Make Your Holiday Brighter

December is in full swing and the big day is less than a week away.  We know...there's lots to do and it’s all causing a ton of stress.  We can relate.

Yet, there’s nothing worse than waking up December 26 with nothing to show for your efforts except bags of trash and a pile of returns.  Now is the time to step back and re-assess what you want Christmas and New Years 2011 to be for you.  There’s still time to re-prioritize, change up plans, and create new intentions (and memories).

Below we offer 31 simple ideas with the power to make the holidays brighter.  All were designed to create a memory, pamper your senses, and cheer yourself (and others).

Don’t let the stress, hustle and bustle get to you!  It’s time to take charge of your own holiday experience!

1. Set your holiday intention right now – what two words do you want to be the theme of this season?
2. Schedule a massage for after Christmas.  You’ll definitely deserve it!
3. Hang a wreath on your door.
4. Buy yourself some holiday reusable shopping bags. Spread holiday cheer and be kind to the planet.
5. Decorate your car windows with window clings.
6. Decorate your key chain with a festive key ring.
7. Put a fancy holiday pin on your coat/jacket.
8. Here’s a simple way to add a holiday touch to any décor...Recycle that ugly Christmas sweater by turning it into a pillow cover! Learn how here.
9. Simplify your Christmas to-do list.  Anything you can dump or delegate?
10. Get a new holiday towel for the kitchen or bathroom.  You’ll smile each time you see it.
11. Decorate your place of work. Perhaps an ornament from your drawer or a bow on your monitor.
12. Burn a mulled cider candle ($5 at Wal-Mart).  If nothing else, your house will smell like Christmas!
13. Take the family on an outdoor adventure.  Just because it’s colder doesn’t mean you need to stay indoors.
14. Write your holiday affirmation: My holiday season with filled with _________ & _________.
15. Start one new tradition. Read a particular story on Christmas Eve, recite a particular prayer before meal, go caroling, ice skate under the moonlight.
16. Make tonight’s dinner conversation about holiday childhood memories.
17. Take a family picture this year…no excuses!
18. Make a batch of your favorite holiday cookie. On a special diet? Then give them away to others!
19. Try out a new mocktail recipe for Christmas!  How about a Cinnamon Holiday Mocktini.
20. Take some time to reflect on your last year; when did you learn, when did you succeed, when were you amazing?
21. Make the game plan for 2012; what’s your intention, what are some goals?
22. Schedule an hour of “me time” today.  Do whatever you feel will rejuvenate you!
23. Get yourself a fun new scarf!  You’ll actually look forward to heading out into the cold.
24. Sport some new holiday undies.
25. Merry Christmas!  Enjoy the day to its fullest!
26. Buy a new journal for next year.
27. Try out a new mocktail recipe for New Year’s Eve!  How about a Pomegranate Spritz!
28. Answer this Soul Searching Question for next year: What goal, if achieved by year-end, would have the greatest positive impact on my life?
29. Answer this Soul Searching Questions for next year: What am I willing to do differently this year that will lead to a life that more closely resembles my vision?
30. Make New Year’s Eve a little easier with these simple recipes.
31. Write your year’s mistakes and regrets on toilet paper and flush them down the toilet to close the year!

Favorites from Holidays Past

Christmas is a time of memories and a lot of inspiration for blog topics!  This week we decided to share some of our most popular blog posts from holidays past. It was fun for us to compile the list and reflect on the state of our lives at the time these articles were written.

For some we were inspired, and for others we were feeling overwhelmed; yet the exercise of writing pulled us from our current state of mind into a place of authenticity and peace.

We hope you enjoy reading this collection as much as we enjoyed writing each entry.

Love and hugs,

The Soul Sisters

Miracle of the Heart
The holidays is a time of open hearts. Could that be the start of a Christmas miracle?

The Gift of Memories
The best part of the season doesn't come gift wrapped. The memories can last a lifetime.

Christmas Compromise
Celebrating the holidays means something different to everyone and sometimes that requires compromise.

Message From My Christmas Angel
There are Christmas angels all around us. What messages are they giving you?

Are You Ready for Christmas?
This is the question that can throw you into a panic...unless you rethink what it means to be ready.

Spreading Christmas Joy Charlie Brown Style

I’ve always been one to come up with silly ideas in the attempt of spreading a smile or two--A trait I acquired from my dad, I’m sure; the man who put an old cowboy boot out on the fence post – just to spark interesting conversation for the passersby.

Several years ago, my older sister lived on about 20 acres of wooded land, which offered the widest array of Christmas trees and pine boughs.  It was a Christmas decorator’s dream, and each year we made a point of heading out for an afternoon to collect as much greenery as we could for our holiday decorating.

One year, shortly after Thanksgiving, she and I spent the afternoon clipping, chopping, and dragging out our wonderful finds.  And then I spotted it – a six foot, spindly, Charlie Brown tree.  I could have counted the total branches on both hands.  And, my next idea hit me almost immediately.  How funny would it be to strap that baby to the roof of my car and drive around for the entire Christmas season with it up there?  It would be quite the opposite from the typical trees you see atop other cars this time of year.

And so that’s what I did; for four weeks I drove around with that spindly little tree on my car roof.  But for such a sad little tree it sure spread a magnitude of Christmas cheer.  Everywhere I turned there were people pointing and smiling.  Perfect!  Mission accomplished.

Becky,
Sister of Soul

Soulspiration of the Week:
"Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give." ~Eleanor Roosevelt

Lost on the Journey of Life: Soul Searching Questions to Discover Your Life Purpose

If you’ve ever found yourself lost, then you know the anxiety and fear that comes with not knowing your way. Regardless of whether you’re lost on the highway or lost in life, the feelings are quite similar.  Imagine yourself on a random road.  Of course you’ll end up somewhere eventually, but the question is, will you end up where you want to be?

The same is true for our lives.  We can live without direction, and eventually we’ll come to the end of our lives, but will we enjoy the way there?  Will we have taken the right route?  Will have seen the sites we were meant to see?  While we can’t possibly map out every twist and turn in our lives, knowing we’re headed in the right direction eliminates anxiety, worry and fear, and allows us to enjoy the journey.

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. Prayer, meditation and journal writing are only a few of the many techniques you can use to get in touch with your true you.

And, these Soul-Searching Questions will also help.  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.  When acting on the messages from within, you can't go wrong!

• As a child, what did I dream of being when I grew up?
• What were my favorite pastimes as a child?
• What activities give me the most joy?  Why?
• What people do I most admire?  What qualities do I most admire about them?
• What things come naturally to me?
• If “no” wasn’t an option, and I could have, do or be anything, what would that be?
• When I think of my favorite books, movies, television shows, etc., which are my favorites? What common themes run through their plots?

The questions above provide enough fodder for several hours of reflection.  As you work the process and re-read your previous answers and entries, more ideas and thoughts will come to mind.  Feel free to edit your answers.  As a final step, read through your thoughts and underline or highlight key words and phrases that trigger an emotional response, and watch for the clues that lead you in the right direction and closer to the mission for your life.

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

Be Thankful

With the Thanksgiving holiday coming up, our thoughts naturally turn to gratitude.  We know things aren’t perfect by any stretch, and many of our readers and Soulspring Groups’ members are experiencing the backlash of political unrest, financials woes, and natural disasters taking place in their parts of the world.

Still, regardless of your situation there’s always something for which to be grateful.  Below is one of our favorite poems that puts the concepts of thankfulness and gratitude into perspective, and we would like to share it with you this Thanksgiving week.

Enjoy the holiday in joyful thanksgiving.

The Soul Sisters

Soulspiration of the Week:

Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire,
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge
Because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you’re tired and weary
Because it means you’ve made a difference.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are
also thankful for the setbacks.

GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles
and they can become your blessings.

Author Unknown

The 30 Habits of Highly Empowered Women

While doing a little dusting in the office, I spotted a well-worn copy of Steven Covey’s classic, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”.  This book first introduced us to concepts like the “abundance mentality” and the “upward spiral”, launching us down a path of personal development and growth, and a desire to support other women to do the same.

Seeing that title again got us thinking about the habits of highly empowered women.  What qualities do these women have in common?  What is it that sets these women apart from their counterparts?  Some lively conversation and a brainstorming session later and we came up with quite a list that inspired our Twitter-series for the month of November:  “The 30 Habits of Highly Empowered Women”.

Each day this month on Twitter we’ve been tweeting a habit that we have found that all empowered women share!  Below is a recap of our list...

1.       Empowered women know they have a mission to fulfill. They think, plan and live in accordance with their life purpose.

2.       Empowered women set aside the stereotypes and instead choose to focus on being their best and most authentic self.

3.       Empowered women know it’s o.k. to ask for what they want. They feel deserving of the best life has to offer.

4.       Empowered women have an open mind. They welcome new ideas and often a change of mind is more like a change of limiting belief.

5.       Empowered women see fear for what it is, “False Evidence Appearing Real”.

6.       Empowered women spread love and kindness wherever they go. Their open hearts attract great opportunities and wonderful people to them!

7.       Empowered women make their own self-care a top priority. They know they can’t help others if their personal energy is in short supply.

8.       Empowered women show gratitude for all the gifts in their life. It’s this gratitude that brings them abundance!

9.       Empowered women accept the differences in others. We’re all uniquely different (and equally important) after all!

10.   Empowered women surround themselves with other empowered women. They know the support of others allows them to do really great things.

11.   Empowered women close energy-sucking cycles in their lives. They know what’s important and can delegate or even dump the unnecessary.

12.   Empowered women are clear on their core values and live according to them. It’s the only way to fulfill their life’s purpose.

13.   Empowered women live a life of clarity. They know what they want to create or accomplish and they keep their eye on their goals daily.

14.   Empowered women take 100% responsibility. No matter how difficult, they always have a choice, and every decision is theirs to make.

15.   Empowered women believe anything is possible! They achieve because they believe!

16.   Empowered women recognize when things aren’t working in their lives and make the necessary course corrections to get back on track.

17.   Empowered women commit to constant and never-ending self-improvement. Knowledge is power!

18.   Empowered women put more focus and attention on the positive than the negative.

19.   Empowered women are constantly challenging their limits beliefs. They often question “why” and “why not”.

20.   Empowered women live in present time consciousness. They experience each moment to the fullest.

21.   Empowered women are honest with themselves and others. By living truthfully they will have no regrets!

22.   Empowered women “pay” themselves first. When their financial house is in order, they have more ways and means to give to the world.

23.   Empowered women empower themselves by empowering others. That’s all we’ve got to say about that!

24.   Empowered women don’t fall into playing the blame game. “If it’s to be, it’s up to me,” is their mantra!

25.   Empowered women know how to say no. They don’t let feelings of guilt or obligation keep them from what’s really important.

26.   Empowered women never, never, never give up on their dreams and goals. They believe and achieve!

27.   Empowered women have a strong relationship with their Creator, taking time for daily reflection and meditation.

28.   Empowered women live in balance; mind, body and spirit.

29.   Empowered women go over, under, around or through every challenge until they achieve their goals.

30.   Empowered women spend life doing the “right” things, instead of just “more” things.

Of course there are many, many more qualities that highly empowered women share.  What traits would have made your top habits list?  Please comment below.

The Soul Sisters

Soulspiration of the Week:

"Excellence is not a singular act, but a habit. You are what you repeatedly do.”    

~ Shaquille O'Neal

The Happiness Secret You’ve Been Longing For

Have you ever wanted to understand the secret to living a truly happy, empowered, and high-quality life?  Well today we reveal the secret...

The Secret: Happiness and empowerment are not always achieved by doing more; happiness is sometimes more about what you remove from life than what you add to it.  

How can this be?  Wouldn’t it stand to reason that a full life (doing, accomplishing, and getting stuff done) would also be a fulfilling one?  Well, not always.

Doing what you feel truly passionate about and eliminating what you do out of perceived obligation or guilt, is the key to living your best life.  It's by recognizing where you can get the most reward from your efforts, and how you and those most important to you benefit, do you allow yourself permission to give your time and attention to those areas.

So how can you make sure you’re giving your time to the right stuff?  Try this simple exercise:

Pull out your to-do list (if it’s currently in your head, get your to-dos down on paper for the purposes of this exercise). For each item on the list ask yourself the following questions:

Why is this task important?
Why is this task MY responsibility (in other words, why are YOU doing this task)?
Where does this task fit within MY priorities?
What is the worst thing that would happen if the task does not get done?

For example, if one of the items on your task list is to clean the cat’s litter box, the importance of the task would depend on how important your cat is to your life.  If the cat is your daughter’s, you may be coming to the realization that your daughter might be the better candidate for the job, and that the cleanliness of the cat box isn’t a high priority task for you at all.  You’re realizing you assumed the position of litter box cleaner several years ago, when the cat was given to your daughter as a kitten.  She was too young to care for the cat at the time, but now is quite capable.  Passing on the honor to your daughter is sounding pretty good right now, however the little voice inside argues that it’s easier for you to clean the litter box and takes less time and effort than the nagging that would be required to get your daughter to do it.

Well, that may be the case initially, however it’s now clear that you’re doing the task out of obligation, denying your daughter this important lesson in responsibility, and feeling very under-appreciated in the process; clearly not a recipe for happiness or empowerment for either of you.

While the above example may seem trivial, believe me, we’ve heard sillier reasons why there’s no time to work toward an important dream or goal.  And since when is cleaning the litter box more important than your life purpose?

It’s time to challenge your obligations and priorities.  While we’re not advocating that you dump all the dirty and menial chores on the spouse and kids, we are challenging you to question where and what gets your time and attention.  What you may discover is that you’ve been giving top status to things that are unimportant and not your priority at all.  Delegate, dump, divide or work out some deal, so  you can have time for what’s really important to you.

The Soul Sisters

Soulspiration of the Week:
“A simple life is not seeing how little we can get by with—that’s poverty—but how efficiently we can put first things first. . . . When you’re clear about your purpose and your priorities, you can painlessly discard whatever does not support these, whether it’s clutter in your cabinets or commitments on your calendar.” ~Victoria Moran

The Effects of Fear Can Be Scary

Fear can be complicated and range from worry to phobia and all points in between.  We all have times in our lives when we are gripped by fear.  It's natural and thanks to fear and "fight or flight" the reason we're still surviving on the plant.  But there are times when fear creeps into our everyday life like a goblin, trapping us in negative thinking and self-talk, and paralyzing us from taking the steps towards a better life.

That's when it's time to regain your personal power and the 5 tips below can show you how!

1. Fear is a talented trickster.  Our fears trick us into believing they are based on fact, when in actuality most of our fear lives in the future.  Usually fear is about something that "might" happen, not something that we definitely-know-for-sure will.  Maintain a focus on the present and when fear sets in ask yourself, "Is there anything for me to be afraid of at this very moment in time?"  The answer will surprise and relieve you!

2. Fear is just an emotion and just like any emotion, it can control us if we give it the power.  Irrational fear is an overblown imagination of what might happen in the future.  When you are afraid that your plane will crash, it is just an emotion not the crash itself that frightens you.  Recognizing this will render your fear powerless.

3. Fear is always about loss; loss of life, loss of wealth, loss of security, loss of comfort, etc.  The fear of loss is directly proportionate to the intensity of the attachment you have.  Dissect your fear or worry down to what you fear will be lost and ask yourself, "If this fear came true, what is the worst thing that can happen?"  Often you will find that your worst case scenario is a long shot and your fear can be easily overcome with the right plan of action and safeguards.

4. Fear is present only when there is a desire.  Fear arises only when there is conflict between what we want and what "might" happen.  We build up expectations around life and come up with a concrete picture of how our lives "should" turn out.  This inflexibility forms a strong foundation for fear.  If we are open to new possibilities and a new vision of safety, comfort and success, we can be courageous.  When we flow with life, fears dissolve.  When you find yourself wracked with fear, ask yourself, "Why should I resist this?"  You may find the strength to let go and flow.

5. Beliefs about fear can be transformed.  The scariest thing about fear is the effect it has on our lives.  For many, it is fear that stands between us, and the best that life has to offer.  It is possible however, to change how we look at fear.  Instead of a barrier standing in our way, what if we chose to look at fear differently and really challenge our deepest beliefs about fear?  Instead of thinking of fear as bad, consider the benefits we experience because of it.  For example, fears like reaching into a burning fire, walking across thin ice, or driving under the influence are valid; these warnings should be heeded.  However, most of our fears are based on worst-case scenarios that we fabricate in our head.  Choose to adopt new and empowering beliefs about fear and you will find it easier to overcome them.

The Soul Sisters

Soulspiration of the Week:Many of our fears are tissue-paper-thin, and a single courageous step would carry us clear through them.  ~Brendan Francis

16 Empowered Beliefs to Conquer Your Fears

Here we are, into October; the time of the harvest, leaf season, and Halloween.  Perhaps you've been busy planning your party costume, or at the very least preparing for the ghouls and goblins soon to be knocking on your door for a trick-or-treat.

Well we've got a trick-or-treat of our own this month.  Since October is the month of all that is scary, we couldn't think of a better theme for the month than "fear".  When it comes to obstacles, fear is the most common one to be overcome when pursuing a passion, dream, or goal.  That makes facing our fears and overcoming them an important skill to learn.

Between this blog and our Living Empowered blog on Area Voices, we'll be offering our insights on fear over the coming few weeks.

First up, we've got a "treat" for you...

What if we challenged our beliefs about fear and looked at this natural emotion differently?  What would happen if we thought of fear as merely another obstacle that must be overcome?  Just as with obstacles like time and money, we must challenge our limiting beliefs about fear and adopt new and empowered ways of thinking.  This important shift will take you from fearful to powerful!

Yes, an important part of conquering our fear is shifting our beliefs, and we are offering a colorful and fun reminder of the empowering beliefs you can choose to adopt when faced by fear in your life.  To get your copy of "From Fearful to Powerful: 16 Empowered Beliefs to Conquer Your Fears", become a follower of Soulspring Empowerment Groups for Women on Facebook and visit our "Empowerment & Fun" tab (below our page's profile image).  There you can print a copy as our gift to you.  Reference it each time you find yourself living a fear-based life instead of a fear-less one!

The Soul Sisters

Soulspiration of the Week:
"Fear is the cheapest room in the house.  I would like to see you living in better conditions."  ~Hāfez

Don't Wait Until Tomorrow...

Certainly you've heard the saying, "Never put off till tomorrow, what you can do today." Wise words by Thomas Jefferson and very true.  We never know what the future will hold or how much time we really have.  Yet many of us are doing exactly that...putting off important interactions, apologies, and actions of personal empowerment, choosing to instead procrastinate, or worse, put the agendas of others before our own important work.

We questioned our Facebook community and asked them what important work they thought should never wait until tomorrow and together we came up with quite a list.  Their answers, along with our own, inspired a month-long Twitter series, which began each day with, "Don't wait until tomorrow to..."

Below is a recap of this powerful series, along with some important links to some helpful resources!  

...take one risk. Do one great thing and the universe showers you with rewards!

...call your best friend.  Go ahead, we'll wait...give them a jingle!

...tell your hubby that you love him.  PDA (public displays of affection) to a minimum please.

...take that picture.  It's digital now...snap away!

...hug your kids.  PDA away!

...put yourself at the top of your priority list.  You deserve it!

...put lotion on your heels.  They're only going to get worse!

...start eating healthier.  Baby steps are key…so why not take one today?

...get to work on your dreams.  You’re not getting any younger.

...say thank you to your parents. I’m sure they more than deserve it.

...put some money away for your future...you’ll be happy to have the financial buffer in an emergency.

...recycle...if feels great to leave a cleaner environmental footprint.

...make peace with your body. Regardless of what the future holds, love yourself today for who you are.

...use your super powers. Don’t save them for something big and challenging, let them help you today!

...get in touch with what you’re really feeling...beneath the busyness, emotional eating, etc., what’s really going on?

...quit that bad habit and don’t look back. It’s never too late to be a better you.

...clean that cluttered closet. Donate your “stuff” to charity and open yourself up to abundance in other areas of life.

...ask for what you want. Come on, you’re just as deserving and worthy as the next person!

...take a day off...just once...from everything! Don’t plan or make a list, just do whatever you wish as the mood strikes.

...put yourself first, even if it’s just for an hour. It’s not selfish; it’s self-care and it’s about getting your priorities straight.

...give yourself some quiet time and ask yourself what you're afraid of.  Take on action step toward your fear.  Face your fear with these gems.

...give yourself flowers. Whatever is in stock at the florist shop is fine; it’s all about acknowledging how special you are.

...create a plan to pay down your debt. Living within your means is empowering!

...dust off those long lost goals and fulfill your purpose! A Soulspring Group can help!

...take one risk. Do one great thing and watch the universe shower you with rewards!

...have dessert first. Being frivolous and silly will make your day!

...give someone a compliment. Not only will they feel great, but you will too!

...recognize happiness. Gratitude makes for happier people, not the other way around.

...say, “I’m sorry.”

...ask for help if you’re in need. We were put on this Earth with others for a reason.

...do something you’ve always wanted to do.

While this is quite an extensive list, we may have forgotten something!  If you've found an important item has been missed, please comment below with your additions:  "Don't wait until tomorrow to..._______________."

It looks like we've got some important work ahead of us; we better get busy! 

The Soul Sisters

Soulspiration of the Week:

"Warning! Dates in calendar are closer than they appear." ~Anonymous

Be Your Own Columbus: Your Greatest Discovery Awaits

In the U.S., the second Monday in October is the observance of Columbus Day.  Back in 1492 Columbus planned to sail to Asia from Europe by going west.  It was by accident that he stumbled upon America.  Imagine setting out for one goal, only to stumble across another.  Makes one wonder, how many opportunities are waiting for you, waiting to be discovered, even if only by accident? 

Let's face it, no matter how great things are in our lives, there are still some aspects we would like to change.  A strengthened relationship, a more rewarding career, increased health, or the achievement of a passion or goal, are just a few examples we hear time and again.  Yet setting out on a journey of self-discovery can be a scary thing.  It's natural to let ourselves be content with the way things are.  We get comfortable, and avoid making a change for fear that the end result might be worse than our current reality.

However, by avoiding the exploration of new and unchartered territory in our lives, we limit ourselves in achieving and experiencing our life's fullest potential.  We are robbing ourselves of the opportunities intended for us, and in turn changing the person we were created and meant to be in the process.

This week embark on a journey of exploration and set out on an adventure to a new world of you!  It all starts with a map (how else would we know where we're headed?) and all successful people have a definite purpose in life that serves as a guide.  They know what that purpose is, they have it defined, written down, and committed to memory...in the form of a Mission Statement.

Your personal mission statement should define what's important to you (your goals, values and priorities), specify how you intend to make your vision a reality (your endeavors), and embody what needs you serve by doing so (your purpose).  A great personal mission statement is one that inspires you, motivates you, and offers you the opportunity for continued happiness and fulfillment.

While writing a mission statement that truly resonates with you may take some time and commitment, at its core developing yours consists of asking yourself just one question: Why do you feel you were put on this earth? 

Document your thoughts on this question in a journal and be as specific as you can in your answer.  This single discovery is the foundation for all future mission statement work.  Digging deep into your true self and discovering the secrets to who you are and who you are meant to be, may just be the greatest discovery of your life.

The Soul Sisters

Soulspiration of the Week:The greatest explorer on this earth never takes voyages as long as those of the man who descends to the depth of his heart.  ~Julien Green

Why Super Heroes Don't have Snarls

While combing my 6-year-old daughter’s hair the other night, she irritably asked why she had so many snarls in her hair.  Obviously the detangler wasn’t working.  I explained that it’s just the price she’ll have to pay if she wants long hair.  After a moment of thought she said, “Well how come Wonder Woman doesn’t have snarls?”

Wonder Woman doesn’t have snarls?  This was complete news to me.  Why wouldn’t she have snarls from time to time?  Don’t we all?

So I had to ask, “Why doesn’t Wonder Woman have snarls?” 

“Because she would use her super powers against them,” my youngster replied quickly.

This isn’t the first time my daughter has taken my long-standing limiting beliefs, and presented them to me in a new and fresh way.  It’s one of the things I love most about her and is a little like a refreshing slap in the face.

After some thought I realized she was right; it would make complete sense that Wonder Woman would use her super powers in every way possible; from the biggest of rescue missions to the littlest of knotted hair. 

(Do you feel an analogy coming on here?  Of course you do!)

We all have our own unique set of super powers, but how often do we really use them?  Do you tend to keep them secret, saving them for something truly worthwhile?  Or maybe for you it’s the opposite; when you see a BIG opportunity to show off your stuff, you freak out and sink out of sight?

Your super powers are unique and special to you; a gift for you to use.  They won’t run out or deplete with regular use, in fact it’s just the opposite.  The more you use your unique set of strengths and talents, the stronger these super power gifts become!  What a waste to not use them frequently and to their full potential!

Becky,
Sister of Soul

Soulspiration of the Week:
“Hide not your talents, they for use were made. What's a sundial in the shade?” ~Benjamin Franklin

A Tribute to Friendship

What would we do without our friends?  Strong and healthy friendships are extremely important to our well-being and empowerment.  Women especially rely on close personal friendships for support, encouragement, inspiration and feedback.

This month via Twitter, Soulspring Groups has been offering a daily tribute to the important roles friends play in our lives.  You’ve all heard the saying, “Friends don’t let friends drive drunk.”  Very wise advice certainly, however there were many more “don’ts” to add to the list, and with the help of the Soulspring Groups community on Facebook, we created this list...

1. Put themselves down.
2. Play it safe.
3. Think negative thoughts.
4. Let fear hold them back.
5. Lose faith.
6. Work too hard.
7. Miss an opportunity.
8. Get lonely.
9. Live in the past.
10. Ignore their passion.
11. Forfeit vacation time.
12. Sing karaoke solo.
13. Say never.
14. Feel sorry for themselves.
15. Give up.
16. Cower in the face of challenge.
17. Stop learning.
18. Underestimate their own potential.
19. Take "no" for an answer.
20. Waste energy on worry.
21. Take things personally.
22. Over analyze.
23. Forget your birthday!
24. Chicken out.
25. Put a limit on happiness.
26. Have regrets.
27. Want for love.
28. Forget who they are.
29. Miss out on a good sale.
30. Ruin a fresh manicure.
31. Walk around with food in their teeth.
32. Lie to themselves.

What an amazing list, and we’re sure there are many more!  Tell us...how would you complete the statement, “Friends don’t let friends _______________.”  Share your ideas in the comment area below as a way to pay tribute to your pals and share this post so your friends can do same!

The Soul Sisters

Soulspiration of the Week:“Friendship isn't a big thing - it's a million little things.”  ~Author Unknown

From Fearful to Powerful: 16 Quotations to Conquer Your Fear

There’s no denying there is power in words.  That’s why at Soulspring Groups we believe an inspiring quote has the ability to empower, encourage, and uplift, even when all else has failed.  If you’ve ever been held back by fear, and who among us hasn’t, you’ll want to keep these 16 quotations close at hand.

The next time you’re tempted to let fear get the best of you, let an opportunity pass you by, give up a passion because of the “what if’s”, read these wise words from those who looked fear in the face and did it anyway.  Consider each your Soulspiration of the Week...

“You block your dream when you allow your fear to grow bigger than your faith.”  ~Mary Manin Morrissey

“Fear is a darkroom where negatives develop.”  ~Usman B. Asif

“Panic at the thought of doing a thing is a challenge to do it.”  ~Henry S. Haskins

“Many of our fears are tissue-paper-thin, and a single courageous step would carry us clear through them.”  ~Brendan Francis

“Fear has a large shadow, but he himself is small.”  ~Ruth Gendler

“Fear:  False Evidence Appearing Real.”  ~Author Unknown

“Anything I've ever done that ultimately was worthwhile... initially scared me to death.”  ~Betty Bender

“I have accepted fear as a part of life - specifically the fear of change.... I have gone ahead despite the pounding in the heart that says:  turn back.”  ~Erica Jong

“Fear is the cheapest room in the house.  I would like to see you living in better conditions.”  ~Hāfez

“Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in the doing.”

“He who is not every day conquering some fear, has not learned the secret of life.”  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

“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.”  ~Marianne Williamson

“The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.”  ~Joseph Campbell

“You are frightened of everything. You call it caution. You call it common sense. You call it practicality. You call it playing the odds, but that's only because you're afraid to call it by its real name, and its real name is fear.”  ~Mick Farren

“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by each experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’ You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”  ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

“You can conquer almost any fear if you will only make up your mind to do so. For remember, fear doesn't exist anywhere except in the mind.”  ~Dale Carnegie

Do you have a favorite piece of wisdom that's inspired you in times of fear?  Please share it in the comment area below and help us grow our Fearful to Powerful collection!

The Soul Sisters

Lessons from 9/11

The commemoration of 10 years since the 9/11 attacks on our country has sparked many comments, thoughts and emotions.  Each media outlet has scheduled a tribute.  “Where were you on 9/11,” is a popular topic of conversation.  Certainly your own community recognized the date with a remembrance as well. 

We’ve seen mixed sentiments about the anniversary; everything from “we must never forget” to “it’s time to move on”.  Without a doubt, the decision of “how” or “if” to recognize this tragic date is a personal one. 

For us, it didn’t seem right to let the day pass without some form of acknowledgement.  While we weren’t directly affected by the tragic events, our lives were drastically changed, nonetheless.  What was essentially meant to be a political attack became, for every American, a personal one.

Now 10 years later, we look at where we’ve come since that tragic day.  The disbelief, horror, fear, anger, frustration, have gradually given way to something deeper.  What came out of the 9/11 tragedy for you?  Below are 4 lessons that have emerged for us...

Appreciation: One of the most important lessons learned since that infamous day is the importance of appreciation; to learn to appreciate the little, everyday things around us.  The hugs from our spouse, laughs from our children, casual interactions with friends; all could be snatched away in an instant.   The present moment is a gift to be cherished.

Kindness: Who can forget the news reports showing strangers helping strangers?  While most of us will never be called to carry a wounded person down fifty flights in a dark stairwell, in the shadow of 9/11 there are many more small and random acts of kindness taking place.  Some even chose to commemorate the 9/11 anniversary with random acts of kindness campaigns.  What a fitting tribute.

Passion: Whether to honor the dreams or desires of the ones who were lost, or the rekindled hopes of those that survived, many a passion was ignited in the aftermath of 9/11.  We were inspired by the stories of families who started charities in the name of loved ones, and those who upon realizing how precious and short life is, took a leap of faith and ran after their dreams and goals.  Certainly, countless people across the world were helped as a result.

Courage: Surely we’ve all imagined ourselves in the shoes of the victims of 9/11.  Held hostage in an aircraft destined to become a flying weapon, trapped in the uppermost floors of a burning building with no hope of escape.  How would we react?  What would we do?  In those final moments, there were phone messages to loved ones, giving many priceless mementos that will surely be cherished forever.  There were last ditch efforts to thwart the plot, ultimately saving countless lives.  There were selfless acts of heroism, forcing many to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Yes, there’s much to remember on this 10 year anniversary.  What lessons did you learn since the tragic events of September 11, 2001?  Please share them in a comment below.

The Soul Sisters

Soulspiration of the Week:“Courage, in the final analysis, is nothing but an affirmative answer to the shocks of existence.”  ~Kurt Goldstein

Women's Empowerment Tip: Soul-Searching Questions for Abundance

The long warm days of summer are coming to an end and suddenly there is a chill in the air.  Fall is certainly upon us and we love what this time of year brings with it.  Cool days meant for cozy sweatshirts and sweaters, warm hearty eats, and bulging baskets of fresh garden produce. 

Abundance...it’s all around us.

Abundance is the belief that we have enough and will continue to have enough.  As economic and political news is intently focused on scarcity, lack, and that which is in short supply, a focus on abundance is especially important right now.  And since we’re in the heart of the harvest season, we couldn't think of a better time to reflect on the fullness of our lives. 

Yes, we all want more time, more money, more stuff.  Yet, if we only open our eyes, and look at our lives differently, we see how blessed we truly are; our lives are overflowing for sure!

So often when we think of abundance and prosperity, our thoughts turn to money and financial wealth.  While money is an important aspect of life, and an abundance of the green stuff is a definite blessing, we can experience abundance in other areas of our lives, too.  Energy, love, joy, solitude, freedom, and space, are just a few areas you might enjoy in greater quantities. 

Where would you like to experience greater richness?  How can you get focused in on the abunance currently present for you?

We’re big believers in the benefits of journaling and personal contemplation, and when combined with our Soul-Searching Questions, the process can reveal the abundance and prosperity currently in your life, as well as areas where you wish to attract more.  So grab your journal (or a notebook) and spend some quite time documenting your thoughts around these gems.

Soul-Searching Questions about Abundance:

• Where in my life do I see and feel the most abundant right now?
• Where in my life would I like to experience more abundance right now?
• What is one thing I know I must do to attract and experience more abundance in my life?
• What thoughts, behaviors and attitudes are keeping me from a more abundant life?

The Soul Sisters

Soulspiration of the Week:
“I keep the telephone of my mind open to peace, harmony, health, love and abundance. Then whenever doubt, anxiety, or fear try to call me, they keep getting a busy signal and soon they’ll forget my number.”  ~Edith Armstrong