We all create To Do Lists -- most of us do it every day. This list reminds us of important things we need to do. We even feel better about ourselves each time we check off one of the items on the list. Those of us who are really intense hate to go to bed until the list is finished and we've checked the last item as completed.
The problem is that with all this doing, we are forgetting who we want to be.
Have you noticed how prominent greed is in the television commercials. "Get your own, you can't have any of mine" seems to be the theme. Is that who we really want to be? Last night I finally saw a "share" commerical. Congratulations, Keebler!
The commercial opens with two sisters wanting a cookie but there is only one left. After a few seconds of pondering, the older sister gives her little sister the last cookie -- all of it. However, when she turns back to the package, suddenly another cookie has appeared. She smiles, takes the cookie, and sits down by her sister at the dinner table and they both enjoy their cookie. Only then does the viewer see the Keebler elf hiding. He is the one who rewarded the generous sister with her own cookie.
Thank you Keebler for reminding us and the advertising world that America is not about "me first" and never has been. Our nation and people have always been among the first to help others. Let's never forget that character trait or any of the other positive character traits we are known for.
It's time to create a To Be list so we can work on being the people we ought to be -- especially if we want to continue to be a great nation. Here are some suggestions to put on your list and check off daily:
Honest
Grateful
Generous
Friendly
Kind
Helpful
Self-reliant
Monday, August 29, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
10 Ways to Buy More of What You want
Having a spending plan means that you can spend your money the way you want to. Too many people think that budgeting means less money when it really means more -- more of what you want. Impulse buying is really having less. If you spend your money because people ask you to, then you won't have any when you see something you really, really want.
So here are 10 ways to have more because you planned:
1. Stay out of the convenience store -- you'll only buy expensive stuff you don't really want or need.
2. Write a spending plan -- you'll only give your money to people who are going to give you something important in return.
3. Give yourself (&your partner) an allowance -- here is money you can splurge with, just remember when it's gone, it's gone until next month.
4. Stop paying interest -- cut up those credit cards and live within your means. You'll save hundreds of dollars in interest. And that's more money in the long run.
5. Record what you spend for one week -- it will surprise you just how much you waste.
6. Check your spending at least once a week -- sit down and look and what you spent and where. Adjust your plan, as needed. Now you are in charge of your money!
7. Put pocket change in a "fun" jar. Save your change. It's amazing how quickly it adds up to real money!
8. Before depositing your next pay check, move whatever is left from the last paycheck into savings. Even a few dollars will grow (here's where you get interest) more than you think.
9. Start getting interest -- Forget your savings for six months and see what it does while you're not looking. Compound interest is the best!
10. Use a grocery list -- buy only what's on the list -- eat out less and cook more. You'll save money and be healthier. Put $10 worth into building your pantry. When money is tight, a homecooked meal will be sitting on the shelves at home.
So here are 10 ways to have more because you planned:
1. Stay out of the convenience store -- you'll only buy expensive stuff you don't really want or need.
2. Write a spending plan -- you'll only give your money to people who are going to give you something important in return.
3. Give yourself (&your partner) an allowance -- here is money you can splurge with, just remember when it's gone, it's gone until next month.
4. Stop paying interest -- cut up those credit cards and live within your means. You'll save hundreds of dollars in interest. And that's more money in the long run.
5. Record what you spend for one week -- it will surprise you just how much you waste.
6. Check your spending at least once a week -- sit down and look and what you spent and where. Adjust your plan, as needed. Now you are in charge of your money!
7. Put pocket change in a "fun" jar. Save your change. It's amazing how quickly it adds up to real money!
8. Before depositing your next pay check, move whatever is left from the last paycheck into savings. Even a few dollars will grow (here's where you get interest) more than you think.
9. Start getting interest -- Forget your savings for six months and see what it does while you're not looking. Compound interest is the best!
10. Use a grocery list -- buy only what's on the list -- eat out less and cook more. You'll save money and be healthier. Put $10 worth into building your pantry. When money is tight, a homecooked meal will be sitting on the shelves at home.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Positive Affirmations
Saturday's Single Mom Meeting was awesome! Amanda gave a great presentation on Taking Care of Yourself so You can Take Care of Others. She said that moms spend so much time taking care of others needs, they often forget to recharge their own batteries. First, she had everyone make a list of their accomplishments. Not necessarily HUGE accomplishments, but everyday accomplishments -- like getting all the laundry done -- or -- getting to the Single Mom's Meeting -- or -- just getting the kids where they needed to be so you could go to the meeting. She reminded us that we accomplish so much every day but often only focus on what we didn't get done!
Next, she asked everyone to make a list of the positive things they tell themselves. That was a little harder for some. Everyone agreed that too much of their self-talk is negative. So we all helped each other create a list of positive affirmations we could repeat, at least morning and night, to keep our spirits up and remember what remarkable women we are.
Here is a list of just a few:
1. I love myself
2. I am awesome
3. I am in charge of my life
4. Quitting is Not an option
5. Heavenly Father (or God or the Universe, etc, depending on your personal beliefs) gives me everything I need to complete my mission
6. My destiny is waiting for me to show up!
7. I am a money magnet.
8. I am formulating a plan and follow that plan as it is revealed to me through my inner voice.
9. I don't let anyone or anything stand between me and what I know is right!
Why don't you make your own list of great affirmations. Stand in front of the mirror, morning and night, (and any other time you need to), put your hands on your hips, look yourself in the eye, and repeat these statements. Amanda reminded us that our subconscious believes what we tell it. It can't tell the difference between a truth or a lie so tell yourself positive things and your mind will go to work and make them happen.
Please take a moment to make a comment with your favorite affirmations. Perhaps you have just the right one for a woman who needs some positive thoughts today.
Next, she asked everyone to make a list of the positive things they tell themselves. That was a little harder for some. Everyone agreed that too much of their self-talk is negative. So we all helped each other create a list of positive affirmations we could repeat, at least morning and night, to keep our spirits up and remember what remarkable women we are.
Here is a list of just a few:
1. I love myself
2. I am awesome
3. I am in charge of my life
4. Quitting is Not an option
5. Heavenly Father (or God or the Universe, etc, depending on your personal beliefs) gives me everything I need to complete my mission
6. My destiny is waiting for me to show up!
7. I am a money magnet.
8. I am formulating a plan and follow that plan as it is revealed to me through my inner voice.
9. I don't let anyone or anything stand between me and what I know is right!
Why don't you make your own list of great affirmations. Stand in front of the mirror, morning and night, (and any other time you need to), put your hands on your hips, look yourself in the eye, and repeat these statements. Amanda reminded us that our subconscious believes what we tell it. It can't tell the difference between a truth or a lie so tell yourself positive things and your mind will go to work and make them happen.
Please take a moment to make a comment with your favorite affirmations. Perhaps you have just the right one for a woman who needs some positive thoughts today.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Problem Solving Skills
When your hair is on fire because you have a problem that must be solved RIGHT NOW, you may have trouble thinking it through logically. Of course, it's best to be proactive so problems don't get out of control. Unfortunately, when you have children, sometimes there is no such thing as control. So here are seven steps that will help walk you through the problem solving process:
1. State the problem: Define the problem specifically so you see what is relevant and what isn't. When you are upset and angry, you might let your feelings rule. "My children are driving me nuts," doesn't really offer any insight to a solution. "My children don't follow through when I ask them to do chores," is a statement that gets to the real problem.
2. Outline the problem: When does it happen? Why does it happen?
3. Outline your typical response: How do you respond and what happens when you behave that way? Yelling usually isn't effective.
4.List your options for resolving the problem: Brainstorm 6-10 possible solutions. Choose three good possibilites and evaluate them. Combine them, build on them, and write down their direct opposites.
5. Visualize the consequences of change: Ask "How will this solution affect what I need, want, or feel?"
6. Give the best one a try: Let it work for a while, be patient. Change takes time.
7. Evaluate: Perhaps it is a great solution or maybe it needs just a little tweeking. However, if it is not working, go back to your original list of possibilities and try again.
When you solve problems effectively, you grow and so does everyone else involved.
1. State the problem: Define the problem specifically so you see what is relevant and what isn't. When you are upset and angry, you might let your feelings rule. "My children are driving me nuts," doesn't really offer any insight to a solution. "My children don't follow through when I ask them to do chores," is a statement that gets to the real problem.
2. Outline the problem: When does it happen? Why does it happen?
3. Outline your typical response: How do you respond and what happens when you behave that way? Yelling usually isn't effective.
4.List your options for resolving the problem: Brainstorm 6-10 possible solutions. Choose three good possibilites and evaluate them. Combine them, build on them, and write down their direct opposites.
5. Visualize the consequences of change: Ask "How will this solution affect what I need, want, or feel?"
6. Give the best one a try: Let it work for a while, be patient. Change takes time.
7. Evaluate: Perhaps it is a great solution or maybe it needs just a little tweeking. However, if it is not working, go back to your original list of possibilities and try again.
When you solve problems effectively, you grow and so does everyone else involved.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Financial Abuse
It is hard to believe but many women in abusive relationships don't leave because they don't believe they can make it financially. Their abuser doesn't allow them to have any money, even if they make it themselves working. They feel they can't leave because they won't be able to feed their kids.
And this problem isn't just with women who are poor. Even wealthy women can be economically abused when they have to hand over their paychecks to partners who then spend it all.
There are many organizations that will help abused women.
If you know someone who needs this information, call your local YWCA or any of the local churches. They offer services to abused or battered women and their children.
Find the nearest county housing authority, state employment office, or health department and and apply for subsidies to provide resources such as housing, healthcare, etc. If there is a local Community Action Partnership, you can receive help with 1st month rent payments and utilities.
Look in the phone book or online for the local chapter of Soroptimist International. This organization helps women and their children. They offer grants to go to school. They will find a way to help.
Reach out to a woman you might think is being abused in any way: help her feel that she is not alone. Seek out organizations willing to help but be careful that you don't get in the path of the abuser.
Once a friend asked for my help because she was afraid of her ex-husband. She asked me to go with her to a meeting where she was supposed to sign their tax return before it was submitted. I said I would not knowing we were meeting him in a parking lot after business hours. When we got there, the parking lot was empty so we were pretty much alone. He wanted her to sign a blank tax form. I said I didn't think that was a good idea. He got very angry and lashed out verbally at me. He was a big man so I stood as tall as I could and held eye contact but said nothing. He backed down and left.
It probably wasn't the smartest thing to do but I did learn that most bullies are cowards. Don't put yourself in harm's way but be as supportive as possible.
No woman should feel that she must stay with her abuser because of money.
-Karen
Staying with someone because of any other reason than you are truly happy and want to be with that person is hurting you and your children just as much or even more than being alone. If you or your spouse are fighting all the time -- that is not good for you first of all and second isn't good for the children. They deserve to see their parents happy even if that's not being together because when you are happy they are happy, and when you are happy your children will learn to be happy and that fighting all the time is not ok.
Staying with someone because you are afraid you can't make it financially is scary. It may even make a bad situation worse. Ultimately you could end up resenting that person and blaming them for you being miserable. Remember, you are in charge of your life -- only you can make you miserable. If you take charge and realize you can do anything you set your mind, you'll be fine. Take every opportunity that comes your way and use every resource you can because you are worth it!
-Amanda
And this problem isn't just with women who are poor. Even wealthy women can be economically abused when they have to hand over their paychecks to partners who then spend it all.
There are many organizations that will help abused women.
If you know someone who needs this information, call your local YWCA or any of the local churches. They offer services to abused or battered women and their children.
Find the nearest county housing authority, state employment office, or health department and and apply for subsidies to provide resources such as housing, healthcare, etc. If there is a local Community Action Partnership, you can receive help with 1st month rent payments and utilities.
Look in the phone book or online for the local chapter of Soroptimist International. This organization helps women and their children. They offer grants to go to school. They will find a way to help.
Reach out to a woman you might think is being abused in any way: help her feel that she is not alone. Seek out organizations willing to help but be careful that you don't get in the path of the abuser.
Once a friend asked for my help because she was afraid of her ex-husband. She asked me to go with her to a meeting where she was supposed to sign their tax return before it was submitted. I said I would not knowing we were meeting him in a parking lot after business hours. When we got there, the parking lot was empty so we were pretty much alone. He wanted her to sign a blank tax form. I said I didn't think that was a good idea. He got very angry and lashed out verbally at me. He was a big man so I stood as tall as I could and held eye contact but said nothing. He backed down and left.
It probably wasn't the smartest thing to do but I did learn that most bullies are cowards. Don't put yourself in harm's way but be as supportive as possible.
No woman should feel that she must stay with her abuser because of money.
-Karen
Staying with someone because of any other reason than you are truly happy and want to be with that person is hurting you and your children just as much or even more than being alone. If you or your spouse are fighting all the time -- that is not good for you first of all and second isn't good for the children. They deserve to see their parents happy even if that's not being together because when you are happy they are happy, and when you are happy your children will learn to be happy and that fighting all the time is not ok.
Staying with someone because you are afraid you can't make it financially is scary. It may even make a bad situation worse. Ultimately you could end up resenting that person and blaming them for you being miserable. Remember, you are in charge of your life -- only you can make you miserable. If you take charge and realize you can do anything you set your mind, you'll be fine. Take every opportunity that comes your way and use every resource you can because you are worth it!
-Amanda
Friday, May 27, 2011
~Self-worth~
Question for you: how many times a day are you asking youself “What is wrong with me?” WELL STOP! Cause there is nothing wrong with you. You may have challenges in your life we all do. We each face something every single day that most people have no clue what we are dealing with but on the same hand we don’t know what other people are dealing with on a daily basis either.
Having self-worth is a big thing with me; if you can’t be proud of yourself, how can you be proud of anyone else? Look at everything in your life and see what you have and can accomplish. You can do everything and anything you set your mind to, on your own, you don’t need anyone else, Sometimes it's nice to have someone there along side you but that needs to be the right person, someone who is going to lift you up and push you and give you some motivation; not someone who is going to drag you down and hold you back from all life has to offer you. You can do it alone and you'll be great at it!!!
~Amanda
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Family Traditions for Memorial Day
What are your plans for Memorial Day. Holidays are a perfect time to create family traditions. Traditions are the "glue" that holds families together. They help children feel safe because traditions create feelings of belonging.
We have lots of holiday traditions. Memorial Day is held to remember those who have gone before. Perhaps you could take time to teach the children about how our freedoms were won and the sacrifices made to keep us free. You can also tell stories about family members no longer with us. Talk about how strong and good they were. Children take this personally. If there was a good person in their heritage, then they have some good in themselves too.
We make donuts and have root beer on Independence Day and watch fireworks together or go to a local parade.
We always celebrate birthdays with favorite foods and activities.
Christmas is a really big deal at our house.
There aren’t a lot of expensive gifts but there are family activities that no one would think of missing.
We make Danish cookies the week before Christmas.
We always try to take Christmas Eve off from work and go as a family to see the Christmas lights and decorations downtown. Afterwards we come home and warm up with chili and hot chocolate.
Christmas Day everyone can expect to have a slice of his or her favorite pie. We’re a pie kind of family, and with so many children, I often make eight or ten pies to satisfy all their desires. Their smiling faces make the extra work worth it.
Christmas morning we wait for everyone to arrive before opening presents and then take turns so we can see the faces of the receivers as they open their gifts. We take great delight in surprising them with things they’ve always wanted but never expected.
None of our activities or gifts cost a lot of money. They are just things we do together that the children have done for years and look forward to as family traditions. These are the ties that bind us together; that help us feel we belong and are loved.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Take Charge of your Summer Activities
The kids will be out of school in the next couple of weeks. Unless they are on the year-round schedule, you have a lot of days to fill. Fortunately, here is Salt Lake City there are many activities that are free of charge.
1. Picnic at the Great Salt Lake -- people from all over the world visit the Great Salt Lake but the locals seem to take it for granted. The Brine Flies won't be out until the 1st. of July so right now is a great time to visit.
2. The Capitol Building -- Here is a lot of history in this building. Take the tour. Perhaps you'll see the legislators or even the Governor.
3. Memory Grove -- just west of the Capitol Building -- plenty of room to run and play and shady for picnicing.
4. This is the Place Monument -- Also lots of history and very nice for picnics
5. The Beehive House -- The tour is very interesting and the candy at the end is a surprise.
6. The City Library -- always has things going in the summer.
7. Visit any one of a huge number of Parks in the city
Don't forget to keep up with the children's reading. Just because school is out, doesn't mean the whole routine should be forgotten.
1. Picnic at the Great Salt Lake -- people from all over the world visit the Great Salt Lake but the locals seem to take it for granted. The Brine Flies won't be out until the 1st. of July so right now is a great time to visit.
2. The Capitol Building -- Here is a lot of history in this building. Take the tour. Perhaps you'll see the legislators or even the Governor.
3. Memory Grove -- just west of the Capitol Building -- plenty of room to run and play and shady for picnicing.
4. This is the Place Monument -- Also lots of history and very nice for picnics
5. The Beehive House -- The tour is very interesting and the candy at the end is a surprise.
6. The City Library -- always has things going in the summer.
7. Visit any one of a huge number of Parks in the city
Don't forget to keep up with the children's reading. Just because school is out, doesn't mean the whole routine should be forgotten.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Holding Men to a Higher Standard
We had a great meeting on Saturday at the Salt Lake Library. The women who attended gave some great suggestions on creating a list of characteristics that they wanted in their relationships with men.
First, we talked about co-dependency and I recommended a great book titled, "Women Who Love Too Much" by Robin Norwood. Women have a gift for being great caregivers but when they cross over to the "dark" side and become rescuers -- realtionships can go very wrong. Remember, when a relationship is not working it is generally both people who are doing it badly.
Second, I reminded the single moms that they are the gatekeepers in their family. It is the mom's job to ensure that the children are safe. We decided that a new male friend should not really be introduced to the children for about six months. It also is a good idea to check out his work, friends, and associates to make sure he is who he says he is.
Third, before you meet anyone, create a list of character traits you want in a potential partner and measure individuals by that list. Take off the "rosecolored" glasses and take a good hard look before you are so emotionally involved you can't see straight.
Here is a sample of what we came up with:
1. Trustworthy
2. Hardworking
3. Kind and well mannered
4. Good to the other women in his life, eg. mom, sisters, etc
5. Thrifty
6. Able to express his thoughts and feelings
7. Supports you in your goals
8. Doesn't try to change you
This is just a short list, you need to create your own. Most importantly, if you want these qualities in your partner, he will probably want you to have the same qualities. Get yourself ready before you go looking for Mr. Right and you'll find he'll show up all by himself because he is attracted to your fine character.
~Karen
First, we talked about co-dependency and I recommended a great book titled, "Women Who Love Too Much" by Robin Norwood. Women have a gift for being great caregivers but when they cross over to the "dark" side and become rescuers -- realtionships can go very wrong. Remember, when a relationship is not working it is generally both people who are doing it badly.
Second, I reminded the single moms that they are the gatekeepers in their family. It is the mom's job to ensure that the children are safe. We decided that a new male friend should not really be introduced to the children for about six months. It also is a good idea to check out his work, friends, and associates to make sure he is who he says he is.
Third, before you meet anyone, create a list of character traits you want in a potential partner and measure individuals by that list. Take off the "rosecolored" glasses and take a good hard look before you are so emotionally involved you can't see straight.
Here is a sample of what we came up with:
1. Trustworthy
2. Hardworking
3. Kind and well mannered
4. Good to the other women in his life, eg. mom, sisters, etc
5. Thrifty
6. Able to express his thoughts and feelings
7. Supports you in your goals
8. Doesn't try to change you
This is just a short list, you need to create your own. Most importantly, if you want these qualities in your partner, he will probably want you to have the same qualities. Get yourself ready before you go looking for Mr. Right and you'll find he'll show up all by himself because he is attracted to your fine character.
~Karen
~Confidence~
What does confidence mean to you? Confidence, to me, means someone who wakes up each and every day and faces life head on no matter what it may be.
Confidence doesn’t have to mean doing something out of your comfort zone, or pushing the limits. At first take baby steps -- you are showing confidence even when you think you have none, we can see it.
After you feel comfortable with where you are at, try something new and go into it thinking "I've got this" -- "I can do it." Never say I can’t. Can’t is a word I’ve removed from my vocabulary because I can do anything I set my mind to -- and I can be great at whatever I do -- and I will be great at what I choose to do and accomplish in my life. Napoleon Hill said that anything the mind can conceive and you believe, you can do and be great at it! You might want to read his book called "Think and Grow Rich."
Write yourself little notes and leave them around the house reminding you how wonderful you are. It will all build up inside and make you even more confident to take on anything that comes your way without thinking twice. Not often are we told on a daily basis how wonderful and amazing we are, so tell yourself. Look around and see all you’ve done and how much confidence that took. I’m confident in all of you that you will succeed and be even more amazing than you already are.
~Amanda
Friday, May 20, 2011
Reading to your Children
This is subject very close to my heart as I love to read, When I was little, my mom and I had a bedtime routine. Every night at 8 pm we would go write in our journals and read. She would read one page then I would read the other page. It is one of my favorite memories growing up because it was time where I was taken into another world -- where I could just let real life and the drama from it float away. I love to read to this day and I truly believe if my mom and I hadn't done that I would not be the reader I am today. We read all sorts of books from The Chronicles of Narnia to Little House on the Prairie. Anything I picked we would read and as I got older we started reading our own books to ourselves but we kept the routine until I was 16 years old.
My love of reading comes from many things today but I looked forward to reading time when I was little because it was fun and something we did together as a family. Your kids will always remember it and will thank you for it.
~ Amanda
So, how do you get started. Well, first you have to have books. The public library is the best place. Get all the children, that are old enough, a library card of their own. Don't check out more books that you can handle. Find a special place at home to keep them so they won't get lost or damaged.
Pick a time of day, bedtime is a great time, and start to make a habit of reading at that time. Like Amanda, your children will grow up with fond memories of you and their siblings in addition to great reading skills. You'll also teach discipline, responsibility, love of learning, and so much more.
The family that reads together, succeeds together.
Karen
My love of reading comes from many things today but I looked forward to reading time when I was little because it was fun and something we did together as a family. Your kids will always remember it and will thank you for it.
~ Amanda
So, how do you get started. Well, first you have to have books. The public library is the best place. Get all the children, that are old enough, a library card of their own. Don't check out more books that you can handle. Find a special place at home to keep them so they won't get lost or damaged.
Pick a time of day, bedtime is a great time, and start to make a habit of reading at that time. Like Amanda, your children will grow up with fond memories of you and their siblings in addition to great reading skills. You'll also teach discipline, responsibility, love of learning, and so much more.
The family that reads together, succeeds together.
Karen
Getting to know Amanda
Hello!
I have the great privilege of helping my wonderful grandmother Karen talk with you and your families about self reliance and taking charge of your life.We are all amazing people and sometimes are to hard on our selves and need someone to remind us of how great we are and all that we do and what a great addition to this world we are. I've been there many times and amazing family and friends to help me see all that I have forgotten. I'm so grateful and honored my Grandma asked me to help her with this.
So to tell you a little bit about me, I am a full time accountant at a great company, and I also go to Paul Mitchell The School to become a hair dresser. I have a passion and love for hair and make-up, Cars, and Motorcycles. My philosophy on life is to live it to the fullest -- never having regrets -- have fun -- and most importantly be happy. People can come in your life that add to your happiness but the only person in charge of making you truly happy is yourself. You don't need a boyfriend/girlfriend to make you happy and you can't truly love them until you love yourself and its hard to love yourself if you are unhappy, I know first hand that this fact is true.
~Amanda
please email if you even need anything, and I do mean anything.
I have the great privilege of helping my wonderful grandmother Karen talk with you and your families about self reliance and taking charge of your life.We are all amazing people and sometimes are to hard on our selves and need someone to remind us of how great we are and all that we do and what a great addition to this world we are. I've been there many times and amazing family and friends to help me see all that I have forgotten. I'm so grateful and honored my Grandma asked me to help her with this.
So to tell you a little bit about me, I am a full time accountant at a great company, and I also go to Paul Mitchell The School to become a hair dresser. I have a passion and love for hair and make-up, Cars, and Motorcycles. My philosophy on life is to live it to the fullest -- never having regrets -- have fun -- and most importantly be happy. People can come in your life that add to your happiness but the only person in charge of making you truly happy is yourself. You don't need a boyfriend/girlfriend to make you happy and you can't truly love them until you love yourself and its hard to love yourself if you are unhappy, I know first hand that this fact is true.
~Amanda
please email if you even need anything, and I do mean anything.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Self Reliance
-noun: reliance on oneself or one's own powers, resources, ect.
if you look it up in the thesaurus you will find:
main entry: assurance definition: confidence.
It sounds like it would be a lot of work, and to tell you the truth it is. This is not something we can get from anyone but ourselves. We are always boosting up others and telling them how amazing and strong and wonderful they are but we tear down ourselves, I'm not this, I'm not that. I'm not as pretty as she is or they have more than I do. When in truth you are more alike than you know. That person you were just admiring is the same as you, has everyday life to deal with and you don't know what they have just overcome. They could have been sitting admiring you for who are and what you have.
Recently I heard a song on the radio and a phrase stood out to me it said:
You don't have to feel like a waste of space
You're original, cannot be replaced
If you only knew what the future holds
After a hurricane comes a rainbow
Maybe you're the reason why all the doors are closed
So you could open one that leads you to the perfect road
It later goes on to say that you need to light that fire and let it shine. If you've not heard it I suggest listening to it and really listen to the words its a very empowering and motivating song.("Firework" by Katy Perry)
I know its always hard to be strong and put on the brave face and you don't need to everyday but you do need to remember how special you and what a value you are to this world cause it wouldn't be the same with out you. Do what makes you happy so you can feel empowered and motivated to do what it takes. Don't let other people tell you what is right and wrong for you. Ask their advice and opinion and take what you want and mold it to fit your life. You know what is best and know what it will take to make you happy Never let anyone tell you aren't enough because you are. Be enough for yourself and stand up for you and what you stand for and people will start to respect you for that.
You are capable of anything you set your mind to, just believe in it, work hard, and it will be. My favorite quote is:
Recently I heard a song on the radio and a phrase stood out to me it said:
You don't have to feel like a waste of space
You're original, cannot be replaced
If you only knew what the future holds
After a hurricane comes a rainbow
Maybe you're the reason why all the doors are closed
So you could open one that leads you to the perfect road
It later goes on to say that you need to light that fire and let it shine. If you've not heard it I suggest listening to it and really listen to the words its a very empowering and motivating song.("Firework" by Katy Perry)
I know its always hard to be strong and put on the brave face and you don't need to everyday but you do need to remember how special you and what a value you are to this world cause it wouldn't be the same with out you. Do what makes you happy so you can feel empowered and motivated to do what it takes. Don't let other people tell you what is right and wrong for you. Ask their advice and opinion and take what you want and mold it to fit your life. You know what is best and know what it will take to make you happy Never let anyone tell you aren't enough because you are. Be enough for yourself and stand up for you and what you stand for and people will start to respect you for that.
You are capable of anything you set your mind to, just believe in it, work hard, and it will be. My favorite quote is:
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Welcome
Welcome to the new Take Charge! Blog. We invite you to join us in striving to be in charge of our lives. With the recession, television ads, government, credit card debt, etc. many people feel that everyone and everything is in charge -- except them.
It's time to take back our power! We'll share ideas on goal setting, financial literacy, creating a safety net, building better relationships, and much more.
As former single mom, I started my business career with five children, half a college degree, and no way to make a living. I completed two degrees, started a foundation to help other single moms find success, and now lecture, write, and mentor single moms and others wanting a better life for themselves and their children.
I certainly don't know everything but I think, along the way, I got a Ph.D from the "School of Hard Knocks". If I can make the journey easier for you, I'd love to. Together, we can certainly make the road to self-reliance easier for each other.
Thanks for your comments
It's time to take back our power! We'll share ideas on goal setting, financial literacy, creating a safety net, building better relationships, and much more.
As former single mom, I started my business career with five children, half a college degree, and no way to make a living. I completed two degrees, started a foundation to help other single moms find success, and now lecture, write, and mentor single moms and others wanting a better life for themselves and their children.
I certainly don't know everything but I think, along the way, I got a Ph.D from the "School of Hard Knocks". If I can make the journey easier for you, I'd love to. Together, we can certainly make the road to self-reliance easier for each other.
Thanks for your comments
Sat. May 21, 2 pm
Do you keep attracting the same disrespectful type of men over and over? They may have different names but they all treat you badly. Perhaps it's time to set some better standards. They aren't going to change so it's up to you to change who you allow to be in your life and the lives of your children. Do you want your daughters to chose the same types of men you do?
Do you want your sons to be those types of men?
As the gatekeeper of the family, you are responsible for who is allowed into the lives of your children. You want them to be safe and respected. Guess what -- you deserve the same type of treatment.
Invite a friend and join us for the May Single Moms meeting at the downtown Salt Lake Library, Sat. May 21, 2 pm for an hour of discussion and goal setting. The address is 200 E. 400 S. Park across the street on the NW corner of 2nd E. in the City Center parking lot. It's free on Saturdays.
Do you want your sons to be those types of men?
As the gatekeeper of the family, you are responsible for who is allowed into the lives of your children. You want them to be safe and respected. Guess what -- you deserve the same type of treatment.
Invite a friend and join us for the May Single Moms meeting at the downtown Salt Lake Library, Sat. May 21, 2 pm for an hour of discussion and goal setting. The address is 200 E. 400 S. Park across the street on the NW corner of 2nd E. in the City Center parking lot. It's free on Saturdays.
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