Pink Ladders

Self Image, Body Image

noreply@blogger.com (RiverSiren) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 01:09:00 +0000

Now that summer has been in full swing, many of us have been sporting swim suits, shorts and tank tops - much to the chagrin of most American women who are taken aback when they look at their reflection. Many women are dissatisfied with their body image and this cuts into their self image.

"We do not develop our body image all on our own. The people around us and our culture strongly influence it. We get both positive and negative messages about our bodies from family and friends all the time — starting from when we’re very young. We also get messages about body image from television, magazines, films, and other media. Many of the beliefs we have about the way women and men should look come from the models and celebrities we see in the media. But models and celebrities do not look like most people. For example, on average, women who are models have very different builds. They weigh 23 percent less than women who are not models," according to Planned Parenthood.

If we look around us, bodies in the real world are all unique and diverse. Our life stages shape us from puberty to menopause. Many factors such as stress, age and disabilities affect our appearance.

Here are twenty ways to love your body from the National Eating Disorders Association:

1.Think of your body as the vehicle to your dreams. Honor it. Respect it. Fuel it.

2. Create a list of all the things your body lets you do. Read it and add to it often.

3. Become aware of what your body can do each day. Remember it is the instrument of your life, not just

an ornament.

4. Create a list of people you admire: people who have contributed to your life, your community, or the

world. Consider whether their appearance was important to their success and accomplishments.

5. Walk with your head held high, supported by pride and confidence in yourself as a person.

6. Don’t let your weight or shape keep you from activities that you enjoy.

7. Wear comfortable clothes that you like, that express your personal style, and that feel good to your

body.

8. Count your blessings, not your blemishes.

9. Think about all the things you could accomplish with the time and energy you currently spend

worrying about your body and appearance. Try one!

10. Be your body’s friend and supporter, not its enemy.

11. Consider this: your skin replaces itself once a month, your stomach lining every five days, your liver

every six weeks, and your skeleton every three months. Your body is extraordinary--begin to respect

and appreciate it.

12. Every morning when you wake up, thank your body for resting and rejuvenating itself so you can

enjoy the day.

13. Every evening when you go to bed, tell your body how much you appreciate what it has allowed you

to do throughout the day.

14. Find a method of exercise that you enjoy and do it regularly. Don’t exercise to lose weight or to fight

your body. Do it to make your body healthy and strong and because it makes you feel good. Exercise

for the Three F’s: Fun, Fitness, and Friendship.

15. Think back to a time in your life when you felt good about your body. Tell yourself you can feel like

that again, even in this body at this age.

16. Keep a list of 10 positive things about yourself--without mentioning your appearance. Add to it!

17. Put a sign on each of your mirrors saying, “I’m beautiful inside and out.”

18. Choose to find the beauty in the world and in yourself.

19. Start saying to yourself, “Life is too short to waste my time hating my body this way.”

20. Eat when you are hungry. Rest when you are tired. Surround yourself with people that remind you of

your inner strength and beauty.

"Don't weigh your self esteem, it is what's inside that counts."

Yoga for Life

noreply@blogger.com (RiverSiren) — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 13:58:00 +0000

With its quiet, precise movements, Yoga draws your focus away from your busy, chaotic day and toward calm as you move your body through poses that require balance and concentration, according to the Mayo Clinic.

This works.

I began my Yoga practice nearly two years ago when I met Pilar Redmond at the local farmers' market. Newly certified as a Yoga instructor, she was looking for a place to offer classes. I offered my home and gathered a few friends and neighbors to meet Friday afternoons to see what all this Yoga hoopla was all about. None of us had practiced Yoga.

Our age ranged from mid 40s to mid 60s and we were mainly women. We all varied in our fitness levels and we all attended with with our injuries and ailments. Pilar's manner was calming and accepting of our varied abilities. She was creative in weaving together poses or asanas into an artistic flow of movement.

We all began to look forward to our Friday afternoons with Yoga and Pilar. We started noticing how calm and relaxed we felt after class. A significant decrease in mind chatter was noted. The breathing exercises along with the movement pulled us into the moment, bringing focus to the present. This exercise opened space in our minds for just being.

Our shared Yoga experience has brought us through our own life experiences. Together in practice we live through cancer, divorce, death, injuries, losing a home, birth of children and grandchildren, unemployment, new employment, advanced degrees, authoring books and more.

Today, with newly developed strength, we are holding poses we did not know our bodies could. According to the Mayo Clinic, Yoga might help with a variety of health conditions, such as cancer, depression, pain, anxiety and insomnia, by helping with sleep problems, fatigue and mood. Yoga also can help reduce heart rate and blood pressure. As you learn and refine new poses, you may enjoy improved balance, flexibility, range of motion and strength. And this means you're less likely to injure yourself in other physical endeavors or in your daily activities.

Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured, says B.K.S. Iyengar.

See for yourself. Yoga Journal offers a plethora of information such podcasts and videos for all levels.

Memorial Day People

noreply@blogger.com (RiverSiren) — Sun, 29 May 2011 13:01:00 +0000

Memorial Day is a federal holiday for honoring soldiers who died in military service. This day is observed on the last Monday of May. Over 4600 American military men and women have died so far in the War on Terrorism in these two operations: 2001 Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and the 2003 Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq). Of these fatalities, 2.4% were women who make up 16% of the department of defense force. Over 4500 deaths have been men who comprise 97.6% of the force.

These stats represent real people whose departure from this world has a heart wrenching impact on those close. Appreciation, gratitude and sadness is felt from people across the country for these men and women, on this day.

Memorial Day was initially known as Decoration Day to honor both Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the American Civil War. After World War I, this day commemorated all our fallen soldiers who have died in all wars. Decoration Day was changed to Memorial Day in memory and honor of those who gave their lives fighting for a common cause. This total so far is over 340,000 people. Of this total is William Newman.

Airman William Newman

12/8/1983 - 6/7/2007

In remembrance of our son, William Newman, who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. He was only 23 years old when died serving as an Air Force EOD technician. William was part of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team stationed at Hickman Air Force Base in Hawaii. He was killed while disarming an IED(improvised explosive device) in Balad, Iraq. One year later the Hickman Air Force Base EOD facility was dedicated and named in his honor. Thank you for your service and dedication to our great country. We miss you and love you so much.

Thank you to all the Veterans, for all those currently serving in our military, and for those who have lost their lives. Words cannot express our gratitude and appreciation. - Angela Newman, founder of Pink Ladders.

Mother's Day - a feminist idea

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Newman) — Sun, 01 May 2011 23:03:00 +0000

When most of us think of celebrating Mother's Day, we think about reservations for brunch, bouquet of flowers, and cards. Oh, and of course, our mothers and grandmothers. We take stock of our relationship with them or lack thereof. We think of ourselves as mothers or step mothers or other mothers like aunts, friends or sisters. We tend to feel honored, sad or maybe indifferent on this day. In any case, this day is an opportunity to think bigger than ourselves, as mothers of our society.

Mother's Day in the United States was brought to discussion with the writing of the Mother's Day Proclamation by Julia Ward Howe, a feminist, in 1870. Julia also wrote the Battle Hymn of the Republic. Being a feminist meant that women had a "responsibility to shape their societies at a political level". The Mother's Day Proclamation was a response to the deaths and injuries of the sons as result of the American Civil War and the Franco-Prussian War.

This Mother's Day amid our plans for food and company, maybe we think about and talk about our roles as mothers of our society.

Mother's Day Proclamation

Arise, then, women of this day!
Arise, all women who have hearts,
Whether our baptism be of water or of tears!

Say firmly:

"We will not have great questions decided by irrelevant agencies,
Our husbands will not come to us, reeking with carnage, for caresses and applause.
Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn
All that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy and patience.
We, the women of one country, will be too tender of those of another country
To allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs."
From the bosom of the devastated Earth a voice goes up with our own.
It says: "Disarm! Disarm! The sword of murder is not the balance of justice."
Blood does not wipe out dishonor, nor violence indicate possession.
As men have often forsaken the plough and the anvil at the summons of war,
Let women now leave all that may be left of home for a great and earnest day of counsel.
Let them meet first, as women, to bewail and commemorate the dead.
Let them solemnly take counsel with each other as to the means
Whereby the great human family can live in peace,
Each bearing after his own time the sacred impress, not of Caesar,
But of God.
In the name of womanhood and humanity, I earnestly ask
That a general congress of women without limit of nationality
May be appointed and held at someplace deemed most convenient
And at the earliest period consistent with its objects,
To promote the alliance of the different nationalities,
The amicable settlement of international questions,
The great and general interests of peace.

April, Poetry, Women

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Newman) — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 22:48:00 +0000

"For poems are not, as people think, simply emotions (one has emotions early enough)—they are experiences."
—Rainer Maria Rilke

National Poetry Month is held every April to recognize poetry's imprint on American culture. Publishers, booksellers, literary organizations, libraries, schools and poets acknowledge and celebrate poetry along with thousands of businesses and non-profit organizations.

Many women poets have exposed vignettes of experience through their poetry bringing about connection in social struggle, joy, fear, strength and heartache. Elizabeth Alexander is an American poet who was asked to read at President Barack Obama's inauguration in 2009.

Blues
by Elizabeth Alexander

I am lazy, the laziest girl in the world. I sleep during the day when I want to, 'til my face is creased and swollen, 'til my lips are dry and hot. I eat as I please: cookies and milk after lunch, butter and sour cream on my baked potato, foods that slothful people eat, that turn yellow and opaque beneath the skin. Sometimes come dinnertime Sunday I am still in my nightgown, the one with the lace trim listing because I have not mended it. Many days I do not exercise, only consider it, then rub my curdy belly and lie down. Even my poems are lazy. I use syllabics instead of iambs, prefer slant to the gong of full rhyme, write briefly while others go for pages. And yesterday, for example, I did not work at all! I got in my car and I drove to factory outlet stores, purchased stockings and panties and socks with my father's money. To think, in childhood I missed only one day of school per year. I went to ballet class four days a week at four-forty-five and on Saturdays, beginning always with plie, ending with curtsy. To think, I knew only industry, the industry of my race and of immigrants, the radio tuned always to the station that said, Line up your summer job months in advance. Work hard and do not shame your family, who worked hard to give you what you have. There is no sin but sloth. Burn to a wick and keep moving. I avoided sleep for years, up at night replaying evening news stories about nearby jailbreaks, fat people who ate fried chicken and woke up dead. In sleep I am looking for poems in the shape of open V's of birds flying in formation, or open arms saying, I forgive you, all.

National Women's History Month

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Newman) — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 20:25:00 +0000

Why is a month dedicated to Women's History?

This is because the accomplishments of women have been historically ignored.

Today we enjoy the fruits of the fight the women before us fought for so heroically. This is a time of year to recognize those women and reacquaint ourselves with what has been gained, what must be kept, and what is yet to be accomplished.

Imagine ourselves today without the right to vote, to own property or file for a divorce.

Throughout history, women have come together to change our society for the better whether it was gaining reforms in the early 1900's that gave us sewage systems and pasturization of milk or, more recently, reforms giving women rights to credit and home ownership, says Joan Wages, NWHM (National Women's History Museum) President & CEO.

Keep in mind women did not have the right to vote until 1920 when the Nineteenth Amendment was passed. "The American woman suffrage movement is recognized as officially starting in 1848, at the Seneca Falls Women's Rights Convention in New York. At the conference, women like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott wrote and signed a Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions, outlining issues and goals of the emerging women's rights movement, such as increased education and employment opportunities, divorce and child custody laws, and the right to vote. The most radical and difficult goal to achieve turned out to be women's right to vote."

Women's contributions and accomplishments for the most part have been overlooked and consequently omitted from mainstream culture.

So, The National Women's History Museum is asking for support of legislation to build a permanent home for this museum in Washington D.C. On March 30th at 1:45 p.m. join with other women, friends and family on Capitol Hill as Representative Carolyn Maloney and Senator Susan Collins announce this legislation. Here is a petition to show support of this legislation.

Women's history isn't meant to rewrite history. The objective is to promote scholarship and expand our knowledge of American history.

Share an important woman in history who has effected the way we live today. Email her name and a quote to lorelei@pinkladders.com. We will recognize her on the Pink Ladders facebook page.

March 8th is International Women's Day. So what's the significance?

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Newman) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 12:49:00 +0000

March 8th is International Women's Day. How many of you knew this and have recognized International Women's Day in some fashion?

Most likely we may have heard about this historical day but we have not given it more than a nod. This is a day for women of the world to recognize the advances made in the struggle for equality, peace and development. This day is also an opportunity to network, unite and mobilize for meaningful change, according to the United Nations.

Now some us may be thinking blah, blah, blah.

Well, not all the battles have been won in the struggle for equality. Women are more visible and have certainly made advances. However, due to the cultural longevity of the oppression of women in subtle ways and blatant actions, awareness and movement for equality is a long term process that advances in daily actions. Cultural and societal change is the responsibility of today's women.

So, March 8th is a day to increase awareness of today's conditions. Women are still not paid equally to that of their male counterparts, women are still not present in equal numbers in business and politics. Globally, women have less access to education and choices for health, plus violence against women is still rampant in many parts of the world and experienced in our own communities.

This day and concept has been evolving since 1908 when 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights. The glaring oppression and blatant inequality compelled women to take action.

The United Nations began recognizing March 8th as International Women's Day during the International Women's Year in 1975. The General Assembly took this action to "recognize the fact that securing peace and social progress and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms require the active participation, equality and development of women; and to acknowledge the contribution of women to the strengthening of international peace and security."

World wide thousands of events will be taking place to inspire women and celebrate achievements. A global web of rich and diverse local activity connects women from all around the world ranging from political rallies, business conferences, government activities and networking events through to local women's craft markets, theatric performances, fashion parades and more, according to the United Nations. Check out events in your region here.

When deciding how much weight to give this day, ask the question: If once the facts are known, is it ethical to ignore them?

Pink Ladders Climbs the Pink Ladder

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Newman) — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 15:56:00 +0000

Pink Ladders celebrates climbing the Pink Ladder for two years this month. Featuring a Woman of Focus is an honor. Over 24 women have given us permission to share their story in climbing their pink ladder to success. Some of those women are you. Either you have been focused or you are waiting to share your story. You are ranchers, authors, CEOs, musicians, builders, lawyers and scientists.

We are all women climbing our pink ladder integrating our business and personal lives into a fully developed successful life. These shared stories present nuggets of wisdom garnered from experiences of homelessness to illness, from college to career shifting, from management to entrepreneurship.

We are presented with creative ways women cope to bring confidence and direction to their lives, steadily and firmly planting their feet on each rung of the pink ladder. Their stories and yours consistently confirm the power of goal setting and affirmation developing.

Pink Ladders is climbing the Pink Ladder in 2011 in continuing to share a Woman of Focus story every month, offering an iphone app that works with the Task Manager, or independently and outlining the 5 Rungs to Career Success in a book this year. Consider following us on facebook and Twitter to keep abreast of issues facing women worldwide and for tips on task management.

We would like the opportunity to hear from you. If you wish to share your story, please contact us. Consider sharing your tips to success in a few sentences. We will share them on facebook and Twitter mentioning your name and business.

I Didn't Know My Own Strength

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Newman) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 12:22:00 +0000

Lorrie Morgan, country singer and Grand Ole Opry star is Pink Ladder's Woman of Focus. I have always enjoyed listening to her music so it was very exciting to have her featured in our newsletter.

One of her very popular songs from years past is, 'I Didn't Know My Own Strength'. For many women including myself, the words to this song are quite powerful and speak to our own individual strength when we are faced with tough times in our life. "Until times got tough, I didn't know what I was made of" and "It's been an uphill fight but I'm going to be alright" are some of the lyrics of this song.

Having lived in an alcoholic, abusive marriage for years it was then I learned just how strong I really was even though I didn't necessarily feel strong at the time. I had to be strong for me and my children because they were counting on me. Giving up and quitting was not an option nor was giving in to that lifestyle. It was an uphill fight, but through the tough times and making tough choices along with inner strength - we are now 'alright'. No matter what you are facing today, don't give up because you are strong, you do have the strength to carry on even if you don't think you do. It might be deep down inside somewhere but you have it!

Awareness and Women

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Newman) — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 01:09:00 +0000

What does embarking on the New Year mean to women? As we write our list of resolutions, consider adding another dimension to our New Year.

Awareness.

Women work two thirds of the world's working hours. Women produce half the world's food.

Yet women only earn 10% of the world's income and own less than 1% of the world's property.

Women form the majority of the world's poorest people, according to the United Nations Human Rights, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Women in the United States as a whole earn less than men, and more women live below the poverty level than men.

These global statistics show empowerment for women is still an upward climb in fighting through and eliminating gender inequality and discrimination in civil, cultural, economic, political and social arenas.

As women climbing our own Pink Ladder, consider women all over the globe attempting to reach their pink ladder to begin their climb. As we reach a hand up, let us also extend a hand down to assist other women in firmly planting a foot on the rung of the pink ladder.

Pink Ladders would be pleased to hear your story of a hand extended.

Coffee and Women

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Newman) — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 12:52:00 +0000

Most of us slide out of bed in the morning and eventually make our way to the coffee maker. We scoop beans into a coffee grinder and press the button making a whirring sound that sends our pets scurrying to the corners of the room. The aroma of freshly ground coffee begins to liven our early morning senses. We scoop the grounds into the filter and press another button to start the brewing. We busy ourselves with our morning routine as the coffee grounds and water create their magic concoction. We pour the soothing morning brew into our favorite mug. Then we begin our day.

Other women begin their day as coffee farmers planting and harvesting to ultimately gather the beans that will eventually become our morning cup of fresh brew. The World Bank estimates that over 500 million people are dependent on the coffee industry, according to the International Women's Coffee Alliance (IWCA) Of the 25 million coffee farmers, the majority are women. These women work in coffee growing regions in areas of the world where it is difficult to establish political, social or economic power as women. Their voices strive to be heard within their family businesses and communities where the voices of men are only considered.

The IWCA began in 2003 by six women. The organization is a global network of women in coffee advocating for the reduction of barriers for these women in coffee producing countries by providing access to resources while creating a forum to connect with other women in the coffee chain from seed to cup.

While sipping your coffee some morning this week, take a moment and recognize the women coffee farmers of the world and send them appreciation in your thoughts. Perhaps take a moment to view the IWCA site for ways to contribute.

Richard Brooke's Vision Workshop - Amazing to Say the Least!

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Newman) — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 14:58:00 +0000

I recently attended a Vision’s Workshop by Richard Brooke. This is what his website has to say about him. Through Richard's coaching, writings and seminars thousands of leaders have discovered new distinctions in listening, leadership, courage, relationships, team spirit and big-time fun. He is the author of Mailbox Money, Mach II With Your Hair On Fire and co-author of The New Entrepreneurs: Business Visionaries for the 21st Century.

He had the attendees do exercises that showed us how we see ourselves today, what shaped our thinking and why we may have made the choices we have throughout our adult lives. Then we moved onto where we want our lives to be, the person we want to become; in other words the vision of our lives even though we are not there yet. The exercise of writing down where we see ourselves in the future, the sights and sounds of those moments, the conversations taking place; simply the visualization of our life to be. It’s very powerful stuff.

If you’ve read other material I have written you will know that I am a huge proponent of affirmations and taking your affirmations and turning them into your vision statement. Then I encourage you to read it and visualize it at least twice daily. I highly recommend recording your vision statement on a tape recorder or downloading to your iPhone or iPod so it’s easily accessible. You’ll then be able to listen to it while you are on a plane sitting back relaxing, while getting ready for work in the morning, while walking at the park, running on the treadmill at the gym, lying in bed in the morning and at night or driving to work. The possibilities are endless.

If you do this, I promise you your life will change. If you learn to make these statements in the present tense as though they have occurred and you are already living it, your mind will begin believing it and the universe will start opening doors / opportunities that will just amaze you. But you must be ready to see them and take action. It’s a lot of fun to begin seeing your vision come together.

Mach II With Your Hair On Fire is a great book also available on audiobook that will help you understand the power of visions.

Champagne and Chicken

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Newman) — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:32:00 +0000

We women cooked up food and ideas, as women all over the globe do. The Pink Ladders' staff, Angela the founder and Lorelei the editor, decided to test the recipe from Carla Snow, the Pink Ladders August Woman of Focus this year. The Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken recipe was doubled to accommodate the family Halloween Party held outside in this year's temperate climate in Nashville. Carla's recipe specifically involved the drinking of champagne with the chicken. Sparkling Gruet Brut from New Mexico is her recommendation. This combination was intriguing and enticing. The night before we soaked the chicken in the buttermilk concoction for two hours then coated the chicken with the flour mixture.

After hours of frying the chicken, and many candy corn forages, the chicken was tasted. Yummy! And again with champagne eaten cold the next day.

We talked and worked in between food preparation on our laptops on the dining room table. We were dancing to the Pink Ladders music playlist and laughing at our ourselves.

We are women like all others who have experienced life's up's and down's, challenges and celebrations both personal and professional. We are also women who reach out for each other when our worlds are collapsing and when our lives need celebrating. This is what women do. We plan, we work, we talk, we dance, we cook, we comfort. We make life.

Raise a glass of champagne and a piece of chicken to the women of the world and the women in your world.

Climb Your Ladder and Increase Your Income

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Newman) — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 11:55:00 +0000

Most women when asked if they would like to have more money to improve their quality of life would probably say yes. But then immediately following that response, would be something like, but I don't know how. Many women are working in jobs they really don't enjoy but it's a paycheck that puts food on the table and a roof over their heads and in many cases their children's and spouse's heads.

Believe me I understand that scenario more than you may know. I've been there - done that! As a young mother with young children, my main focus was making sure they had food, clothing and shelter. Although I didn't really have a direction to go with a career, I knew I wanted to make more money so my kids and I could live a better life; one without so much financial struggle. I started out working part-time as a materials coordinator about fifteen years ago and today my life is far more fulfilling both personally and professionally.

But it didn't happen over night with the snap of a finger and it's a good thing it didn't. As we climb each rung on our ladder, and walk (sometimes jog) along the path called life's journey - there is so much for us to experience and learn that will influence our decisions and thinking the rest of our lives; so we don't want to miss out on it. Part of the fun (and pain) is getting there, not just being there. Although, to be able to say, I've arrived when you finally reach a place in your life you want to be or a goal you have been working hard on achieving, is a very nice place to be as well! You can have your cake and eat it too.

I will show you how to climb the rungs on your career ladder successfully and increase your income with the 5 Rungs to Career Success CD. It will be available in November just in time for the holidays. It's a great gift to share with all the women in your life.

Women Taking Control of Their Lifestyle

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Newman) — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 02:14:00 +0000

"Women have gone backwards since the 80's but where we are coming into our own is as business owners."

These are the words of Lynne Franks, a 62 year old woman in the UK who had an incredible PR career back in the 80's and is still running her own business today. She is currently working on opening up a women's business club in London's Covent Garden.

She says its been in the works for the last ten years of understanding how and where women like to work. Many women today are working from a virtual office and working for themselves in order to find life's balance.

After all, if you can work from the comfort of your home or library if you choose to, or the local coffee shop or the park on a nice day; why not? That compared to an office in the same place, same people, same temperature day after day sounds very appealing to many women. It also allows them the freedom to make their own schedules in order to balance work and family and socializing.

Many of the women I have personally met via the 'virtual world' do just this. They left the corporate world for more freedom, more flexibility and more balance in their lives. They are able to be home when the kids get off school, attend school activities without asking their boss for time off, meet a friend for lunch and take as long as they'd like. (just a few perks of virtual careers) All they need is a laptop,a wireless connection and of course their Pink Ladder's Task Manager and they are good to go from just about anywhere they choose. Women taking control of their lifestyle - I love it!

Crossing the Unethical Line

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Newman) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 11:42:00 +0000

Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.

-Peter Drucker, economist, management guru, (1909-2005)

Most of us at some time in our careers will be faced with the question,"Is this crossing the unethical line?" When we ask ourselves this question we need to answer it honestly and do the research necessary to determine if what we just heard or what we are about to do is unethical or border line unethical. If it is then stop before proceeding.

For example, if someone in leadership has the authority to give you direction and asks you to perform a task that doesn't seem honest and ethical to you; it is your responsibility as the employee to clarify what you just heard. Repeat it back to the person so if you misinterpreted the message, than any possible damage could be stopped in its tracks immediately.

However, if you repeat it back stating, "I just want to make sure I understood correctly what you asking me to do" and if she/he confirms the unethical behavior, you have a decision as the employee to make. Doing something that you clearly feel is crossing the unethical line needs to be addressed. Some people will feel comfortable stating to their boss that it appears unethical and they are not willing to do it and others may not feel comfortable stating it to the person that asked them to do it.

If that's the case, go to your Human Resource department or call your company's compliance hotline as anonymous and let them know what just occurred. They will be a good resource to help you decipher if the request is truly crossing the ethics line. Sometimes, it may not be unethical and an explanation from someone more knowledge on the policy will help clarify that, but if it is unethical - take steps to do the 'right thing' which may not necessarily be the 'easy thing'.

"The Messenger" - You Don't Want to Encounter One

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Newman) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 10:52:00 +0000

Patty Mooney, a strong supporter of veterans and producer

of the documentary “The Invisible Ones: Homeless Combat Veterans" recently wrote a blog about the movie The Messenger. As I read it, it brought back memories of a day I wish me and my family would never have experienced and hope very few others will.

It's the story about the messenger, the person who has to tell the families of those men and women who died while serving our country in a war, that their loved one is never coming home. Having dealt with that ourselves just over three years, reading Patty's reflection of the story hit home. I don't think I can watch this movie just yet; as the pain would be too real. But then again will there ever be a day when it wouldn't be? Probably not.

As painful as it is for the families to have 'the messenger' arrive at their door, it too is difficult for those delivering the message about their fellow soldier. For all the families who have had the unfortunate experience of encountering 'the messenger' my thoughts and prayers are with you and for those who must be 'the messenger' each and every day - stay strong, yet compassionate.

The Importance of Visions... Part Three

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Newman) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 11:22:00 +0000

See things as you would have them be instead of as they are. Robert Collier

This is the third and final blog on the importance of visions. Once you do the third step you will be good to go and on your way to achieving amazing things in your life. To refresh your memory on parts one and two I've summarized them below.

Part One: Write down your affirmations in a positive and present tense. Part Two: Write your affirmations in a story form and assemble a vision board.

Now that these are complete, it's extremely important that you don't forget about your affirmations and the vision for your future. Keeping your affirmations and vision close to your mind and your thoughts everyday will help you achieve your goals. You will begin to see amazing things happen if you practice these principals everyday.

Part Three of the Importance of Visualizations is the act of visualizing. There are several methods in which to do this so choose the one that fits you best or a combination of them as I do.

1) As you read your affirmations, close your eyes and visualize the entire experience. Try to feel what it would be like in that situation. For example, if your affirmation is to be a world renowned author you might visualize a crowd of people at the book store lined up to see you to purchase your book and have you autograph it.

2) Look at your vision board and as you read your vision statement, close your eyes and visualize the feelings, the excitement and the pleasure you feel in being in that moment. This helps embed your vision into your subconscious mind with what you want in life and where you want to be as though you are already there. Remember, our mind believes what we tell it whether positive or negative so why not make it positive and what we want?

3) Get a small recorder and record your affirmations or vision statement doing it with enthusiasm and excitement. Then when you awake in the morning and before you fall asleep, put your headphones in, turn it on and as you listen to yourself tell the story of your life - lay there and visualize what it all looks like, how it feels, and allow yourself to be in the moment. Do this daily. You can also do the same if you are driving to work everyday; plug your recorder into your car stereo, turn up the volume and visualize as you listen to it (but of course with your eyes open on this one).

As odd as it may seem if you have never done this before, just do it anyway even if it feels strange the first few times; because it works. Many great leaders and successful men and women have practiced the art of visualization for years to help them achieve success in their personal and professional lives.

The more you can read, hear and visualize your goals and affirmations throughout the day, the better. We want to embed those visions and feelings into our subconscious mind. If you continue to do it everyday - you will begin to see how the universe brings people and circumstances into your life just when you need them and when you're ready for them. It's an amazing, yet exciting and thrilling experience. And when it happens, you'll be in awe but yet you won't be surprised because you have already been visualizing and feeling what it's like to be in that moment and expecting it.

Energy and Money - Can You Use a Little More of Both?

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Newman) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:42:00 +0000

www.21ten.com/an

I was recently introduced to a business opportunity through a good friend of mine. It's focused on a single product, using a simple process and an emphasis on helping people improve their quality of life. As a matter of fact it only takes 5-10 hours a week to build a residual income of over $100K in four years or less. You may be saying, "Well, that sounds like a gimmick."

But trust me it is not. The company's CEO has been doing this for over 26 years successfully and has now launched a new start up using all of the techniques and methods he has learned over the years to help others achieve their goals. The company's official launch does not take place until November so now is a good time to get on board during the pre-launch phase.

Many of those already on board are clearly on their way to a six-figure income. It's personally rewarding for me to see how this wonderful product, Life Shotz, can change how people feel everyday as well as provide them with a better lifestyle than they previously had. Even for those of you who already make a six-figure income; well as you probably know having different sources of residual income is a good thing. This is yet another way to build your wealth and have fun doing it.

I've been involved in 21TEN for 5 weeks now and not only do I feel energized by taking my Life Shotz each day, I'm well on my way to an incredible residual income. You can probably tell how excited and thrilled I am to write about this business opportunity because being in the business I am in (one of inspiring women to climb their career ladder and to achieve success in their personal and professional lives) this level of residual income can certainly help contribute to one's overall success.

Even if you didn't have the desire to earn a six-figure income but just wanted a few extra thousand per month for vacations, children's college fund, retirement, helping out your favorite charitable organization or to help fund a business idea you've dreamed of - this opportunity can help you get there. After all, who can't use a little more energy the natural way and a little more money, the simple way?

I love to encourage and inspire women as they go through their journey of reaching their goals and dreams and this is just another way to help them do that. I would be happy to tell you more about this phenomenal opportunity and how you too can reap the benefits so just feel free to email me.

The Importance of Visions... Part Two

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Newman) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 10:37:00 +0000

Seeing yourself as you want to be is the key to personal growth. - Anonymous

I know you have all been waiting anxiously for Part Two of The Importance of Visions so here it is. Now that you have followed my advice in part one of writing down your affirmations (one liners) in a positive statement and present tense, you are ready for the next step to an incredible journey in life.

Take a few minutes when the kids are sleeping, the TV is off, the cell phone is silenced and grab a piece of paper and pen or if you prefer - log into your computer and pull up a blank Word document. Then read all of the affirmations you wrote down and put them in a story of how you see your life in the future and try to be as vivid as possible.

If one of your affirmations is to live in a beautiful house on the beach then you may want to say something along the lines of: "Here I am sitting on a lounge chair on my deck overlooking the beautiful Pacific ocean, watching the waves as they come crashing down on the sand and the birds frolicking about while trying to find food so early in the morning. It's so peaceful and quiet right now that I can actually hear the waves as they move about. I take a deep breath as I look around my beautiful home and surroundings recognizing how thankful I am for all the blessings in my life. I have a great life!"

Continue your story through your life the way you see it and want it. Once you have completed this step of writing down your vision, I recommend you either cut out pictures from magazines or copy and paste pictures from the Internet into a document that tells the picture of your vision. Assemble them into a collage and print and post in your office where you can see it throughout the day. If you cannot post in your office, I suggest you print and put it in your planner (Pink Ladders Task Manager) and throughout the day take a peek at it to remind you and your 'mind' what your vision is for your life. You have a week to complete it so have fun with it! It's a great exercise.

Check back on July 28th, one week from today for Part Three of The Importance of Visions.

The Importance of Visions... Part One

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Newman) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 12:04:00 +0000

Over the last month I've attended networking events, entrepreneur classes and have learned about a new business opportunity. What all of these have in common is the importance of 'visions'; visualizing where we want to be in our lives. This may not be familiar territory for you so I'll walk you through the process in three parts; this blog being part number one.

Visualization starts with writing down your affirmations (one liners). An affirmation is stating something positive and in the present tense that you want to become, want to have, or where you want to be. For example: "I am an amazing person" as opposed to " I wish I was an amazing person" or "I don't want to be a rude, negative person anymore."

You can write down as many one liners as you want. There is no limit; the only limit is your imagination and dreams of the kind of person you want to be and the kind of life you want to live. I'll never forget when I was first introduced to the concept of affirmations. I honestly thought it was the strangest exercise not to mention, I felt like I was lying about my reality.

I am the type of person who looks for logic in things which explains why I'm not a fan of sci-fi movies because it's so unrealistic to me. But if you are like me and are thinking, "but that's not my life right now so why say it is?" Here is where you just need to trust me and the many thousands and millions of people that do write down and say affirmations. It's important that you get over the fact that it may not be true to your life today looking at it logically, but we tell our minds what to believe for good or bad so you might as well tell it the good stuff.

How many stories play in your head throughout the day that are not necessarily true especially those that bring you down with negative energy? You need to turn those stories around in your head. Start by telling your mind what your ideal person, place and life is all about in the form of positive statements. So get busy; write down all your affirmations and check back with me on July 21st for part two on what to do next.

Remembering William Newman - Our Fallen Hero

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Newman) — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 11:12:00 +0000

Today marks three years since our son, William Newman, died in Iraq (June 7, 2007). I will never forget this day when we first heard of this sad news. The Air Force representatives were waiting at our home when we arrived from work to tell us what had happened; our daughter Emily was at their side standing at the top of the driveway waiting for me and my husband and her siblings to arrive.

It was shock and disbelief that this could have happened - after all William had only one week left and then he would be returning home. He died while disarming a roadside bomb. It was his job as an EOD technician and he loved what he did but unfortunately his 200th mission was his last. He was loved by so many people because he was a genuinely nice person that cared for others. Losing William not only affected our lives forever, but many others as well.

We miss and love you William! Although you are no longer here with us in person, we know you are here in spirit watching over us each and every day.

Company Conferences and Your Career

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Newman) — Wed, 26 May 2010 11:28:00 +0000

Companies hold annual conferences for their managers and/or clients and people either love them or hate them. If you are fortunate enough to work for an organization that puts on a conference that includes meaningful sessions that one can actually learn from mixed with fun, enjoyable activities than you most likely look forward to these annual meetings. But what good does it do for your career to attend these conferences other than maybe your boss telling you have to be present and therefore you do even if grudgingly?

Regardless of whether a company event is educational or fun, it's a chance to network with your peers, other clients and vendors that you may not otherwise have the chance to do. Expanding your contacts of people and getting to know them and how you might one day be able to help open doors for their career, they too may be able to do the same for you.

Now you may be thinking that this whole idea of 'networking' and talking to strangers or people you rarely see is not your cup of tea but I'm here to tell you that it can be if you are open to learning the skills for networking and step outside your comfort zone. I used to define 'networking' as the events that everyone just simply hands out cards and says hi for a few minutes. Those do exist but they are not for me and may not be for you either.

Networking in a setting that allows you to have a conversation and get to know one another can be a lot of fun. Show interest in the person you are talking to and don't make it all about you. If you do that and do it genuinely chances are they will be a friend or at least a contact for life. So, if you hate going to company conferences and view it as disrupting your daily routine or it's simply outside your comfort zone - take it from another angle by changing your attitude and outlook and seek opportunities to meet people and mingle. At the end of the conference, you'll be able to say what a great time you had and probably look forward to the next one.

Amazing Women Doing Their Part

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Newman) — Mon, 17 May 2010 10:52:00 +0000

A couple of weeks ago Middle Tennessee experienced flooding in a way no one has seen it. Sure, we get a lot of rain in Tennessee and sometimes we need to watch the rivers to make sure they don't get too high to cause any damage. But this time, the rain came down hard and fast and steady with very little breaks in between.

People away from their homes were stranded in buildings because they simply could not drive their cars in the dangerous waters while others watched carefully as the water rose closer and closer to their front porch, hoping and praying it would stop soon. For some it did but for many others, it did not. So many families in Middle Tennessee have lost their homes or are displaced temporarily as they await the news from insurance companies as to what, if any, of the damage to their homes will be covered so they can start rebuilding their lives.

Many of the homeowners were not in a flood zone and therefore not required to carry flood insurance. They will need to rebuild their homes through the help of volunteers and monetary donations from various sources. Seeing the devastation first hand in my own community, I know just how much it has impacted their lives. It's been quite an amazing sight to see the volunteers both men and women, coming together to help people remove debris from their homes, bring food and water to volunteers and victims alike and clothing to replace what was lost to water and mud. So much work has already been done but so much more is needed.

Women of Middle Tennessee continue to lend a helping hand to the flood victims by raising money to give to charitable organizations. If you or your organization would like to get involved - I encourage you to attend or donate to one of these two fundraisers for flood victims - both led by women of Nashville. There are many other wonderful organizations that are accepting donations and are in need of volunteers so I encourage you to choose one and get involved today. The flood victims need your help and appreciate all you can do for them.

Flood Relief Cut-A-Thon

Flood of Fashion

Tips and Tricks from Successful Chicks

noreply@blogger.com (Angela Newman) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 10:56:00 +0000

I recently attended a networking event with Ladies Who Launch (LWL) in Nashville. The event was Tips and Tricks from Successful Chicks. It was held at a salon in an affluent area that opened up a year ago. The owners of J. Bang's Salon are mother and daughter. The daughter, Julie is a hair stylist who always dreamed of owning her own salon and her mother already a business owner, decided to partner with her to help make Julie's dream a reality.

Several women turned out for the event and shared their stories of success in their own line of business. There was great food, wine and women networking together and learning from one another. With all the standing on high heels all evening, it led to some very sore feet but it was all worth it.

Ladies Who Launch focuses on women interested in becoming an entrepreneur or those who have already launched a business and want to be connected with other women not only to learn from them but to teach and support others. I met the director of the Nashville chapter, Sheilah Griggs, several months ago and she is one incredible woman. A single mom, business owner and very dedicated to LWL and the women involved. There are many chapters throughout the country if you are interested in learning more or attending the local events. Check it out when you get a minute. You'll be glad you did.