2 Higher Ground

Great Video at Dove.com!

2009-10-17T16:43:00.002-04:00

Love this video about image perception. Check it out! Share it with your daughters.

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Happy October!

2009-10-01T07:49:00.003-04:00

I managed to be so busy during the entire month of September that I didn't post a single thing here on Higher Ground. Unfortunately, that's the way things go sometimes. During September, I moved to a new home, got my daughter enrolled in Kindergarten, struggled with my own emotions through her first day in a real school, struggled with my return to school after Summer break (I work in an elementary school), worked on book release items (I also write mysteries), worried about my sister who had surgery a few weeks ago, and have been nursing my daughter through her tonsillectomy over this last week. I'm sure there was more, but isn't that enough?

In all that time, I've been thinking about the focus of this blog and trying to figure out what would be the best way to use this forum to help women achieve success. I've come up with a few things. First, I am going to start a classified ad section here on 2HG. If you have something you would like to advertise, you may run a short description of it for one week for just $2. I'm working out how to set this up in Paypal, but you can go ahead and contact me if you have something you'd like to post. I'll also be starting a no-nonsense advice column called Let Me Have It! If you have a situation that you need some guidance in, please e-mail it to me. Your letter will be published much like a Dear Abby letter, so use a pseudonym or just ask to remain anonymous if you wish to do so. I can't wait to hear from you!

I would love to hear your thoughts on what you believe would be useful content here at 2 Higher Ground. If you have suggestions, please e-mail me. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Don't forget to tell your friends about our monthly contests. Our Wonderful Woman spotlight usually gives away a neat prize to one lucky subscriber each month! For those of you who are already subscribing or following, thank you so much for hanging in there with us.

I'll be posting this month's thoughts and some other resources later today. Be sure to check them out.

Have a great day!
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Body Image, Anyone?

2009-08-26T16:33:00.002-04:00

I recently came across this story thanks to a Facebook friend. It's a wonderful article about a picture of a "normal" sized woman who was featured in an article in Glamour Magazine. Great story! Great message! Please take a moment to read this one.

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Resources to grow on...

2009-08-11T09:34:00.004-04:00

Interesting quiz for those of you who might be considering making some changes. Beliefnet has great inspirational stories and quotes, too. Check it out today!

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You must check this out...

2009-07-18T14:32:00.004-04:00

During one of my evening walks, I noticed a bright orange notecard sticking out of one of the information posts at the park. It said something like, "You are beautiful just the way you are." It wasn't signed, but it did include a web address, www.operationbeautiful.com. I checked it out and as it happens, this website is all about leaving random messages that boost women's self-esteem posted in public places. The objective is to put an end to "fat talk" and to help women see the beauty that all of us possess regardless of our size. If you have a moment, please check out this website. It's a great idea and a wonderful effort that is in keeping with our philosophy here at 2 Higher Ground.

The Operation Beautiful initiative gave me a great idea. Send me your pictures of the Wonderful Women in your life along with a couple of sentences about why this woman is special to you. Send them to me here at 2 Higher Ground and I will post them on the blog! I look forward to your e-mails!

Have a Wonderful day!

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Great Link about Codependency

2009-06-26T11:43:00.003-04:00

One of my FB friends posted this link today and I thought it would be helpful to post here. Great information about codependency and taking responsibility for our feelings. Good advice, ladies!

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Women of Wisdom: Special Blog Tour Stop

2009-06-24T08:23:00.002-04:00

It's an honor for 2 Higher Ground to be a stop on the Women of Wisdom book tour:
Women of Wisdom is a journey through sixteen years of one of the largest women’s spirituality conferences in the world, a very unique conference that has impacted thousands of women’s lives. Authors Jean Houston and Margot Anand both exclaimed separately to me – “Kris there is nothing like this in the world” – and they have traveled around the world. The book will continue to impact women, as they experience the wisdom and gifts of the sixty contributors in the book.

The Women of Wisdom book gives women access to powerful, inspiring women leaders and their message for women to step into their power, own their feminine gifts, and learn to speak their truths. WOW provides role models who will inspire women to discover their dreams and their purpose.

Additionally the book shares stories from women whose lives have been changed by experiencing these women’s messages. Evocative art, poetry and experiential exercises enhance the book’s message, providing diverse ways to experience the spirit of the feminine.

Included in the book is my own story of how I started Women of Wisdom, which has been an empowering story for women to hear. My story began with reading The Feminine Face of God, by Patricia Hopkins and Sherry Anderson. Shortly afterwards I had a vision of bringing these spiritual women leaders to Seattle. And I immediately set that in motion at Seattle Unity Church, where I was a board member.

I realized this was something more than just a conference when I welcomed people at the first night of the conference, February 11, 1993, and I stated “Welcome to the First Annual Women of Wisdom Conference.” It has become a movement for women to come together in community and explore their potential, and to honor and support one another. This conference has continued to grow and be strong for seventeen years now and that is a testimony to the power of the vision, and the importance of women realizing the value of their unique gifts to share with the world.

In 1998 I realized I had a wealth of material in the tapes of the talks from these nationally known best selling authors and that they would make a great book. I had a dream to share this with other women. I would get phone calls and emails from women asking me if there was an organization like WOW in their city. Not everyone has the luxury to travel to conferences and experience life changing conferences and this book will provide that opportunity to many women.

In addition, the powerful women who participated at the conference in different ways – artists, musicians, writers, local presenters and WOW leaders – would contribute to make this book a holistic experience of exploring the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of being a woman, giving the reader the full conference experience.

The women’s movement has led women to evolve to such heights as running for the presidency of
the United States. However in workshops I have given women have shared how isolated they feel. They don’t feel honored in society for their feminine gifts and how they don’t feel comfortable or safe speaking what they feel, what’s inside their hearts, whether it be in the workplace, home or other. In sharing women’s stories in the book, women will relate to their experiences and gain strength and support through the validation of the feminine that is expressed in the book.

Many of the authors in the book share how there is a lack of balance of the feminine in our world, and how we’re at a critical time where women need to become equal partners towards creating the solutions to the many crisis facing our globe. Jean Houston shares her experience of Women of Wisdom in the foreword of the book:

“Women of Wisdom is in the forefront of the biggest change in human history – the only change that will assure our continuity as a species. Those who organize and participate in the Women of Wisdom experience, know that for a new world to be born we have to bring a new mind to bear. Critical to this is the rich mind style of women that has been gestating in the womb of preparatory time, lo, these many millennia. In their ebullient and evocative conferences WOW demonstrates a tremendous change in who we are and how we do things.”

”Playing their part to usher in feminine mind, WOW emphasizes process rather than just product, and making things cohere, relate, and grow. Cultures in which the feminine archetype is powerful are almost always non-heroic, they tend to make things work together, each piece has its part to play.”

“Men and women will be released from the old polarities of gender that force them into limited and limiting roles, and qualities of intelligence will be added to the human mind-pool that will render most previous problem solving obsolete. Linear, sequential solutions will yield to the knowing that comes from seeing things in whole gestalts, in constellations, rather than in discrete fact…. And it will ring an ecological ethic, along with a new partnership between men and women, in which the human acts in concert and in partnership with Nature to bring about more symbiotic ecological relationships.”

Women of Wisdom book offers solutions and ways to manage these problems

The WOW book addresses these problems and gives women hope for the future as they learn it is important to:

• Speak their minds
• Become leaders
• Share their stories
• Follow their dreams
• Find a balance of work, families and friends, and take care of themselves.
• Honor their feminine gifts

We all know the story of putting on your air mask in an airplane first so that you are able to help your child. It is important for women to support other women in their growth, in their choices of careers, and that it’s time to stop feeling the need to compete with each other. But first women must develop an awareness of their own personal issues and fears and what stops them from becoming the leader of their own lives.

We are conditioned to look outside of ourselves for the answers to these problems that we face in our lives. This book will draw the reader inside, to discover the answers to their issues, their problems that seem overwhelming. The book takes them on a journey in search of the person and dreams they left behind; dreams they may have had as a teenager or college student.

The audience that is drawn to this book desires a safe avenue to explore and take that inward journey and they want support. WOW offers support as a conference and will continue to do so as a book, reaching thousands more people. The book gives suggestions on how to find and open the door into that journey. By reading the stories of other women, they will gain the insight as to how they might change their life. They will be inspired to begin the changes they seek towards a fulfilling life. Women desire to connect with other women, but may not know how. This book will open them to look at the possibilities and their potential, by finding women to connect with, whether it’s women they read about on the pages, or women in their neighborhoods, at work or in their life. This book will be the catalyst to begin that soulful journey.

***********************************************************************************

We invite you to go to this page - www.wisewomanpublishing.com/womenofwisdom.html - to access the order page and then go back to this page and enter your order confirmation code and your email address. That will take you to the sign up page for the Women of Wisdom enewsletter, once you join the WOW book group you will be sent an email with a link to the bonus gifts that are available to people who buy the book today. You can later opt out of being on the Women of Wisdom newsletter list if you choose.

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How many ways are there to get "unstuck"?

2009-06-14T09:19:00.004-04:00

Funny you should ask. I recently remembered that there was a book out there titled, "Getting Unstuck," and decided that it was time for me to check this one out. When I went online to see if I could find the book at my local library, I came up with four different books all titled, "Getting Unstuck." I did what any very confused person would do, I reserved all of them. All of them are slightly different; addressing the same type of issue from different angles. I figured it might be helpful to break them down here and give you a brief synopsis of each in case you are looking for the same type of information.

The books include:

1. Getting Unstuck: Breaking Through Your Barriers to Change by Dr. Sidney B. Simon. This book is focused on helping you identify what "stuck" means as well as developing some simple strategies for getting yourself over the hump and heading towards being more satisfied with your life. Published in 1988, this book has some great ideas in it for how to address the barriers to happiness that may exist within your life.

2. Getting Unstuck: Escape Three Traps Women Face Today by Linda S. Mintle, Ph.D. This book addresses three main areas: Anxiety, Depression and Eating Disorders. Dr. Mintle talks about how our thinking influences our emotional health and how to know when we are stuck in self-defeating patterns. This book is definitely geared towards women and helps you to deal "honestly and openly with the depression, anxiety, and pain that can block your way to a full, productive life." Published in 1999.

3. The Life Plus Program for Getting Unstuck by Robert Handly and Jane Handly. This book has a slightly different title, but included Getting Unstuck so I stuck it in here anyway. This book talks about how to use what the Handly's call POWER tools to help us deal with guilt, anger, or blame. Thinking positively and overcoming obstacles are the main themes running through this book. The authors share their personal experiences with overcoming obstacles to help you see what you can do if you change the way you think. Published in 1989.

4. Getting Unstuck: 8 Simple Steps to Solving Any Problem by Dr. Joy Browne. Dr. Browne talks about how we need to accept that sometimes setbacks are necessary to help us move towards something we didn't even know was waiting for us. A very positive way of looking at the negative in our lives and seeing how they have led us toward something better. In this book, Dr. Browne gives different scenarios in which the person is struggling to find an answer to a perplexing question in their lives. This one was published in 2002.

All of the books have good points and bad points, but for the most part it really depends on what kind of "stuck" you are. If you are stuck in a pattern of feeling bad about the things that are happening in your life, you'd probably benefit from reading some of #4. If you are a woman who is having problems with anxiety or depression, then check out #2. If you need motivation to take a step forward, choose #3. If you just need a general guide to moving past some negative patterns, then #1 might work best. Or read them all, it can't hurt to check out all of the available information. The point is that if you are feeling stuck in your life, there are a number of things you can do to get past it. You just have to be willing to do a little work.

Hope this information is helpful to you. If you find resources that are related to this topic that you would like to share here, please send them to us! We'd love to include it on the blog.

Take care!

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Acknowledgement

2009-06-06T17:16:00.002-04:00

Just the other day, my sister and I were taking a walk and we saw these two ladies practicing a belly dancing routine right out in the middle of the park. They were doing a great job and my sister said to me, "I think I need to say something to them. I should let them know that it's great to see women out doing things like this." I asked her what she meant by this and she said that you just don't see women being so free and self-confident out in public. I thought about this for a bit and decided that most women probably don't feel comfortable enough with themselves to let themselves be happy. This got me to thinking about how important it is to let the women in our lives know when they have made a positive impact on us and that their presence and involvement in our lives is very much welcomed and appreciated.

It then occurred to me that this just doesn't happen enough. When we are asked who our role models are, we often cite famous people in history. As I think about my life, however; I cannot credit famous people with truly motivating me to be a better person or helping me understand that I deserve to be happy. Yes, there are famous people who definitely inspired me, but they weren't able to have the kind of impact on me that friends and family have had, yet I've not always been as quick to publicly acknowledge the women I know in real life. For me, the list includes a number of teachers and a few other ladies who played a big part in my life at crucial moments. My list is below:

Susan Samuels
Linda Stephens
Joan Butz
Barbara Czestochowa
Anne Dunn
Cheryl Eresman

These are just a few of the women who have made a lasting impact on me and I would like to take this opportunity to say a public, "Thanks," to them.

As you think about your own list of role models today, who would you include? Would it be your neighbor from down the street? How about that nice lady at your church or even your third grade teacher? Take a moment and let them know this today. It will mean so much.

As for the two ladies in the park, my sister did take the time to talk with them and let them know how nice it was to see them out practicing their routine. They told her that they were getting ready for a show that they had to do and that they were very nervous about it. She told them that they were great and they seemed very relieved that we genuinely wanted to compliment their efforts. Lift each other up as much as possible. If we don't do this, who will?

Take care!

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2 Higher Ground Poetry Contest Winner!

2009-05-10T18:52:00.002-04:00

Congratulations and Happy Mother's Day to our 2HG Poetry Contest winner, Jenelle Gaines! It was so difficult to choose from the entries we received and we thank everyone who entered. Jenelle captured the spirit of the contest with her entry titled, "What it Means." Jenelle is a mother, activist, and writer who lives in Enon, OH and her poem is absolutely what we were looking for here at 2 Higher Ground. And so, enjoy:

What It Means

To be a woman you must have poise,
And hold your own with all the boys.
To be a woman you must have class,
And know when it’s time to use your sass.
To be a woman you must have grace,
And know when you’ve fallen out of place.
To be a woman you must rejoice,
When you finally find your hidden voice.
To be a woman, you must be all
The higher you climb, the farther you fall.
To be a woman you know this well
And the story of the climb is yours to tell.

Congratulations to Jenelle Gaines!

Stay tuned for our next contest!

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Special Feature: Author Blog Tour

2009-05-03T19:34:00.007-04:00

Barbara Weaver Smith is the author of Whale Hunting Women. 2 Higher Ground is proud to be a stop on her blog tour!

About Barbara Weaver Smith
Barbara Weaver Smith, president and CEO of The Whale Hunters, is an author, consultant, speaker, and coach. Barbara held positions as an English professor, a college dean, and a nonprofit organization president before founding her first company in 1996. Informed by her leadership experiences in all economic sectors, Barbara’s mission is to support women to achieve exceptional growth in their companies and organizations by doing bigger deals with bigger customers and partners.

About Whale Hunting Women
Whale Hunting Women—how women do big deals in business and community. For inspiration, motivation, and direction, this book celebrates women as deal-makers and includes how to “break the minnow mindset” and how to create a fast-growth culture. It documents three cultural transformations that favor women’s leadership styles: the trend to replace competition with collaboration; the need to transform bureaucracy to entrepreneurship; and the value of perceiving a world of abundance rather than a culture of scarcity. The book offers advice on how small companies or organizations can manage their public presence to generate the whales’ confidence that they have the capabilities and professionalism to complete big deals with big customers and partners. The book incorporates a deal-maker’s journal; each chapter includes worksheets to prompt reflections and action plans.

Barbara Weaver Smith’s website
Barbara Weaver Smith’s blog

Thank you for visiting this post about Barbara Weaver Smith and Whale Hunting Women. We are offering a free giveaway to two people who comment during the tour and to the hosts where they posted. It is simple to be entered in the giveaway – just post a comment on any post about the tour and you will be entered. But, an interesting post is more likely to get our attention. The host on the site where the winning comments are posted will also win a three-volume set of Whale Hunters Wisdom in audio format. Volumes include I: Mind of a Hunter, II: The Hunt, and III: The Whale Hunting Culture. This is a $90 value.

Please visit this link to see the tour schedule.

Order your copy of Whale Hunting Women – http://cli.gs/WHWEbook

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Monica Marie Jones-Commitment to Self (The Second Installment of the Commitment Series)

2009-04-27T14:24:00.005-04:00

I'm reposting this from one of my friends at Facebook. It's a great piece on taking care of yourself. Enjoy!

Recent events in my life and an interesting quote prompted me to contemplate commitment. Today I find myself at yet another Monday promising myself that I will recommit to taking better care of myself. I’d fooled myself into believing that I was doing so because I work out at least five days a week….but then why is it that I continue to gain weight, experience hair breakage, and lack the spark and motivation that I once had?

I came to the conclusion that my fitness is for others and not myself. Let me explain…

I teach kickboxing four days a week and I meet with personal training clients on the days that I do not teach. Working out has become and obligation and a service that I do for the benefit of others, so the focus is on all of the people that I am helping and not on me. I sit back and watch as all of my students and clients lose weight and get healthier while my weight stays the same or increases. The bottom line is that I am no longer intentional about fitness for myself. My body has become immune to the workouts that I do for others because I can control it to the point where it is not as challenging for me as it is for them. I don’t take out specific intentional and planned time to focus on my own fitness goals.

To what extent does our commitment to others affect or take away from our commitment to ourselves. You may find that you go out of your way to make sure that your significant other, children and friends are happy, but at what expense? Something has to give and quite often the price is our own health and happiness. We place our wants, needs and goals on the back burner so that someone else can realize their dreams. This may also be the case with your job, career or business.

Ask yourself these questions…

When was the last time you did something just for you?

When was the last time you bought yourself a new outfit?

How often do you treat yourself to a new haircut, pedicure, manicure or massage?

When was the last time you took a long, hot, relaxing bath or read a good book?

Do you feel guilty doing things for yourself?

If it’s been more than a month, you can’t remember, or you answered yes to the last question, then you too suffer from fear of commitment…to yourself.

How do we find that healthy balance between loving and helping others without sacrificing ourselves?
This brings to mind a quote that was told to me by a high school friend that had wisdom beyond her years. She said,

“Don’t be selfish with yourself.”

Now let me point out a few things that happen as a result of us being selfish with ourselves and putting others first.

We continue to do that thing that we know deep down we really don’t want to do. As a result, resentment begins to slowly grow. When resentment sets in, we are no longer doing that thing with a joyful heart. From there we begin to have contempt for that person or thing and we get to a boiling point that they did not even see coming. Now we want to quit or leave. Consequently, we end up causing this person or situation more harm than good. We have now become a hindrance instead of a help. When we make ourselves the martyr in such situations we are exhibiting false humility because we know we really don’t want to suffer like this.

I challenge you to make a commitment to yourself that parallels a romantic relationship. Start slowly with the courtship phase. Get to know yourself better, do nice things for yourself, and become your own best friend. The next step is engagement. Take the first step toward lifelong changes by committing to taking good care of yourself forever. Buy yourself a ring if you have to. Engage in activities that add value to your life. Join a church, surround yourself with positive people, join a gym or come up with a fitness plan that works for you, take a class on a subject or for a skill that you truly love. Start putting things in place that will lead to a lifetime of fulfillment.

Next is marriage. Align yourself with things, people, environments and circumstances that nurture your soul. Make sure that you are equally yoked with what and whom you allow into your life. You don’t want the “Until death do us part” to be an untimely death because the undue stress has caused you to suffer from a heart attack. More and more people are suffering from stress induced heart attacks at younger ages because of the people and circumstances that they place themselves in. Think about it.

Today, take a moment to reflect on the dynamics of your life. What percentage of your daily activities are devoted to caring for and bettering yourself? Are you receiving your fair share of the love you are giving out? If not, adjust accordingly.

You can read more by this author by visiting her website:

http://www.monicamjones.com

Have a great day!

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Featured Poem: Here's to the Woman...

2009-04-25T20:49:00.002-04:00

HERE'S TO THE WOMAN

...who knows where she's going

and will keep on until she gets there;

who knows not only what she wants from life

but what she has to offer in return...

HERE'S TO THE WOMAN

who is loyal to family and friends,

who expects no more from others

than she is willing to give;

HERE'S TO THE WOMAN

who guides and inspires

not by quoting others philosophies but by living her own good example;

who accepts both victories and disappointments with the same grace,

and who can rise above life's challenges and move on...

HERE'S TO THE WOMAN

who gives the gifts of her thoughtfulness,

who shows her caring with a word of support,
her understanding with a smile;

a woman who brings joy to others

just by being herself...

~~ Author Unknown ~~

Taken from http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art29399.asp

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Today's Poem: Girls vs. Women by Christina E. Brown

2009-04-21T09:42:00.001-04:00

Girls vs. Women

Girls are insecure; Women are confident.
Girls dress trashy; Women dress classy.
Girls are students; Women are teachers.
Girls are listeners; Women are preachers.
Girls makes babies; Women raise babies.
Girls have sex; Women make love.
Girls are weak; Women are strong.
Girls fight; Women walk away.
Girls argue; Women speak.
Girls give in; Women compromise.
Girls envy. Women appreciate.
Girls give up. Women strive.
Girls look. Women see.
Girls take. Women give.
Girls follow; Women influence.

Christina E. Brown

Taken from PoemHunter.com.

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Without Regret

2009-04-13T17:29:00.007-04:00

In honor of National Poetry Month, I'll be posting a variety of poems throughout the next couple of weeks. Don't forget to get your entry in for the First Annual Higher Ground Poetry Contest. Just write a poem about what it means to be a woman and you could win a nice prize package which will include a $50 gift card to Bath & Body Works. Deadline is April 30th, winner will be announced on Mother's Day!

And now, for the poem...

*****

Without Regret

It is without regret that I have chosen to walk this particular path.
Without regret that I have chosen these lessons to learn.
Without regret that I have looked in the wrong direction at times.
Without regret that I chose to feel the fire burn.
For sometimes in my life I have needed proof that there was a reason to go the right way.
And that proof came in the form of pain felt as a result of making a mistake.
Or taking a wrong turn.
Without regret I have done these things.
And I stand undefeated in the face of all that life has brought.

Rebecca Benston

*****

Get your contest entries in today!

Submit Entry

Good luck!

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First Annual Poetry Contest

2009-04-02T08:47:00.002-04:00

2 Higher Ground is holding its First Annual Higher Ground Poetry Contest! Submit your entries by sending in a poem about "What it means to be a woman." The winner will receive a $50 gift card to Bath and Body Works! There is no entry fee and you may enter as many times as you like!

This month is National Poetry Month, so seek out your muse and send your poems to 2HG! Be sure to include your name and your city and state with your entry! Contest ends on April 30th. The winner will be announced on Mother's Day, May 10th!

Submit Entry

Good luck!

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Reflecting on Women's History Month

2009-03-31T10:18:00.004-04:00

As March comes to a close, we need to take a moment to think about the women in our lives. Our mothers, sisters, daughters, aunts, grandmothers, friends, etc. are all people who influence us in ways that we may not even realize.

The mother whom you watched as you were growing up. The way she spoke to you, her messages to you helped you determine your worth and for better or worse, she helped shape you into the woman you are today. Even if we try all of our lives not to be like our mothers, chances are that we will often catch ourselves doing something just like our mothers would have done. It's human nature. As women, we reflect what we see in the important women in our lives.

What about the sister you watched grow up or the sister who took care of you as you grew up. Where do we learn our interactions with our friends or our boyfriends? Did you have a sister who always picked the wrong guy? The wrong job? Or even the wrong outfit? How is she doing today?

Your daughter, if you have one, will be looking to you in the same way you looked to your mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, etc. for guidance. What would you have her do? How would you direct her through these troubled times? What example would you want to set for her?

It is important that we never forget that other women need our help. Other women, even if they look like they have it all together, need each other to make it all make sense. Sometimes, in all of the struggle to be a good wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, etc. we get lost. This is the time to help the women in your life find themselves. If they are lost, help them get back on track. What will you do to empower a woman today?

Have a wonderful day!

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Special Author Spotlight: Maureen G. Mulvaney, The Women's Millionaire Club

2009-03-15T08:39:00.007-04:00

We're proud to be a stop on author Maureen G. Mulvaney's blog tour through Nikki Leigh's Promo 101 Virtual Blog Tours!

Years ago, Maureen G. Mulvaney (MGM) arrived in Phoenix, AZ… Flat Broke, Jobless and Licking the wounds from a divorce. If she can Make It…So Can YOU. Let her show you 'HOW'.

Author of The Women's Millionaire Club

MGM set out to answer the simple question: Why do some women make a fortune and others don't? She assessed, surveyed and interviewed 21 'Ordinary' Women who started their home based businesses with NO Prior Experience yet they each did the 'ExtraOrdinary'-- MADE MILLIONS while MAKING A DIFFERENCE.

MGM wanted to give YOU the ingredients and recipes to learn 'How To' Do the SAME whether you are a veteran, 'newbie' or 'wanna be' Home Based Business Entrepreneur.

Discovered the Closely Guarded SECRET RECIPES of Millionaire Women for Building and Owning a Million Dollar Home Based Business.

Entrepreneurial Success Coach

MGM teaches small business entrepreneurs 'How To Attract Paying Clients, Who Become Lunatic Fans, That Refer Others.' MGM has over 25 years as an entrepreneur and small business owner. She teaches, consults, coaches and speaks to Women Entrepreneurs about the country. Call 480-759-6251 to enroll in MGM's next Intense Weekend.

Professional Speaker

MGM is:

* An internationally known speaker
* Who has graced the stages from Finland to Malaysia & every corner of the USA
* Has spoken with everyone from Norman Vincent Peale to Ann Jillian
* Is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP).
* (Less than 10% of the 5000 plus members of National Speakers Association have ever been able to attain this Earned CSP designation because one must have both longevity in the speaking industry plus outstanding skills.... MGM has both!)
* Her Clients include Amway to Arbonne, AT&T to MCI, Hospitals, Schools, Banks, USArmy and hundreds more.

Our Mission for The Women's Millionaire Club is …To help Home Based Business Women become Millionaires by creating an Abundance Conscious Community to Support Each Other through Education, Empowerment and Caring Energy!
To Book MGM Call 480-759-6251 or email: mgm@mgmsuperstar.com

The Women's Millionaire Club, by Maureen G Mulvaney, is being offered beginning on March 17th, 2009 at 12:01 am. We invite you to go to this page - http://mgmsuperstar.com/wjtc/exclusive.html - to access the order page and then go back to this page to access the bonus page. On the Exclusive Private Invite page, enter your order confirmation code. That will allow you to gain entry to the FREE Pot o' Gold Bonus Items.

For more information about Maureen G. Mulvaney, please visit her wonderful blog.

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Sending the right message

2009-03-07T08:39:00.004-05:00

It is now, more than ever so important that we send the right message to our young women. Especially after all of the reports that pop-star Rihanna was going to reconcile with her boyfriend, pop-star Chris Brown after being severly beaten by him during an argument between the two of them. When our young women see this type of thing, it makes them think that it is okay for a man to beat on a woman. Because the two individuals involved are so high-profile, it sends a very dangerous message out not only to our young women, but to our young men. 2 Higher Ground wants to make sure that we are doing everything we can to let young women know that abuse is not okay. An apology does not equal undying love and commitment.

Keep these statistics in mind. According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) approximately 1,200 women a year - three every day - die in the United States as a result of domestic violence. One-quarter of high school girls have been the victims of physical abuse, and approximately 15.5 million children are exposed to domestic violence every year. According to experts, young children who have witnessed violence, or been victims of violent acts, are at even greater risk of committing violence in their own relationships.

In my day job, I work with kids and I often listen to their conversations to see what they are thinking about current events. Luckily, I haven't heard many of them talking about the Chris Brown/Rihanna situation. Those who have been talking about it seem to have the right ideas about what should happen. But what about those conversations we don't hear? Are our children understanding the things they hear on the news? How can we make sure that they know right from wrong when we have so much out there influencing their minds? For me, I admit that I tell my daughter at every turn that it is not okay to let anyone beat on you for any reason. I tell her that a man who would beat on a woman is no man at all. I just hope that I'm getting through.

What else can we do to ensure that our young women know how they should be treated in a loving, caring relationship? How else can we make sure they are getting the right messages? Weigh-in here. We'd love to hear your thoughts!

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Susan B. Anthony

2009-02-28T14:09:00.002-05:00

Susan Brownell Anthony (February 15, 1820 – March 13, 1906) was a prominent American civil rights leader who played a pivotal role in the 19th century women's rights movement to introduce women's suffrage into the United States.

After the first American women's rights convention took place on July 19 and July 20,1848, in Seneca Falls, New York, Anthony took the opportunity to attend and support the women's rights convention held in Syracuse, New York, in 1852. It was around this time that Anthony began to gain widespread notoriety as a powerful public advocate of women's rights and as a new and stirring voice for change.

In 1856, Anthony further attempted to unify the African-American and women's rights movements when, recruited by abolitionist Abby Kelley[citation needed], she became agent for William Lloyd Garrison's American Anti-Slavery Society of New York State. Speaking at the Ninth National Women’s Rights Convention on May 12, 1859, Anthony asked "Where, under our Declaration of Independence, does the Saxon man get his power to deprive all women and Negroes of their inalienable rights?"

Perhaps one of the most important women of our time. Susan B. Anthony was a voice for women long before we were supposed to speak. We're so glad she wouldn't shut up!

Information for this post was taken directly from Wikipedia's entry for Susan B. Anthony. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susan_B._Anthony

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Where is your loyalty?

2009-02-20T18:33:00.004-05:00

I have never understood why women stay with abusive partners. I was just at the grocery and I was reading the front covers of the various magazines that were covering the Rihanna/Chris Brown issue. I cannot believe that this incredibly popular young woman is having any trouble deciding whether or not she should leave this young man.

We've all heard the stories about women who say that they simply cannot leave their husbands or boyfriends even if they are being physically and/or emotionally abused. My first thought is always, "Why?" These women either truly believe that they love the abuser and shouldn't leave them out of some sense of duty or loyalty or they simply don't know what steps to take to get away. This is one of the reasons why I started this blog; to share ideas that will help women make decisions that will push them toward happier and healthier living.

As a woman who was once a victim of sexual assault, there was never any question as to how close I would let my attacker get to me after the incident. As a matter of fact, I dared him to approach me for any reason. I'm not saying that staying frighteningly angry about the incident is the best way to deal with it. Although anger was a huge part of my life for a while, I learned that it wasn't the best way to move on. What I am saying is that a woman must first be loyal to herself and to her right to live life in a safe environment where she can grow and succeed at whatever she wants to do. When you start being more loyal to yourself and your right to be happy, you naturally start to move away from those who wish to do you harm and gravitate toward what will help you live a better life.

What have you done for yourself lately to show that you are loyal to being your own wonderful woman? Tell me about it here.

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Looking for inspiration...

2009-02-18T15:56:00.002-05:00

Ladies, if you have written or know of an article, poem, song or other type of work that you would like us to link to, please let us know. We're always looking to include inspirational material so that we can all benefit from one another's experiences. Check out Jenn's Story and Rebecca Benston's "Empty" in our list of Stories From Our Readers. Really, anything you would like to share, please let us know.

Thanks!

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Valentine's Day Giveaway

2009-02-12T08:34:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to make you aware that there is a great contest going on over at Benston Blogs! I'm giving away a Valentine's Day prize package for people who comment on the blog over there. All you have to do is comment on one of the posts to be entered into the drawing. Contest ends at 12:01 a.m. on Valentine's Day. I'll announce the winner sometime Saturday!

Get your entry in today!

Thanks,
Rebecca

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Wake Up!

2009-01-28T16:04:00.003-05:00

Listen to Nikki Leigh's interview with Author, Doris Roper on Blogtalk Radio! Roper is the author of Wake Up Your Life, a wonderful book about how to pick up the pieces when you go through life's difficult transitions. The interview is very informative and you'll definitely want to get a copy of this book!

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Featured Short Story: A Glutton for Punishment by Rebecca Benston (Chapter Four)

2009-01-25T18:42:00.006-05:00

When Sissy answered the phone, Jane said only two words, “Go ahead.”
Sissy answered her with a very succinct, “Consider it done.” With that, she hung up the phone. It was too late to turn back at this point and truthfully, Jane didn’t want to. She just wanted Pete to get what was coming to him. A couple of weeks passed and Jane didn’t hear anything from anyone. She wasn’t sure what, if anything had happened. Maybe they hadn’t done anything. Maybe it had all been an exaggeration. After all, Pete had already stopped by twice to pick Emma up for his visitation and Jane had refused to let her go. His breath had smelled of alcohol and his new girlfriend had been waiting in the car on both occasions. There was no way Jane would turn him loose with her daughter.
He had filed contempt charges against her in court and she was waiting to find out what would happen next. His next visit was scheduled for this coming weekend and Jane was worried that the third refusal to let him take Emma might land her in jail. She had already racked up $500 in fines.
Emma was sleeping on the couch when Jane flipped on the evening news and sat down to watch. They covered a story about a local fireman who had rescued a toddler from a burning building and then the anchor started talking about a car accident that just occurred out near the edge of town. They flashed to a shot of a car that looked a lot like Jane’s old car. It was twisted around a tree and the caption that was running below the shot read, “Fatal crash takes the lives of two, alcohol and speed a factor.” Jane looked more closely and saw the bumper sticker on the back end of the car that read “Back Off, Sucker.” It was the same sticker that Pete had kept on his car for years. She thought for a moment and then shook her head. She turned up the volume in time to hear the anchor say, “The victims have been identified as 31 year old Peter Anderson and 26 year old Janice Turner.” Jane switched the television off and sat there for a moment. There was no way this was possible. Pete was dead and so was his new girlfriend. Just as she was starting to process the information in her head, the telephone rang. It was her mother, she was worried that Jane had seen the story and was calling to make sure she was okay. Jane assured her that she was fine and then she called her friend Sissy.
“Sissy, hi, this is Jane,” she said.
“Hey, girl,” she said in her usual upbeat tone, “how’s it going?”
“Well, I just saw on the news that my ex-husband was killed in a car accident,” she said numbly, “I think I might be in shock, I still can’t believe this.”
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that,” she said, “are you alright? Does Emma know?”
“No, no she’s sleeping, I hadn’t even thought about how to tell her,” she said, “What am I going to say to her?”
“I’ll be right over, hon,” Sissy said, “don’t worry, we’ll figure it out.”
Jane hung up the phone and waited. It was close to 8:30 p.m. and Emma would stay asleep for the rest of the night. Jane put on a pot of coffee and sat down to wait for Sissy.
When Sissy arrived, she came in and sat down with Jane. She took her hand and said, “Are you alright?”
“I think so,” she said, “I hadn’t expected something like this, I was just thinking that I was going to have to go to jail this weekend for refusing to let him take Emma again. My God, it’s my fault for thinking such awful things.”
“Now, honey, I told you we’d take care of things. We weren’t going to let you go to jail and we sure as hell weren’t going to let him take Emma. He really should’ve been more careful,” Sissy said, an almost imperceptible smile on her lips.
Jane looked at her and then it dawned on her. This hadn’t been an accident. Sissy had done something. She had really made something happen. For a moment, Jane didn’t know what to say to her friend. She thought she should feel bad but then as she thought back to all of the terrible things Pete had said and done to her over the last few months, she sighed.
She looked at Sissy, who was still staring at her with that smile on her face. It was so incongruous to the situation. Jane stood up and walked into the kitchen. She pulled two coffee mugs from the kitchen cabinets and poured two cups of coffee. She took one to Sissy and sat back down on the couch. As she watched her little girl, Emma, sleeping soundly on the couch, she felt a sense of calm wash over her. She didn’t need to worry about Pete anymore. It was over. It was finally over.
“What now?” she asked Sissy.
Sissy looked at her with a smirk and said, “Got any cake?”THE END

We hope you've enjoyed this short story by Rebecca Benston. You can find more by this author by visiting her website at http://www.rebeccabenstonwrites.com.

Thanks!

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