Give & Grow
Candid Conversations that Envision a New Future
Are you afraid that life as we know it will never be the same? Or are you excited... Continue ReadingAre you afraid that life as we know it will never be the same?
Or are you excited about the opportunities we now have to take a pause, gain a Broader view, and move forward from a place of love, compassion, inspiration, and empowerment?
Maybe you’re feeling a bit of both depending on the hour or the day. Whatever you’re feeling is absolutely perfect. The key is to feel it fully.
In fact, it seems as if the whole world has been asked to slow down, listen, and really feel into what’s being asked of us individually and collectively.
We have been given an amazing opportunity to re-imagine life on our planet. To question where we are and where we’re headed. To effect the changes that until now we have only dreamt of.
We can either be drawn into the energies of uncertainty and fear, or we can transmute them for the benefit of our awakening and the rise of global consciousness.
In the depths of your soul there is a place of peace and calm, an unwavering and steady self, that knows you’ve got this. No matter what happens next or what changes may be on the horizon, the Source of all that is shines as a light in the darkness and loving shelter in the storm.
If you’re looking for a place to explore the shifts in thoughts, beliefs, and actions we are being invited to consider as we step into the Edge of evolution…I would love for you to join me and my co-hosts, Sheila Cash, Teri Angel, and Mira Rubin, for our new podcast entitled The Broader Edge…Candid Conversations that Envision a New Future.
Our mission is to empower and engage you in shaping our tomorrow because who you are and what you do matters.
You can find us every other Thursday beginning April 23rd at 5:00 p.m. ET on Facebook at Enlightened World Network. This link will take you there…https://www.facebook.com/enlightenedworldnetwork.
Don’t wait for things to change…be the change! See you on the Edge!
Be bold. Be daring. Be AWE-dacious!
Lis
We’re in This Together!
em-pa-thy (n): the ability to understand and share the feelings of another In the past couple of years,... Continue Readingem-pa-thy (n): the ability to understand and share the feelings of another
In the past couple of years, the term empathy has become more popular, particularly as it relates to individuals who are empaths – those who feel the feelings of others.
Empathy is different from sympathy which means having feelings of pity or sorrow for someone else’s misfortune. Empathy means you get it!
What has become readily apparent to me is that what we are experiencing right now collectively on the planet is a huge uptick in empathy. For the first time ever, we can actually understand and feel what our sisters and brothers are feeling all over the globe. Can you sense the power in this??
If anyone ever doubted that we are in this together – I hope they now realize the truth of our common humanity. What impacts you, impacts me. What hurts you, hurts me. And what heals you, heals me, my family and friends, my community, country – all of us!
We are all facing perhaps the most challenging circumstances of our lives. Fears and anxieties over health and finances are rising to the surface for us to deal with. The same type of fears and anxieties that many people around the world deal with every single day of their lives.
For most of us, this will end – hopefully sooner rather than later. But we know it WILL end.
For others, this won’t be. When medicines and vaccines are available to ensure that coronavirus cannot harm us to this extent any longer, those experiencing poverty, lacking access to healthcare, or living amidst violence – will continue to experience fear and anxiety.
Will we care? Will we remember that for a short moment in time we were connected with them?
Or will we go back to our normal, busy lives where we sleepwalk through the days as if we have no other choice?
Perhaps, like me, this uninvited and paradoxical gift has proven to you that there is a better way to live. We can…
Slow down
Take a breath
Care for our Soul
Get off the treadmill
Create white space in our calendars
Spend quality time with our loved ones
Reach out to check in on someone in need
Stop shopping for things that fill our homes but not our hearts
And think about the impact this is having on not just ourselves, but on so many others whose situations are far more precarious than our own.
Have you been thinking about the changes you might like to make when things go back to normal? Or how you don’t want to go back to “normal”?
Are you wondering what you can do to help co-create a better world? Are you tired of feeling like you’re in this alone?
There’s no more time for wondering what you can do to stop the madness or sitting on the sidelines hoping things will get better. The world is waiting for you to step up and into your AWE-thentic Power to make the impact you came here to make. What are you waiting for? It’s time!
If you’re ready to begin living from a deeper, more connected space as part of a sisterhood I invite you to join us. Together we’ll own our gifts and talents, determine how and where we’re meant to serve, and support solutions that have the potential to shift things on our planet in such a way that our children and grandchildren have a chance at a better future.
If you’re ready for a “new normal” in your life and in the world, join our Facebook Group called “Business Women Giving Back”. Can’t wait to see you there!
Be bold. Be daring. Be AWE-dacious!
Lis
Reclaim Your Voice and Speak Your Truth
Last week I had an experience that shook me, angered me, and inspired me to write this blog. ... Continue ReadingLast week I had an experience that shook me, angered me, and inspired me to write this blog. As much as I really didn’t want to share something so personal and knew it might invite criticism, I felt I had to. Because if we stay quiet nothing changes.
Spoiler Alert…This is not a blog about breast cancer or the pros and cons of mammograms. But that’s where it begins.
For a number of years, I received annual mammograms as women are encouraged to do. And I didn’t have a problem with them – despite the discomfort. In fact, I’m so grateful that for the most part in the U.S. we have access to the latest medical technology.
But as I became more knowledgeable about alternative and holistic medicine, I chose to forego mammograms and instead began using thermography. Once again, I’m not here to talk about the pros and cons and I know many of you will vehemently disagree with my decision. That’s fine.
We don’t have to agree to respect each other. But please hear me out.
So a recent thermography appointment revealed a spot on one of my breasts. There was no concern associated with it and I was told to return in a year. However, in speaking with my holistic practitioner about this he suggested exploring the option of having an ultrasound rather than a mammogram just to double check.
So I reached out to an imaging center, explained that I did not want to have a mammogram, and inquired as to whether I could have an ultrasound instead. They said yes and made the appointment.
When I arrived, the technician escorted me into a room with a mammography machine. I politely told her I was here for an ultrasound and she said she needed to ask me some questions. She then told me that their protocol is to do a mammogram first and then decide if an ultrasound is warranted. I replied that I did not want to have the mammogram. “So you’re refusing the mammogram?” she asked. “Yes,” I responded.
The technician then left to speak with the doctor. When she returned, she told me they had decided to go ahead with the ultrasound, but that they couldn’t issue a complete report without the mammogram. I was fine with that.
But something had shifted since I first arrived. No longer was there a sense of caring in her voice. Instead, a wall went up.
I was now viewed as a trouble-maker. I wasn’t playing by their rules. And they didn’t like it.
Now I can understand that they might be concerned from a liability standpoint. But I was more than happy to release them from any liability if they had requested it.
In any event, I’m taken to the ultrasound room where an equally cold female technician performs the exam barely speaking to me throughout. She then says she’ll be back, but I need to stay on the table as the doctor will want to perform the exam as well.
Now I’m starting to get a little nervous. Because anytime I’ve had an ultrasound in the past the doctor has not needed to come in and perform the exam again. So I’m starting to think something’s wrong. And if you’ve ever had a diagnostic test of any kind for what might potentially be a serious disease, you can relate to the fear in wondering if everything’s alright.
A few minutes later a male doctor walks in and introduces himself. He then proceeds to use his hand to perform a breast exam. He doesn’t ask permission. He doesn’t explain what he’s doing or why. He just helps himself while the female technician looks on. When he finishes, he proceeds to do the same ultrasound exam.
Once he’s finished, and while I’m still lying on the table, he launches into a lecture based on his 25 years of experience about why my decision to use thermography and refuse a mammogram is ill-informed. This despite the fact that he can find nothing wrong from the exam. (Thank-you, God!)
I said nothing as he spoke waiting for the nightmare to come to an end. Frankly, I’ve come to expect this type of reaction from the medical community.
But once I was in a vertical position and fully clothed the anger started to build…
What right did he have to touch my breast without asking me?
What right do they have to treat me like I’m an idiot?
Why am I not allowed to make decisions that affect MY body, My health, MY life?
And why didn’t I speak up during the exam?
Why? Because I was scared. I was afraid that something was wrong and I just wanted to know what was happening. His unprofessional and uncaring behavior was secondary to me at that moment.
And the fact that I was lying in a horizontal position, half-clothed, as he stood over me made it more difficult for me to “stand” in my power.
How often does this happen to women? We’re “put in our place” by an authority figure. We’re made to question our intelligence, convictions, and rights because we want to do things differently. And even worse, while other women stand by and watch it happen.
What will it take for each and every one of us to take back our inherent AWE-thentic Power?
To find our voice again and speak up for what we know is Our Truth?
To trust our gut, our intuition, even when nobody else agrees with us?
From the bedroom to the board room, from hospitals to universities, from Washington to London to Baghdad, it’s time!
It’s time sisters to re-claim Our Voice and begin using it to speak Our Truth while encouraging others to speak theirs. For our own evolution and the evolution of our planet.
To become heroines of our own lives and support women around the globe in becoming heroines of their own.
The feminine is rising and it’s time. Time for the feminine and masculine to come back into balance for the sake of our families, our communities, and our world. Let’s do this together!!
Be bold. Be daring. Be AWE-dacious!
Lis
P.S. Want support to find your voice and speak your truth while making your unique impact in the world? My on-line course Impact from the Inside Out was designed for women just like you. Learn more here…https://awepartners.com/social-impact-course/
20/20 Vision
Each spring I have the windows in my home cleaned. It’s an event I look forward to because... Continue ReadingEach spring I have the windows in my home cleaned. It’s an event I look forward to because through the winter so much dirt has built up it’s hard to see out. After the cleaning my whole view is clearer, brighter and more colorful.
I find the same thing happens when I take time to step back from the world. Whether for a long while, such as the sabbatical I took last fall, or for just 20 minutes during my morning meditation. The view is still the same, but there’s more clarity, color, and life!
The beginning of a new year, or in this case a new decade, is the perfect time to step back and re-evaluate your vision.
What’s your grander vision for life on this planet? What would you change if you could wave your magic wand and make it happen? What do you want to share with the world? Where are you meant to serve?
Here’s what I’m seeing…there’s a tsunami happening, but not in the form of a natural disaster. We as a society have lost faith in religion, healthcare, corporations, government, even Hollywood. The result is a paradigm shift occurring in every facet of life and it’s REALLY uncomfortable.
No longer can we wait for our leaders to do the right thing and make intelligent, compassionate decisions. It’s up to us now and each of us is a critical player.
If we want to change the world it’s got to happen from the inside – out and bottom – up.
What do I mean? Let’s take a look at where the shifts are already occurring…
· Religion: Houses of worship are empty and yet a rising consciousness is happening around the globe led by individuals who consider themselves spiritual but not religious.
· Healthcare: Tired of an approach to health that focuses on treating the symptoms rather than getting to the root cause of the illness and the mind/body link, informed consumers are turning to alternative and holistic medicine and practitioners.
· Business: The focus on shareholder value above all else is no longer accepted by progressive companies who recognize that long term sustainability requires management to consider Profit + People + Planet = Triple Bottom Line. And consumers want to purchase from and invest in social enterprises.
· Patriarchy: The patriarchal model of “business as usual” is being overtaken by a more feminine approach that values equality over hierarchy, cooperation over control, and compassion over indifference. And women are finding their voice and speaking out against injustices that are inexcusable and have been allowed to continue for far too long.
· Philanthropy/Social Impact: The enormity of our social challenges means non-profit organizations cannot operate in silos. They must partner with other organizations addressing the issues as well as government and business to have any chance of finding and implementing lasting solutions.
· Government: Wish I could say there are changes afoot, but sadly, this doesn’t seem to be the case with our politicians. Not in the U.S. anyway.
Although it appears as if the world is in a state of absolute chaos, I don’t see it that way. What I see is an enormous amount of opportunity to co-create the better world we dream of.
When everything is falling apart and crumbling at our feet, we can either curl up in a ball and hope it gets better soon. Or we can figure out what gifts and talents we have to share and what issues and causes we’re meant to address. Then find others who have the same calling and create partnerships and collaborations the lift everyone up. AWE Partners was founded on this principle.
Yes, there are myriad problems around the globe that require attention. But there’s also a tremendous amount of good work already happening.
Thankfully, the rise of the internet is making it easier to locate solutions and identify individuals, organizations, foundations, and others who are making the world a better place each and every day. And they need and want our support.
So where do you fit into the equation? That’s what we explore in my on-line course, Impact from the Inside Out.
Here’s what some of the participants have said…
“I enjoyed sharing what I’ve discovered with the group and hearing what they’ve learned as well. The environment was fun, relaxed, and inspiring as we brainstormed ways to help each other in developing our individual goals and plans.”
“I learned a lot with respect to being more strategic about my philanthropic endeavors. I realized being generous wasn’t enough. I was being a little lazy about my research and now understand I was supporting programs and organizations that are already overfunded. I learned how to evaluate programs so I could create more impact with my donations and talents.”
“During the course, I discovered an organization whose cause I connected with and I am now working with their Marketing Director using my expertise. As I get to know their organization even better, I may consider serving on their Board of Directors. Lis was an amazing resource to help me on this journey!”
We’ll be launching the course again this fall and we’re excited to continue the adventure with our new AWE-thentic Impact Circles in 2021. Kind of like the popular “giving circles” you might have heard of – but on steroids. Why? Because as heart-centered, mission-driven, badass women we can do so much more.
Imagine linking your mission or that of your business with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s)! Does it get any better??
To stay fully engaged in the social impact space we need to align ourselves with causes and organizations that are right for us. And we get to explore not only how to give, but how to shop and invest with purpose as well.
There’s “Power in the Purse” and we hold the purse strings!
So if this new decade has inspired you to become part of the solution, I hope you’ll consider joining a circle of women ready to make their AWE-thentic Impact in the world together! We need your magnificence out there!
You can find out more here… https://awepartners.com/social-impact-course/
Be bold. Be daring. Be AWE-dacious!
Lis
Good-byes, Grief, and Growing New
This past year saw an end to one chapter and the beginning of a new for myself and... Continue ReadingThis past year saw an end to one chapter and the beginning of a new for myself and my husband. We officially became empty-nesters after dropping our sons off at college, our youngest for the first time.
This is one of those stages in life that you know is coming and do everything you can to prepare for it, and yet when it arrives it still hits you in the gut.
The days and weeks leading up to our son’s departure were filled with shared memories, hugs, laughter, and tears. However, the day we moved him in turned out to be more rushed than we had anticipated and our good-byes brief. Maybe a good thing.
And then we arrived home to a VERY quiet house. No family calendar filled with activities. No basement filled with teenage boys. No late-night chats over pizza.
Just silence. And gratitude for all the amazing times we’ve had and stories yet to be written.
For the first time in 22 years, I have plenty of time on my hands. Plenty of time for self-care and soul-care. Time for family and friends. Time to re-evaluate the direction for AWE Partners. And time to dream about the future.
But to ignore the grief would be not only potentially harmful but also inauthentic. I would be lying if I didn’t admit that there’s a piece of me that feels like it’s missing. Like it left my body and went off to college. A piece that can’t be replaced by activities, events, or other people.
And that’s ok. The grief is simply an indication of the depth of love I feel for my children and for the life we’ve lived together all these years. It has molded me and shaped me into the person I am today. It allowed me to explore the depths of my feminine side and to better understand the depths of the masculine that I have shared space with.
It also allows me to recognize my strength and the strength of all the women who have loved deeply only to release that love out into the world. We women feel the joy and the pain in the depths of our soul and incorporate it into our being adding to the richness of life.
So what next? Well, apparently, my last birthday was some kind of milestone. At this stage of life I don’t even count. I’m just so thrilled to be alive and healthy that birthdays come and go as a celebration.
But certain family members and friends (who shall remain anonymous) attempted to thwart my positive outlook on life with questions such as, “Do you feel old?”. Or discussions that centered on providing proof of just how old we are.
Not going there, girls! You do you, but the fact is given my DNA I’m likely only at the half-way point of my life. Which means I have A LOT of years ahead of me. And I plan to make the best of them.
Rather than growing old, I feel myself GROWING NEW!!
Never before have I been at a place in my life where I felt such potential for freedom. Freedom from the responsibilities of school or work. Freedom from the responsibilities of parenting. Freedom from caring what other people think or expect of me. Freedom to follow my bliss and do things that bring me joy.
Freedom to tap into the depths of my soul and listen to the voice of intuition that is guiding me forward toward a calling that my entire life has been preparing me for. My purpose, my destiny, my dharma.
Can I see it clearly? No! Is the path certain? No! Do I know how to get there? Nope!
But those aren’t the questions I’m asking in this second half of life. Instead, I ask myself…
Can I trust it? Yes! Am I ready? Yes! How can I serve?
How can I empower other women to heal their wounds, trust their journey, answer their calling, and serve from a place of love, compassion, and kindness?
Good-byes and grief are part of the journey, as is darkness. But the Universe is constantly evolving toward the light and co-creating through us as we grow ourselves new and inspire others to do the same.
We need you out there as a light-bearer and I could use some companionship. Will you join me in growing new?
Be bold. Be daring. Be AWE-dacious!
Lis
P.S. Reach out to me if you want to explore opportunities to partner/collaborate in 2020!
The Sweet Spot Between Your Comfort Zone and Chaos Zone
Has this ever happened to you? You come up with a great idea. You dream about it, imagine... Continue ReadingHas this ever happened to you? You come up with a great idea. You dream about it, imagine what would happen if you went for it, and then decide for a variety of reasons not to take the plunge. Next thing you know, somebody else somewhere on the planet implements your idea with great success. And you’re left kicking yourself for choosing to stay in your comfort zone.
We all do it. Make decisions that feel safe, familiar, comfortable. Who needs more stress and anxiety? And why would anyone want to risk failure and being judged?
Why? Because the truth is personal growth and transformation happen when we’re living outside our comfort zone. When we’re challenging ourselves.
Sure, it’s scary. But the only way to conquer our fears – the only way to freedom – is to walk through it.
You have to experience the fear if you want to overcome it.
So I always encourage women to stop playing small and step outside their comfort zone. But what happens when you leave your comfort zone only to discover that very quickly you’ve entered the chaos zone?
Not everyone experiences this. We all know those women who seem to be able to have it all – all at the same time. And if this is working for you – then girlfriend you do you!
But this ain’t me. When I enter the chaos zone I am not good for anything. I get stressed, overwhelmed, and crabby. And I wonder how I got there yet again.
Recently, I was trying to understand if this is just my personality. I know I tend to be a bit of a control freak. I know I like order and thrive on organization. But have I always been this way?
Apparently so!
My first job was at McDonald’s. Now you might think I worked the counter, and I did at times. But I found it so stressful – particularly when I had to use the ice cream dispenser and could never get the cone to look right. So instead, I preferred to grill burgers. Honestly, I was fascinated at the process the company used to ensure that every burger came out perfectly. It should have been clear then that I thrived in an environment that provided organization, structure, and certainty.
My second job was as a waitress at Poppin’ Fresh Pies (now Bakers Square). Now as long as we weren’t too busy, and I had plenty of time to service my tables all was well. But when we got “slammed” I was a hot mess. My friend, Heidi, was the hostess and I would plead with her not to give me another table.
Fast forward to becoming a parent. When I realized that my to-do list was rarely completed in a day and that my time was not my own – the stress set in. It took me quite awhile before I could adjust to this new reality. Twenty-two years and two kids later, I think I’m finally beginning to relax now that both boys are out of the house.
But as an entrepreneur I am constantly being pushed outside my comfort zone, which has been a really good thing for me. I needed to stretch myself. I needed the challenge. I needed to remember what skills and talents I possess and the new ones I have yet to acquire.
We forget how much we have to share with the world!
However, it takes discipline for me to know my limits. Know when I’m stepping over the line and into the chaos zone where I’m just not as effective. Where I don’t thrive. And, frankly, where I’m miserable and completely miss out on the joy of life.
The key is to know and love yourself just the way you are. Your personality, your temperament, the way you want to live.
That’s your sweet spot! And it’s absolutely perfect. Radical self-care and soul-care will help you get there and stay there more often.
Find the sweet spot between your comfort zone and chaos zone and live there!
Need help knowing how much of yourself to give?
Book a FREE Impact Breakthrough Session with me here… https://SchedulewithLis.as.me/
Be bold. Be daring. Be AWE-dacious!
Are You Using Your Personal GPS?
When one of my favorite books Eat, Pray, Love came out I dreamed of being able to escape... Continue ReadingWhen one of my favorite books Eat, Pray, Love came out I dreamed of being able to escape like Elizabeth Gilbert did. But as a wife and mother it wasn’t possible. Now that my boys are both in college, I took the opportunity to embark on a month-long sabbatical in Portugal and Spain.
There’s nothing like getting away from the day to day responsibilities of life to relax, clear the mind, and ignite the spark of creativity. For one month I had no “to do list”. Instead, I found plenty of time for savoring delicious food and sipping wine (Eat). Time for some inner work, visits to spiritual sites, and co-hosting a small group retreat (Pray). And quality time with my husband of 28 years (Love).
Yet despite my attempt to disengage, the experiences I encountered kept revealing lessons and metaphors for life that were hard to ignore.
Sometimes we have to step outside our comfort zone to enjoy the grander view
For one week of the excursion I was completely on my own driving through the Duoro Valley, making my way from Porto to Santiago de Compostela to meet my husband who was completing a 200 km walk on the Camino de Santiago. (He walks…I drive…it works.)
I frequently met women traveling together and they were quick to invite me to join them for dinner, unaware that I was relishing the time to myself. And when they heard I was driving alone they were shocked as navigating through the city streets was ridiculously confusing.
And then there were the mountains. As I was leaving one winery hotel to make my way to the next, I was advised to take it VERY slowly. The roads are narrow, steep, and there are no guardrails. Add to this the fact that I was driving a stick shift that didn’t always cooperate. More than once the car stalled, and I started sliding back down the mountain.
So I was really nervous to begin the trek. But as I already had a reservation, I decided to carry on reminding myself out loud…”I am brave. I am strong. And I am an excellent driver.”
Well the road was indeed narrow and steep, so I drove slowly and carefully. And if someone wanted to pass me by, I let them.
What I wasn’t told was that the views were breathtaking when I had the courage to take my eyes off the road. And when I finally arrived at my destination a bit worse for the wear, it was like finding a hidden paradise of grape vineyards, olive trees, and a charming inn nestled between mountains. Well worth the moments of angst.
When the only light you see is behind you don’t turn back – the darkness ahead won’t last forever
On another part of the journey signs on the road indicated I was approaching a tunnel through the mountain and I should maintain my speed at 100 km/hr. As I entered the tunnel, I could see the light behind me but only darkness up ahead. Eventually, the light behind me disappeared as well. The SOS phones every 100 yards or so brought little comfort. For a full four minutes I drove on in darkness (which is a REALLY long time to be in a tunnel), until finally a shaft of light broke through and I emerged back into the sunlight surrounded by beautiful vistas.
Just listen quietly for guidance and take the next right step
Throughout the trip my GPS was my lifeline. The female voice emanating from my phone became my best friend. And I got to thinking (because when you’re alone for a week there’s a lot of time to think) that maybe I should be more aware of the guidance system accompanying me in life. What would that mean?
- Recognizing that I have an advisory board of angels, saints, teachers, and guides who want to help – all I have to do is ask
- I need to listen very carefully and eliminate distractions
- I will only receive guidance for the next right step
- It won’t always make sense to me – they might use language I don’t understand
- But if I proceed slowly – doing what I believe I’ve been guided to do – and trust – then I will receive the next right step
- Sometimes – despite the instruction – I might make a wrong turn – but don’t panic because I’ll quickly be re-directed back to the correct path
- Without fail I will always arrive at my destination if it supports my higher good
Here’s what I learned on sabbatical. It really doesn’t matter in life if you go around, over, or through the mountains. What matters is that you find your mountain and consult your personal GPS. Your destiny is waiting!!
Be bold. Be daring. Be AWE-dacious!
Is Self-Care the same as Self-Love?
As women, we hear a lot about the need for self-care. I often encourage women to engage in... Continue ReadingAs women, we hear a lot about the need for self-care. I often encourage women to engage in “radical self-care” because, after all, it’s not selfish to take care of you! And there’s no need to feel guilty.
We can all benefit from doing things that may feel a bit indulgent – like getting a massage or pedicure, taking a bath or a nap, enjoying a girls’ night out or a weekend away.
It’s so important to do things that make us feel good, help us relax, and re-charge our batteries. Self-care can help us re-enter the world grounded and with a greater sense of purpose.
But is self-care the same as self-love?
No! Self-love goes much deeper. It gets to the core of how we feel about ourselves.
Ask yourself this:
Do I love me? I mean REALLY love me?
Do I love who I am? Who I’m becoming?
Do I love my life? Am I doing the things that bring me joy?
Do I know not only how to give love, but how to receive it?
Am I aware that I’m worthy and deserving of love?
So I encourage you to begin thinking about this: What would it mean to know and love yourself better? What changes might that inspire in your life?
When we truly love ourselves, we want to go deeper. We want to ignite our passions. We want to listen to the yearnings of our heart and discover our destiny…our calling.
Achievement and success no longer do it for us. Our souls demand a deeper meaning and fulfillment.
Ultimately, we want to know what our souls came here to do. But how do we do that? How do we know?
Your Calling is Calling Out…Are You Listening?
I’m convinced now that we don’t have to look for our calling. Our calling is calling out to us. And has been our entire lives.
At the prompting of a spiritual advisor, I have been asking myself these questions, and I encourage you to do the same:
- Who am I?
- What do I love?
- How can I serve?
And I’m surprised to discover that the answers don’t come easily! So I started to think back to my childhood, which is something you can try too to get more insight into your calling:
- What activities did I love to do?
- What did I most look forward to?
- What did I love to play or make pretend with my friends?
There Is a Grand Plan for All of Us…
When I was little, we used to pretend we were moms, teachers, doctors and nurses, secretaries (shows my age), and actresses.
As an undergraduate student, I studied business. In grad school, it was finance, entrepreneurship, and management of non-profit organizations…all things I loved then and now.
So now as I look back, I realize that all those things I loved growing up have found their way into my life as an adult.
I’m a “mom.” I “teach” women how to be effective in the social impact space and the need to “heal” their wounds so they can be more fully who they came here to be. I’m an “entrepreneur” and I “speak” on webinars and podcasts.
It’s as if there was a grand plan all along. As if my life has been calling me to this. Imagine that!
Life is loving you into the magnificent being you are and always have been.
How does it feel to know you’re loved that much?
Isn’t it time for a little self-love? Sending you big hugs!!
Be Bold. Be Daring. Be AWE-dacious!
Lis
P.S. Love yourself into my new Facebook Group called Business Women Giving Back and discover how you can Grow Your Business and Grow Your Impact! https://www.facebook.com/groups/businesswomengivingback
Is Anger an Effective Tool for Social Impact?
😡Anger. Divisiveness. Name calling. Bullying. It Seems Like Anger is Everywhere Today Sound familiar? It does if... Continue Reading😡Anger. Divisiveness. Name calling. Bullying.
It Seems Like Anger is Everywhere Today
Sound familiar? It does if you ever turn on the news or follow social media (and who of us doesn’t?). It’s pretty much everywhere. Or so it seems.
And understandably so! There’s a lot to be angry about when almost weekly we learn of yet another abhorrent incident that would make even the most grounded folks feel enraged. It leaves us wondering:
What is wrong with people??
How can this be happening??
Why isn’t anyone doing anything to stop it??
Is Anger Working? Can It Drive Social Impact?
So if you feel yourself being drawn into the darkness (and you’re not alone!), I want to propose a better way forward. Ask yourself this question, “Is anger working for me?”
The even better question might be: Is anger working in our world?
What do I mean?
We often think of there being two types of emotions…the good and the bad. The good ones are things like love, peace, joy, happiness. We all know the “bad” ones: anger, rage, shame, guilt, resentment.
In truth, emotions aren’t good or bad. They just are – and we experience a full range of emotions if we’re alive and aware.
It’s not healthy to just express the “good” emotions while stuffing down the “bad” ones. This leads to mental and physical illness. But we’re not meant to get stuck in our emotions, either. We need to feel them, let them move through us, and release them.
Why Anger is Not an Effective Tool for Social Impact
I would submit that what we’re seeing today in our world is a lot of unhealthy and “stuck” emotions. Wounds that have never healed. Children who have never grown up. And, sadly, many of those in leadership positions are struggling with this.
So is jumping on their bandwagon really the best solution for us personally? Not for me!
Why not? Because in my experience, anger is not an effective tool for social impact. Or, frankly, for anything productive. Anger is just another form of fear. It gets in the way of finding solutions, of being light in the darkness.
And this energy of anger, of fear, of darkness explodes out into the world in rage, violence, and war.
Changemakers Know the Secret to Overcoming Anger
If we want to be effective as change-makers, philanthropists, humanitarians – as human beings – anger is not the answer. Why not? Because anger cannot be overcome by anger.
The secret to overcoming anger is by expressing the opposite – love, compassion, tolerance, and patience. 💜
It doesn’t help for us to be drawn into the darkness. It doesn’t help for us to be hating on people who believe differently than we do.
To be effective, we need to show up differently. And we can!
Let anger be the spark that leads to inspired action.
It’s not so much what you’re against – it’s what you’re for.
Let peace be the path you take to impact. If we create our reality – then let’s create the peaceful world we dream of.
This is why at AWE Partners, we recognize that the inner work is as important – and even more important – than the outer, if we want to make our AWE-thentic Impact. When we do the inner work of healing our anger, grief, trauma, and feelings of separation, we can then be open to the inner wisdom of the authentic self which lies at our core.
The result is more clarity, guidance, and authentic personal power. Now, we can confidently take action from a place of love, compassion, and balance, rather than coming out fighting.
Small Steps to BIG Impact
Want to learn more about our AWE-Inspiring approach for inner and outer transformation? Join my upcoming Facebook Challenge…Grow Your Business – Grow Your Impact For More Passion, Purpose & Profit.
Register for FREE right here! Can’t attend the live sessions? No worries, we’ve gotcha covered! You’ll get access to listen to the replays at your convenience.
Know someone else who’s ready to make a difference in the world and leave their legacy? Please spread the word and share this link. I look forward to seeing you there!
Be Bold. Be Daring. Be AWE-dacious!
We Need You! Calling all Change-MakHers…
Our World Needs ChangemakHers Like You! Uncle Sam used the phrase, “We Need You” when recruiting for the... Continue ReadingOur World Needs ChangemakHers Like You!
Uncle Sam used the phrase, “We Need You” when recruiting for the military, but I’d like to re-purpose this phrase at this critical time on the planet and invite you to focus not on fighting a war, but on creating peace as a “Change-MakHer”.
Changemaker is a term coined by the social entrepreneurship organization, Ashoka, meaning one who desires change in the world and, by gathering knowledge and resources, makes that change happen.
Yes, ma’am! That sounds like something we could use more of right about now, doesn’t it? And since you’re reading this, I know you’re either already a change-maker or you desire to become one. So, I want to do everything I can to support you on your journey.
A Rising Consciousness Around Social Change
There is a rising consciousness around social change with more and more women embracing their power to effect change through decisions in how they invest, shop, and give. (I think Rosie the Riveter would be proud of us for using our muscle for the betterment of society – don’t you?)
It’s now possible to choose a cause that is near and dear to your heart and support finding solutions by intentionally using your wealth for good. And it’s not just happening in our personal lives.
Socially conscious entrepreneurs and executives are using their business as a platform to amplify their impact by involving their team members and clients in the effort. They realize now that they can use their business as a vehicle for compassionate, loving service in the world.
Are you as excited about this as I am? I hope so!
Why I LOVE Social Enterprises – and You Should, Too!
I LOVE social enterprises and honestly believe that every business should strive to be one. Don’t you think every business should care about not just profit but purpose as well?
Imagine the paradigm shift that would occur if this were our reality. Really think about this for just a minute. I believe we’re ready to begin making that shift and that women will play a critical role.
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE = PROFIT + PEOPLE + PLANET
Are my recruiting tactics working?
Are you ready to join a powerful Movement Towards Meaning?
Be sure to join my Facebook Group called Business Women Giving Back if you haven’t already. And be on the lookout for new programming in early 2021 including my 7 Pillars of Women’s Re-Powerment and AWE-thentic Impact Circles.
Let’s co-create the better world we know is possible!
Be Bold. Be Daring. Be AWE-dacious!