Take a Shortcut Through Your Problems

The process of self-discovery and the change that goes along with it can be a confusing journey. There are many stages and emotions throughout the process including blame, pain, avoidance, personal responsibility, blame and avoidance some more, awareness, and awakening.

I was recently introduced to the short poem below that so wonderfully simplified life’s journey. I don’t know about you, but I’ve walked down the same dangerous street myself a few too many times. Hopefully as time goes by I’ll get a little more “street-wise” and start taking that shortcut down another street through my problems.

Kim,
Sister of Soul

Soulspiration of the Week:

Autobiography in Five Short Chapters ~Portia Nelson

Chapter I:
I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk
I fall in.
I am lost ... I am helpless.
It isn't my fault.
It takes me forever to find a way out.

Chapter II:
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don't see it.
I fall in again.
I can't believe I am in the same place
but, it isn't my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.

Chapter III:
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in ... it's a habit.
my eyes are open
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.

Chapter IV
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.

Chapter V:
I walk down another street.

Calling all Wise Women

Yes, we mean you! From all the fabulous comments you post to our Facebook page, our interactions via Twitter, and our face-to-face interactions at Soulspring Meetings and events far and wide, it’s clear…

You have a lot to say about passion, empowerment, and life in general!

As a matter of fact, as we were reflecting on a particularly inspiring Dove’s Promise sentiment (you know, the ones inside the Dove’s chocolate candy wrappers), we commented on how many of your expressions rival them in terms of wise advice to empower us all.

And that’s when it hit us…A deliciously, wonderful, awesome idea for a one-of-a-kind empowerment project, and we want you to be a part of it!

We’re calling on each of you to submit your bits of wisdom, advice, inspiration, and deep thoughts. They don’t have to be long, 100 words or less would be ideal! Each submission will be immortalized in a professionally designed e-book, which will be made available for download free of charge to any woman who wants one. We envision a bright and colorful resource for encouragement, inspiration, strength, and empowerment, circling the globe via world-wide-web!

Of course you’ll receive credit for your submission, and we’ll include a link to your website’s URL if you’re interested in showcasing your woman-owned business, blog or charity too!

So what are you waiting for? Start spreading the word so your friends can contribute too. Then email your submission to SoulSisters@SoulspringGroups.com today!

We’ll be keeping you posted on the project with regular updates on how the book is coming along, as well as the latest news about the official e-book launch, so stay tuned!

We couldn’t be more excited about this project and the opportunity to share empowering woman’s wisdom with women everywhere, and we look forward to getting your bit of wisdom for the book soon!

Kim,
Sister of Soul

Soulspiration of the Week:
“The invariable mark of wisdom is to see the miraculous in the common.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Power of Believing

It’s been years, as I’m sure it has been for most of you, since I’ve watched the movie E.T. And to be honest I don’t remember much of the details of the film. I came across a quote from the movie earlier today that struck a chord with me though. At some point in the movie (I don’t even recall when) Elliot says to E.T., “I'll believe in you all my life.”

OK, so yes, I feel a little silly getting emotional over a line from an 80's movie but when I stop to think about this line deeper it occurs to me that this is exactly what each of us need. We all need someone to believe in us all their lives. As I think back through the years there are a handful of people who I will always remember for believing in me. They stand out the most because they believed for no reason at all. They didn’t have a vested interest in my success or failure but they still cheered me on every step of the way.

So what about the people in your life? Who around you could use these words of encouragement from you; your spouse, your children, a friend? Take some time today to drop an email or a card telling these loved ones that you believe in them and see what a difference it can make!

Becky,
Sister of Soul

Soul-spiration of the Week:
“Anyone who ever gave you confidence, you owe them a lot.” ~Truman Capote, Breakfast at Tiffany's, 1958, spoken by the character Holly Golightly