The Passion Process

It was just a week ago that we held our first tele-training session in the Soulspring Tele-Classroom (if you missed the call please visit www.SoulspringGroups.com, scroll to the Upcoming Events area and access a limited time audio download and training materials package). For many attendees it was a new experience to dial in and attend a training over the phone. Yet we had a fabulous turnout and thanks to all those that participated we are filing this session under “H” for HUGE success!

It wasn’t just the tele-class itself that merits the “H” rating. We received some wonderful and insightful comments after the class that confirms that this topic struck a nerve--We’re all on a mission to live our best life and we’re looking for tools, resources and support that can help us achieve this important goal!

In addition to replying to each inquiry personally, we got to thinking that if we received a question from one attendee, others may have similar questions. So, we’re dedicating this blog entry to the most common questions we received regarding the “Where Did My Passions Go?” training session, as well as a few comments we heard too.

Q. “Only three steps; is it really that easy to find my passions?”

A. Yes three steps, and while not complicated, they aren’t necessarily that easy. If it’s been a while since you’ve put any thought into what your purpose is for your life, it might take some time to bring your passions to the surface. Your true “purpose” resides in your soul and to discover yours you need not only intellectual contemplation but a connection with your intuitive self as well. The Soul-Searching Questions we discussed during the training are a big part of this process. While initially the answers will come from your head, once you begin to open up to the process the answers will begin to come from your heart. That’s when the real answers will be revealed for you.

If you are just beginning this journey it’s unlikely that the answers you seek will come to you immediately. Keep revisiting the Soul-Searching Questions and write down what comes to mind for you. It won’t be long before patterns and themes begin to emerge. They will “feel” right to you. These are cues that you are on track to your passions and life-purpose.

I’m sorry to say there are no shortcuts to this process but if you follow-through on your homework we promise you will be amazed by the discoveries you make. And remember, it’s not about the destination, but the journey. The process itself is extremely rewarding!

Q. “Are my passions what I should be doing as my career?”

A. Most of us spend a great deal of our time at work. Wouldn’t it be nice to make a living doing something you love to do? Studies show that people who are passionate about their job duties tend to be happier, healthier and make more money! Their work doesn’t feel like work and their passions and talents combine allowing them to perform at the highest level. If you’ve ever experienced this sensation you know there is no greater feeling—it’s true bliss!

But passion isn’t all about what you do to make a living, and you can experience bliss outside of the workplace. There are many who work their job by day, so they can fulfill their passions in their off-hours. These passions might include volunteering their talents for a worthy cause, expressing themselves through artistic endeavors, or losing themselves in novels or other books.

Taking the time to do what you love is what’s most important, not how much money you make while doing it. Yet, if you loathe your job and can’t wait until the weekend, maybe it’s time to assess whether your choice of work is right for you. Life is too short to waste doing what you hate!

Q. “Thanks for this training; it was just what I needed. Is it possible to go into more detail in future tele-sessions?”

A. As we mentioned during the training, we could have had an entire class just covering the obstacles that stand in the way of our dreams, not to mention any number of other topics that were touched on throughout the call. If we’ve piqued your interest and you are craving more we invite you to consider joining a Soulspring Empowerment Group, or starting one of your own. For an affordable annual membership fee our members have access to a wide variety of benefits including a new tele-seminar each month! They also benefit from the interaction and support provided by the members of their group. Visit www.SoulspringGroups.com for more details about the benefits of membership.

Q. “How do you pick your training topics?”

A. In our conversations with women we tend to get asked the same questions again and again. Needless to say those are the areas that we believe we should be focusing our efforts. We develop our tele-trainings and Soulspring Group Meeting Kits around these themes. We are also open to requests and receive suggestions from our members regularly about the challenges they are experiencing, the things they want to learn more about, and the key life areas they want to develop and enhance. If you have a suggestion or request for us, please email us at SoulSisters@SoulspringGroups.com or simply add a comment to this blog entry. We would love to hear your ideas!

Q. “I loved it! I actually took in the call while sipping on a cup of tea in my pajamas! When will you be doing your next training session?”

A. We said “come as you are” and we meant it. We know from experience that transformation happens when you’re comfortable and relaxed! As we said above, our Soulspring Members have access to monthly tele-training sessions (recordings are available if for some reason they can’t attend the call live). Each training session walks our members through a personal growth plan, that when combined with their monthly Soulspring Group meeting, leads to some amazing outcomes!

However, we do plan to make periodic sessions available to the general public and we have some innovative events planned for the future including a Tele-Summit, which would be a full day of inspirational sessions. We would offer different tele-training topics each hour, allowing you to attend the sessions of your choice based on your interests! We are also considering a 30-Day Makeover Program, including four tele-training sessions all focused on one topic of change.

You won’t want to miss these events! To receive notification subscribe to our free Soul-spiration e-newsletter by visiting www.SoulspringGroups.com.

If we’ve missed your question, or if you would like to comment or request a training session topic, you can email us at SoulSisters@SoulspringGroups.com or simply add a comment to this blog entry.

Soulspiration of the Week:

"We learn more by looking for the answer to a question and not finding it than we do from learning the answer itself." Lloyd Alexander

Where Did My Passions Go?

I remember as a child that I loved books; encyclopedias to be exact. I would flip through the pages, marveling at the beautiful pictures and amazing facts. I was especially drawn to the “A” volume. I loved art and there were nearly 12 pages on “The Arts”; everything from dancing to painting to sculpture.

Could that be why I was drawn to take tap dancing lessons two years ago? Or why I enjoy reading and listening to podcast on my Ipod so much? Or why when I decorate for Christmas each year it turns into a theatrical production?

I believe our passions develop early in life, maybe we’re even born with them. As a child we dream about our future and feel a calling to live them out. Then life gets in the way and we bury our passions, sometimes very deep, so we can focus on the career, the family, everyone but ourselves.

Do you ever ask yourself, “Where did my passions go?” It’s a question we hear women asking a lot. That’s why we chose this as the topic of our very first Soulspring Tele-Training Event!

Please join us as our guest for this free workshop. No need to find a babysitter; you can participate in the comfort of your own home! No need to hassle with electronic equipment and an internet connection; all you need is a telephone! No need to dress up; it’s come as you are!

WHAT: Where did my passions go?
WHEN: May 20, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: The Soulspring Tele-Classroom*
FEE: Please be our guest!

INFORMATION & REGISTRATION

*Prior to the tele-class you will receive your training materials and the classroom telephone number and access code via email. Long distance phone charges apply where applicable.

We look forward to meeting you there!

Kim, Sister of Soul

Soulspiration of the Week:

“If there is no passion in your life, then have you really lived? Find your passion, whatever it may be. Become it, and let it become you and you will find great things happen FOR you, TO you and BECAUSE of you.” T. Alan Armstrong

We're Back!

Welcome to the Soul Sisters Blog at our new home on the web! We’re back and it feels great to be blogging again! The details of our website launch and move to our new blogspot meant we had to put our blog entries on hold, but we are so excited about our new blog page and the features available here!

First, we moved over all our previous blog postings, along with their original posting dates. If you missed anything please feel free to skim through our old posts to catch up.

We would also like to invite you to be an official Soul Sisters Follower! It’s easy with a quick sign up process and upload of your photo…even easier if you already have a Google account! We love to see the company we’re keeping! Just click on the “Follow” icon in the left column of this page.

If you haven’t checked out our new Soulpsring Empowerment Groups website yet please take a few minutes to explore. You will also find direct links to some of our fun and free website features under the title Soulspring Empowerment Groups in the left column of this page. You will definitely want to get your copy of 10 Ways to Live a More Empowered Life by signing up for our monthly Soul-spiration e-newsletter!

And as always we welcome your comments and questions. We love to know what women are thinking, feeling and experiencing on their journey to greater empowerment.

The Soul Sisters

Soulspiration of the Week:

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” Maria Robinson

The Real Code of Courage

Previously posted: March 22, 2009

What do you think of when you think of courage? Who comes to mind? Maybe a firefighter’s heroic act of saving a life from a burning building or a soldier protecting our country during war? Or even a common person who put their own life aside as they jumped into the Mississippi River to help motorists after the collapse of the 35W Bridge. There is no doubt that we all see these acts as brave and courageous.

But how about the executive who presents her proposal to the board of trustees? Or the mom who stands her ground with her teenage son, even though she knows he’ll be upset with her? Or the wife who is caring for her ill husband? Or even the laid-off factory worker who is out there looking for job? These too, are everyday acts that exhibit strength, nerve and guts. Too often we devalue the brave acts we demonstrate as insignificant. We think just because it is something we have to do that it can’t possibly be courageous.

So I challenge you to start a new code of courage today. Don’t under value the courage that you display. Be sure to acknowledge those everyday acts of bravery and celebrate them. Remember you may not be putting your physical life on the line, but something just as important; your heart, soul, and spirit. And, for that you are to be honored!

Jenny, Sister of Soul

Soulspiration of the Week:

"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow." Mary Anne Radmacher

The Most Important Promise

Previously posted: March 15, 2009

How often in our lives do we make promises to everyone around us? Perhaps a promise to make dinner every night, a promise to do the laundry, a promise to work late, a promise to volunteer, or maybe a promise to keep the house clean. We get so caught up with the promises we make to others that we forget that the most important promises are the ones we make to ourselves. We, as women, so often feel that we need to always put ourselves last. The truth of the matter is that we can only give to others if we first give ourselves the self-care we need.

Promise yourself….
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud words but great deeds.
To live in faith that the whole world is on your side so long as you are true to the best that is in you.
By Christian D. Larson

Always be conscious of the promises you’re making. Are they making you feel depleted or refreshed?

Becky, Sister of Soul

Soulspiration of the Week:

“Follow not others in your life. Follow your heart and each day will be yours, not somebody else's.” Unknown

Spring Ahead

Previously posted: March 8, 2009

It’s daylight savings time again. I’m sure like us you spent the morning resetting clocks and trying to figure out what this all means for your schedule…Did we gain an hour? Lose an hour? Why do we do this anyway?

As I was completing the aforementioned ritual, I went from room to room changing clocks and repeating, “Spring ahead, fall back, spring ahead, fall back” like a mantra. Last year I would have used the term “mantra” figuratively. This year I’m being literal.

It’s funny how the way we look at things changes as we move through life. What was meant to remind me which way to turn the hands of my clocks twice a year has suddenly become a message for living life. There comes a time when we must choose our direction; the philosophy by which we’ll live. I’m practical...a quick side-by-side comparison should help us make our decision:

Hmmm, should we choose a “Spring Ahead” lifestyle and move toward a life of adventure, passion and empowerment? Or should we “Fall Back” to what we know, making the same mistakes again and again, and blaming others for our problems?

I’ve made my decision. Which will you choose?

Kim
Sister of Soul

Soulspiration of the Week:

“I may not be there yet, but I'm closer than I was yesterday.” Unknown

What are your 3 Words?

Previously posted: March 1, 2009

I haven’t been one to search and view on-line videos much, but when a co-worker told me about this particular feature on ABC News, I was curious and had to go and check it out for myself.

The piece is called “Your 3 Words!” I was not sure what to expect. My friend explained the main premise - viewers write down 3 words that best sums up their week and then they are put together to music. Huh, how could this be enough for a successful news segment, I asked?

Well, see for yourself ABC News-Your 3 Words Video (please be patient; they have to show an advertisement prior to the video)

After viewing that video I couldn’t help but be inspired. I began to think back to my previous 7 days to pick out the highlights. What would my 3 words be? Well, this might be a little difficult, as I quickly thought I hadn’t done a lot the previous week . . . . or had I?

Vacuum belts, easy
Reconnecting with friends
Patience IS possible
Gymnasts in the house (oops, that’s 4 words)
Spring is coming
Everyone is ok!
James teaches Wisdom
Winter isn’t over

Well, that’s pretty impressive. Wow, what a week I had - I surprised even myself; I really did experience some significant moments. As silly as it sounds the fact that I changed the vacuum cleaner belt on my own was a highlight for me. It reinforced the fact that I am a very capable person. And, while watching my children during their gymnastics class I realized that they are really doing IT; handsprings, tucks, aerials, I was so proud. In addition, I was able to meet with some old friends, witness my husband display the utmost patience during a shopping fiasco, learn that the Book of James talks about wisdom (I’ve got to read more about that one), feel a touch of spring and winter in the same week, and I was able to practice the steps of “what to do when you’re involved in a fender bender”.

This little exercise helped me to see that some of the most common everyday events can be very meaningful and even stick with us for quite a long time. However, had I not taken the time to reflect and recall those instances they would’ve gone unnoticed. Instead of feeling like I really didn’t get much done, my perspective is now going to be, look at everything I did!

Make this part of your journaling regimen. Once a week reflect and list the accomplishments you’ve achieved over the past 7 days. It’s just 3 little words at a time.

Please share . . . tell us what your 3 words will be?

Jenny, Sister of Soul

Soulspiration of the Week:

“You get whatever accomplishment you are willing to declare.” Georgia O’Keeffe

Put it in Writing

Previously posted: February 22, 2009

It has been five weeks since I was laid off from my job. Although I know I need to remain positive and trust that this is all happening for the best, the last month has been full of emotional ups and downs. I felt I was wronged in every way - I poured my heart and soul into my job for seven years and it was so easy for them to let me go and to not give the slightest care as to me being 30 weeks pregnant at the time. I would find myself stuck in this cycle of negative thoughts, feeling as though I had no control as to what was happening.

One evening I decided that there is one thing I do have control of – I have control of my future. So what did I do? As crazy as it sounds, I sat down that night and wrote a thank you card to my previous boss. But the most important part is I dated it one year from the day of my lay-off. This is what I wrote…

January 16, 2010
Dear Bruce-
It has been one year since I was laid off from your
company. I would like to thank you for seeing
the potential in me that I did not see myself.
While it was quite a shock to everyone at the
time you must have known that I was bigger than
the company would have allowed me to grow.
You gave me the motivation and time to pursue
things that I am passionate about. It has been
an incredible year and I am now more happy and
successful than I have ever been. Thank you again.
Sincerely-
Becky Beissel

There seems to be a special power in putting things in writing. By placing things out into the universe you are deciding what you want your future to hold – you are taking back that control. And when combined with action and belief the possibilities are endless as to what might happen!

So what are you waiting for? What future dream or vision could you put in writing today to shape your life tomorrow?

Becky, Sister of Soul

Soulspiration of the Week:

“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.” Carl Bard

Our Readers Speak

Previously posted: February 13, 2009

It’s been just over a month since our first Sisters of Soul blog entry and we’ve been overwhelmed by your encouragement. Friends and total strangers reading the blog and visiting the website are joining the email list, and as they do they write such encouraging comments. We wanted to dedicate this week’s blog to sharing a few of these special messages:

A. B. writes…
“I am enthralled by this idea. I work directly with the corporate world to share similar coaching tools, but I have not seen them shared in personal lives. I truly believe the support of women around you, even if just through an e-mail, enriches ones life. Being able to share ideas, be supportive and have a sense of belonging with women who have similar end goals in life is a gift you are all sharing with others. Thank you Soul Sisters!”

You are so right A.B.! Corporate America recognizes the benefits of goal setting, strategic planning and continuous improvement, spending hours, days, and sometimes weeks focused on planning for the future. And there’s a reason why they do; when they plan and invest in developing the skills of their employees the company is more successful. Why wouldn’t we put that same effort into our personal lives? Most people spend more time planning a vacation than planning their life! We all have a reason for being on this earth. Some are lucky in that they stumble across their life purpose with little effort. Others need to open their eyes and seek it out. It’s a process; a journey. Helping women do just that is our mission at Soulspring Groups!

T.M. writes…
“Ever since my mom started going to the empowerment meetings she has given me a lot of things to think about. She would come home and tell me the topic of discussion at the meeting that night and we would get into a discussion of our own.”

Thanks for sharing T.M.! From our very first meeting we recognized how far reaching the group’s efforts were! Our meetings are an exciting event that every member looks forward to each month. But what happens after the meeting is exciting too! As members begin to put what they learned into practice, things begin to change in their lives. There are shifts in belief and action. Conversations take place between husbands and wives, mothers and daughters, sister to sister, friend to friend. Each meeting is like a pebble dropped in a pool, the ripple effect expands outwards affecting others in a positive way too.

R.J. writes…
“I'M CRYING!!!! I'M CRYING!!! In a good way!! I can't even begin to tell you how much your dream has inspired me to become not only a better person but to really reach to become the woman, friend, wife, family member that I have always wanted to be. Keep up the passion, the creativity and know in your hearts that taking the leap of faith to create Soulspring Groups was truly the RIGHT THING TO DO!!! I am so touched everyday that I was asked to be included in this journey.”

Yes R.J., we’re on a journey. Hasn’t it been an exciting ride? We’ve learned so much, found new levels of confidence we never knew we had. We’re achieving more, and living life like never before! Each day is like a new adventure! It’s time to help other women experience this too!

L.M. writes…
"I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am about Soulspring! I can proudly say that two years back my very dear friend and her two sisters told me of a vision they had for a group of inspired woman - a group of woman that wanted more - they wanted to find their life's purpose - they want to grow and learn. Well imagine my surprise when they invited me to join in and offer skills, share dreams, and in return make great friends and learn so much more about myself. This vision has brought me to realize strengths I never knew I had, vision to a grand future and the determination to live it!”

Isn’t it amazing what you see in yourself when you open your eyes and look L.M.? Remember, it was in you the entire time. As we say, “Your passions run deep” and you just needed to let yours rise to the surface!

We hope to share more of your comments in the future! Thank you to everyone who joined our email list this past month! If you haven’t shared Soulspring Groups with your friends, would you please email our website link today? Encourage them to join our email list so we can email them a notice about our “official” launch, which is coming soon. We are busy behind the scenes preparing for the day when we can roll out our services to you and with your help start a crusade of women’s empowerment across the country!

The Sisters of Soul

Soulspiration of the Week:

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead

Face the Mid-Winter Blues Head-On

Previously Posted: February 8, 2009

Have you felt yourself slipping into a slump lately? Is it taking more effort to drag your behind out of your bed these days? This week I’m taking a stand against this mid-winter drudgery--are you with me?

How do we begin? Well we already know the basics; scientists have linked the lack of sunlight experienced during the winter months to sleepiness, fatigue, and moodiness. So what do we do to combat this need for the big ball of fiery energy in the sky? As I see it, on these days of less sunshine we need to make our own light; create our own energy. These 5 tips will help you do just that!

1. Visualization: Close your eyes and remember the last time you were physically being warmed by the sun. Think about how you were feeling while soaking up the sun’s rays. Were you in a garden or on the beach? Do you remember any sounds such as the birds singing, kids laughing, or breezes rustling the leaves? Need something more realistic to get your started? Retreat to a cozy chair near a south facing window and enjoy the warm of the winter sun while reading a book. You may have just found your secret weapon against your mid-winter blahs. Remember, you can return to this place whenever you feel the need. Just close your eyes and go back for a visit to renew and warm up.

2. Put things in perspective: Daylight Savings begins on March 8th – that’s only 1 month away. And, we are gaining about 3 minutes of daylight everyday; by March 8th we’ll have about 11 ½ hours of daylight, compared to the 10 ¼ we have today. Plus, the average temperature on March 8th is 36 degrees. An average temp above freezing means more sunshine.

3. Get creative: Connecting with your creative side is an amazing day-brightener! Try a new recipe, experiment with a new hobby, create a visualization board or revert back to childhood with a coloring book and box of crayons!

4. Gratitude: As Wayne Dyer says, “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” We may crave warmer and brighter days but don’t forget to acknowledge and appreciate all that this time of year has to offer. A crackling fire wouldn’t mean as much if it wasn’t for the nip in the air. And is there anything more beautiful than a fresh blanket of snow and frost covered trees? Start a gratification journal to keep a log of all there is to be thankful for during this time of year, and soon your outlook and perspective will begin to make a positive shift.

5. When the chill of the wintry days gets you down, remember what these brisk, gloomy days lead up to. Soon the temperatures will climb, the birds will sing, the trees will show signs of life, the ground will develop a subtle green tinge, and we will find ourselves amongst the most beautiful transformation that only God can provide. And, that thought alone may be the one thing that pulls me out of my little “funk” to survive these last few weeks of winter. For if it wasn’t for the winter, there wouldn’t be a spring.

Now it's your turn. Share how you create your own "light" to get yourself through the cloudy days of winter. Enter your comments below!

Jenny, Sister of Soul


Soulspiration of the Week:

“If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.” Anne Bradstreet

Practicing the Virtue of Patience

Previously posted: February 1, 2009

Patience has never been a strong virtue of mine. It’s always been something I’ve wanted to improve upon though. I’ve read the books, done the research, focused on soul searching, had a child – all of which has helped. But it's when life puts me to the test that I see how much further I need to grow.

Two weeks ago I was laid off from my job of seven years. It was a complete shock considering that my position was one of the few in the company that remained busy. Besides that, I had seniority over a lot of other people there. I guess it was a “business decision” that they were willing to make. I’ve gone through every emotion under the sun since then; anger – how could they do this to me?, fear – we’re having a baby in 8 weeks, what are we going to do?, uncertainty – where do I go from here?, doubt – I can’t believe I was that dispensable.

The weekend following my lay off I read a quote that has been resonating with me ever since. “I believe that everything happens for a reason, but I rarely have the patience to wait for the understanding.” (from the book “Believe” by Jodi Hills). This time I will have the patience. I have to believe that this is all part of His plan. Instead of dwelling on all the negative of the situation, I’m going to keep my chin up and focus on the positive and enjoy the anticipation of learning what the reason is. This will allow me the time to focus on myself and my family before the upcoming arrival of our baby as well as my photography and Soulspring’s launch – two things that I really have passion for!

Thousands of women across the country are currently going through a layoff just like me. While it is completely normal to go through a grieving process we can’t let ourselves dwell on it. Join me in practicing the virtue of patience by putting your future in God’s hands and focusing on the positive!

Becky, Sister of Soul

Soulspiration of the Week:

“Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is to live everything. Live the questions.” Rainer Maria Rilke

Just Hit Send

Previously posted: January 25, 2009

Have you seen the Jim Carrey movie “Yes Man”? It’s not an “Oscar” type of movie but a cute and funny film with a big life-message. Carrey plays a man recently divorced and in a dead-end job. Then a fateful meeting with an old friend inspires him to attend a “Yes” seminar. The seminar’s premise; Say “yes” to everything.

Obviously you couldn’t have a comedic talent like Carrey in a role without a few funny mishaps and unfortunate “yes” moments, but silly humor aside; from the lead character’s very first “yes” the Universe begins to put into motion a series of events which leads Carrey on an adventure to passion and love.

Inspired by the movie’s underlying message, I began to experiment with saying “yes”. This isn’t a change in philosophy as much as it is a change of habit. We all have things we want for our lives and we set goals and visualize, and work hard, hoping our dreams will come true. What has become evident to me within a very short time is that we actually talk ourselves out of taking advantage of the very opportunities the Universe is providing. We say “no” because we believe ourselves to be too busy. We say “no” because we believe ourselves to be inadequate. It soon becomes habit and with each “no” we’ve let an opportunity for growth and personal development slip through our fingers.

While I expected this experiment to be a difficult one, I’ve actually realized a huge breakthrough. I received an email with a request to speak about Soulspring at a women’s luncheon. I immediately replied back with a “Sure, I would be happy to!” and then without skipping a beat I HIT SEND. It wasn’t until that moment that I heard my inner voice saying, “What did you just do?”

A brief panic went through me, followed by a flurry of negative self-talk ala Stuart Smalley (not good enough, not smart enough, etc.). Then I laughed, because of course I know better, and because once again I’ve been provided with a venue to share my passion for women’s empowerment. All because I just HIT SEND and worried about the details later!

What a concept! What a catchy slogan! What a powerful reminder for today’s email/text message generation of how to live life. This week, just once, when an opportunity presents itself…HIT SEND. Then, report back on where that one simple action takes you!

Soulspiration of the Week:

“You cannot change anything in your life with intention alone, which can become a watered-down, occasional hope that you'll get to tomorrow. Intention without action is useless.”
Caroline Myss

Happy “Hunt for Happiness Week”; Celebrate it BIG!

Previously posted: January 18, 2009

It’s true. The Secret Society of Happy People has declared January 18 - 23, 2009, the Hunt for Happiness Week. Now in its 8th year, this is the week when everyone is encouraged to actively seek happiness. I never knew this existed. This is incredible! As someone who’s often been called the Happiness Coordinator in the job place . . . THIS IS MY BIG WEEK!

Now, in this “Hunt for Happiness”, where does one begin the hunt? Where do you look to find your happiness?

What we must remember is that our happiness isn’t dependent on someone or something else. It is not something that other people give to you. Instead, happiness begins with you. Keeping positive thoughts and actions gives you the power to get to that joyful state of mind, of contentment, peace, and pleasure.

Just think what a difference happy and empowered women can make in the world.

So in the next few days, as you celebrate this Happiness Week, I would like to challenge you. First ask yourself, “How can I make someone happy today?” And then see how many people you can affect during the entire week. It’s as simple as a smile in a busy checkout line, an encouraging sticky note left on a computer monitor, change deposited in an expired parking meter, or a cup of coffee for a stranger.

Report back! Share the life changing results of your quest. Let the happiness reign.

Jenny, Sister of Soul


Soulspiration of the Week:

“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” Prince Gautama Siddharta

No More Resolutions! Live by a Motto!

Previously posted: January 11, 2009

I’ve never been one to make New Year’s resolutions but I have always loved the New Year. As you post up that clean empty calendar it seems like a fresh new start. Naturally we all stop and take inventory of our current lives and imagine what the upcoming year will bring. For me, I have the arrival of baby #2 at the end of March! While it’s very exciting it also brings apprehension – how will I fit this all into my life?

While watching a program this last weekend (Create an Abundant Life with Cheryl Richardson – which I highly recommend!) I decided not to make myself a New Year resolution but instead to give myself a motto for the year. Cheryl Richardson says, “A high quality life often has more to do with what you remove from your life than what you add to it.”

I thought, “Wow, that’s brilliant! It’s completely opposite of how we as women live our lives!” I have always thought that I need to do more, see more, learn more - keep adding to the list, keep adding to the pile. But what I really need to do is cut the extra junk out and put my focus on the important things.

I now see that it’s not about time management, it’s about self management! This year my motto is; I choose.

I choose what needs to be in my life. I choose what doesn’t. That puts me in control, and gives me more comfort, patience, energy, and fun!

How about you? Will you attempt another New Year’s resolution, or instead live by a motto this year?

Becky, Sister of Soul


Soulspiration of the Week:

“Don't say you don't have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michaelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein.” H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Who are the Soul Sisters?

Previously posted: January 5, 2009

Welcome to the Soul Sisters Blog! Where do I start? Well, as they say, let’s start at the very beginning…

To help answer your questions we’ve compiled a list, David Letterman style, of the most frequently asked questions about the Soul Sisters.

5. Are you related to Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul? Sorry to say we are not, although we are huge fans of her music and talent!

4. Who are you then? Yes, let’s first start with some introductions. My name is Kim and rounding out the Sisters are Jenny and Becky.

3. Are you really sisters? Yes, although we do our best to keep our birth order a heavily guarded secret (wink, wink).

2. What can we expect from the Soul Sisters Blog? Women, it seems, have a deep desire to seek out their passion and divine assignment for living. The Soul Sisters Blog will share tips and techniques to help you do just that. And, we also reserve the right to share some of our own insights and personal opinions when the urge strikes.

And finally, the number one most frequently asked question about the Soul Sisters…

1. How did you come to be called “The Soul Sisters”? 2 years ago I was in the midst of a career change. As often happens during such times, I began to really question my life purpose. I had the innate feeling deep inside that there was something very specific that I was to do with my life. It wasn’t just a sense either, but an actual physical ache in my soul. My husband told me to take a Tums.

Undaunted, I shared my feelings with Jenny and Becky and as it turns out they were experiencing the same feelings for themselves. That can sometimes happen with sisters, I reasoned. I suppose it could be a hereditary thing?

But what I know now is that you understand what I’m talking about! When I started talking to my friends it turned out…they had that same feeling. We even had a very philosophical discussion once with a waitress when we were out for lunch, and yes, she had that same feeling too!

It turns out this feeling is not unique at all. You’ve experienced it—and most likely are, at this very moment!

So we started a group that we naively called an “empowerment group” and invited some of our friends. There were 12 of us all together and we had a great time at our monthly meetings. We each took turns being hostess and sharing about a topic that was important to us. It didn’t take long however, to discover that we were on to something. Only a month after our first meeting members were setting challenging goals for themselves, taking risks, changing careers and getting promotions and raises! There was new-found confidence and a renewed zest for the journey of our lives.

It turns out we’ve stumbled across a formula that has lead to some pretty powerful outcomes for many women, and we’ve also found that with the right tools and process it can be duplicated. Someone said, “You should bottle this!” It was at that moment that Soulspring Empowerment Groups for Women was born.

By now you’ve guessed it. As the founding members of that very first meeting Jenny, Becky and I have come to be known as the Soul Sisters and we’re on a mission to spearhead a new revolution in personal development for women through Soulspring. To find out how we plan to accomplish this important goal, please visit our website at www.SoulspringGroups.com.

We all have desires, dreams and goals for our lives, but often are lacking the confidence, or are too busy and/or afraid, to pursue them. We would like to invite you to join us on our crusade. At www.SoulspringGroups.com you can ubscribe to our e-newsletter Soul-Spiration, view the movie that started it all, power up each day with a new affirmation, and inspire a friend with a free e-greeting card. Most importantly, we invite you to join Soulspring as a member, and along with your own Soulspring Group, start living your “someday”, today!

In Passion and Power,

The Soul Sisters


Soulspiration of the Week:

“Each person has an ideal, a hope, a dream which represents the soul. We must give to it the warmth of love, the light of understanding and the essence of encouragement.” Colby Dorr Dam