tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9489890236305520622024-03-13T11:38:13.595-04:00CHICKS ROCK!kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02428469769524564496noreply@blogger.comBlogger1111125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948989023630552062.post-26077003675270808052015-10-06T11:42:00.000-04:002015-10-06T11:42:32.466-04:00You Say You Want a Revolution<em><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;"></span><br /></em> <div class="post-header-line-1">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gMvVc_fbzPA/UxjANVbL_jI/AAAAAAAAAGU/kcyjFNg9_OM/s1600/KML2010R.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gMvVc_fbzPA/UxjANVbL_jI/AAAAAAAAAGU/kcyjFNg9_OM/s1600/KML2010R.jpg" width="147" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i>The following was originally posted on <span style="color: #72179d;"><a href="http://kristinaleonardi.com/2013/12/11/you-say-you-want-a-revolution-3/" target="_blank">December 11, 2013</a> </span>on <a href="http://kleonardi.wordpress.com/2011/09/06/an-apple-for-the-teacher/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #72179d;">Kristina's blog</span></a>. </i><br /><br /><i><b>CHICKS ROCK!</b> is happy to have Kristina back as a guest blogger this week.</i><i><a href="http://www.kristinaleonardi.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #72179d;"> Kristina Leonardi</span></a> is the founder of <a href="http://www.thewomensmosaic.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #72179d;">The Women’s Mosaic</span></a>. She is a coach and speaker in the areas of career development, work/life wellness and personal growth. </i><br /><br /><i>You can follow her <a href="http://www.twitter.com/clearlykristina" target="_blank"><span style="color: #72179d;">@clearlykristina</span></a> and like her <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PGGpersonalgrowthgab" target="_blank"><span style="color: #72179d;">Personal Growth Gab (PGG) page on Facebook</span></a> to get more thought-provoking, inspirational and motivational tidbits like this!</i></span></div>
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<a class="imgCaptionAnchor" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001oQrjvn2tOMLkej2SNfrqVmaXiRgEeLWkWLsAObPDm9o5fu8AlMXJk2diF9VDa275fEBFVs-OtKsqUo_PxfVLiD5WpZ5EUNryFiCdHrxTXB57HGlwfe9MVe6qLYBND4Nl" rel="nofollow"><img alt="grace lee boggs" border="0" height="113" hspace="0" src="https://mlsvc01-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/41161e47be/4d4ac85d-a786-40e1-9cfe-2d461d79a230.jpg" width="201" /></a></div>
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June 27, 1915 - October 5,
2015</div>
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<strong><em>One of the things I learned when I was negotiating was that
until I changed myself, I could not change others</em></strong> <em>.~ Nelson
Mandela </em></div>
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<strong><em>Revolution is the evolution of humans into a higher
humanity</em></strong> <em>. ~ Grace Lee Boggs<br /> </em> <em>
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Those of you who know me or have been reading <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001oQrjvn2tOMLkej2SNfrqVmaXiRgEeLWkWLsAObPDm9o5fu8AlMXJk2diF9VDa275fEBFVs-OtKvaIrt4K-q3ygRNtGJU-B8kmIeC57UPDrp-_1I_jtoxgp9Sx1ERq5x2uTE9w8kAvSBtPhea651eP-n_zIRDyQzwPpDqrxpUogb0b47radJ8YUzqjeEAWU6W" rel="nofollow" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">PGG</a> for a while are aware that my passion and mission in life
has always been to <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001oQrjvn2tOMLkej2SNfrqVmaXiRgEeLWkWLsAObPDm9o5fu8AlMXJk2diF9VDa275fEBFVs-OtKtr3KyoG1UxgxPlsx-lb0TN5UZLy15kJLWWkNuc2dJUgeBTFExTqhHSnF38bsvnBzy2X9gHhhEz20HnSPIuKdq76WHOEgUcncw=" rel="nofollow" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">contribute to world peace</a>, mostly through my work best
expressed in my mantra that<strong> personal transformation is the key to social
transformation.</strong></div>
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So it should come as no surprise that I profoundly relate to and revere the
lives of these two nonagenarians, Nelson Mandela who died last week at age 95,
and the 98-year-old activist and author <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001oQrjvn2tOMLkej2SNfrqVmaXiRgEeLWkWLsAObPDm9o5fu8AlMXJk2diF9VDa275fEBFVs-OtKsqUo_PxfVLiD5WpZ5EUNryFiCdHrxTXB57HGlwfe9MVe6qLYBND4Nl" rel="nofollow" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">Grace Lee Boggs. </a>They literally embody this philosophy in
every cell of their beings; they have demonstrated it externally with their
activism and sacrifice for racial equality and social justice, and
internally<strong> by the wisdom they have gained and generously share from
nearly a century of experience, observation, and, most importantly,
reflection.<br /> </strong></div>
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Both started out as 'radicals', and were branded as terrorists with the
requisite FBI/CIA files (Mandela was even on the US terrorism watch list until
2008!) because they initially saw the only way to overthrow the entrenched power
structure was by employing the more literal and sometimes violent tactics of
revolution through organized movements and a spirit of rebellion. But through
trial and error, incarceration, and maturity, they eventually evolved;
<strong>they gave themselves permission to change their minds, learn and grow in
light of new information, experimentation and once again, reflectio</strong>n -
ultimately coming to the conclusion that in order to change the world, they
would have to change themselves.</div>
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They came to understand that indeed <strong>humanity is made up of
humans</strong> and that humans were going to have to deal with other humans in
order to get anything done. So we'd better be the best we can be as individuals
and try to get along and get past our differences and disagreements, because the
reality is that <strong>we must co-exist harmoniously - whether in a racially
divided African country, a rundown bankrupt American city, or in your very own
household</strong>.</div>
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<br />We are living in extraordinary times, and <strong>it is no accident
that you are who you are at this moment in history.</strong></div>
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<strong>What does your humanity mean to you? </strong> As our world
continues to go through turbulent changes and upheavals, it will be up to us
individually and collectively to do our part to 'tear down' where necessary and
rebuild a more enlightened society that reflects our <em>evolved</em> humanity.
But we have to start with ourselves and do what we can in our
immediate environments to demonstrate our own revolution - which, by the way,
does not happen overnight or with a magic pill, silver bullet, or special
app.</div>
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<strong>Only through keen observation, deep reflection, and inner and outer
sweating effort and energy over a long period of time</strong> directed towards
improving ourselves and serving others that true transformation can take place.
Then, if we're lucky, by the time we reach our 90's we can look back and see how
our journey has positively and productively unfolded in both a personal and
political way, and be proud of what we accomplished and the legacy we will leave
behind.</div>
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Wondering how it will all go down if <em>you</em> take up the cause? Give
me a buzz and I will incite a riot in your heart to make the most of what you
got, so at the end of the day <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001oQrjvn2tOMLkej2SNfrqVmaXiRgEeLWkWLsAObPDm9o5fu8AlMXJk2diF9VDa275sYrWSRqLge4gBONv0hv6kCP_s6cM7xe1J7MicdmEL-neH6HEYyIwteOxYbW4HlhkO79SgVjf690=" rel="nofollow" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">you know it's gonna be alright!</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia , Times New Roman , Times , serif;"><em>
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I am so grateful to have learned about and met <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001oQrjvn2tOMLkej2SNfrqVmaXiRgEeLWkWLsAObPDm9o5fu8AlMXJk2diF9VDa275fEBFVs-OtKslnzd0URbgbaVE84EepQPOoXpNcKXeo7RKK4SQ2bDMWR87G0Z2F5hnpjswsxAMlQ7UAeS94UO3vpwcHJSFlGhHoN7wSAzIb99IKL4dl9VVVTjvZXvkuXkkgfCPif3eKeYHlua4TPdWSQ==" rel="nofollow" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;">Grace Lee Boggs</a> just two years ago. <br />She passed away
yesterday at the age of 100. </div>
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Everyone should experience her wisdom and humanity so be
sure </div>
</span></div>
<div>
<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001oQrjvn2tOMLkej2SNfrqVmaXiRgEeLWkWLsAObPDm9o5fu8AlMXJk2diF9VDa275fEBFVs-OtKsqUo_PxfVLiD5WpZ5EUNryFiCdHrxTXB57HGlwfe9MVe6qLYBND4Nl" rel="nofollow" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;">check out the documentary</a><span style="color: maroon;"> or
watch the </span><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001oQrjvn2tOMLkej2SNfrqVmaXiRgEeLWkWLsAObPDm9o5fu8AlMXJk2diF9VDa275sYrWSRqLge4gBONv0hv6kCP_s6cM7xe1J7MicdmEL-neH6HEYyIwtXIoCmIPponvjguhOaux9tw=" rel="nofollow" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;">many videos</a> </div>
<div>
<span style="color: maroon;">of her that can be found online. She is a
national treasure who will be greatly missed, but whose legacy will live on in
all the lives she touched.</span></div>
</em></span></div>
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<img alt="me and grace lee boggs" border="0" height="149" hspace="5" src="https://mlsvc01-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/41161e47be/7587d2ee-3c78-4ae1-8d19-d3c1294b5566.png" vspace="5" width="213" /> </div>
kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02428469769524564496noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948989023630552062.post-57579458001994349152015-04-23T14:26:00.000-04:002015-04-23T14:38:24.620-04:00PGG: The Book! A great read from TWM's Founder Kristina Leonardi<br />
<i><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">CHICKS
ROCK!</span></b></i><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">
is happy to announce that </span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://www.kristinaleonardi.com/" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Kristina Leonardi</span></i></a><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">, founder of </span></i><a href="http://www.thewomensmosaic.org/" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">The Women’s Mosaic</span></i></a><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> just published her first
book! Be sure to check out: </span></i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Personal-Growth-Gab-Thought-provoking-inspirational/dp/0692336966/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1421808200&sr=1-1&keywords=kristina+leonardi&pebp=1421808230384&peasin=692336966" target="_blank"><span id="productTitle"><span style="color: windowtext;">PersonalGrowth Gab (PGG), Volume One: Thought-provoking, inspirational and entertainingessays to keep you connected with yourself and make sense of this journeycalled Life</span></span></a> on Amazon!</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://www.kristinaleonardi.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext;">Kristina</span></a> is a career/life/executive coach and
motivational speaker in the areas of career development, work/life wellness and
personal growth. You can follow her <a href="http://www.twitter.com/clearlykristina" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext;">@clearlykristina</span></a>
and like her <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PGGpersonalgrowthgab" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext;">Personal
Growth Gab (PGG) page on Facebook</span></a> to learn more or click on her name
on the tags from this blog to read several of her posts!</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: windowtext;"><a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs179/1011278242068/archive/1120542178711.html" target="_blank">CLICK HERE FOR OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT EXCERPTED BELOW</a></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">If you
are on my mailing list you've being finding a <a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs179/1011278242068/archive/1120655464169.html" linktype="1" shape="rect" target="_blank" track="on"><span style="color: windowtext;">PGG</span></a>
in your inbox every week for a while now, and have stuck with me this far
as I've discovered my voice and put my thoughts and observations out
there in a creative way. My intention has always been to <b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">provide a unique
perspective about life and bring some reflection, hope and
meaning to your day</span></b>. Thank you for reading them! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">I've sent
out more than<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> 131
original essays over the past five years </span></b>(oh yes, there
were more but they were re-runs!) and because I've received
such positive feedback about how they help <b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">motivate, inspire and make you think</span></b>,
I thought why not put them together in a beautiful book for you to access
at any time?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">It took a
while to get it all together but I'm proud to announce it's finally
here! I'll be promoting this baby in multiple ways
these next couple weeks (well, forever), but for now I just wanted to let
you know you can get a copy of <b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Personal-Growth-Gab-Thought-provoking-inspirational/dp/0692336966/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1421808200&sr=1-1&keywords=kristina+leonardi&pebp=1421808230384&peasin=692336966" linktype="1" shape="rect" target="_blank" track="on"><span style="color: windowtext;">Personal
Growth Gab (PGG) Volume One: Thought-provoking, inspirational,
entertaining essays to keep you connected with yourself and make sense
of this journey called Life </span></a></span></i></b>in your
hot little hands today!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">I sincerely
hope you enjoy the book - please let me know what you think by <i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><a href="mailto:kleonardi@mindspring.com" linktype="2" shape="rect" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext;">sending me an email</span></a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PGGpersonalgrowthgab" linktype="1" shape="rect" target="_blank" track="on"><span style="color: windowtext;">posting on Facebook</span></a>,
<a href="https://twitter.com/clearlykristina" linktype="1" shape="rect" target="_blank" track="on"><span style="color: windowtext;">tweeting about it</span></a>, </span></i>and/or
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Personal-Growth-Gab-Thought-provoking-inspirational/dp/0692336966/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1421808200&sr=1-1&keywords=kristina+leonardi&pebp=1421808230384&peasin=692336966" linktype="1" shape="rect" target="_blank" track="on"><span style="color: windowtext;">writing
an Amazon Review</span></a>.</span></i></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Kristina</span></i><br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">P.S</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">. If you're a
fan, I would love if you could let your friends know about the book using
the social media icons on the top of this email or from the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Personal-Growth-Gab-Thought-provoking-inspirational/dp/0692336966/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1421808200&sr=1-1&keywords=kristina+leonardi&pebp=1421808230384&peasin=692336966" linktype="1" shape="rect" target="_blank" track="on"><span style="color: windowtext;">Amazon
page</span></a>. </span></i><b><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Thank you thank you!</span></i></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</span><br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON!</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Personal-Growth-Volume-Thought-provoking-inspirational/dp/0692336966" sl-processed="1" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"><img alt="PGG cover" border="0" height="300" 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" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_1" width="195" /></span></span></a></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">If you are seeking how to get centered in who
you are and what you want, read this book!</span></i></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Brimming with insight, compassion, and humor,
this collection of essays offers encouragement to anyone seeking to grow in
harmony with their true nature, and to discover a genuine path toward positive
change in the world, starting with themselves.</span></i></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">A great way to go to bed on a positive note
and wake up with a refreshing message. Definitely one I’m keeping on my night
stand!</span></i></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Each essay is punchy and profound.</span></i></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Personal-Growth-Gab-Thought-provoking-inspirational/dp/0692336966/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1421808200&sr=1-1&keywords=kristina+leonardi&pebp=1421808230384&peasin=692336966" sl-processed="1" target="_blank"><i><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="color: blue;">Personal Growth Gab (PGG), Volume
One:</span></span></b></i><span style="color: blue;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: blue;">Thought-provoking,
inspirational and entertaining essays to keep you connected with yourself and
make sense of this journey called Life </span></span></b></a>is a compilation of
nearly five years of essays that both stimulate and address the
questions of who we are, where we are going and how we can get there in today’s
rapidly changing, fast-paced world.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Kristina
began <a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs179/1011278242068/archive/1117283094232.html" sl-processed="1" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">PGG</span></a> as a weekly email and blog in January
2010, but an avid, faithful and growing group of readers led her to compile
these 131 nuggets of wisdom and advice into a beautifully designed and
practically organized book.<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
(You can visit the <a href="http://kristinaleonardi.com/" sl-processed="1" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">home page</span></a> of this website for sample essays and <a href="http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?llr=uiyco9n6&p=oi&m=1011278242068&sit=wxbfnms4&f=69018fc0-c53c-456a-8aa2-9547a91be21e" sl-processed="1" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">click here to get the emails delivered directly
to your inbox!)</span></a></span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Drawing from
personal and professional experiences, current events and pop culture—with a
healthy dose of music and movie references and often a clever or humorous
twist—Kristina uses her unique, down-to-earth style to delve into universal
themes and offer fresh perspectives on what it means to be human in the 21st
century.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Relatable to
any gender, age or background, <i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Personal
Growth Gab</span></i> is a book to pick up when you need a little clarity, motivation
or deeper connection to yourself on this journey called Life.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Personal-Growth-Gab-Thought-provoking-inspirational/dp/0692336966/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1421808200&sr=1-1&keywords=kristina+leonardi&pebp=1421808230384&peasin=692336966" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE</span></a></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02428469769524564496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948989023630552062.post-85610153623433224532015-03-02T17:24:00.000-05:002015-03-02T17:26:24.355-05:00Paradigm Shift NYC Presents “No Excuses: 9 Ways Women Can Change How We Think About Power” with Gloria Feldt, Feminist Icon <div style="text-align: center;">
TWM is proud to be a Co-Sponsor of this Women's History Month event and honored that our founder, <a href="http://www.kristinaleonardi.com/" target="_blank">Kristina Leonardi</a> will be one of the panelists. Hope to see you on March 19th! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.paradigmshiftnyc.com/2015/02/paradigm-shift-nyc-presents-no-excuses-9-ways-women-can-change-how-we-think-about-power-with-gloria-feldt-feminist-icon/" target="_blank"><strong>Click here for more information and place to register.</strong></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.paradigmshiftnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/319-No-Excuses-with-Gloria-Feldt-Paradigm-Shift-NYC-Presents.jpg"><img alt="3:19 No Excuses with Gloria Feldt, Paradigm Shift NYC Presents" class="alignleft wp-image-6182 size-full" src="http://www.paradigmshiftnyc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/319-No-Excuses-with-Gloria-Feldt-Paradigm-Shift-NYC-Presents.jpg" height="896" width="692" /></a>kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02428469769524564496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948989023630552062.post-17745643067043567632015-01-19T10:17:00.000-05:002015-01-19T10:17:03.116-05:00At Your Service<em><span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;"></span><br /></em>
<div class="post-header-line-1">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gMvVc_fbzPA/UxjANVbL_jI/AAAAAAAAAGU/kcyjFNg9_OM/s1600/KML2010R.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gMvVc_fbzPA/UxjANVbL_jI/AAAAAAAAAGU/kcyjFNg9_OM/s1600/KML2010R.jpg" width="147" /></a></span></div>
<span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><div class="post-body entry-content">
<div class="post-info">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span><i>The following was originally posted on <a href="http://kristinaleonardi.com/2011/01/18/at-your-service/" target="_blank">January 18, 2011</a><a href="http://kristinaleonardi.com/2011/01/18/at-your-service/" target="_blank"> </a>on <a href="http://kleonardi.wordpress.com/2011/09/06/an-apple-for-the-teacher/" target="_blank">Kristina's blog</a>. </i></span><br /><span></span><br /><span><i><b>CHICKS ROCK!</b> is happy to have Kristina back as a guest blogger this week.</i><i><a href="http://www.kristinaleonardi.com/" target="_blank"> Kristina Leonardi</a> is the founder of <a href="http://www.thewomensmosaic.org/" target="_blank">The Women’s Mosaic</a>. She is a coach and speaker in the areas of career development, work/life wellness and personal growth. </i></span><br /><span></span><br /><span><i>You can follow her <a href="http://www.twitter.com/clearlykristina" target="_blank">@clearlykristina</a> and like her <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PGGpersonalgrowthgab" target="_blank">Personal Growth Gab (PGG) page on Facebook</a> to get more thought-provoking, inspirational and motivational tidbits like this!</i></span></span></span></div>
<div class="post-info">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span><em></em></span>+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</span></span></div>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><em>“Life’s most urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” <strong>Martin Luther King</strong></em><strong>, Jr.</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">One of the most common desires I hear from clients when embarking on a new career or making a transition is that <strong>they want to be doing something with meaning, something that helps people</strong>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My approach is to ask them, <strong>“What is the thing that makes you, you</strong>? What you are passionate about; when do you lose track of time?” I inquire as to what their fantasy job would be, and very rarely does that answer have to do with becoming a social worker or joining the Peace Corps.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><strong>You don’t have to become the next Mother Teresa, Gandhi or MLK to make a difference and live your life in service to others.</strong> Perhaps that may be your path, but as Dr. King also said, <em>“Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve.”</em> Running for public office or volunteering on a regular basis can certainly fill that role, but service can be expressed in a myriad of forms that aren’t always so obvious or grandiose. Just being yourself and doing your best at YOU allows us to benefit from whatever unique gifts and talents you possess.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><strong>When one’s work is done with love and integrity, every job is one of service.</strong> MLK day is also about celebrating diversity, which can refer to many things including occupation. We all have jobs that make the world go round. Whether it’s the super taking care of your building, the bus driver making sure you get to your destination safely, the guy who makes your coffee and bagel every morning, the janitor that cleans the public restrooms you use, the designer of the clothes you are wearing, the comedian that made you laugh last night, the singer whose song you enjoyed on your Ipod, writer whose novel you devoured over the weekend – no occupation is too insignificant, as long as it is done to the best of one’s ability, you can see how any of those people have served you on some level.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And regardless of your job, <strong>there is also the service you can provide by smiling at someone when you’re walking down the street</strong>, or showing a kindness to a stranger, and notice how for moment you made someone happy or uplifted them in some way.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The thing that <em>I</em> enjoy most and lose track of time doing is <strong>talking to folks about their life’s work and helping them make their everyday existence as meaningful and peaceful as possible</strong>. I would love the opportunity to help you connect the dots of your life, create more work/life balance and recognize the value in whatever you do, so just give me a buzz as I am always here, at your service!</span></span>kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02428469769524564496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948989023630552062.post-74300021450546759772014-12-05T15:33:00.000-05:002014-12-11T17:18:37.646-05:00Carte Blanche<div style="color: #d96d1a; font-family: Georgia,Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 12pt;">
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;"><i><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The following was originally posted on </span><a href="http://kristinaleonardi.com/2014/12/05/carte-blanche/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">December 5, 2014</span></a><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> on </span><a href="http://kleonardi.wordpress.com/2011/09/06/an-apple-for-the-teacher/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kristina's blog</span></a><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>CHICKS ROCK!</b> is happy to have Kristina back as a guest blogger this week.</i><i><a href="http://www.kristinaleonardi.com/" target="_blank"> Kristina Leonardi</a> is the founder of <a href="http://www.thewomensmosaic.org/" target="_blank">The Women’s Mosaic</a>. She is a coach and speaker in the areas of career development, work/life wellness and personal growth. </i></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: 10pt;"><i><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can follow her </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/clearlykristina" target="_blank"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">@clearlykristina</span></a><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and like her </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/PGGpersonalgrowthgab" target="_blank"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Personal Growth Gab (PGG) page on Facebook</span></a><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> to get more thought-provoking, inspirational and motivational tidbits like this</span>!</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">When traveling by myself in Cape Town, South Africa in 2001, just seven years after the end of apartheid, I had a major aha moment while having tea in the lobby of the historic, old-world luxury </span><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001qOQ0F4aK9jxZuInTTWkR7xgAU3V-yW2aff-paQzNeIwi5AwdDKIriE4Wig_qvhcX1ifN5yiY6q3YTXNpdkdZgiErScS9gpLbbC6D91ax8zSAX0xULnNdEdg5y-HsArHg5_IHqegQMvDzL-0w3OTeVSACY8iJkIH8akf6n0hgnN6XPTuS0bsFaAOBN0pNNfij7a2VaMA5Hm0ZZ1Y37XWUQpoMGDTgOOiz7QdLiKit-UddGlEZValDBvROUyEzM8jk" linktype="1" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" track="on"><span style="color: #444444;">Mount Nelson Hotel.</span></a><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">Feeling somewhat awkward in my solo budget travel state, I was in the midst of sipping Earl Grey when something clicked within me on the most profound of levels. It occurred to me that due to the mere fact my skin was white - with the bonus of having blonde hair at the time - I was essentially given free rein to go wherever I desired and do whatever I wanted, and no one would ever question me, look at me strangely, or think I didn't belong. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">Yes, I was in one of the most segregated countries on the planet, but it really struck me that this applied in a broader context - no matter where I go, simply because of the color of my skin, along with being tall and dressing reasonably well, in addition to being educated and American, I enjoy a certain level of trust, respect (well, this was just before 9/11) and service, and almost always inadvertently avoid outright discrimination and bodily harm, even as a woman (which itself is topic for another discussion, since that is only a very recent phenomena and may apply to less places, but I digress...). </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">Suddenly the phrase "carte blanche," which literally translates as "white card," came into my head and I immediately made the connection to the </span><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001qOQ0F4aK9jxZuInTTWkR7xgAU3V-yW2aff-paQzNeIwi5AwdDKIriE4Wig_qvhcX1ifN5yiY6q1M56736JKrBpQKQPW_kfl6Yv5CNCdSZWfMjLo1ufyqwtWTlETazNXv" linktype="1" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" track="on"><span style="color: #444444;">District Six Museum's</span></a><span style="color: #444444;"> display of various ID cards for citizens under that classified system: White, Coloured, Black, and Indian. In the United States, and in a global sense, it is an invisible card I carry that gives me entree, ease and yes, a certain unearned privilege, to live a life free of so many stresses, layers of misperceptions, institutionalized prejudice, fear, bias and/or hatred the majority of those of darker shades must endure, and are too often endangered by.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">I realize in telling you this story I may sound naive, but you have to know this came at a time to someone who from childhood in theory, and more than ten years prior to that moment in practice, was not only quite aware of, but particularly passionate about, the issue of racial inequality and had many interpersonal experiences, observations and relationships informing a significant understanding of the complexities all that entails - earlier that year I had even started a</span><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001qOQ0F4aK9jxZuInTTWkR7xgAU3V-yW2aff-paQzNeIwi5AwdDKIriE4Wig_qvhcX1ifN5yiY6q1VeAf_XIKVhSwqVJ48ucsfpeDfBwDp2hgxMS6Lbouohg==" linktype="1" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank" track="on"><span style="color: #444444;"> non-profit organization </span></a><span style="color: #444444;">to dispel stereotypes and bigotry in order to bring women together to<em> "Recognize Our Unity" and "Celebrate Our Diversity". </em> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">But being in a place where racism had so recently been explicitly acknowledged and addressed in such a direct manner brought this concept home to me in a way that up until that point in my life, <em>because I am White</em>, had only been subtly perceptible, and even then, only because I was sensitive to the issue.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">A couple of years later while waiting in the cold for an MTA bus on First Avenue in the East Village I got to experience this overtness in reverse. Two Black women chose to ditch the delayed public transportation, and I watched in disbelief as two, three, five, <em>six</em> open taxis passed by as they tried to hail them; disgusted, I asked if they needed help, and of course the next cab stopped for me but when the driver realized the Black women, not me, were getting in, he drove away. Finally I asked where they were going; I was so appalled I decided I would just get in and share it with them. Of course the irony was that they were only going to 78th between First and Second, probably one of the whitest blocks in the city...It was perhaps the closest I will come to know what it must feel like to deal with race on a daily basis, simply trying to accomplish the most mundane of tasks.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">Fast forward to February 2012. After my talk at the NY Science, Industry and Business Library a young Black man came up to thank me for what I had shared, how it made him think differently about his life, and pointed out to me what he had written down so he could make positive change going forward. He then said he had recently been released from federal prison, would I be willing to work with people like him? Well, this began a journey in which I learned more specifically about the consequences of race and the criminal justice system, the roots of mass incarceration and the many barriers to re-entry. It has since widened and deepened my understanding of the unhealed wounds, scars and repercussions of our country's history of slavery.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">What we are dealing with in the aftermath of injustice after injustice against people of color are symptoms of a very sick system that is made up of <em>people</em>, and people are crying out for transformation and healing. It is not a Black problem; it is not a White problem. It is a human problem. No matter what card-carrying member of our race you proclaim (or are deemed) to be, we're all in this man-made mess together - and we will only solve it one story, one interaction, one aha moment at a time</span>. </div>
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kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02428469769524564496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948989023630552062.post-32032632202228785792014-07-25T09:00:00.000-04:002014-07-25T13:12:12.916-04:00The Wisdom of Childhood<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><b>CHICKS ROCK!</b> is happy to welcome Patricia as a guest blogger this week. </i><br />
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</i> <i>Patricia Philippe is a Haitian-American writer, creative writing workshop facilitator and marketing consultant living in the Bronx. Currently she <a href="http://afterlosingmom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blogs about the journey of re-inventing herself after years as a caregiver</a> and is working on a number of writing and teaching related projects.</i><br />
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When I reflect on my life, I notice that the common threads of curiosity, exploration, and courage have always been present. There’s a Polaroid from my childhood that I look at when I begin to wonder if I am being authentic. At about eight years old, my twin sister and I stand in front of a building with a pale yellow tiled façade. We pose shyly in our matching orange plaid coats. My head is tilted to the side, eyes lifted up to the sky, a classic Patricia is in the deep thought pose that my friends recognize even today. I imagine my eight-year-old self thinking there are issues in the world to solve, stories to make up, and new things to explore. Wondering what to do about the things my eyes witness but don’t understand how to fix.<br />
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After college, I signed up for the Peace Corps. Images of starving children beckoned me. Thoughts of teaching English enticed me. But I didn’t go. I was afraid. There was healing that needed to take place before I could be present in an inspiring way for anyone else.<br />
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Fast forward 20 years and you’ll meet me, a woman who feels like she’s walked a thousand miles in the desert with 100-degree sun scorching her naked flesh. She experimented. She learned. She thrived. After completing personal development programs about transformation, living authentically, healing from the past and choosing self-care, I consider that perhaps I have always known who I am. <br />
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My name is Patricia Philippe. I am a writer. A healer. A teacher. In September, I will volunteer with VoiceFlame in Malawi, Africa to lead writing groups for orphaned girls and village women. Writing my story has allowed me to channel the wisdom of that little girl who contemplated how to make silk thread from broken glass. <br />
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I found my voice through writing. The project in Malawi supports others in the discovery of their own strong, unique voices. <a href="http://www.gofundme.com/2014-Malawi-Volunteer-PP" target="_blank">Click here to learn more or to make a donation to sponsor me</a>; I greatly appreciate your support.CHICKS ROCK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/01234020671631690918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948989023630552062.post-37301486638410388872014-07-15T10:59:00.000-04:002014-07-15T11:05:49.655-04:00Dancing Towards Your DreamsGrowing up, I was the super quiet kid in the corner, reading a book or writing a story. <b>The only time I made a sound was when I sang</b>. From elementary school through high school, I was in musicals, chorus, and even ended up with a solo my senior year of high school. <b>That solo was the absolute thrill and highlight of my singing life (and, sadly, there's no documentation of it whatsoever).</b>
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<b>It was also the second to last time I sang in public for 10 years.</b>
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What happened? Well, fear and panic and “I’m not going to be a singer so I can’t major in that” and “I’m probably not even that good of a singer so why bother?” The longer I stayed on my self-imposed singing hiatus, the bigger the fear grew, and the harder it was to get back to it. I missed it SO MUCH. I felt incomplete without it. But I couldn’t get over my fear. Looking back, I’m actually incredibly sad – like, crying-as-I-remember-and-write-this sad.
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A couple of years ago, fate and my intuition took over and <b>I quieted my fears long enough to sign up for The Singing Experience</b>. It was wonderful; I had a blast and I remembered that the joy of singing on a stage far outshined the voices in my head telling me I’m not good enough. After that, I signed up for voice lessons with various wonderful teachers and coaches, and I performed three more times.<center><iframe width="300" height="169" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/JO6d8xGhgZA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></center>
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<b>This year, I knew I needed to do what I didn't really think possible as a little girl but wanted more than anything: to sing on stage in front of people I love for a whole show.</b> Me, a microphone, an awesome band, and maybe some tears. (The tears weren’t in the little girl’s vision, but wiser me realizes they’re likely.)
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<a href="http://www.gofundme.com/7rq9u4" target="_blank">I have three days left to raise the $7,380</a> I need to make this show happen and make that dream come true. I know <b>I’m asking for a miracle</b> here because I have more than $5,000 to go and just three days to get there, but I’m committed to seeing this through.
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If you can <a href="http://www.gofundme.com/7rq9u4" target="_blank">make any donation</a> at all, big or small, I’d be beyond grateful. And if you could share it with friends, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, co-workers, that person who flirts with you sometimes, whoever, I’d be beyond grateful.
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<b>May you keep dancing towards your own dreams – it’s really never too late.</b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948989023630552062.post-67137316318118693612014-07-09T17:35:00.003-04:002014-07-09T17:35:39.652-04:00Why I'm Feeling Lighter (And, Apparently, Looking Younger)It seems to me that one of the hardest things to do is to be fully, confidently, unapologetically authentic in every area of your life. I have grappled with the question of who I am and how I express that to others my entire life. I spent most of that time holding back: not letting myself be too loud, too confident, too emotional, too honest, too whatever. I also didn't spend my time or money or energy in ways that inspired and fueled me; it didn't occur to me until a couple of years ago that how you spend your time and your money is how you spend your life.<br />
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Since then - and especially in the last few months - I have started to let that go. And, boy, do I feel lighter!<br />
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Instead of constantly wondering what the other person is thinking or how they'll react, I just speak my truth. And since I make a conscious effort to spend my time, money, and energy on what I feel is an expression of my authenticity instead of on what makes me feel "meh" or drained, I'm happier, calmer, and more centered. Whether it's a dance break, a manicure, or prioritizing a doctor's appointment, I fill my life as much as I can with what's true to me.<br />
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Just a couple of weeks ago, a friend I hadn't seen in a couple of months asked me what I was doing that had me looking so young and vibrant. I was so surprised, I didn't know what to say. "Um... I'm happier???"<br />
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Since experiencing this change in myself and in some of the women I know, I've become passionate with helping others reconnect with their authenticity and show up as all of who they are. I talk to so many women whose lives are compartmentalized, or who get blocked by fear and memories from the past when they try to express themselves. <br />
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I teamed up with a few friends who are also passionate about authentic expression to put together an <a href="http://eventbrite.com/e/unmuted-expression-discover-celebrate-your-authenticity-tickets-11766095709" target="_blank">all-day workshop/dance party</a>. It's this Saturday in Brooklyn and I'm so excited, I could burst! It's going to be an inspiring, empowering, magical event. If you know you're ready to <a href="http://eventbrite.com/e/unmuted-expression-discover-celebrate-your-authenticity-tickets-11766095709" target="_blank">rediscover and celebrate your authenticity</a>, join me!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948989023630552062.post-73930139447595019612014-07-02T10:00:00.000-04:002014-07-02T11:09:16.972-04:00For The Love Of Her Brother<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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For the past several weeks, my Mom's older brother has been very ill, and after a lot of debate, she finally decided to fly to Kerala, India to see him today. The reason for the back and forth is because she undergoes injections once a week to treat her many allergies, which include dust and other airborne allergens. My Uncle has the same type of condition, and never had injections or any other similar treatment; this most likely contributed to his current condition. Mom told me that when she visited him last fall, both of them coughed so much that they sometimes did so in unison; one of their hired drivers even commented on this during a day trip he accompanied them on. Now, my Uncle is in the hospital, and my Mom is risking some of the progress she has made with her health so far to visit him in India, especially during the monsoon season. I know that she must go see him now, in spite of the obstacles.<br />
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Mom has always told me that her older brother helped and guided her when their own parents were unable to do so. He has a wonderful combination of compassion and intelligence, which my Mom and so many other people admire and respect him for. When they were younger, my Mom and her older brother were lucky enough to live together when they had to move to their uncle's house. Living in that environment was very difficult, but they relied on each other for support, love and friendship, especially during their darkest days. Mom remembers him walking hand in hand with her to church when she was three and a half years old, playing hide and seek in a rubber tree forest when she was six, and standing up to their father when she wanted to become a nurse (rather than a nun or a wife) at the age of seventeen. My Uncle is more than just her older brother; he is her hero, advocate, and dearest friend. I really admire their relationship, because it is special and beautiful.<br />
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My Uncle has always had a talent for writing, which is where I think I got my interest from. There is definitely something to be said about hereditary influences, especially since I don't know him as well as I would like to. The few times I have been lucky enough to visit him were great, because he is one of a handful of relatives from my parents' generation who speaks English very well. When I met him as an adult, I noticed how his eyes would light up every time he talked about my Mom, or was in her presence. They have had some ups and downs of course, but the love and respect they have for one another is stronger and more deep-rooted. Thousands of miles have kept them physically apart for long periods of time, but their relationship remains in tact. So while I am a little concerned about my Mom going to India because of her health issues, I know that there is no way she can stay away from her brother during his present crisis. He is a lovely human being with a great intellect, who also happens to be one of my Mom's greatest influences. For that, and so many other things, I am forever grateful.<br />
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Pauline Karakathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02672304871920947816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948989023630552062.post-25388474239558392012014-04-11T14:19:00.000-04:002014-04-11T14:22:05.090-04:00Vision Quest<div align="left" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #4f5055; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 18pt;">
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<tr><td class="imgCaptionText" colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="color: #722797; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><strong>TWM's Visioning Workshop</strong></td></tr>
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<strong>When the Universe speaks, I listen.</strong> Not in a burning-bush-on-a-mountain kind of way, but through some combination of random Facebook postings, TV shows/commercials, signs both literal and figurative and people, known and unknown. Always repetitive.<br />
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In fact, most of the time<strong> I try to think as little as possible, and instead pay very close attention to the world within and around me</strong> to get the answers/direction I need. I find that the best information we have often exists in this 3D experiential form more so than in the grey matter between our ears, and that there is much wisdom in receiving and perceiving what comes our way. (Plus it's more fun and takes less effort to operate like this!)<br />
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Anyway, after the stock market crashed, 'it' hinted to me in several ways that I should start some sort of group thing; when a third person, point blank raised his hand in my breakout session at an NYU symposium for laid-off financial professionals and asked "Can you put a group together?" I could no longer ignore the request. <strong>So exactly 5 years ago this month</strong>, <em><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001FAi_j8twfo4TXWS8TdUcC_bNsel6X6iPT_O1HPgAMKKu4PiOYNu8ticss97saUeKsCsKUPPpG2ucZ2xzfkHAYGFlQRmABkPZ8vACYPjiSYZWlk4RY83x_esJ2tNdH3VCM0Bdc01OU2V5MEiejz4tncH1YAjmxflPcPU2B7OFqGgOi8-qLnMWBITUBif0NG9Mw-0Ws_hFoYA=" linktype="1" shape="rect" target="_blank" track="on">Thursdays at Three </a></em>was born and has been going strong without a break ever since - first weekly afternoons during the height of the recession, and then eventually bi-monthly with an evening session for folks who had found employment but asked to continue with coaching and support, and for others who wanted to make a career change or simply manage their work and life better. <br />
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It's been quite the journey - and one of the most rewarding and important things I've done to grow both personally and professionally. It has made me a far better coach and facilitator, so thank you to all have participated, especially those four brave souls who ventured out and trusted me that first day! (<a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001FAi_j8twfo4TXWS8TdUcC_bNsel6X6iPT_O1HPgAMKKu4PiOYNu8ticss97saUeKsCsKUPPpG2tU1yMlw4OcuOZf5QBNMhJ0NMHHy_e5grL4dyz4tz2rsSwO6MR6r77iemHiQIWm19M171O7IuK8WNVa0dH-3Ttkk8Np8et-5vRL0LEM04bE95ezFE14lcW9" linktype="1" shape="rect" target="_blank" track="on">Click here for info about the next session</a>) <br />
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As many of you know, my path has been a long and varied one. In January 2001 I founded a nonprofit organization called <em><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001FAi_j8twfo4TXWS8TdUcC_bNsel6X6iPT_O1HPgAMKKu4PiOYNu8ticss97saUeKsCsKUPPpG2vOfleV89q13TKTaJLfdauMgFm29k3JR8gCpnraRUBwmA==" linktype="1" shape="rect" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank" track="on">The Women's Mosaic (TWM)</a></em> after a lot of soul searching and the result of a random workshop I picked from a Learning Annex catalog out of sheer desperation four months earlier. Among other things, that workshop was exactly what I needed to confirm and crystallize an idea that was floating around in my subconscious - 13 years,100 events, a coaching and speaking career later, the rest is history!<br />
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Of course when I told people how I started TWM, they all wanted to do the workshop, so we began offering it twice a year with amazing and profound results, attracting many repeat attendees with incredible stories throughout. The last one was in September 2012 and had been on indefinite hiatus since. But, the past month, after various signs, in combo with not one, not two, but<em> then a third person </em>within a few weeks asked me when we were doing another I knew it was time - <strong>which means that many of you out there need this experience and it's no coincidence that you are reading this right now!</strong><br />
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I've already gone on too long in this PGG, so I will just let the <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001FAi_j8twfo4TXWS8TdUcC_bNsel6X6iPT_O1HPgAMKKu4PiOYNu8ticss97saUeKsCsKUPPpG2tt1ZSWFH0TQU8Uf0dc-twRQnqWT_I4Y3A=" linktype="1" shape="rect" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank" track="on">video</a>, <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001FAi_j8twfo4TXWS8TdUcC_bNsel6X6iPT_O1HPgAMKKu4PiOYNu8ticss97saUeKsCsKUPPpG2tU1yMlw4OcuOZf5QBNMhJ0NMHHy_e5grL4dyz4tz2rsSwO6MR6r77iemHiQIWm19M171O7IuK8WNVa0dH-3TtkSRRixrftyrsGou6KQYt6un3qI0EZoAfS" linktype="1" shape="rect" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank" track="on">invite</a> and <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001FAi_j8twfo4TXWS8TdUcC_bNsel6X6iPT_O1HPgAMKKu4PiOYNu8ticss97saUeKsCsKUPPpG2tYMrmTZKtZdJszwPYgZsQD7IsLugjdmwLUwBSsXoxnMq7EyKhcZDSvUenwW_umSfCabYl5YBBs273X8H3jq0SI" linktype="1" shape="rect" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank" track="on">blog posts</a> speak for themselves as well as these participant descriptions:<br />
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<em>"TWM's Visioning Workshop is <strong>a great way to spark personal growth by getting in tune with your inner-most desires</strong>. By putting aside what you think you want for yourself, and, instead, going with your gut, it is amazing what you fill find! The Visioning Workshop came for me at a time when I was trying to decide where to go with my life, and I am so glad I did it. Throughout the workshop, <strong>I was forced to believe in what I was doing and trust myself completely, and since then I have been able to look back on my collage for more guidance,</strong> for which I am very grateful. I highly recommend the Visioning Workshop for anyone trying to answer the simplest or most complex questions for themselves."</em> Sally M. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><em>"<strong>When I was doing my collage I was thinking about my future and about my job search...and it actually happened</strong>. I got a job in a fashion industry where everybody smiles and are very happy with their lives - as it was on my collage!!!! ...I cannot really believe that it actually worked for me so well and cannot wait to see what happens next!!! Thank you so much for this wonderful experience!"</em> Joanna G. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><em>"I think of the collage I created at the Visioning Workshop as a map of my unconscious mind. At the time of the workshop, I was in a transitional phase and in need of guidance. The collage helped me to gain a sense of calm and clarity.<strong> I especially enjoyed taking a break from the intellectual, thinking side of my brain and opening up the side that is more intuitive</strong>. The visual representations of my thoughts and ideas gave me a sense of peace that I could move forward with confidence. I look forward to doing another collage soon. Suzanne G. </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><em>"Great! The workshop <strong>helped me to clarify what success looks like</strong> to me." </em></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><em>Sheraun B</em></span><br />
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Are you one of those folks who are supposed to be there on <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001FAi_j8twfo4TXWS8TdUcC_bNsel6X6iPT_O1HPgAMKKu4PiOYNu8ticss97saUeKsCsKUPPpG2tU1yMlw4OcuOZf5QBNMhJ0NMHHy_e5grL4dyz4tz2rsSwO6MR6r77iemHiQIWm19M171O7IuK8WNVa0dH-3TtkSRRixrftyrsGou6KQYt6un3qI0EZoAfS" linktype="1" shape="rect" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank" track="on">Saturday, April 26th</a>? You don't need some <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001FAi_j8twfo4TXWS8TdUcC_bNsel6X6iPT_O1HPgAMKKu4PiOYNu8ticss97saUeKsCsKUPPpG2vxBsSYIFI-Q3sdlcAyfZ5xUYZuTmpI-mmz-Ztur_bA2xz8vPDUrREu" linktype="1" shape="rect" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank" track="on">shamanic ceremony</a> or <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001FAi_j8twfo4TXWS8TdUcC_bNsel6X6iPT_O1HPgAMKKu4PiOYNu8ticss97saUeKsCsKUPPpG2vpohc2S6SvygiDLGl3L13G45s7kIYozASymxchYavX8NcMSH3O2jxq" linktype="1" shape="rect" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank" track="on">80's movie</a> to help you decide. Just listen to your Self, pay attention to the signs and heed the call to make some big changes in your life - this is simply a way to fast-track the process!<br />
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<em><strong>P.S.</strong> Yes, there are only women in the video, but men are most welcome to attend as well. You need some visioning, too!</em> :)<br />
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<i style="background-color: #ead9ff; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px;">The following was originally posted on <u><a href="http://kristinaleonardi.com/2014/04/08/vision-quest/" target="_blank">April 8, 2014</a></u> on <a href="http://kleonardi.wordpress.com/2011/09/06/an-apple-for-the-teacher/" style="color: #72179d;" target="_blank">Kristina's blog</a>. </i><br />
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<i style="background-color: #ead9ff; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px;"><b>CHICKS ROCK!</b> is happy to have Kristina back as a guest blogger this week.</i><i style="background-color: #ead9ff; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.kristinaleonardi.com/" style="color: #72179d;" target="_blank"> Kristina Leonardi</a> is the founder of <a href="http://www.thewomensmosaic.org/" style="color: #72179d;" target="_blank">The Women’s Mosaic</a>. She is a coach and speaker in the areas of career development, work/life wellness and personal growth. </i><br />
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<i style="background-color: #ead9ff; color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px;">You can follow her <a href="http://www.twitter.com/clearlykristina" style="color: #72179d;" target="_blank">@clearlykristina</a> and like her <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PGGpersonalgrowthgab" style="color: #72179d;" target="_blank">Personal Growth Gab (PGG) page on Facebook</a> to get more thought-provoking, inspirational and motivational tidbits like this!</i></div>
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kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02428469769524564496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948989023630552062.post-58560847892065008462014-04-07T09:29:00.000-04:002014-04-07T09:29:59.903-04:00When Familiarity Breeds Contempt<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">― </span><span style="color: #666600; font-family: georgia, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/3503.Maya_Angelou" target="_blank">Maya Angelou</a></span></span><br />
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Recently, I have been wondering about a certain pitfall of human nature that occurs within families, friendships, marriages, and other close relationships; it is when people (who should know better) turn against those close to them when they did nothing to deserve it. Since last month, someone very close to me has been a target of this type of unfair treatment, even after repeatedly telling and showing the "offended" party that she was not against them and wanted to keep the peace. I would have ignored it if it happened once or even twice, but she was barraged with accusations, which increased my annoyance with the situation. It all had to do with a much anticipated visit from a relative from overseas, how the news was shared with certain people and not others, and where he wanted to stay when he was here. This caused some unfortunate, long-standing family tensions to come forth. While I know he had a good visit, I also know he definitely would have enjoyed his time here much more without all of the unnecessary drama.<br />
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I have learned to deal with this treatment when the target is me; the last time it happened was late last year, when I overheard a conversation in which I was mentioned in dismissive and cruel terms. I was shocked at first, because I had just seen and had a pleasant time with this person, who I have known and loved for almost my whole life. After thinking about it for a little while, I realized that no matter how much I have and will always love and care for this person, she has always had an underlying feeling of contempt towards me, maybe because I remind her of a past she wants to forget. I may never really know why. Soon after the incident, I moved on, because I knew it had nothing to do with me; it had to with her feelings and perceptions. Our relationship may never be the same again, but at least I can say I have forgiven her; I will never forget it, because I learned some invaluable lessons from the experience.<br />
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I have observed that these conflicts often originate from the accusers' personal insecurities and skewed perceptions. Secure people don't have to attack those who did nothing to them. Fear of losing control, fear of the past or unknown, and/or maybe even envy or jealousy, can create major havoc in relationships. When I see people creating these negative dramas for themselves and others, I want to shake them and say, "Stop it! Life is too short for this nonsense!" But for those who act in these ways, trying to reason with them while they are in an unreasonable state will not work. The best thing to do is to take a step back, and refuse to engage in argumentative behavior that will not solve anything. When confronted, the best thing to do is to stand your ground, tell the truth, be diplomatic, and then walk away from the confrontation if nothing is working. Hopefully the accusers will calm down, stop hurling accusations, and maybe even apologize for their behavior. Maybe.<br />
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I may annoy and even anger some people I know with this post, but I think it is a subject worth talking about, and I wrote the truth. I know I can't be the only one who has experienced this kind of treatment, both directly and indirectly. The moral to this post is that even when you mean well and treat others with respect and kindness, there will always be someone who will take offense to those who don't offend for a variety of "reasons." Staying true to who you are is the best defense.<br />
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If you have any thoughts, please share them!</div>
Pauline Karakathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02672304871920947816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948989023630552062.post-44141465234777519932014-03-06T13:49:00.000-05:002014-03-06T13:51:26.721-05:00(Wo)Man Up<div class="post-info">
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<i>The following was originally posted on <a href="http://kleonardi.wordpress.com/2011/03/08/woman-up/" target="_blank">March 8, 2011</a> on <a href="http://kleonardi.wordpress.com/2011/09/06/an-apple-for-the-teacher/" target="_blank">Kristina's blog</a>. </i><br />
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<i><b>CHICKS ROCK!</b> is happy to have Kristina back as a guest blogger this week.</i><i><a href="http://www.kristinaleonardi.com/" target="_blank"> Kristina Leonardi</a> is the founder of <a href="http://www.thewomensmosaic.org/" target="_blank">The Women’s Mosaic</a>. She is a coach and speaker in the areas of career development, work/life wellness and personal growth. </i><br />
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<i>You can follow her <a href="http://www.twitter.com/clearlykristina" target="_blank">@clearlykristina</a> and like her <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PGGpersonalgrowthgab" target="_blank">Personal Growth Gab (PGG) page on Facebook</a> to get more thought-provoking, inspirational and motivational tidbits like this!</i><br />
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<b><span style="font-weight: normal;">We're about to celebrate <a href="http://www.internationalwomensday.com/default.asp" target="_blank"> International Women’s Day </a>so in honor of this occasion I’d like to give a </span></b><span style="font-weight: normal;">special shout-out to all the men out there and encourage you to celebrate all the ways in which women make your lives better </span><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">(i.e.check out <a href="http://kleonardi.wordpress.com/2011/03/01/youve-come-a-long-way-baby/" target="_blank">my post from last week</a>), acknowledge what you can learn from us, and<b> </b></span><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>inspire you to get in touch with your feminine side with unabashed pride</b>.</span></b></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b> </b></span></b>Dan Abrams just came out with a book called <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/excerpt-dan-abrams-man/story?id=13019655" target="_blank">Man Down</a>, a tome that provides extensive research proving how women are pretty much better at everything than men. Whether you believed that or not already, the key here is to remember that we are not in a Battle of the Sexes, but more that everyone, regardless of which gender you are identified or associate with, needs to demonstrate the best characteristics of both worlds.</div>
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But the reality is that most men have a problem expressing emotion, long considered a girly trait. The amazing irony is that as I am literally in the midst of writing this post (which has been planned for more than a day) I flip the channel to see the end of <a href="http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/11522" target="_blank">Charlie Rose interviewing David Brooks </a>about his new book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Social-Animal-Sources-Character-Achievement/dp/140006760X" target="_blank"><b><i>The Social Animal</i></b>.</a> Charlie, who is clearly an exception to this rule, admits how important it is for people to have the “power to express yourself and have emotional intelligence.” David comments how he, and most men, struggle with this and how he admires Bruce Springsteen as someone who is a ‘manly working class guy who can be emotional in a respectable way.’ (Thanks fellas for validating my post right as I type it!)<br />
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Most men will never know <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOauB9RfsDs" target="_blank">What It Feels Like For a Girl</a>, so since this year the day also falls on Mardi Gras, what better excuse is there than<b> </b>to ‘dress’ in drag metaphorically and try your woman-like alter ego on for size. I don’t mean like a full-on <a href="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS6et_8OmSib9Lzdn1ThuILtqjuR5ZZ-GleRG89EbAWUL4oPTKS" target="_blank">Tootsie </a>or <a href="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRxBN6-tb77-ViEh4n7e-Um6R2TdjjRzuYoi4lyg0m6HmWLmPCzmw" target="_blank">Mrs. Doubtfire</a>, but more like the guys in<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1155056/" target="_blank"> I Love You, Man</a> or <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_91hNV6vuBY&feature=related" target="_blank">The Boss </a>in all his glory;<b> allow yourself to be just a little more sensitive, intuitive, creative, and expressive of what it is you’re feeling. </b><br />
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Whether your birth announcement was pink or blue, we all need to balance our Mickey with our Minnie, so give me a buzz and I’ll give you an opportunity and show you the way to <b>make the most of <i>all</i> of who you are</b>, without having to shave your legs, put on a fake moustache or become like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_%28Saturday_Night_Live%29" target="_blank">SNL’s Pat</a><br />
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<i></i><i><b>P.S.</b> For related thoughts on this topic check out my posts: <a href="http://kleonardi.wordpress.com/2011/03/01/youve-come-a-long-way-baby/" target="_blank"><b>You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby?,</b></a> <a href="http://kleonardi.wordpress.com/2010/04/01/girl-power/" target="_blank"><b>Girl Power,</b></a> <a href="http://kleonardi.wordpress.com/2010/04/01/i-am-woman-hear-me-roar/" target="_blank"><b>I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar,</b></a> <a href="http://kleonardi.wordpress.com/2011/07/20/are-you-gonna-go-my-way/" target="_blank"><b>Are You Gonna Go My Way?</b></a></i><a href="http://kleonardi.wordpress.com/2011/07/20/are-you-gonna-go-my-way/" target="_blank"><i>,</i></a><i><a href="http://kleonardi.wordpress.com/2011/08/23/rage-against-the-machine/" target="_blank"><b>Rage Against the Machine</b></a> </i><i></i><i> </i></div>
kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02428469769524564496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948989023630552062.post-26602664992978566302014-02-13T11:58:00.000-05:002014-07-29T12:16:44.176-04:00About The Violence Against Women In India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Since I first learned of the 2012 case of the brutal Delhi gang rape, which gained international attention, I was disturbed to learn of the rise in reports of similar crimes perpetrated towards Indians and foreigners. It was the <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/01/15/india-rape-danish-tourist/4487395/" target="_blank">attack on a Danish tourist</a> near a popular shopping area in India's capital city last month that really made my blood run cold. Through my own research, I learned of other horrific cases of rape in India that are almost too overwhelming to comprehend. Some of them include a case of a Polish woman raped with her young daughter present in a taxi cab by the driver; a couple ambushed by a group of men while bicycling in Central India; and a nightmarish account of a woman who was raped by order her village council as punishment for who she chose to love. I have read and been told by Indian family members and friends that the increase in reports of rape are a result of more people coming forward to the authorities and the media; fear of reprisals from the perpetrators and being ostracized by their communities continue to be serious deterrents to justice.<br />
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As the daughter of first generation Americans who came from India, I have had mixed feelings about the country. As a child, all I knew about India from my two visits there were that I had many Indian relatives, the climate was very hot and rainy, vegetation was lush, and I was a mosquito magnet. It was only during my last two visits to India as an adult that I learned to appreciate its many cultures, languages, customs, climates and landscapes. Like America, India is more diverse and complex than most people can comprehend, including myself. Now, however, I am wondering if I will return to my parents' birth country any time soon.<br />
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It's not just fear that something horrible will happen to me or someone I know; it's the corruption and misogynistic attitudes that make progress in the prevention of these attacks and the aftermaths faced by victims slower than it should be. There are many wonderful, outspoken Indian women and men in the country facing this issue head-on, and now with more people reporting these attacks, the need for true reform in all levels of society is more vital than ever. As an outsider with some insider knowledge, I see how influential the Indian movie and TV industries could be in transforming some of the sexist, backward attitudes that have contributed to the extreme violence towards women in the country. Strategies like public service announcements that reach out to men and women of all ages would be great, as well as more positive stories of rape victims becoming survivors could make enormous positive impacts.<br />
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There are so many other things that need to happen, such as dealing with how families raise their sons and daughters; encouraging all people to report cases of abuse to the authorities; and revising academic, governmental, and medical institutions' policies on how to help survivors and their families. Unfortunately, I have heard too many stories of people who are further victimized by their communities after going public, and for me, that is unacceptable.<br />
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True, systematic change will not happen overnight, but I hope to see some significant reforms in my lifetime. After all, India transformed from a British colony into a democracy with a flourishing economy in a matter of decades. I know (as do so many others) that changes in India's cultural, social, and legal policies regarding all forms of abuse must happen, so the nation's progress into a brighter future will become a reality.</div>
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Pauline Karakathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02672304871920947816noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948989023630552062.post-91443783691585971612014-01-24T12:05:00.000-05:002014-01-24T12:05:14.225-05:00Dealing With The Extreme ColdWhile dealing with another bout of frigid weather this month, I am even more determined not to let it affect my mood. I became a little paranoid a week before Christmas, when I fell on a patch of ice and sprained my arm. While I am relieved that the injury was only minor, I still feel anxious whenever I go outside to deal with the icy walking and driving conditions. Like so many of you, the heavy winds, shorter days, and less sunlight makes me wish I could hibernate all winter long. Since that is not practical or healthy, I have found other ways to prevent the cold from making me physically and emotionally immobile.<br />
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1. I make sure to get outside during the day, even if it is for a few minutes at a time. If I don't make it outside when the sun is shining, I feel lethargic. When the sunshine is obscured by clouds or fog throughout the day, then the next step is essential for me to combat sluggishness.<br />
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2. Everyone knows exercise is key for overall health. I try to run up and down stairs or do jumping jacks if I don't have a chance to do a proper work out, and it can be for 5-10 minutes several times a day. I find that it is helpful when I am working in front of my laptop for long periods of time. No fancy exercise equipment required!<br />
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3. Doing something new at least once a week is very important to me too. It doesn't have to be expensive, time consuming, or anything too elaborate; as long as I gain a new experience, it's completely worth it. I recently attended a free cooking competition between two top chefs, which I had never done before. I have also visited previously unseen parks, window-shopped at new stores, and seen unique movies and musical performances I find online that seem interesting. I just like how new stimuli keeps me interested in the outside world, even when the weather can be a big obstacle.<br />
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<b>What do you do to combat the winter cold?</b>Pauline Karakathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02672304871920947816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948989023630552062.post-12358119536605654712014-01-16T08:00:00.000-05:002014-01-16T08:00:09.230-05:00Ahead of the Curve<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-style: italic;">CHICKS ROCK! is happy to welcome back Giovanna as a guest blogger:</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/grlatwrk.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Giovanna</a> lives in New York City. Through her work experiences and<br />
most recently through her studies, she has developed a passion for the<br />
dynamic of work, the psychology behind it.</span><br />
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The best professional advice I ever received is to always keep learning. Make it your business to stay on top of current trends and anticipate those to come. I previously wrote an article for my blog with tips to stay ahead of the curve in your career, but with time, I realized this is not just something that can be applied to work but also to life.<br />
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Everyone should strive for personal development. Here are some ways to stay at the forefront:<br />
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1. Know yourself<br />
The words ‘Know Thyself’ first appeared at the Temple of Apollo at Delphi in ancient Greece. The phrase is often interpreted to mean that in order to understand the world, we must first understand ourselves. The idea seems simple enough: who knows me better than me, right? However, the harsh reality is that people struggle with self-awareness every day.<br />
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Research shows that many lack understanding of their own behaviors, feelings, and thoughts. As a result, they fall into a pattern of poor decision-making, creating a negative reflection of self. Researchers urge us to be mindful of our behaviors and thoughts. Becoming aware of who you are, how you present yourself to others, and where you stand in relation to your environment can do wonders for your overall wellbeing. <br />
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2. Move with the times<br />
Sorry to be the one to break it to you, but the world is changing. Society is different now than it was even one year ago. There have been great strides in the arts, sciences, and technology. Some of our previous beliefs are now outdated and new attitudes have taken their place. <br />
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Do not cling to old-fashioned views that can infringe on your personal growth. We often become stuck on who we think we are and close ourselves off to new perspectives. Allow new lessons and experiences to evolve the way you think about things. <br />
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3. Challenge yourself<br />
There may come a time when your regular day-to-day will become mundane. The things that used to drive you will no longer challenge you. It is then up to you to create new challenges. <br />
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Pay attention to resources around you. You will likely find a plethora of exciting things just waiting to be explored. Procure new goals for yourself, learn new skills, try new things, talk to interesting people, attend trainings, meetings, fairs, cultural events, etc. Keep yourself abreast of what’s going on in the world. Never for one second quit learning.<br />
<br />CHICKS ROCK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/01234020671631690918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948989023630552062.post-25508109789781510252014-01-14T23:31:00.000-05:002014-01-14T23:31:00.053-05:00New Year's Resolution & IntentionsTo say that 2013 was an eventful year would be a gross understatement. I'm betting on 2014 being wonderful and magical! Instead of coming up with a resolution, or even a series of resolutions as I've done in the past, I made a list of several goals and intentions for the year. A lot of it, I've realized, has to do with putting myself first, being authentic, and loving myself fully.<br />
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Even in the first few days of the new year, I've already been challenged. Merely 24 hours into 2014, I was in bed with an ear infection. I whined a little, but I took it as an opportunity to take care of myself. I eased up on work, looked up home remedies, ate well, and spent most of the day at home.<br />
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Then, when my sister told me about the <a href="http://kimberlysnyder.net/" target="_blank">beauty cleanse</a> she's doing, we started talking about detoxing, immunity shots, healthy drinks, etc. I had already been thinking about ways to be healthier, which seems much more feasible now that I won't be as nomadic. I don't usually concern myself with being healthier but both of my sisters are all about it, plus I'm in California, so it's been very present these last few weeks. I've had - and enjoyed - homemade almond milk, cooked - and mostly enjoyed - a vegetarian Christmas, tried - and enjoyed - <a href="http://www.corefoods.com/">raw food bars</a>, and shopped exclusively at Whole Foods. My sisters aren't just into eating well, I also exfoliated with raw honey and turbinado sugar and used a natural clay mask, and let me tell you, it felt lovely. (The exfoliant tasted good, too!)<br />
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Okay, so all of this was happening and has been the topic of many conversations, and I decided today that my resolution/intention for the new year boils down to self-love and self-care. Put into language that holds me accountable every day, I will perform at least one act of self-love every day. This might seem like a tiny thing, but it's big for me.<br />
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I imagine that some [and then many, and then hopefully most] days will have more than one act of self-love, but I'll start with one.<br />
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<i>This was originally posted at <a href="http://funfrancefoodfriends.blogspot.com/2014/01/new-years-resolution.html" target="_blank">F Is for Fun</a>.</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948989023630552062.post-14809531570510772782014-01-03T11:58:00.001-05:002014-01-03T11:58:40.020-05:00Starting the New Year with a New DreamWhat is your dream for the world in 2014 and your part in it? Wisdom from the incredible 98 year old activist, author, philosopher and national treasure Grace Lee Boggs.
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/52733999" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <a href="http://vimeo.com/52733999">We are shaking the world with a new dream</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/sacredresonance">Sacred Resonance</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02428469769524564496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948989023630552062.post-2427851188530777142014-01-02T12:12:00.000-05:002014-01-03T12:28:14.228-05:00Check out Personal Growth Gab on Facebook! <div class="mhl" style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/PGGpersonalgrowthgab" target="_blank">Personal Growth Gab (PGG)</a> is a weekly dose of thought-provoking, inspirational and entertaining helpful tidbits to keep you connected with yourself and make sense of this journey called life hosted by TWM founder, career/life coach and speaker <a href="http://www.kristinaleonardi.com/" target="_blank">Kristina Leonardi</a> and can now be found on Facebook!</div>
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Since launching <a href="http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Thank-the-Turkeys--Too-.html?soid=1011278242068&aid=p90XXpFu0TA" target="_blank">Personal Growth Gab (PGG)</a> in January 2010, Kristina has formed an avid and faithful following ("they're the only emails I read" "they really help me" "they help me start my week" "I save them until I get home and can read them with a cup of tea" "you're such a good writer!" ) of over 1500 who look forward to a 'weekly dose of thought-provoking, inspirational and unique entertaining helpful tidbits to keep you connected with yourself and make sense of this journey called life<b>.</b><br />
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Kristina Leonardi is a career/life coach who has a proven record of getting "stuck" clients empowered to make changes aligned with their true passions and talents in a short time. She provides a practical framework for each individual to make the most of their personal and professional lives, allowing them to recognize, connect to, and fulfill their role in the world at large and live a life with clarity, balance and direction. <b><a href="http://kristinaleonardi.com/coaching-menu/" target="_blank">Click here for more information</a> and <a href="mailto:kleonardi@mindspring.com" target="_blank">contact her</a> today for a session.</b><br />
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kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02428469769524564496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948989023630552062.post-70285381646013859392013-12-06T12:24:00.001-05:002013-12-06T12:27:40.283-05:00Feeling the Legacy of Nelson Mandela<span class="userContent">CHICKS ROCK! is happy to have Kristina back as a guest blogger this week. <a href="http://www.kristinaleonardi.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #72179d;">Kristina Leonardi</span></a> is the founder of <a href="http://www.thewomensmosaic.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #72179d;">The Women’s Mosaic</span></a>. She is a career/life coach, speaker, seminar leader and expert in the areas of career development, work/life wellness and personal growth.</span><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_52a20515c42401b88322596">
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<span class="userContent">One of the most significant trips and greatest adventures of my life was when as a result of a <a href="http://chicksrockblog.com/search/label/Visioning%20Wkshp" target="_blank">TWM Visioning Workshop</a>, I travelled to South Africa by myself as a delegate from The Women's Mosaic to attend the UN Conference on Racism in Durban, August 2001</span></div>
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I first went to Cape Town where I took the public ferry (with<span class="text_exposed_show"> Chris Tucker who also happened to be on it - random) out to Robben Island where I was deeply moved learning about Mandela's time there as a prisoner, and understood even more profoundly what an amazing human being he is. </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show">But the true testament I believe to his legacy was that just about wherever I went, (which was still very early in the new South Africa) and whoever I interacted with - no matter what their race - was incredibly warm, open and I felt carried within them the spark of light that Mandela so wisely and compassionately lit in his nation's people to work towards reconciliation, tolerance and ultimately, unity. </span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show"><strong>It is a very special country because of the presence and work of two of humanity's greatest leaders, first a young Mohandas K. Gandhi, and then a wise and evolved Nelson Mandela.</strong></span></div>
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kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02428469769524564496noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948989023630552062.post-36305930312802464972013-09-27T15:47:00.000-04:002013-09-27T15:47:49.481-04:00All Roads: Same PlaceCHICKS ROCK! is happy to have Kristina back as a guest blogger this week. <a href="http://www.kristinaleonardi.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #72179d;">Kristina Leonardi</span></a> is the founder of <a href="http://www.thewomensmosaic.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #72179d;">The Women’s Mosaic</span></a>. She is a career/life coach, speaker, seminar leader and expert in the areas of career development, work/life wellness and personal growth.<br /><br />The following was originally posted on September 25, 2013 on <a href="http://kristinaleonardi.com/2011/03/22/deja-vu-all-over-again/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #72179d;">Kristina's blog</span></a>.<br />
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September is always an exciting time of year for me as world leaders convene on the island of Manhattan for the <a href="http://www.un.org/en/ga/" sl-processed="1" target="_blank">United Nations General Assembly</a> and the <a href="http://www.clintonglobalinitiative.org/" sl-processed="1" target="_blank">Clinton Global Initiative</a>.<br />
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Many of you know my degree is in International Relations. Early on I was a passionate student of languages and cultures, got bit by the travel bug at age 12 after a trip to Spain, Portugal and Morocco with my grandmother; by senior year in high school I was studying Spanish, French and Italian (foregoing chemistry and physics..), Mandarin Chinese freshman year in college, organized international student orientations, studied abroad my third year…you get the picture.<br />
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<b>My dream was to one day work for the UN, as my intention and mission in life was to contribute to world peace</b> (I simply didn’t understand why people and countries couldn’t get along just because of race, religion or anything else), so that was a seemingly logical goal. Who grows up wanting to be a career/life coach? Like so many professions today, that didn’t even exist when I was a kid! Ah, but the Universe has a funny way of working things out.<br />
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Once I discovered that being employed by the UN did not ultimately fit my skill set or desired environment, I set out to create my own international experiences - teaching middle and high school Spanish, working and traveling with an upscale educational tour operator, teaching Tourism Destinations & Cultures for NYU, and founding my own mini-version of the UN called <a href="http://kristinaleonardi.com/womens-mosaic/" sl-processed="1" target="_blank">The Women’s Mosaic</a>, bringing together women from different cultures and backgrounds to learn from and be inspired by one another.<br />
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As a result of that creation, I got hooked into the UN, met several times and received praise from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kofi_Annan" sl-processed="1" target="_blank">Kofi Annan,</a> have attended many of their conferences (I still get verklempt when I am in the auditorium wearing an earpiece…), and before any of this, without consciously trying, ended up living in the very neighborhood where the UN’s headquarters is situated – so for<b> my entire adult life I have been surrounded by diplomats</b> and their missions, sharing my coffee shop, gym and grocery store with them 24/7.<br />
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Fast forward to more recently, as <b>my interest and passion for personal growth, empowerment and healing</b> along with my ability to relate to just about anyone, combined with x-ray vision, supersonic hearing, and broad knowledge base of industries, careers and other resources have combined to make me into this very interesting and profoundly effective person I will call a career/life coach for lack of a better title….and I have been helping people professionally in this capacity for over six years.<br />
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Last week I had a big ah-ha moment after a Skype session with a new client in Hungary who had attended one of my talks while here on holiday. Although that was only my second international call,<b> I realized just how diverse and, yes,<i> global</i> my clientele is! </b>I have worked with well over a hundred people from all backgrounds – whether foreign nationals here visiting or working temporarily, or folks that were not born here but came as children or adults to live. They hail from Macedonia, Italy, Puerto Rico, Mexico, New Zealand, Dominican Republic, China, Taiwan, Nigeria, Canada, Australia, El Salvador, Russia, Japan, Philippines, and Israel as well as embody the many diverse ethnicities and religions found here; African-American, Haitian, Indian, Persian, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Quaker, and so much more; many of my clients have accents, as English is their second or third language! So DUH, here I am using my degree in ‘International Relations’ yet once again, simply in another form. Pretty cool, huh?<br />
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I share all of this not just to illustrate how the thread of my interests and passions have run through everything I do, but also for this:<b> My work with individuals only confirms my theories, thoughts and ideals about countries and humanity as a whole.</b> The more I learn and observe intimately the intricacies of all these <i>seemingly</i> different folks’ journeys and backgrounds, the more I see the hard evidence of how we are all wired as humans with the same desires, dreams, hopes and challenges – <b>no matter what corner of the globe you are from we have far more in common than you can imagine.</b><br />
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Think you’re so special? You are. <b>You have a uniqueness that you bring to this planet. But you are also made of the same stuff as that guy or gal is sitting next to you on the subway, or across the ocean</b>. And because of things like technology and climate change, we are more interconnected than ever. So this week take a moment to expand your horizons - who can you learn about, chat with or help in some way that is out of your normal sphere of influence? <b>How can</b><b> you <a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs179/1011278242068/archive/1114952537034.html" sl-processed="1" target="_blank">Imagine</a> your world for the better? What can you do to </b><b>think globally but act locally?</b><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<b>Not sure what is the micro in your life that will affect the macro?</b> Give me a buzz and we’ll translate the language of your soul to see how it will weave into the tapestry of history and become that much needed piece of the peace puzzle we are all a part of, no matter who you are or where you come from.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs179/1011278242068/archive/1114952537034.html" sl-processed="1" target="_blank"><i> FINAL WEEK: Be sure to take advantage of my special Back to School September discount offer!</i></a>kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02428469769524564496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948989023630552062.post-15809839731999873542013-09-18T11:58:00.000-04:002013-09-18T11:58:26.027-04:00Salary Negotiations and Self Confidence
I recently learned the importance of negotiation, especially when
it comes to salary. When I received a job offer letter from a small company
offering a part-time position that will become full-time after a month, it
looked good to me at first. Then, my eyes scanned down to the hourly rate
listed, and I knew I had to start negotiating. While I understand that most
companies of all sizes have had to downsize due to the
lingering consequences of the recession, I knew immediately that I could
not accept the offer as is.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
From all that I have read and know from firsthand knowledge about salary
negotiations, I am aware that many job seekers won't even attempt to
start the process, which should happen right after an offer is made by a
potential employer. Sometimes those who have been looking for employment for an
extended period of time may be prone to jump on the first opportunity
to come their way. I have different circumstances; I work as a consultant for
several companies, and while I am open to a full-time position, it has to be
something that will justify me giving up (or cutting down) on my other work
projects. The position I was recently offered did not convince me to make any
changes, because they are only willing to go up $1 an hour, and they are not
offering any benefits. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
My advice to anyone in this situation is to always see if there is
any "wiggle room" in a job offer. If an increase in salary is
not possible or not as high as you would like it to be, then a prospective
employer may be open to other options, such as offering public transportation
reimbursement, parking fees or a health insurance plan with varying levels of
coverage. When I was negotiating my salary, I calculated how much my daily
travel expenses to and from the location would be, and the result is
one of the reasons why I decided not to accept the position. <br />
<br />
<br />
I knew that
if I accepted their terms with no hesitations, I would not be able to respect
myself. I also think my would-be employer would have continued to
undervalue me, knowing that I am willing to work for so little
from the very beginning. Ultimately, I walked away from negotiations with my
head held high, knowing that I made the right decision. Thankfully, I handled
myself well enough that they are considering me for a per diem position, which
I can definitely live with.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br />
Do you have any salary negotiation stories to share?<o:p></o:p><br />
Pauline Karakathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02672304871920947816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948989023630552062.post-89023548544850580772013-09-05T09:00:00.000-04:002013-09-05T09:00:05.966-04:00Give Yourself Gifts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-demsKxJQNOk/UhlSXAz739I/AAAAAAAAAH8/P7jsYWRfbmM/s1600/69fab10079e8df35a1d81d27458ee1f6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-demsKxJQNOk/UhlSXAz739I/AAAAAAAAAH8/P7jsYWRfbmM/s200/69fab10079e8df35a1d81d27458ee1f6.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="175" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-style: italic;">CHICKS ROCK! is happy to welcome Cherise as a guest blogger:</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-style: italic;"><br />
</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/grlatwrk.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Cherise</a> is a Professional Interior Stylist and Lighting Expert. Her love for the individuality of people, a passion for design, and an adoration of the place we call home that fuels her work and her life.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
A friend and I were talking today about her new home. She and her husband moved into their 2nd house 3 weeks before their first child arrived. Flash forward 9 months later: Packed boxes fill their home. With the arrival of their new baby, and being two hard working parents with full schedules, unpacking those boxes and getting settled hasn’t been their focus.<br />
<br />
This summer when the baby turns a year old, they would love to host a house party to welcome family and friends to their home for the first time.<br />
<br />
Like many of us, my friend has her ideas of the complete overhaul that is needed to one day turn this old home into their dream home.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>my advice?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>find happiness in your daily home life <u>in the present</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>it’s so important for your sanity and health</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>give yourself this gift</b></div>
<br />
Understanding that she craves a sense of organization (no surprise – most of us are not happy living out of boxes!), she admitted that it would make a big difference to at least gain organization in her daily home life. Rather than a complete home renovation, with a smaller investment of time and money she can get her home in order in the short term, and continue to make plans in the long term for the “dream renovation” where they can design new layouts and finishes.<br />
<br />
I told her to focus on 4 things:<br />
<br />
<b><u>#1: Unpack everything.</u></b> Get everything out of boxes first so you know what you are working with.<br />
<br />
<b><u>#2: Decide what to keep, and what needs to find a new home.</u></b> Go through your items and make sure they have a reason to stay and a place to go. Some things will have an obvious place, and others may need to be re-purposed in order to make the cut.<br />
<br />
<u><b>#3: Organize & Rearrange.</b></u> Now that you know what you are working with, make a list of areas that still don’t feel organized to you and create a plan to address these areas. You may need to invest some money in organization systems, but it will be money well spent. Next, design a space arrangement that supports all your key activities such as cozying up by the fireplace in winter, playing on the ground with the baby, watching the game, and having occasional guests visit.<br />
<br />
<u><b>#4: Continue to give yourself gifts no matter the size!</b></u> There is something my friend has done to improve her space that is 100% on the mark! It cost her no additional money and minimal time, but helps her love her space and surroundings even in its current state of disarray.<br />
<br />
She combined two items that had meaning for her: 1) hand picked tulips from her backyard that her husband planted as a surprise, and 2) vases she purchased from a recent trip they took together.<br />
<br />
End result: She feels so good every time she looks at them – fresh tulips all season made by her husband with love. <u>This is the gift that keeps on giving!</u> Only she could know that this small improvement was going to be very special to her. She can enjoy it for all its beauty AND use it as motivation to keep working on the bigger items in her home, such as organization and redesign. Looking at them is a hopeful, encouraging reminder that her home space will continue to evolve into a place she loves.<br />
<br />
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<br />
I share this example with you because it is the essence of this blog:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>create based on what has meaning to you</b></div>
<br />
Making changes to the house is not always easy, but sometimes it’s gotta get done. As you press forward you have new opportunities to create more of these priceless expressions which are gifts for you to enjoy and will work together to make your house feel like a home.<br />
<br />
What has meaning for you? Think about something you enjoy displaying. Or an activity you do in your home to relax and relieve stress, such as playing with animals, creating, cooking, being a coach potato, surfing the web, watching TV, drinking coffee or tea, listening to music, singing, yoga….<br />
<br />
Maybe you have activities you do outside the home such as walking, biking, dancing, meeting friends for happy hour, playing sports…<br />
<br />
Next time I will share a few things with you in my home that have meaning to me.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i><a href="http://www.ispaci.com/give-yourself-gifts/" target="_blank">Originally posted at ispaci</a></i></div>
CHICKS ROCK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/01234020671631690918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948989023630552062.post-74551567312089786582013-08-29T09:00:00.000-04:002013-08-29T09:00:02.266-04:00Start at the Center<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-demsKxJQNOk/UhlSXAz739I/AAAAAAAAAH8/P7jsYWRfbmM/s1600/69fab10079e8df35a1d81d27458ee1f6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-demsKxJQNOk/UhlSXAz739I/AAAAAAAAAH8/P7jsYWRfbmM/s200/69fab10079e8df35a1d81d27458ee1f6.jpeg" width="175" /></a></div>
<span style="font-style: italic;">CHICKS ROCK! is happy to welcome Cherise as a guest blogger:</span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/grlatwrk.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Cherise</a> is a Professional Interior Stylist and Lighting Expert. Her love for the individuality of people, a passion for design, and an adoration of the place we call home that fuels her work and her life.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
“home” can have so many different meanings</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
“home” is (but not limited to) …</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
comfortable</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the place you should always be who you are</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
wonderfully built to support your lifestyle</div>
<br />
If you’ve ever found yourself trying to take a living space – apartment, condo, bedroom, house – and transform it into a place that shares any of the above qualities, you may have asked yourself “Where in the world do I start?!”<br />
<br />
Like many, you may have turned to the internet and searched the 100′s of beautiful design blogs online, or perhaps to popular television channels such as HGTV and DIY Network. These are great places to get ideas, but if you’ve walked away less than ready to make your dream home, keep reading. Often times you don’t need to look any further than yourself.<br />
<br />
Homes are extremely personal places. They become personal not necessarily by starting with a “great idea,” but by starting with the person – you. If you don’t have any connection to the idea, no matter how great it seems, chances are it won’t serve a purpose for you in your daily life.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The first question to answer is:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>who are you?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and the second is:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>what will make you happy in the space?</b></div>
<br />
The answers to these questions can look a LOT of different ways, as many ways as there are people.<br />
<br />
Some people are ready with their own ideas, and others may feel like they don’t have any at all. No matter where you’re at, I’m here to help you uncover what’s inside and translate the YOU into your space.<br />
<br />
by putting yourself at the center of your home design, you will create the home you feel most supported in and truly connected to<br />
<br />
A quick break from serious stuff for a fun analogy!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>i love wine</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YgU6XlMVw30/UhlR-nSzuhI/AAAAAAAAAHc/52nz3sUESH8/s1600/cherise-new-280x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YgU6XlMVw30/UhlR-nSzuhI/AAAAAAAAAHc/52nz3sUESH8/s200/cherise-new-280x300.jpg" width="186" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UrHmtkJe_Y0/UhlR-lWyPLI/AAAAAAAAAHk/PDSa70BcR4Q/s1600/IMG_1598-300x224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UrHmtkJe_Y0/UhlR-lWyPLI/AAAAAAAAAHk/PDSa70BcR4Q/s200/IMG_1598-300x224.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-62-_OTFi9Xs/UhlR-lwff4I/AAAAAAAAAHY/T2IrTZ7eQ4U/s1600/IMG_14561-228x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-62-_OTFi9Xs/UhlR-lwff4I/AAAAAAAAAHY/T2IrTZ7eQ4U/s200/IMG_14561-228x300.jpg" width="152" /></a></div>
<br />
I enjoy a glass at home with my dinner, or while catching up with a friend, wine tastings at wineries, or to celebrate a special occasion. To set a good example, I’ll tell you that my love of wine is reflected in my South Philly home (or maybe not since wine doesn’t hang around long in my house!).<br />
<br />
Recently I went to the best wine bar ever during a trip to see my big sister in St. Louis. At Robust Wine Bar they successfully demystified wine tasting for the average person, a feat that deserves an award in my opinion. Our waitress did an excellent job asking us questions to get a sense of what we liked. Next she made suggestions based on the information we gave her about ourselves. One of our friends at the table admitted she has wanted to try more red wines, but has been intimidated and unsure of which ones to try. The waitress made a suggestion based on her preferences, and gave her a useful tip on how to become more comfortable trying red wines: Start with the sweeter reds and work your way up to the drier reds to develop the palette slowly. She ended with “Keep in mind that the best wine isn’t what I like or what anybody else has told you to like. It’s what YOU think is the best one. That’s the best one. Period.”<br />
<br />
In this moment she gave us permission to be ourselves – exactly who we were at that moment. Her ability to create a non-judgmental, free-to-be-me environment and to guide our decisions based on who we were and what we liked resulted in the most enjoyable wine tasting experience I’ve ever had. Fun. Relaxing. This is what wine tasting is all about.<br />
<br />
Likewise, in your home it’s about being in an environment where you feel completely comfortable being yourself, and where you can hopefully have fun and relax too. As your guide, I will make suggestions on how you can work your way forward on this path based on who you are. There will be many opportunities to try new things, but no pressure!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>what you choose for yourself is going to be the best thing for you</b></div>
<br />
To demonstrate how you can make yourself central in your home, my next few posts will be focused on design ideas in my home that have “Cherise” in the center. In addition, we will be visiting the homes of some of my closest, most creative friends to give us a broad view on various approaches. I’ll include tips and questions you can answer to keep you pointed in the right direction.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EM71RRR6i2I/UhlSQ49stxI/AAAAAAAAAHw/uHCbpWzDxgg/s1600/IMG_1612-300x224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EM71RRR6i2I/UhlSQ49stxI/AAAAAAAAAHw/uHCbpWzDxgg/s200/IMG_1612-300x224.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
(all pictures are from my Dec 2012 trip to Argentina – I did a bike tour of Mendoza wineries)<br />
<br />
<i><a href="http://www.ispaci.com/start-at-the-center/" target="_blank">Originally posted at ispaci</a></i>CHICKS ROCK!http://www.blogger.com/profile/01234020671631690918noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948989023630552062.post-14050514913924156312013-08-22T11:05:00.000-04:002013-08-22T11:23:40.954-04:00Shake Your Groove Thing<div style="color: #4f5055; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: 18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">CHICKS ROCK! is happy to have Kristina back as a guest blogger this week. </span><a href="http://www.kristinaleonardi.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Kristina Leonardi</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> is the founder of </span><a href="http://www.thewomensmosaic.org/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Women’s Mosaic</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">. She is a career/life coach, speaker,
seminar leader and expert in the areas of career development, work/life
wellness and personal growth. The following was originally posted on November 28, 2012 on </span><a href="http://kristinaleonardi.com/2012/11/28/shake-your-groove-thing/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Kristina's blog</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</span><br />
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<a href="http://i1.sndcdn.com/artworks-000046807940-wls3ns-crop.jpg?5ffe3cd" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://i1.sndcdn.com/artworks-000046807940-wls3ns-crop.jpg?5ffe3cd" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><b><i>Do you have the discipline to be a free spirit?</i></b><span lang="EN"><i> ~ <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001NSQoukteAgB7o-_LMHT8AP762tqSiB5hfVrw5XrDyKwVsDkgp9iVHw3wE0OqrYLSfQFLR5zmV4AWh1LUAvjmhXPX2n9mQ9GbuTOHThENPSBXhMuYe-5qJa4QZ4DiLTqoj2qVYset7H-I8nbHg1t6SKtjrCiZSl-oG2RrdXGOvLJMeHoSjOL2Ll0PZ9tOntVU" shape="rect" target="_blank"><b>Gabrielle Roth</b></a></i></span> <br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span lang="EN"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">In the movie </span><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001NSQoukteAgB7o-_LMHT8AP762tqSiB5hfVrw5XrDyKwVsDkgp9iVHw3wE0OqrYLSfQFLR5zmV4AWh1LUAvjmhb4AKVzoCPnfxn3rIsoZbHp5po3QX8DMB0sct1tTfiJb3WAsM4Hw0sc=" shape="rect" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Silver Linings Playbook</b></span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">, the main characters Pat and Tiffany are in training for a big dance competition that turns out to be much more than a fancy booty shaking contest. A unique romantic dramedy, it's a film that shows there is a fine line between sanity and insanity, acceptable versus unacceptable behavior, and the beauty of <b>living life to the beat of your own drum</b>.</span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">In the movie </span><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001NSQoukteAgB7o-_LMHT8AP762tqSiB5hfVrw5XrDyKwVsDkgp9iVHw3wE0OqrYLSfQFLR5zmV4AWh1LUAvjmhb4AKVzoCPnfxn3rIsoZbHp5po3QX8DMB8pOdNclLV9MQbv9mMRGMfs=" shape="rect" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>The Sessions</b></span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">, Mark O'Brien is confined to an iron lung 20 hours a day, existing on a gurney unable to move from the neck down, and yet he writes poetry, is a professional journalist and decides to hire a sex surrogate so he can experience the most human of experiences. We go along on his journey (based on a true story!) and find him to be <b>one of the most alive, loving and liberated individuals to have ever lived despite such extreme physical limitations</b>.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">And as seen in the movie </span><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001NSQoukteAgB7o-_LMHT8AP762tqSiB5hfVrw5XrDyKwVsDkgp9iVHw3wE0OqrYLSfQFLR5zmV4AWh1LUAvjmhb4AKVzoCPnfxn3rIsoZbHp5po3QX8DMB2GfbU2qO2Gs-U2Q7VmAprw=" shape="rect" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Lincoln</b></span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">, our 16th president is clearly not your Average Joe. He was always thinking out of the box, used his quirky sense of humor to diffuse or illuminate situations, and took numerous risks throughout the most heart-wrenching circumstances our country has endured. He stretched the Constitution to its limit, <b>working within an established framework while implementing his own interpretation </b>and/or bending the rules based on his hard-earned wisdom, keen observations and superior judgment as unprecedented needs arose and critical decisions had to be made in order for progress to occur.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">In the conscious movement class I take, we are told to 'dance it your way' and have breaks of 'free dance' where we boogie as we see fit; it's not chaotic because there is an organized structure and unity contained within the flow as we come back together intermittently as a group throughout the hour. It's a super-small class because for many people, when given the opportunity to move and think for themselves, even for just a few moments, is a daunting and uncomfortable feeling; <b>it's an empowering exercise that requires more effort and less inhibition</b>, and many simply don't know what to do if they are not following the instructor. And that, my friends, is indicative of a larger problem with implications reaching much farther than a gym studio.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Spielberg's Lincoln asks, <b><i>"Do you think we choose to be born? Or are we fitted to the times we're born into?"</i></b> As citizens of the 21st century, we are certainly living in extraordinary times that will require us to become the fullest and most unique beings we are meant to be. We each have something that needs to be expressed, something that no other person on this planet, no one who has come before or will come after can express. Right now we need new ways of looking at old problems and to change old ways in order deal with new problems, so it's more important than ever for you to <b>do your own thang, because there is no other way to generate inspiration and birth innovation.</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">In any era <b>it's easy to get stuck in past habits and sucked into the zeitgeist of the day.</b> Resist the urge to follow the herd, fight to honor yourself, think and speak your own thoughts and begin to know and create yourself anew every moment of every day instead of getting swept up by social media, news, commercials, and even your peer groups, work and ethnic cultures or family and friends who are all, consciously or not, forces that can easily grab hold of your mind, body, spirit and/or bank account. <b>Don't let your physical characteristics, family roots or societal dictates squash all the rhythms inside you</b> that might be quite different from what those outside influences might have you believe, say or do.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Not sure exactly what <i>your</i> groove thing is? Give me a buzz and I'll get you started with some basic choreography and point you in the right direction, because ultimately </span><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001NSQoukteAgB7o-_LMHT8AP762tqSiB5hfVrw5XrDyKwVsDkgp9iVHw3wE0OqrYLSfQFLR5zmV4AWh1LUAvjmhTJVchI9rKb6AlEX4DZ1Bp3WqcHhJLljWmnm1TIgpgyHrZP_p2MV_V0UAZCocuOl9g==" shape="rect" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>You Should Be Dancing</b></span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> your own steps throughout life, hopefully with a fun disco floor beneath your feet along the way!</span></span></div>
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kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02428469769524564496noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-948989023630552062.post-31611184974228313182013-07-18T09:30:00.000-04:002013-07-18T09:30:00.257-04:00My Vegan ChallengeFor almost two weeks now, I have been existing on a vegan diet. Why? Well, I have a variety of reasons for making the change, all of which stem from my wanting to avoid prescription drugs with side effects that can be worse than the actual ailments. After doing extensive research for several months, I decided to take the plunge by trying out the vegan lifestyle for at least one month. So far, I am not missing animal products of any kind. <br />
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My vegan challenge includes omitting all oil as well, which has been a big hurdle for me. When eating salads at home or in restaurants, I always chose oil and vinegar as my regular dressing; now I make my oil free options at home, and avoid eating meals out. I still go to cafés armed with my laptop, but now I make sure to eat before I go so I am not tempted to buy pastries or savory items to accompany my herbal tea drinks, which I order iced during these scorching hot summer days.<br />
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Making sure not to munch on anything three hours before bedtime has also been difficult; I love snacking whenever I can, so I make sure to stay hydrated and eat filling, nutritious food throughout the day to avoid succumbing to my cravings at night. My reliance on a variety of vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, rice, oats, and other healthy starches make me feel lighter, even though my main goal isn't weight loss. All I want is overall good health, and I think I am on the right track. <br />
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Depending on how things go during the month, I may decide to stay a vegan. To make it work, I have to plan ahead and maintain discipline. I tend to be disorganized and lazy, so the long term challenge will be to change these bad habits to make veganism work for me. It is definitely not going to be easy, but I will continue to try to make it work. <br />
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Good luck to all of you out there who are trying to make positive lifestyle changes!<br />
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<br />Pauline Karakathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02672304871920947816noreply@blogger.com0