Kamis, 30 November 2017

What Are Your Expectations From Men? - Inspiring Insights For Your Soul and Spirit!

Society and the media often portray a misleading concept that men are intuitively able to meet the needs of women based on idealistic expectations. This false premise has resulted in many disappointed women and many frustrated men.

Most people in relationships have some level of expectation. For example, a wife may expect her husband to nurture and protect her, giving her a sense of security. A husband may expect his wife to be supportive, sexy and a good cook. Usually, however, both fall way short of achieving what the other one expects, which can result in disillusionment and irritation.

A young woman recently broke up with her boyfriend because he was verbally abusive to her, disrespecting her and putting her down. Although she cared about him deeply, she realized he was not going to be what she expected--a loving, considerate and caring man. Because of his own insecurities, coupled with low self-esteem and a history of abuse, he could not meet her expectations. She realized that she deserved better and decided to accept the reality that he was not the individual she wanted in her life.

One reason for the disappointment experienced in relationships is that every man and woman is first an individual and not the "role" assigned to them. Every person is different and comes into the relationship with his or her own personality style, flaws and challenges. When people fail to recognize that fact and place expectations on someone based on what THEY feel, think or need, it will inevitably lead to frustration.

A more effective approach to having your expectations met in a relationship is to understand the individual first. Learn more about the man himself--his history, family and background. If he has not had the nurturing, teaching or experience in what you want him to give to you, he most likely will not be able to give you what you expect from him.

Knowing this may help you better understand what role he can or cannot fulfill before you invest more time and energy into the relationship. It is also important to know what you really want and need from this person, which can help you keep from wasting his time as well.

© 2006 Heart Tones

Gloria Thomas Anderson, MSW
Columnist of: Inspiring Insights For Your Soul and Spirit!
www.hearttones.com

Gloria Thomas Anderson, MSW, is a motivational speaker and writer, a diversity trainer, and a professional social worker who inspires others to harness the power within themselves to create positive change in their lives. Gloria has shared her wisdom and insight on real life issues--Purpose, Relationships, and Spirituality--with hundreds of organizations and groups, including the Fellowship of Professional Women, The Executive Women in Government, Women that Soar, Women's Aglow, and Training For Excellence, Inc.

Her publication, "What Y'all Gon' Do With Me?-The African-American Spiritual and Ethical Guide to End of Life Care" was recently presented at the International First North American Spirituality and Social Work Conference, in Waterloo, Canada and published in "The Society for Spirituality and Social Work Forum". She has also received several awards and grants toward her research. Gloria is the author of the popular self-help book, Passion For Your Purpose--Discovering Peace, Direction and Balance In Your Life and columnist of Inspiring Insights For Your Soul and Spirit



Rabu, 15 November 2017

Women Take the Reins Over Finances and Education

People claim our world is dominated by men, but is this really true? The role of women is progressing rapidly in many important areas, including financial independence and scholastic achievement. We need look no further than a few recently published studies to see evidence of female domination in these key arenas. According to a report by the American Council on Education, women comprise about 57% of enrollees at American Colleges. The New York Times cites this research in an article entitled "The New Math on Campus," and gives three explanations:

* Women have a lower drop out rate
* Women tend to achieve higher grades
* A majority of minority and low-income students are women

Experts in the field are beginning to notice the financial savvy of women. 95% of women claim that they are making or influencing the important financial decisions in the homes, according to "Financial Experience & Behaviors Among Women," a survey of 1250 female Americans conducted by that giant of life insurance and asset management Prudential Financial.

Furthermore, this past week saw the publication of Wells Fargo's "6th Annual Retirement Fitness Survey," which pointed to the fact that while women about worried about the security of the retirement, they are still motivated to act to improve the situation. Nevertheless, more than half of of the participants are confident they will have saved enough to "live the life they want" in retirement. The explosion of the Internet has contributed to this phenomenon as well. Websites like The Women's Institute for Financial Education (WIFE.org) are dedicated to helping women pursue their financial independence through education. Inspired by feminist legend Gloria Steinem's well known phrase "Every Woman Need a Wife,' this site includes features like "It's never too early to start planning for your retirement."

Other sites use humor to to put across important information, including "Girls Just Wanna Have Funds" (inspired by Cindy Lauper's well known ode to feminine fun), catering to "women who value budgeting, investing and frugality." Founded by the psychotherapist Susan Gernhart, this entertaining yet informative site publishes articles including "Women And Life Insurance: 4 Reasons Why We Need To Be Prepared For The Inevitable." This sobering piece reminds us of the importance of taking the initiative and ensuring that our spouses purchase life insurance, all in a flowing and easy to read style.

Indeed, life is short, but we live in exciting times. The exponential rise of women's power in the 21st century should give us enormous pride. As Ms. Gernhart says: "we're armed with a positive net worth and not afraid to flaunt it while breaking financial ceilings one stiletto at a time." You GO girl!



Sabtu, 28 Oktober 2017

Five Ways Women Motorcyclists Are Connecting Girls, Inspiring Futures

International Women's Day has been observed since in the early 1900's - about the same time women started riding motorcycles - Coincidence? I think not.

Now celebrated around the world each year on March 8th, events are held throughout the month to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women. Organizations customize the theme to reflect local gender issues.

With a well-entrenched history of standing against the status quo, women riders of today have much to offer as role models and change agents.

Here are five reasons that women riders are in a perfect position to support this year's theme of "Connecting girls, Inspiring Futures."

They speak from experience. Women riders have taken a stand and followed their heart. They've stood for what was true for them, rather than what others wanted them to believe or how they wanted them to behave. In many cases, they've had to had to:

    Defy stereotypes.
    Overcome the opinions of others.
    Go against cultural expectations.
    Making our voice heard in a predominantly man's world.
    Standing in our truth. Standing for what we believe in, not what others want us to believe.
    Accommodate physical requirements.
    Address safety concerns

They know what it's like to step outside their comfort zone, face the challenges and reap the rewards. They've experienced:

    Adventure.
    Independence.
    Freedom.
    Self-confidence, and most deeply.
    Connection with spirit.

They've learned we were capable of far more than we ever dreamt possible. Aside from obvious physical, cognitive, emotional or financial constraints, they've come to understand the only things that have held them back, or caused irrational fear, are the thoughts and ideas that are planted in their heads. Easy as it sounds, these are powerful determinants of behaviour. Learning to recognize them is the first step in overcoming them.

They're discovered a whole new community and sense of self. Who knew such a community existed? There is something very special about the connection between riders - men and women. And that attraction extends beyond the motorcycling. When was the last time you got out of your car and someone came over to speak with you? Yet get off your motorcycle and people are drawn to you like magnets.

Like the hero, who has followed his heart and gone on a quest, they've found the treasure. It was in them all along. The Road to Empowerment has led them right back to their Self.

With something this precious, we must share it. Although motorcycling is a supreme gift and riding brings unique rewards, not everyone has a motorcyle on their path. Inspiring others means modeling standing in our truth; being authentic - whatever that is. That's how we initiate change.

How are you sharing the treasure?

Liz Jansen

Liz Jansen, Ontario, Canada, is an author,entrepreneur, adventurer -- and rider extraordinaire.

She creates motorcycle experiences that instill a sense of adventure, freedom and community while traveling the transformative road to personal and professional leadership. Liz has worked with individuals, corporate clients, manufacturers, retailers and provincial and regional tourism associations. She is also a certified motorcycle instructor.


Sabtu, 14 Oktober 2017

Women Entrepreneurs - Doing Business in a Feminine Way

Supporting entrepreneurial women is my passion. With that in mind I wrote this article for female/women entrepreneurs only, so I could focus and celebrate the feminine way of doing business. I'm eager to share with you communities that support doing business in a feminine way.

This is an important subject since women are starting businesses at nearly 3 times the rate of men. Currently there are 11million women owned businesses in the US. What's motivating women to start their own businesses? According to a survey by Ladies Who Launch, women launch a new business for the following reasons:

To have more FREEDOM and CONTROL over their schedules and LIVES.
To pursue their PASSION and DREAMS.
To create REVENUE and MAKE MONEY doing what they love.

The specific motives are unique to every woman yet they reflect a pattern. Women want their business to fit in with the rest of their priorities and values in life.

The Feminine Approach to Launching a Business

Women generally rely on a more intuitive approach to starting their businesses. In order to get started, women need to feel the creative juices flowing and then have the freedom to act on their ideas. Ladies Who Launch is the first online and in-person platform to recognize and cater their program (for female/women entrepreneurs only) to the uniquely feminine approach to launching.

The feminine approach is celebrated through the Ladies Who Launch Incubator program, where you can get through the first stage of launching and find the resources you need to continue growing. As an Incubator leader in my local area, I've watched that the participants' businesses truly expand and grow more quickly when they are connected to other women in their area. Click here (insert link) to learn more about Incubator programs in your area.

The Feminine Approach to Running a Business

Women tend to be collaborators and prefer not to go it alone. This can be a tremendous advantage because they're always on the lookout for help to get their business off the ground more quickly. Most women don't have a problem admitting that they're not sure how to proceed and will ask for direction. Their businesses benefit as a result.

At whatever stage their business is at, entrepreneurial women are always looking for:

Inspiration - Women are inspired when they see and learn from other women who have great ideas, a broader, more creative perspective and who are already achieving the kind of lifestyle they visualize for themselves. Learning from other successful entrepreneurs gives women a sense of who's doing what in business and if she can do it, I can do it!

Resources - Women want training and coaching from business experts on the latest business strategies. They also want advice on how to create balance and a high-quality personal life.

Community - Women crave a like-minded community of women for a daily dose of wisdom, support and guidance.
Women need a venue to get the inspiration, resources and sense of community they crave. A few years ago I began hosting a monthly "Great Women's Gathering" in my home. These few joyful hours of unstructured sharing are tremendously valuable for everyone in attendance. It gives us a chance to connect, gather together and learn from one another in a completely supportive environment. Consider starting your own group as a way to reach out to women in your community.

I wholeheartedly believe there's plenty of room for every woman to shine in all that she does-and this quality of abundance is a very important way to celebrate the feminine way of doing business.


Minggu, 24 September 2017

How Women's History Can Benefit Girls, Boys, and You!

The short answers are:

For girls, it's about self-esteem and convincing them that, Yes they can.

For boys, it's about learning to respect women and girls.

These are two incredibly important and central issues facing young people today, and the future of our society, frankly.

Women's history can play a role depending on how it's presented. As dull and boring? No way. As inspiring, fascinating, fun, and filled with courageous role models, ideas, and solutions? Absolutely!

But herein lies the problem. Women's history is not being taught to students under college age, and even then it's elective. If young people do hear dribs and drabs about Abigail Adams, why should they care? She's been dead for 200 years.

I've been interviewing young women, their teachers and parents, for the book I'm working on and what I've been hearing breaks my heart.

No knowledge of women's history and no interest, combined with very serious self-esteem issues for girls around having babies too young, getting involved with the wrong boys, not seeing a future for themselves, not knowing or believing in their talents.

Yes, yes, I know there are exceptions, thank God, and there are some wonderful parents and teachers out there, but I keep hearing this across the economic spectrum.

And here's where you, your business, or organization can play a leadership role. It will come back to you.

• Find the talented women's history folks in your community and sponsor a talk where you know young people will show up - a Saturday afternoon talk at your public library, girl scouts or boy scouts (yes, just don't tell them what it is), an after school program, a special walking tour, a kids-only tour through a woman's home - find out what would be fun and interesting in your community, and an engaging person to do it.

• Sponsor a school project. In Boston, for the Boston Women's Heritage Trail, 5th graders created mini walking trails in their school's neighborhood. They researched deceased women, and interviewed "live" ones. Boys and girls really "got it." Students could also research and create displays, write a play, shoot a video, conduct oral histories - there's no shortage of ideas out there.

• If an organization in your community is already trying to "do something" with women's history that you know will have an impact, offer your support. Money is always welcome, but so is your endorsement and your proud affiliation as you let your customers, clients, and members know what you are doing and why.

In fact, all of these ideas mean terrific press opportunities for you and special events as projects get underway and are completed. Publicity and events around this work lead to good will, customers, and long memories.

Please also make a point of meeting the students involved. Tell them you are proud of them. Take an interest. Find a way to display what they did at your place of business or organization.

For some of these young people, especially girls, they don't hear "Well done!" enough in their lives. You would be surprised how little encouragement it takes from just one adult to make a difference in their lives.

A quick story...

I recently gave a talk about women during the Civil War for the Framingham (Massachusetts) Public Library. Afterward, a very shy girl, about 12, and her mother, approached me. Her mother asked if I would please give my talk at her daughter's school because "these girls never hear this information and they would be so inspired." Her daughter, who kind of hid behind her mother, said nothing, but she just kept nodding and I could see she had really gotten something out of what I had said. I have no idea what, but something. I wish I could have spoken with her privately.

Good for the Framingham Public Library for hosting this Saturday morning talk because where else would this young girl have heard it? Will she think about what I said? Probably. Will her mother find ways for her to go further? No doubt.

So...you never know, and wouldn't you feel proud if you knew that you, your organization or business, had made a profound difference in the self-esteem of a young girl as she stood on the threshold of deciding whether or not she was worth anything.

I think so!

Bonnie Hurd Smith, the President and CEO of History Smiths, believes in using "history" for passion, purpose, and profit -- for businesses, organizations, and individuals. The results? Attention, customers, loyalty, a high status reputation, and the knowledge that you are connected to something that matters.

Rabu, 13 September 2017

Are You a Leader? Top 5 Characteristics of Women in Leadership

    "If women would realize what an influence they have, they would be filled with pride. If men recognized how influential women are, they would be scared to death."Katherine J. Kehler

What do successful women business leaders have in common? Do their leadership qualities differ? An understanding of the primary characteristics of women help in defining their character and persona as leaders. The likeness in women such as emotions, intellect and logical thinking, nurturing capability and the idea of shared leadership are among the many qualities that define women in leadership roles today.

According to Laura Henderson and Sharon Hadary, authors of "How Women Lead: 8 Essential Strategies Successful Women Know", qualities women commonly share can be the pathway to leadership. Every woman should believe in herself and her instincts, dream big dreams, and have the knowledge and tools to make her dreams a reality. In addition, women leaders with multi-million dollar businesses combine their unique feminine leadership with sound business acumen to achieve their highest aspirations.

Successful women business leaders know how to make the puzzle pieces of life fit together. So, what traits are common among them? There are five characteristics for creating lasting success:

Defines Success on Their Own Terms

Women in leadership are not bound by the rules of the game. They are more likely to take risks and break the rules in business and life. They understand that true success begins with knowing who you are; what your strengths are and what you really want out of life!

    "Success is not about being impressive; it's about being inspired. It's about leading a rich life, no matter how much money you have". First Lady Michelle Obama

Invest in Their Personal & Professional Growth

Women in leadership are always in an evolving state. They understand that personal and professional growth is a crucial part of life and it's what lead to improvement, achievement and of course... success! They continuously strive for perfection; balancing their mind, body and spirit; while juggling their household chores and family obligations; and professional commitments. In addition, they seek partnerships and collaboration with like-minded and professionally-viable people.

Recognize Their Strength

The concept of realizing one's potential is important for any individual to excel in their respective field of interest. A successful woman focuses on this aspect in-and-out. There have been studies that reflect that a female entrepreneur who succeeds in her business ventures is the one who understands her strengths and works on them to create a niche market for her business. The inward journey and self-realization is important to establish and own a business that reaps rich dividends for you.

Face Difficult Challenges Head On

Challenges come in all shapes and sizes. Being faced with challenges in business or life is inevitable! The ability to deal with them is what defines a leader. A leader will react to difficult challenges with focus, resolve, and execution. Women in leadership embrace challenges knowing that greater fulfillment, success and growth is obtained when you can adapt to any situation.

Make a Positive Difference... Pay It Forward!

    "If you have much, give of your wealth; if you have little, give of your heart." Arab Proverb

Paying it Forward Pays Back is based on a single principle, if you do a good deed for someone, do it without personal gain. Women in leadership believe in the concept of 'Pay it Forward'. They have a tremendous desire to give back to others. It is an essential element of being an outstanding leader.

Natalie MacNeil, Media Producer & Consultant and award winning blogger practices what she preaches. She spends considerable amount of time volunteering with the not-for-profit that she co-founded as well as many other organizations. MacNeil says, "Success is being able to make a living doing what I love and inspiring others to do the same. I measure success in how many people I can reach and inspire".

In conclusion, with leadership comes responsibility. It is important to find a striking balance as well as continually improve upon your leadership skills. What do you think of these five characteristics? What does it take to be a great leader?