Vanity is based in ego, ego is based in lacking self confidence, which is exactly what was going on.  I was carrying the belief that my ezine had to be “pretty” to be valued – hmmmm I think there is a life lesson here

P.S.

Inspired Women Succeed:

Christian Entrepreneurs Cunningham/Fore Redefining Success

Diane Cunningham and Jo Ann Fore have crafted a “Chicken Soup for the Soul®-spirited book that takes readers on an inspirational journey; a journey which teaches women how to entrust the hard spots of life to a sovereign God who has a plan.”

From the back cover: “What scoreboard determines true success? Must we be famous? Rich? Well-credentialed experts? Whether we acknowledge it or not, the way we measure success greatly impacts our lives. Inspired Women Succeed cuts through the spoils of cultural expectations and uncovers genuine success.”

Inspired Women Succeed (www.inspiredwomensucceed.com) released May 18th. Today, we talk with Diane and Jo Ann to get the story behind this life-transforming book.

What was the catalyst for Inspired Women Succeed?

Diane: We all face obstacles. And we wanted to share the true stories of women who overcame huge obstacles and uncovered success. As the founder of the National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs, I am honored to know many of the women featured in the book—I had a glimpse into their stories from what they shared with me in emails, conference calls, and our private forum. I felt called to invite them to share their stories of triumph with the world, to encourage them to help other women on a larger scale.

Jo Ann: Diane ignited the passion within me. When she initially approached me about writing the book, I declined because of the time involved. But anyone who knows Diane Cunningham knows she is persistent. And she returned—this time armed with examples of the stories that would be told. Like Diane, these stories sparked a flame.

In some ways, each of these stories is a piece of our own. Maybe the fallout or the circumstances aren’t quite the same, but the lessons learned are quite similar. As Christian women, our success is inspired from a sense of calling; measured by our loyalty to God in spite of life’s circumstances or outcome. This book would prove true success is defined by who we are, what we believe in, and our willingness to step out in faith. It was a story that deserved to be told.

What part did your personal story play in the creation of this book?

Diane: My story is an unfolding tapestry of inspired action steps. Readers see into my deep places of grief, challenge, and miracles that arise from showing up when God tells you to go. An amazing thing happened as we were finishing the book, and my story of survival is including in the afterward. Each of us have a story to share and I wanted to give women courage and hope by sharing some of my secrets; I wanted to offer them a blanket permission to step into and examine their own stories.

Jo Ann: Life is messy sometimes. Mine sure was. And all of our attempts at explanation eventually fall away, leaving us with the sole responsibility of right perspective. I learned the hard way that emotional healing is a choice. A choice of trust in a sovereign God. Much like Diane, I believe that when we tell our stories other women find the courage to face their own. And I believe that as we invest in the lives of each other, we can redeem painful life experiences. I brought my story of transformation to the book as a pinion of hope and redemption. I’ve endured some horrific hurts. But over the years, redemption has become much more important to me than explanation.Do you have an “end goal” for the book?

What do you hope Inspired Women Succeed accomplishes?

Diane: My goal with this book is that it will show women that no matter what they are going through, God will take them to the other side. I hope women pass this book around as a gift, an inspiration that continues giving. I pray it provides much-needed healing and hope, and that each reader is willing to keep moving forward as God opens new doors.

Jo Ann: My hope is that women will truly learn to surrender to God. That they will, once and for all, release the hard patches of life to a God who loves them, who wants them whole and well, and successful. And that readers will never allow the pain of the past to block the purpose and joy of the future.

What was it like working with 40 other women to create this project?

Diane: What a wild adventure to connect with women from all over the United States and Canada on the writing process. This was a bigger challenge than we imagined it would be with the logistics and details. I am much more of a big picture thinker, and a visionary.

Jo Ann: (Grins sheepishly) I don’t know that the number of women involved was as much a challenge as the short amount of days we worked on the project. The women’s stories were inspirational. Heartfelt and life-changing. And everyone was receptive to the necessary edits and constructive feedback that it took to turn the project into a book that readers would use as a regular resource. It was a demanding project, yes, but the heart of each brave-hearted woman who was willing to use her life experiences to sow into the lives of others made it worthwhile.www.inspiredwomensucceed.com. Each person who downloads a copy of the first chapter during our release week (5/18-5/25) will be entered in a drawing to give away two free copies of the book.

Why is your story, and the stories of contributors, special? Why should women look to you for inspiration? My story is no more “special” than any other in the book, but it is mine. It is my gift from God, even the parts that caused me the greatest pain. I firmly believe that we need to find inspiration all around us. I am inspired by each story in the book, including my own. We are women of victory, overcomers, sharing how God has moved in our lives. Each woman in this book gifts us with authentic vulnerability, her heart, and a courage that comes from trusting God.

Diane:

Jo Ann: I’ve heard it said that your passion often evolves from your greatest point of pain. I am passionate about helping hurting women because of what I have walked through. What happened in our past or the deep hurts we’ve experienced aren’t nearly as important as what God wants to do in our future. That’s hard theology for some. And I believe as readers connect with my story, they will understand why I’ve earned the right to say that. The same with the other women featured in the book. Sometimes there are no answers for the rough patches of life, but these stories prove that God wants to redeem every ounce of our pain—if we will surrender it to Him.

For your free download of the first chapter, and a chance to win a FREE copy of Inspired Women Succeed visit

About the Authors:Diane Cunningham is a Business Therapist, whose calling is to help women grab hold of their dreams and make them happen. She is the founder and president of the National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs (www.nacwe.org), an organization with more than 165 members across the United States and Canada.

Jo Ann Fore (www.JoAnnFore.com) is an inspirational author, Writing Coach, and certified Life Coach who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of women. Most noted for her faith-filled messages, Jo Ann mentors both emotionally-wounded women and budding writers.

Part of my 2011 goals included reforming my business structure to include the different aspects of what I offer clients and to grow my speaking and writing.  As a life balance coach for women entrepreneurs and a skilled business strategist it made sense to “house” those offerings on one site that linked to other sites specific to that offering while having the space to incorporate my speaking and books.  

My plan included stream lining the back end of things by having one main newsletter through the Kate Powers parent site while continuing to offer business strategy offerings through my Small Business Success Strategist site  

It was a good plan in theory and on paper but I was continually blocked in the implementation of it. 

Now if you have been following me for any amount of time you know I have an unusual relationship with any and all forms of technology.  I love technology!  I respect how powerful it is and what it can do for our businesses. 

Technology, on the other hand, is not always fond of me.  Programs that work perfectly for the rest of the world some how come to a screeching halt in their functionality when I log in.  Whatever it is about me and technology it extends beyond myself and onto those who are working on technical tasks on my behalf which my dear friend Alyssa Avant recently discovered as she was putting together my power point for my 7 Steps To Start Up Success presentation last month at the Inspired Women Event for the National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs in Dallas, TX.

I have found it frustrating to not be implementing my great plan! 

So I had to let go of it… the plan, my expectations, and how I thought things should move forward.  Clearly, there was another plan I am supposed to be following.  So I stepped back from the technology. I stopped fighting with Aweber and wordpress (usually very easy to manage platforms) and I sat quiet in my business for a bit. 

This is not what I would suggest as a success strategy.  This is against everything I tell my clients most of the time.  I felt unproductive and lazy.

The truth is some very big things have been going on around here such as actively pursuing my writing with the release of a workbook on Tools For Living A Balanced Life and on 7 Steps To Start Up Success, becoming a contributing author in a Chicken Soup for the Soul style book authored by Diane Cunningham and Jo Ann Fore titled Inspired Women Succeed which released May 18th

But guess what happened…

I spent the time I was not “busy” in my business on thinking, planning, learning and giving my mind the quiet space to think beyond my next blog post or ezine blast.  I gained clarity and insight into a bigger vision of what my business is supposed to be.

By doing the exact opposite of what I SHOULD be doing, I was able to see where I need to be headed for the big picture. 

So I am picking up where I left off…

I am jumping back on this train where i hopped off, chugging along! 

My hope is that you learn a valuable lesson from my experience.  When things seem to be fighting you, struggle envelops an area of your business, taking a step back and surrendering the struggle might just be the perfect solution!

If would like to look at how to identify and eliminate the struggles in your business and life email Kate at Kate@askcoachkate.com .  I am offering a special Saturday Strategy option this Saturday …click here to see if it’s right for you!

A New Book Shows How You Can Too

Wichita Falls, TX – Today’s success-driven culture often puts a pressure-cooker demand on Christian women in business. Countless women struggle to succeed—to be, do, and have it all.

Whether we acknowledge it or not, the way we determine success greatly impacts our lives, according to the newly published book Inspired Women Succeed by Diane Cunningham and Jo Ann Fore.

As they seek to redefine success, the authors challenge readers, “What scoreboard determines true success? Must we be famous? Rich? Well-credentialed experts?”

This Chicken Soup for the Soul®-spirited book features a collection of 40 real-life inspirational accounts that are designed to prove success is an individual experience. “For Christian women, success is inspired from a sense of calling; measured by a loyalty to God in spite of life’s circumstances or outcome,” Cunningham said.

Co-Author Jo Ann Fore elaborates, “Inspired Women Succeed leads readers on an inspirational journey; a journey which teaches women how to entrust the hard spots of life to a sovereign God who has a plan. The book is about real women doing real life. Through a vulnerable transparency, the stories of this book offer women a permission to be real; to confront the tough issues of life with a new perspective. We want women to reframe life experiences which may have blocked their progress—those same experiences can be used as a catalyst to success.”

Authors Cunningham and Fore model authenticity, as intimate details about the tough spots of their own lives are woven throughout a book that consistently recounts the transformation of difficult circumstances into a successful life—success on God’s terms, that is.

To arrange for a book signing, interview, or speaking engagement email info@inspiredwomensucceed.com. Inspired Women Succeed is available on Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com and at most major retailers.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Diane Cunningham is a Business Therapist, whose calling is to help women grab hold of their dreams and make them happen.  She is the founder and president of the National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs (www.nacwe.org), an organization with more than 165 members across the United States and Canada.

Jo Ann Fore (www.JoAnnFore.com) is an inspirational author, Writing Coach, and certified Life Coach who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of women. Most noted for her faith-filled messages, Jo Ann mentors both emotionally-wounded women and budding writers.

For a free download of the first chapter, and a chance to win a FREE copy of Inspired Women Succeed visit www.inspiredwomensucceed.com. Each person who downloads a copy of the first chapter during our release week (5/18-5/25) will be entered in a drawing to give away two free copies of the book.

Being of Irish decent (my paternal grandparents immigrated as teens), living in the Irish town of Boston, MA and coming from a family known to tip a glass or two, St. Patrick’s Day was about celebrating with excess.

Now I enjoy a good party as much as the next but I always struggled with using this holiday as a excuse for drunkenness.

For many years now, instead of the chaos and foolishness that can take over this day, I think about St. Patrick, the man and how he used his hard life for good.  A short and concise history can be found here.

I also think of family members who are no longer with us…Dad, Uncle Charlie, Uncle Henry, Gingy, Buppa, Colin, Nanny, Auntie Barbara Jean, Uncle Bobby, Uncle Chris. I remember the love they had for their family and how I learned so much from each of them.

As I raise my own children, I share the facts of why St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and how green is the color of Ireland because of all the green fields that cover the landscape.  I tell them happy stories of those family members no longer with us.

And I remember my father singing a song when he would miss his dad.

So on this St. Patrick’s Day I share the lyrics with you.

The Parting Glass (listen here)

Of all the money that ere I had, I spent it in good company.
And of all the harm that ere I’ve done, alas was done to none but me.
And all I’ve done for want of wit, to memory now I cannot recall.
So fill me to the parting glass. Goodnight and joy be with you all.

Of all the comrades that ere I had, they’re sorry for my going away,
And of all the sweethearts that ere I had , they wish me one more day to stay,
But since it falls unto my lot that I should rise while you should not,
I will gently rise and I’ll softly call, “Goodnight and joy be with you all!”

Oh, if I had money enough to spend and leisure time to sit awhile
There is a fair maid in this town that sorely has my heart beguiled
Her rosey cheeks and ruby lips, she alone has my heart in thrall.
So fill me to the parting glass. Goodnight and joy be with you all.

Do you question “WHY” you are in business?

Are you simply putting out fires most days?

What if I could share with you ways to stop the chaos in your business…

Join me tomorrow, Monday, March 14th at 11:00 AM EST to learn the 7 Steps To Start Up Success and learn about

• Building a solid foundation for your business to grow.
• Understand how to align your business with your values for greater success.
• How to share your gift in a profitable way.
• The importance creating a plan.
• How to create that plan and begin implementing.
• How to budget for your business.
• Marketing strategies that work.
• and more…

If you are new to the world of the entrepreneur or have been in business for year, it can all seem overwhelming, even daunting .

My goal during this info packed 60 minute call is to take the mystery out of being in business, give you some action steps you can take today to move your business forward, and strategies to get more YES!

So, if this sounds like what you’ve been looking for SIGN UP HERE for this free call and I’ll “see” you on the call.

I am sitting on the couch, working away on my laptop and suddenly “Little Miss” announces “Mama, close your eyes, I have a surprise for you”.

Now, bed time was half an hour ago, “Little Man” is already asleep and I am trying to not be grumpy at “Little Miss’” attempts at avoiding bed.  “Ok, my eyes are closed”, I reply.  She scampers in, leaves something on my lap and scampers out.  I open my eyes to find a torn out sheet from a composition notebook.

A simple love poem, written from the heart of a little girl – what a truly beautiful token of affection.

This small act made me think about how we can be more giving and thoughtful in our everyday life.  Last week I had a special opportunity to make a huge impact with a small act.  A group of us ladies pitched in to purchase a much needed item for a friend.  This gift will be a blessing to her.

What are you doing that has big impact?  Are there any small acts you can incorporate into your routines?  Here are a few that I enjoy…

Love notes in lunch boxes – every so often I send a napkin with a note in my daughter’s lunch box.  She thinks it is so much fun to find a special message from me every once in a while.

Flowers just because – I love flowers and I enjoy gardening.  Every summer I grow quite an array of blooms.  Instead of keeping all the beauty for myself I share.  Last year, while my Iris beds were in full bloom, I cut buckets full and delivered to teachers, family and friends.  It was a small act on my part but brought many smiles.

A word of gratitude – Every so often I will send an email or text message to a friend or family member thanking them for all they do to make my life a better place, a little easier and a lot happier.  Just a few words sent off allows your inner circle to know they are appreciated.  Couldn’t we all use a little more appreciation here and there?

Make yourself a cup of tea – Don’t forget to give a little love to yourself.  Every evening I make myself a big cup of my favorite tea to enjoy after the kids are in bed.  This ritual allows me to take a moment, breathe deeply, and relax.

Looking for more ideas on enjoy your days more?  Shoot me an email at Kate@askcoachkate.com and we will get your started.

Oh, and if you are in New England, be sure to check out the Women In Business Summit on March 26^, 2011.  I am joining an amazing line up of presenters and would love to have you join us.

The past couple weeks have been full of new realizations, mental shifts and opening my heart and mind.  I am seeing the benefits of all this in my life and business on a daily basis and am so grateful for all that is arriving. 

Suddenly, last week, I found myself unexpectedly tired.  Really tired… the kind of tired that makes you sit down and close your eyes while the kids climb on you so you know where they are.  Yes, the kids had been sick and I did not get much sleep for a few days but I had recovered or so I thought.

Now I expect to be hit with tiredness when the kids are sick and no one is sleeping but a few hours.  This was not that “mother’s tired”. 

This tired seemed to be something else.  Then it hit me.  I was in transition, good transition but transition none the less.  It seems there are certain side effects that occur no matter the type of transition you are going through.  So although I am growing, expanding and moving forward personally and in my business I still find I need to be gentle and caring with myself as I move into this new phase of reality. 

If you are going through some changes be sure to give yourself some leeway with the tips below.

Don’t overload yourself – we often think we can do everything and none of us wants to miss a good opportunity especially when things are going well but not every offer is for us to say yes to.  Sometimes we are presented with opportunities so we can practice saying NO!  Evaluate the offer and determine if it is the right time and how you can COMFORTABLY fit the obligation into your schedule.  If it doesn’t fit do yourself and your family a favor and gratefully decline the offer. 

Rejuvenate – mind, body and soul needs regular rejuvenation especially when we are making changes in our lives. Pay attention to what makes you feel energized and rejuvenated whether that be exercising or taking a hot bath. Be sure to schedule in time each day for rejuvenating activities such as exercise, healthy eating, reading and meditation.  In doing so, you will begin to make a habit of taking care of yourself.

Take a nap – when we are in transition, our minds are working overtime to create new thought processes and understandings based on our new reality.  This takes up a huge amount of mental energy.  This “brain work” does not usually happen during “waking hours”.  These shifts usually occur while we are sleeping so if you find yourself extra tired or needing a mid afternoon nap, do yourself a favor and go to bed early and block off some time to take that afternoon cat nap

Transitions can be hard or wonderful – either way you need to give yourself the space to move into your new reality by taking care of yourself. 

Need some support to make the shift?  Shoot me an email at Kate@askcoachkate.com and we will get your started. 

Oh, and if you are in New England, be sure to check out the Women In Business Summit on March 26^, 2011.  I am joining an amazing line up of presenters and would love to have you join us.

Once I decided to re-open my coaching doors, I knew I needed to start with some changes on the personal side.  I made the decision to move forward with confidence, determined to not let anything stand in my way of success. 

I looked at each of the aspects of being in business that I previously had struggled with.  I created an action plan to eliminate or deal with each of these areas. 

Here are a few of them! 

Feeling self conscious meeting new people: I heard this saying and grabbed onto it… “I like you,  you like me and we are going to enjoy doing business together. This became my mantra whenever I was encountering a new group of people.

Why not just get a J O B?  I got firm in my WHY I was in business and how running my own business allowed me to be the mother I wanted to be to my children. 

What makes you an expert?  I had to own my personal power and the years of practical experience and hundreds of successful coaching sessions I’ve given.  The facts spoke for themselves.  There was no ego boost just the reality of the years of experience I had accumulated. 

Core Values:  I aligned my business with my core belief system.  It is hard to fail when you do this since there is no part of your business that is out of alignment.  

I am so grateful to YOU! 

You are who make my business powerful. 

You challenge me to show up fully and share my knowledge, experience and gifts. 

Thank you! 

Without YOU I would not need to evolve and grow in my business. 

 As a result of all this evolving and growing going on I have some changes that will be taking place over the next month.  I wanted to share with you so you know what to expect.

After much sitting on the proverbial fence, I will be launching a parent site to house all the different aspects of my business.  This will allow me to have a central location for people to learn about all the different things I do which is vital as  I embrace public speaking again. 

Some people start with the parent site and work down while some (me) start where we find ourselves and work our way up to this.  Either way it all comes together!

One of the changes I am looking forward to is allowing this site to be the advice column I always intended it to be…Ask Coach Kate.  I encourage you to utilize this free resource by emailing me at Kate@askcoachkate.com with any issue you could use some no-nonsense advice on or some savvy strategies for success.   

In the near future my newsletter will have a different look and name but still share the quality content you have come to expect.  If you are on the list you can begin watching for the changes as I implement the new branding. 

I am excited for all the changes coming up and how these changes actually solidify my vision as I move forward with clarity and focus.   Change does not come without some discomfort and I thank you for your patience as I go through these “growing pains”.  

Struggling with some challenges of your own?  Email me at Kate@askcoachkate.com to get the support you need. 

 1 Corinthians 13:4 (New International Version, ©2010)

I have carried this verse in my heart for a long time, for most of my life.   There is a quiet truth that rings from it and when you sit quietly and think about what love  – pure love – is, you can hear it. 

I struggled with knowing this pur love most of my life as do many people.  I knew it was out there but could not quite capture it.  

Pure love is not to be captured.  Pure love flows from within and swells outward. 

Following my divorce, I wondered what was wrong with me that I could not find a healthy, pure love.  So I started from scratch.  I went back to the begining of where all love starts from.  I started at the most essential love – God!  I have not doubted God’s love for me since I was a young teen and I had a quiet knowing that this part of my journey was needed to fully know pure love.

So I prayed…I prayed to know God’s will for my life, I prayed to provided for my children, and I prayed for my heart to heal.  I did not pray to find a man, to feel better through the outward affection of another.  I did not seek refuge in this world – in alcohol, sex, drugs, shopping or any number of options to hide from the pain.  Instead, I opened my mangled heart to God’s will and by doing so found healing.

Through healing, my heart found forgiveness for myself and others.  Forgiveness for this mother’s broken heart that her children would not have the “family” I thought I had created.  

Forgiveness came in unexpected waves for wrongs done decades before and  another part of my heart opened up.   I could now embrace the love my family surrounded me with.

Bit by bit, my heart healed.  I found self love.  Gentle, kind and caring love for myself.  My expectations of how I am treated have risen.  There is no room for unacceptable behavior here.  I finally hold others to the high expectations I have always held myself to.  My life is full of caring friends and family. 

My children know love, safety, gentle kisses and warm hugs.  Love flows from my heart at the mere thought of them. 

And when I am tired and weary, I remember to love my children as God loves me because …

Love is patient, Love is kind.