In 1972, the song titled “I Am Woman” song by Helen Reddy, hit the U.S. pop charts and rapidly became #1. Almost 40 years later, her song still resonates in my mind. Can you hear the tune, the lyrics?
“I Am Woman” says it all – who we are, what we have and will achieve, how our inner strength compels us into uncharted territory. From motherhood to sisterhood, from the boardroom to the bedroom, we stand together, united in ways that defy description. Why? Because we are extraordinary in every way.
The ability to express our feelings, show our emotions, nurture and see the potential in others is, perhaps, one reason. Another could be our relentless desire to do more, be more and experience more. Yes, we want it all! And we can have it all, perhaps just not at the same time!
We take on so many roles as we experience life and that is another unique feature. At this moment in time, we have to take on another role. Our ‘home’ is under siege from external forces and we need to rally forth in a united front to hold our ground.
How can we contain the onslaught? By creating communities –just as we always have. Our dependence and trust of external entities such as the government, financial institutions, and social inequities is a thing of the past. Distrust, doubt and disillusionment are paving the road for us to rally our friends, neighbors and loved ones. By reinstating a sense of community, we can share our collaborative attitude and share our ‘gifts’ with others. Just as we nurture a child, a relationship, and ourselves, we will nurture our community to reinstate a sense of purpose, belonging and security.
This is not being said from a position of glory, grandiosity or ego. It is fact, proven again and again over the ages as women weave the fabric that holds the family together, creates a safety net for the young and holds loved ones in a warm embrace. From the faces of poverty, racism, ignorance and grace, society has benefited from the gifts shared so openly and willingly from the likes of Rosa Parks to Sister Theresa, Queen Elizabeth I to Maya Angelou.
It requires knowledge, wisdom, love, patience, and a multitude of other gifts to achieve this daunting task. As we have done consistently over the span of the ages, we will do so again and continue to do so. It is our calling, our purpose, our role.
Our work is never done – at home, at the office, on ourselves. We are relentless and understand the importance of what is placed before us. Eagerly accepting the challenge, up for the task, and prepared to step into the foray, women of the world unite to ensure victory over what threatens us, our loved ones and our safety. We will conquer our challenges, be they internal to ourselves or from external sources. We will succeed.
Susan Bock asks Are you Ready to Dream?
Are you ready to dream? Picture this – you have all the time and money you need (wouldn’t that be amazing?) so what are you doing each day – where are you spending your time? What activities are you involved in? Where are you living? Now here is the reality question – how is that different from what you are doing, where you are living and activities you are engaged in today, right now? Which life would you rather be living? How can you get from where you are to where you want to be?
Are you suffering from the “MAD How” disease? I loved this concept when reading about in it the Life Safari by John Strelecky. He weaves such a wonderful story around life’s lessons – and the Mad How disease is right at the top. So many of us become consumed with the “How” of something that we totally loose sight of the Why? It is the why that is important. When the Why is strong, clear and concise, the how takes care of itself. Keep your focus on the why – that’s the most important component in achieving success.
Change, and transition, surrounds us. Personally, professionally, and socially, we are bombarded by change – a new idea, shifting attitudes, breakthrough products and technology that seems to leap-frog each week.. Everyone is in favor of change, right? My answer to this question is: it depends!
Now, there’s a question – Do we really know our clients? What we know about the person is what they reveal – and how we interpret their revelations. This can be a real challenge – one person, filtering their communication to another person, who filters what is being said. Confusing? Complicated? Absolutely and it’s amazing we ever have a successful communication!!
Susan Bock asks if you are an Expert Procrastinator?
Are you an expert procrastinator? To answer that question truthfully, I would have to say yes. When I don’t want to do something, I can find all sorts of reasons not to do whatever it is, and I can be equally persuasive, creative and inventive when I want to do something. So, yes, I am an expert at finding reasons to do or not do what is at hand. Praise, success, accomplishment, achievement is the reward for this trait when it is in the positive. The reverse however, is as liability associated with laziness. In essence, this means the same skill set is an asset and a liability. Which side of the ledger wins, is the real test. Which side of your ledger is winning – liability or asset?
Why is it so difficult to trust ourselves? Could it be we are out of practice or that we have been ‘encouraged’ not to trust ourselves, our intuition? How sad is that? What a waste of sound, solid intuition! We each have intuition and it can serve us well. For myself, once I discovered the power of trusting myself, it was quite a rush. I knew more than I thought I did! It can be the same for you – practice accessing your intuition, your inner self (what I call my inner CIA) and you, too, will be amazed at what you uncover….it is unleashing the powerhouse within and when you do, buckle up! It’s quite a ride!
Susan Bock discusses the Equation for Success-
The word ‘equation’ actually makes me feel uncomfortable….because know I’m probably not going to understand it. Math was not, is not, and never will be a strength of mine. Chemistry is tied for that 1st place position. Does that help explain why the mere mention of equations can make me sweat? So, when I came up with this success equation, it was a revelation! I created an equation I understood! How cool is that? Here it is – try this out and let me know how it works for you:
Purpose+ Power = Success. Bottom line, it is about action being taken with purpose, which builds its own power! Here’s the question, “What is your purpose?”
Boundaries – is that a bad thing? Absolutely not!
Then why is it so difficult for some of us to establish healthy boundaries and honor what we create? Because the forces are working against us! Do you view boundaries as a ‘safety’ zone – or do you see boundaries and limitations, thus restricting your freedom of action? This is worth considering. Boundaries can protect us – if we are willing to respect the boundary we create and honor it. If not, the forces can ‘run amuck’ and completely overrun our time, space, energy and productivity. Think about how you can create boundaries that will serve you, your success and your desires. If you are totally booked and someone is politely (or not) expecting you to drop what you are doing, try saying this: “If you want the very best I have to offer, then tomorrow is your day.” More often than not, people want your best. After all, that’s why they are asking you! Give them your best, on your time and everyone wins!
Susan Bock asks Are you bi-lingual?
What language(s) do you speak fluently? People who are bi-lingual, even multi-lingual have quite an advantage in today’s world market. It occurred to me, when listening to two ‘techies’ conversing, that they have their own language, and then I realized many professions have their own language. Taking that thought one step further, I reflected on the ‘languages’ I speak, and they are not all ‘friendly’ or conducive to success. What does your success language say to you? Is it encouraging, supportive and inspiring? Is the message you receive one that compels you to move beyond, around and over the obstacles standing between you and your success? I challenge you to create a language that will carry you to your goals, that will help you achieve success and one that you can happily share with others – you may have to teach them your language! Be bi-lingual in your passion, career, and purpose.
“Resistance is futile.” Do you recognize this quote? It is from Star Trek, and is said by the Borg leader. Resistance shows up in our lives every day – whether it is someone resisting what we want/need/desire, or it can be resistance we put for ourselves. What are you resisting? Are your activities, actions, beliefs and dialog in keeping with what you want to achieve or is the ‘inner’ you in conflict with the ‘outer’ you? What are you resisting right now?
