time to time; where we hear that little voice inside but we choose not to listen, just as my parents did not listen to the GPS a few times. And that never gets anyone very far – in our case, only lost. Keep from becoming lost yourself. Follow your internal GPS; listen to your internal guidance, make conscious decisions, take risks, set goals, and make your dreams a reality!

Becky,
Sister of Soul

Soulspiration of the Week:
“All of life is a journey which paths we take, what we look back on, and what we look forward to is up to us. We determine our destination, what kind of road we will take to get there, and how happy we are when we get there.” ~Unknown

Lessons from the Graduates

I just picked up the local paper and found a special insert that featured the 2010 High School graduates for our surrounding area. Asking myself how it could possibly be graduation time already, I quickly glanced through the names and faces wondering if I would recognize anyone. I found myself reading up on the Valedictorians and Salutatorians from all the neighboring communities. The paper interviewed each of the highest ranking students with the same questions: What are your plans after graduation? Are you nervous to give your commencement speech? What are your hobbies? And, what advice would you give to your underclassmen?

Expecting some pretty ordinary answers to those questions, I have to confess I was a bit surprised, and oh so pleased as I began to read through their responses.

One graduate will be attending a local college, not completely sure what degree she will earn when she is done, but she does know that her goal in life is to do something that will inspire others and make a difference in the world.

Another graduate confided that he was a little anxious to give his commencement speech, but it wasn’t the thought of getting up in front of hundreds of parents and fellow students that had him nerved up. He wanted to be sure that the topic he picked and the speech he would prepare would make a lasting and empowering impression for those in the audience.

As I continued through several more interviews I began to notice a common thread in the advice that these young adults would like give to their underclassmen. The same message was rephrased over and over again in their answers. Nearly all wanted to advise those students who will be walking across the stage to receive their diploma in the next few years, not to be afraid to try new things. “Take that class even though your friend isn’t.” “Don’t let fear stand in your way of trying new things.” “Take advantage of those opportunities that come up to experience something different.” And the best one, “You’ll be happier that you tried, than regretting that you didn’t.”

Not a one is striving to make a million dollars or even be a famous actor/actress; they already know that fame and fortune aren’t the things that make one happy. These young people are all ready to go out into the world to inspire, empower, encourage, and not let any new opportunity slip through their fingers.

We were all there once; excited and revved up to go out and change the world. It’s not too late, to get back to that place, ya know. We can take a lesson from these young adults and eagerly embrace the opportunities to try new things, make it our passion to inspire others and make a difference, and use our words and platforms to empower and encourage.

Thank you graduates for your inspiration, and here’s to a life of your dreams!

Jenny,
Sister of Soul

Soul-spiration of the Week:
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.” ~Henry David Thoreau

The Strength of a Woman—Even Shaggy Gets It!

We just love our Facebook Fans…or do I now refer to them as the people on Facebook who “like” us? Anyway, one of our fans, empowered woman extraordinaire Sandra Watts, posted a link to Shaggy’s Strength of a Woman video in response to one of our recent Facebook posts.

I’m continuously amazed and awed by the power of divine timing. You see, we’re putting the final touches on Monday evening’s tele-class, The E Factor: What is Empowerment. Needless to say, as we finalize our virtual handouts and review the training outline for the class, our minds are focused and tuned-in to every aspect of a woman’s power. As I watched Shaggy’s video and concentrated on his lyrics all I could say was, “Yes! Shaggy gets it!”

Empowerment can be an ambiguous term; that’s if you let it…

As women we need to get clear about how we want to show up in the world. We must commit to fulfilling that vision. And then, because so often we wait for life to serve up our order on a platter, we need to go out and claim what we want.

I’m sure Shaggy meant for Strength of a Woman to be a tribute to the empowered women in his life. For me it was a powerful reminder of the kind of woman I want to be…the woman I am becoming…the woman I am…

She'll put a smile upon your face
And take you to that higher place
So don't you under estimate
The strength of a woman

Are you ready to tap into a source of personal strength you never even knew existed? It’s not too late to join us for The E Factor: What is Empowerment. It’s all about flexing your muscles, although not in the way you might think!

During this tele-workshop (that’s right, it’s all taking place over the phone) you'll discover how to develop your E Factor and build up your personal power. We'll also help you to identify what really holds you down and stands in the way of realizing your full potential. And, we won't stop there…we'll be revealing our top Empower Points, and as always, you'll leave the session with an action plan to implement all you've learned.

The "E" Factor: What is Empowerment?
DATE: Monday, May 17, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.
LOCATION: In the Soulspring Tele-classroom
FEE: It's FREE*! We invite you to be our guest!
*Long distance charges apply where applicable.

You will receive your tele-classroom access code and training
materials via email prior to the training call.

REGISTER HERE

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Kim,

Sister of Soul

Soulpiration of the Week:

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. ~Marianne Williamson