Celebrating the Wonderful Things Women Do

Inspiration to Grow On: An Interview with Darlene Victoria Gonzalez

2011-08-11T14:45:00.000-07:00

Darlene Victoria Gonzalez is an entrepreneur who wears many hats. She is owner of True Harmony Media, LLC—a company that provides digital audio and video support to small businesses. She is also a podcast producer—most known for her podcast “A Virtual Perception” and she frequently writes for various blogs, including two of her own: InspirationtoGrowOn.com and FoodieMuse.com.

Darlene developed a true passion for all things web related after completing a web design program where she graduated with honors in 2001. In May 2008 she began producing A Virtual Perception, a podcast that highlights Virtual Assistants in many different phases of their business and provides business resources to the show’s listeners. The show was nominated for a Podcast Award in 2009 and 2010. She also shares her passion for all things audio and video related as a contributing writer for BusinessDarlings.com.

Finally, Darlene is a strong believer that you should do whatever you can to follow your dreams and make them a reality. At the age of 30, she did just that! She started college and two years later started her own business (a lifelong dream of hers). Now she likes to urge others to follow their dreams and provides inspiration through her website: InspirationtoGrowOn.com, which highlights inspirational stories from people fulfilling their dreams, striving to be the best they can be and motivating others to do the same.

I’ve been really inspired by Darlene’s story and the way she has followed her dreams, and I was excited to talk to her more about that.

Shelly Rachanow: Tell us about your website, Inspiration to Grow On.

Darlene Victoria Gonzalez: Inspiration to Grow On is a website that includes a collection of podcast interviews and blog interviews featuring stories from not only my own life, but stories from others as well. It is a site devoted to sharing the stories of people fulfilling their dreams, striving to be the best they can be and inspiring others to do the same.

Shelly Rachanow: What prompted you to begin Inspiration to Grow On?

Darlene Victoria Gonzalez: I am a firm believer that we all must follow our dreams and live life to the fullest. Sometimes things happen in life that knock a person down. It could be something as simple as an offhanded comment that makes someone feel crummy or as big as being diagnosed with a disease. Despite being knocked down, I think it’s important to continue on the path to fulfilling your dreams, despite the cards you have been dealt.

I was diagnosed with kidney failure at the age of 21. Instead of feeling down and succumbing to what could have been a really dark time in my life, I fought back. I received a kidney transplant at the age of 22 and have been doing what I can to follow my dreams and life’s purpose. Inspiration to Grow On is a place on the web for anyone to come and share their story of inspiration, as well as get some inspiration when needed.

Shelly Rachanow: Who have been some of the biggest sources of inspiration in your life?

Darlene Victoria Gonzalez: My mother is my biggest source of inspiration, as well as support. She’s been by my side through thick and thin. She is also a strong woman who has been through her fair share of trials and tribulations (she is a breast cancer and uterine cancer survivor). Despite it all, she stands tall and remains an honest, caring and loving person. She is not only my mother, but my best friend.

Shelly Rachanow: You’ve experienced some challenges in your life, including spending much of the early part of your life in the hospital after being born prematurely. What inspiring words do you have for people who may be facing a health or other challenge at the moment?

Darlene Victoria Gonzalez: Always maintain a positive attitude, no matter what. My mother tells me that when I was in the hospital as a child, the nurses would bring me into the rooms of other patients to help cheer them up. Despite the circumstances, I was always happy and smiling. So, my best advice is to remain positive. I know at times it can be brutally hard, but being positive is what brought me through many tough times and I believe is one of the reasons I am here today.

Finally, whenever you can, share that positivity with others who surround you. It truly can be contagious!

Shelly Rachanow: Tell us a bit about your company, True Harmony Media, and how you are using your web and media skills to help businesses.

Darlene Victoria Gonzalez: Running my own business had been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. At the age of 30, I left my full-time job, started college and two years later started my business. At the time it was a virtual assistant business. A few months after opening my business, I started a business podcast. I had never created a podcast before, but I soon found that I loved everything about it. A funny thing then started to happen, people began to come to know me for my podcasts and I started getting inquiries for podcast and video editing assistance. I revamped my business model and began to consult with entrepreneurs and help them with their audio and video production needs. As of late, I am focusing more of my efforts on producing new podcast content and training materials for my audience.

Shelly Rachanow: And last, the 'If Women Ran the World Blog' question for everyone - What would you do if you ran the world?

Wow, that’s a big question. If I ran the world, everyone would have the job of their dreams. This would be accomplished by giving every working adult or teenager one paid week off each year to intern in their dream position. If they really like the dream position, they will then have the opportunity to get the education, mentorship, and resources needed to pursue their dream job.

Life is short; we spend most of that time working. We should be doing whatever it is that makes us the most happiest during those 8 hours each day (or more) of our lives.

To contact Darlene, email Darlene@yourtrueharmony.com or reach her on Twitter @darlenevictoria. You can also visit:

http://www.inspirationtogrowon.com/
http://www.avirtualperception.com/
http://www.foodiemuse.com/
http://www.yourtrueharmony.com/

The Lazy Gourmet: An Interview with Robin Donovan and Juliana Gallin

2011-06-14T15:29:00.000-07:00

Juliana Gallin and Robin Donovan are the authors of The Lazy Gourmet: Magnificent Meals Made Easy —a hip, fun, and practical guide to cooking strikingly sophisticated, yet surprisingly simple dishes. With more than 125 delightfully easy recipes, the book shows that anyone—even those short on time, patience, skill, or experience—can cook impressive meals with minimal effort.

Everyone who knows me knows about my utter lack of cooking ability. That's why I was so excited to chat with Robin and Juliana and learn all about their book!

Shelly Rachanow: I love the title of your book, The Lazy Gourmet! What inspired you to write it?

RD & JG: We’ve been friends since college, where we were housemates in a huge old Santa Cruz Victorian that we shared with five other students. We all took turns doing the chores, including cooking. That was the beginning of our friendship, and we’ve continued to enjoy cooking together since then.

RD: Back then I was already very comfortable in the kitchen. I grew up in Berkeley in a very foodie family. My mom was a food writer and a professional restaurant critic, and I always helped her in the kitchen. I don’t actually remember “learning” how to cook—I just learned by helping my mom in the kitchen and became a fairly competent cook by the time I went away to college. As a result, I’ve always had a certain natural confidence in the kitchen.

JG: I, on the other hand, had no early kitchen training or foodie sensibility. My favorite foods were hamburgers, french fries, Pringles, and Doritos. As I got older I became more interested in eating and cooking real food, but I was a by-the-book, devoted recipe-follower—completely convinced for many years that I just had no natural talent in the kitchen. I stuck with it though, learned some rules and techniques, started experimenting more, and eventually became a pretty good cook. The most important thing I had realized during this transformation was that some of the best dishes were also some of the most simple. There didn’t seem to be any direct relation whatsoever between the difficulty of a recipe and the quality of a meal.

RD: And that’s the premise of our book. Over the years we talked more and more about the idea that cooking really good food doesn't have to be difficult, and that anyone can do it. At some point we decided to write a cookbook about this idea. We basically wanted to create a collection of our most elegant, delicious, exciting recipes—the kind of dishes you would serve at a dinner party when you want to impress your guests—that are deceptively easy to make.

RD & JG: As far as the title goes, the original title was How To Impersonate a Gourmet Chef, but that was too much of a mouthful. Our publisher urged us to change it and that’s when we came up with The Lazy Gourmet. This helped us to clarify our focus for the book—the concept that it can be really easy to cook well. Even for people who are kitchen-phobic, intimidated, time-constrained, or just plain “lazy.”

Shelly Rachanow: So many people think it takes hours to cook a fabulous meal, or days to prepare for a dinner party. Is that really the case? Can cooking good food really be simple and easy?

RD & JG: Yes! We like to say, “Cooking a gourmet meal can be just as easy as cooking a crappy meal.” And it’s so true. We firmly believe that cooking delicious, interesting, “gourmet” food can actually be really easy. It’s just a matter of using good ingredients and combining them in interesting ways using very basic techniques.

Shelly Rachanow: One of the things I love about your book is that it’s given me (someone who, as my friends will attest, cannot cook–at all) the confidence to help my fiancé (a chef) in the kitchen. What do you say to people like me who lack confidence or experience when it comes to cooking?

JG: I would tell them that I used to lack kitchen confidence myself, and now I’m a cookbook author! One of the light bulb moments for me, as I mentioned before, was realizing that elegant, impressive gourmet dishes are often exceptionally simple. To start building up your confidence and comfort levels, make a dinner where you basically have only one recipe to follow—pick a very simple, but interesting, entrée. Then pair it with a couple of side dishes that seem special but basically require no work at all, like black rice, or roasted asparagus, or even a prepared vegetable dish from a fancy deli. This is a great way to get your toes in the water without having to cook a multi-course meal from scratch.

RD: We also like to remind people that a recipe is just a suggestion. Don’t get too hung up on following it word-for-word. Substitute one ingredient for another; leave something out if you don’t like it; double the quantity of another ingredient that you love. This will break your dependence on recipes and help you become a more natural, comfortable cook.

Shelly Rachanow: Tell us more about the types of recipes in your book, and share one or two of your favorites.

RD & JG: Our primary audience for the book is the novice cook—people who don’t realize how incredibly easy it can be to cook really well, and to impress guests with “gourmet” dinners. But we also wanted the recipes to appeal to experienced cooks. We measured each potential recipe against the following three criteria, to decide whether or not we thought it was worth pursuing: easiness, impressiveness, and that extra “certain something” that makes a recipe interesting and special.

Because we wanted to be absolutely certain that our recipes would be easy to follow, we enlisted more than 50 volunteer testers who made our recipes and then filled out detailed feedback forms where they rated each recipe for easiness, clarity of instructions, deliciousness, impressiveness, visual appeal, availability of ingredients, and more. We then made adjustments based on their feedback.

Some of our favorites recipes are Orange Crème Fraiche Cake with Bittersweet Chocolate Drizzle; Asparagus and Meyer Lemon Tart; Savory Blue Cheese Shortbread; Artichoke and Endive Panzanella; Fig, Mint, and Pistachio Salad; Bombay-Style Vegetable Sandwiches; Smoked Trout Brandade; Roasted Salmon with Garlic Confit; and everyone’s favorite—Charmoula (a magical Moroccan condiment made of lemon juice, garlic, cilantro, mint, and spices).

Shelly Rachanow: And last, the 'If Women Ran the World Blog' question for everyone - What would you do if you ran the world?

JG: Wow, every single honest answer that comes to mind makes me sound like a real evil maniac. So I’ll just suggest that we let tiny, fluffy lap dogs run the government. I don’t think they would do a very good job, but it would be fun to cuddle them at their fundraisers!

RD: I like Juliana’s answer! But if I ran the world, I would make organic vegetable gardening and cooking required subjects in schools. I think it’s so important for kids to have an idea of where food comes from and how it gets from farm to table. Growing and cooking your own food gives you so much more of an appreciation for it, and I think makes you more inclined to choose wholesome, unprocessed foods. I think if we fostered this kind of connection to healthy food from an early age, we’d solve a lot of the health problems our society faces today.

For more information, visit:

Blog: http://www.twolazygourmets.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheLazyGourmet
Twitter: http://twitter.com/lazy_gourmet

The Frugal Foodie Cookbook: An Interview with Lara Starr

2011-06-02T13:21:00.000-07:00

Cookbook author, cake decorating teacher, radio producer, marketeer, card-carrying cheapskate, wife and mom. Those are just a few words that describe Lara Starr: Whew!

Lara’s first cookbook, The Party Girl Cookbook, was written 1998. Back then, she was newly married and kid-less, the streets were paved with dot-com gold, and a young Ben Stiller was teaching us how to laugh. Lara had plenty of time and money for parties that included elaborate themes, silly costumes and the inevitable next-day hangovers.

Now, like many of us, Lara is striving to make ends meet, has faced un- and under-employment, and is looking to save a buck wherever she can. She also added a kid to the equation and is always on the lookout for healthy, nutritious meals that the Young Master Picky, Mr. Meat and Potatoes, and Ms. Frugal Foodie will all enjoy...and won't break the bank.

For Lara, it's been so fun and satisfying to discover and develop new recipes, find lots of little ways to cut spending without sacrificing a yummy lifestyle, and share it all in The Frugal Foodie Cookbook! As someone who loves good food, I was excited to talk to Lara more about her latest project.

Shelly Rachanow: Tell us more about your book, The Frugal Foodie Cookbook.

Lara Starr: It's got lots of delicious recipes for food that doesn't cost a lot to make, and that makes the most of every ingredient, such as "The Exponential Chicken" which can feed two people for five days! It's also got lots of advice for saving money around the house—like how to make you own low-cost cleanings supplies, and fun quotes from foodies and frugalistas.

Shelly Rachanow: What do you tell people who say it isn’t possible to be a foodie while also maintaining a budget?

Lara Starr: I say you're dead wrong! My secret is meal planning. I know what's for dinner every night of the week, and have an arsenal of lunch and breakfast items. That way I only shop for what I need and I only shop once a week at two stores (the regular supermarket and Trader Joes). The less time you spend in a store, the less you're going to spend.

Shelly Rachanow: I love the “Frugal Foodie Tips” from the book. What are some of your favorites?

Lara Starr: I don't fry very often, but when I figured out that I can use newspapers and one paper towel to drain fried food instead of a pile of paper towels, it was a revelation. I only like to use a paper towel if my life depends on it.

I also love re-growing green onions. Who knew, right? I've always got a bunch of them in a glass jar in my window.

Shelly Rachanow: Your book contains recipes for breakfast, brunches, lunches, dinners, kids, snacks, and more. What’s one that you can share with us?

Lara Starr: These Biscotti are my one of favorite recipes of all time. They're easy, delicious and so inexpensive to make. I've made them dozens and dozens of times to rave reviews. Sometimes I get fancy and add chocolate or orange peel, but I really love them just as is.

Not Your Bubbe’s Biscotti

“Look at all of the fancy, schmancy mandel bread!”

That’s what I imagine my great-grandmother “Mimi” would have said had she lived long enough to see the platters and jars of dipped and decorated biscotti at upscale coffee shops. I grew up eating her mandel bread, a twice-baked almond cookie very similar to biscotti.

Mimi’s recipe contained butter and was a little more cookie-like than these. My biscotti are not only less expensive, but are more crisp and hold up very well to dunking in coffee, tea or wine.

2 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups flour
3/4 cups almonds, toasted and coarsely chopped

Preheat oven to 350. Line a baking sheet with foil and grease well.

Beat the eggs and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer until pale, about 2 minutes. Beat in the flour and baking soda and continue beating until blended. Mix in the almonds. With floured hands, form half of the dough into a 12-inch log. Place on the baking sheet and press down to flatten to about 3 inches. Repeat with the remaining dough.

Bake the cookie loaves for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven, but leave the oven on. Let the loaves cool for 5 minutes, then remove them to a cutting board. Slice each loaf diagonally into 12 slices with a sharp, serrated knife. Don’t press hard, let the knife do the work for you.

Put the slices back on the cutting cookie sheet, on their sides. Return to the oven and bake an additional 20 minutes. Cool completely on a rack.

Cookies will keep for about a week in an airtight container or for up to three months in the freezer.

Shelly Rachanow: What are some tips you can give people who want to throw a foodie-worthy party without breaking the bank?

Lara Starr: Make a signature spiked punch or sangria instead of serving beer, wine or an open bar, and don't be afraid to ask people to contribute—people like to help! Take care with presentation. Use a tablecloth, set out flowers, light candles—these touches really make a difference, and even simple spaghetti seems fancy and festive in the right setting.

Shelly Rachanow: And last, the 'If Women Ran the World Blog' question for everyone - What would you do if you ran the world?

Lara Starr: My cheeky answer is I'd ban all boxed cake mix and canned frosting. I weep for the children whose only experience of cake is boxed cake mix and canned frosting.

My serious answer is that I'd ensure that all children have access to safe, stimulating and challenging schools, delicious and healthy food, and the love and support of caring grown-ups.

For more information or to contact Lara, visit her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/frugalfoodiecookbook

YALDAH Magazine: An Interview with Leah Larson

2011-05-18T13:26:00.000-07:00

We’re never too old or too young to pursue our dreams, and this week's amazing woman is certainly proof of that! Leah Larson is the founder and publisher of YALDAH Magazine, now in its sixth year. Leah started brainstorming about a magazine for Jewish girls at age 12...and she was just 13 when the first issue came out. The quarterly publication now has subscribers worldwide, an editorial board of talented girls, a small staff, and is available in select Barnes & Noble bookstores. All the content is brainstormed and created by young girls.

YALDAH’s mission is to inspire leadership and creativity, to celebrate Jewish girls and women, Jewish life, and Israel. The magazine also sponsors art and writing contests, girls’ summer and winter retreats, and unity projects. After receiving a monetary award from Wells Fargo bank in 2008, Leah created the imprint YM Books and released two books for girls.

Leah is the recipient of numerous honors and awards including Microsoft Start Something Amazing Award, Guardian Life Insurance Girls Going Great Scholarship, Milton Fisher Scholarship for Creativity and Innovation, Jewish Children International Power of Children Award, and Next Step Magazine Super Teen Award. She also started a freelance graphic design business, LL Design. Leah is a sophomore at Yeshiva University and recently received its “Point of Light” award.

I was really inspired by Leah’s dedication to pursuing her dream, and I was excited to talk to her about ways each of us can do so.

Shelly Rachanow: Tell us more about YALDAH Magazine?

Leah Larson: YALDAH magazine is a full-color, 64-page quarterly magazine for Jewish girls. Each issue includes articles, interviews, crafts, recipes, advice, true stories and fiction. All our content is brainstormed, written, edited, photographed and illustrated by young Jewish girls. We write about topics of interest to girls such as babysitting tips, starting middle school or cliques but also include articles with a Jewish slant like Rosh Hashanah recipes, a modest and stylish fashion column, and profiles of girls' Bat Mitzvah projects. We especially like to focus on profiling inspiring women and girls who are positively impacting the world. YALDAH’s mission is to inspire leadership and creativity, to celebrate Jewish girls and women, Jewish life, and Israel. In its seventh year, YALDAH has readers around the world and is sold in hundreds of bookstores including select Barnes & Noble stores.

Shelly Rachanow: What inspired you to create it?

Leah Larson: I was looking for a magazine to read myself! I loved reading magazines such as American Girl, but wished there was a magazine that I could relate to more with my Jewish lifestyle and values. Always a dreamer, at age 12 I started brainstorming what could go in the first issue of a magazine for Jewish girls. Once I had the table of contents, I asked myself, "why not go ahead and make this?" I didn't know much about publishing, but I learned from my mistakes, asked mentors for advice, and did a lot of googling. When I was 13 the first issue came out, and the adventure was just beginning. Seven years later, YALDAH has touched thousands of girls, keeps me busy at all hours, and is still continuing to grow.

Shelly Rachanow: What advice do you have for parents who are raising kids with big dreams and imaginations?

Leah Larson: Children naturally have big dreams and wild imaginations. It's hard to find children who don't frequent fantasy worlds, have tea with imaginary friends, and dream of being a ballerina or firefighter... or even a bird! The challenge is how to not squash that imagination as they grow older. I hate to say it, but I think school contributes a lot to teaching kids that there's one right answer and one right way to do things. Giving kids toys that inspire imagination and giving them lots of time for imaginative play is vital. I played with dolls until I was twelve and moved right into magazine publishing later that year!

I also think it's important to listen to kids. Hear their ideas and dreams and don't feel a need to introduce them to reality. I think the main reason I was able to publish a magazine at 13 is because I didn't know all the obstacles I would face. And lastly, support their dreams. Even if they seem unrealistic, you never know where they'll lead you. My parents thought my magazine idea was just a phase, but once they saw I was serious they've supported me every step of the way, and I'm incredibly thankful for that.

Shelly Rachanow: So often we tell ourselves we’re not good enough to achieve our dreams, perhaps saying, “I’m too young, too old, too un-educated, too fat,” or whatever the case may be. What have you learned from your own experiences that you want people to know?

Leah Larson: I learned never to let your age get in the way of your dreams. It was hard to get people to take me seriously at first, but once I proved my determination, people stopped paying attention to my young age. I also learned that when you empower children and give them responsibility, they really step up to the plate and are capable of so much more than we may think they are. We have a staff of editors, webmasters, marketing and publicity managers who are all under age 14 -- and they're doing an incredible job!

I also learned that you never know what you're good at or what you'll enjoy until you try it. I always enjoyed art but never would have imagined myself as a graphic designer. When I didn't have anyone else to do the magazine layout, I played around with photoshop and taught myself graphic design. I've found that I love it and now do freelance graphic design. So go explore, try something, teach yourself a new skill. Worst comes to worst, you'll know you don't like it! :-)

Shelly Rachanow: And last, the 'If Women Ran the World Blog' question for everyone - What would you do if you ran the world?

Leah Larson: I'd love to see a world where the pay-scale reflects people's impact on the world. Educators, non-profit workers, and inspirational leaders would be properly compensated for their hours of tireless work. Hollywood actresses and sports stars would be volunteers!

For more information, visit:

Website: http://www.yaldah.com/

Email: leah@yaldahmedia.com

Phone: 888-4-YALDAH

Twitter: @yaldahmag

Facebook: www.facebook.com/yaldahmagazine

Blog: yaldah-magazine.blogspot.com

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/pub/leah-larson/b/519/977

YouTube: www.youtube.com/yaldahmagazine

Single Is: An Interview with Shontaye Hawkins

2011-04-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

Strong. Successful. Determined. Those are just a few of the words that those who know Shontaye Hawkins would use to describe her. Raised by her grandmother, she was taught right from the start what it meant to be an empowered woman and to reach for the stars. And she’s been reaching for them ever since!

If there is one thing in life that Shontaye was born to do, it is to inspire and help guide others to be the best they can possibly be. She has taken an especially active interest and role in helping to empower other women. Whether she is providing eye-opening insights as a keynote speaker, writing motivational articles, or providing some one-on-one coaching, her vibrant approach to life rubs off on everyone with whom she interacts.

Shontaye believes that being single should not be something that people look down upon, question, or try to remedy. Quite the contrary, she has found that singlehood provides her with the time to get to know herself, work on becoming the person she wants to be, and enjoy life on her own terms. It has given her a sense of self-confidence that most people strive for their entire life. And she wants to help other women see all of this in themselves, too.

As the founder of Single Is, she brings with her a wealth of business experience and education, including a Master of Business Administration. Her career success, educational attainment and positive outlook on life have helped shape her into the picture of female empowerment she is today.

I was really excited to talk to Shontaye more about Single Is, and her thoughts on being an empowered woman!

Shelly Rachanow: Tell us more about Single Is.

Shontaye Hawkins: Single Is…, is the online destination where single women come together to be inspired and redefine what it means to be single, happy and loving it! The website, an inspirational resource and community, is designed to inspire and empower single women to live their best lives. We choose to live happily ever after right now, at this very moment and not a second later. We are pioneering the universal acceptance of having a satisfying relationship with one’s self. Our community was created so that single women could interact, connect and share the joys of single living and discuss the challenges that affect their daily lives.

In addition to the online community, the Single Is…store will soon offer a selection of products donning the company tagline: “Living Happily Ever After Right Now!”

Single Is...hopes to reinvent what it means to be ‘single and loving it’ for all single women.

Shelly Rachanow: What inspired you to start Single Is?

Shontaye Hawkins: During a night out on the town one Valentine’s Day, a gentleman asked me if I was happy immediately after I told him that I was single. At that moment, I realized just how judgmental and unfriendly society can be toward single women. I happen to be a happy, complete, single woman and believe that that’s the best thing I can do for myself, at this very moment. I want other single women to see that being single isn’t a disease that has to be cured. We all entered this world as one, and we all leave as one.

I created Single Is because of the negativity, judgment and pressure society places on single women to be wives and mothers. I believe single women need a resource that empowers and inspires them to live their best lives now! I think single women finally have the opportunity to design, create and choose the life they truly desire. I want them to understand that they can and should be happy right now rather than later.

With Single Is I’ve created an environment that embraces being single and one that celebrates the joy that comes with that distinction.

Shelly Rachanow: Like many people, there have been times in my life when I was single and wishing I was in a relationship. What do you say to women who feel bad, especially about themselves, because they are single?

Shontaye Hawkins: I explain to them that there’s no reason to feel bad about being single. This is the perfect time to do a self evaluation and learn who you are and what’s most important to you. Once you determine that, then you don’t waste your time with those things or people that aren’t in alignment with your desires. Furthermore, if you can’t be happy with where you are in your life at this moment, being in a relationship isn’t going to change that. You have to take responsibility for your feelings rather than expecting a relationship to make you feel good. It’s more powerful to choose your life than live it by default.

I understand that people perceive women to be lonely and unhappy if they’re single. Loneliness is an emotion that isn’t tied to any particular status. Married and single people alike experience loneliness. I’ve learned to love myself anyway during the times when I feel lonely. I think the quickest and easiest way to free yourself from feeling lonely or feeling bad about being single is with laughter and human touch. A simple laugh or hug from a friend will melt away those negative emotions.

Women have been programmed to believe that our lives don’t start until we’re married. I don’t agree with that. Women don’t have to wait until marriage to live the life of their dreams…you can live your dreams right now!

Shelly Rachanow: I love this quote on your website: “Single is not what defines us, it’s how we define being single that makes us shine.” I think this is true about so many beliefs or situations that could be limiting if we let them. What have you learned about feeling empowered that you want to share with others?

Shontaye Hawkins: For me, being empowered is absolutely liberating. We spend so much time wanting to please others - our parents, family, and friends - that we lose sight of what’s really important to us. We’re programmed to please others at a very young age. Think about it. As children, we worked hard to do well in school because we wanted to please our parents. Many people start college with the intent of becoming a lawyer or doctor because that’s what their parents decided they’d become, only to drop out after one year.

Once you sit back and decide what you want in life, it’s much easier to live that life. If you’re trying to live the life someone else wants you to live then you’re living a powerless life. Empowerment is about giving yourself permission to believe in your dreams and live them, regardless of what others think. It’s not that their opinion doesn’t matter, it just means that living the life you desire is more important. When you become empowered, it opens the door for the real you to finally show up. The stage is yours.

Shelly Rachanow: And last, the 'If Women Ran the World Blog' question for everyone - What would you do if you ran the world?

Shontaye Hawkins: If I ran the world, I’d teach people to love more, make peace and spread happiness. The world is filled with so much negativity that we’re literally killing ourselves because we don’t love, make peace and smile more. Our bodies are a direct reflection of how we feel on the inside. Sadly enough, some people aren’t aware of the battle going on in their minds and heart.

We live in a world filled with hurt, depression and sadness that can be healed with love. Love for others and love for ourselves. Each of us is more alike than we are different, if we learned to look past the exterior. Simply put, we live and we die. Loving more, making peace and spreading happiness may seem unrealistic but it’s not. Love, peace and happiness is easily expressed with a smile. All it takes is one smile and two hearts are healed, instantly.

For more information, visit:

Website: http://www.singleis.com/

Email: info@SingleIs.com

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/SingleIs

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/SingleIs1

I'm Glad I'm Me: An Interview with Sheila Aron

2011-03-23T07:27:00.000-07:00

Sheila Aron is a native Houston, Texan. In 2008 her children's book, I'm Glad I'm Me: Weaving the Thread of Love From Generation to Generation, was published and it will soon be available in Spanish. Sheila is also on the art committee with the Holocaust Museum Houston and was on the board of The Center for Hearing and Speech for six years.

Sheila’s most recent endeavor is a 501(3) (c) called The Thread Alliance. Its mission is to weave the thread of love and end the cycle of child abuse by bringing child abuse awareness to the forefront in hopes of preventing it before it happens.

I was really excited to learn more about Sheila's book, and the great work she is doing to help children!

Shelly Rachanow: Tell us more about your book, I’m Glad I’m Me.

Sheila Aron: I’m Glad I’m Me is a parenting book disguised as a children’s book. It teaches parents and children together how easy it is to say “I love you” and how to express their heartfelt feelings. I began writing this book as a way to help parents, children and grandparents make connections through trust, acceptance and respect. Knowing that every child deserves to be loved and every parent wants to be the very best parent they can for their child, I wanted to create a book that would allow both needs to be met. I feel that I have done this in I’m Glad I’m Me by showing how easy it is to tell your child “I love you” from the time a child wakes up in the morning until he goes to sleep at night. There are so many opportunities that a parent can say “I love you” and my book gives a few examples and shows how simple it is and how often it can be said. All anyone wants is to know that he/she is loved. It helps raise self esteem and confidence while building strong bonds that last a lifetime.

Shelly Rachanow: How does your book help parents and children communicate their love for one another?

Sheila Aron: My book shows parents and children together that love can be expressed anytime, anywhere, for any reason. For those who have never heard the words “I love you,” saying them to their own children can seem difficult or maybe even impossible. I wanted to show how easy it is to say what is in your heart in very simple words because saying “I love you” is really so easy to say and means so much to someone. I wanted it to be a win/win situation by showing that parents benefit from the book as well. When a child hears these words of love he repeats them back to his parents. What could be better than hearing “I love you, too.”

Shelly Rachanow: You often talk about the importance of “weaving the thread of love from generation to generation.” What do you mean by that and why is that so important?

Sheila Aron: The subtitle of my book is Weaving the Thread of Love From Generation to Generation. The significance of these words are emphasized by the multicolored thread that runs throughout the book weaving in and around the family members showing the importance of expressing our feelings through words of love. The “thread of love” leaves memories that last a life time and should be strong, unbreakable, never ending and passed on to future generations.

Shelly Rachanow: How can parents best remember to communicate in a loving manner in those moments when they are angry, frustrated or overwhelmed?

Sheila Aron: Life has a way of throwing us a curve on a daily basis. When situations come up that create chaos and cause us to feel out of control it helps to consider the importance of the situation at hand and ask yourself if it is really all that important. Try to see things from your child’s point of view and remember that you set the tone by how you cope with this situation. Getting angry rarely accomplishes anything besides making matters worse. By keeping your emotions in tap you give your child reassurance of your ability to handle the problem at hand and move on. You are the role model for your children - how you interact with them is how they will interact with their children when the time comes. Try to be calm and teach your children valuable life lessons that they will be proud to pass on to the next generation.

Shelly Rachanow: What are some simple things parents can do everyday to express more love to their kids?

Sheila Aron: I show only a few events that could take place in a child’s life - there are so many more. Make everyday a day to celebrate your child by reminding him how much he is loved, how important he is to your life and how proud you are to have him in your life. Especially during emotional moments when he or you might be feeling unappreciated take this opportunity to say “I love you.” Teaching your child loving life lessons includes the unhappy times as well as the happy. Turn an unpleasant moment into a pleasant one by simply saying “I love you.”

Shelly Rachanow: And last, the 'If Women Ran the World Blog' question for everyone - What would you do if you ran the world?

Sheila Aron: If I ran the world I would make sure that every child enjoyed a childhood free of abuse of any kind. All children deserve a childhood filled with love, acceptance, compassion and respect. To take this one step further I have started a nonprofit, to go hand in hand with the message in my book, called The Thread Alliance. The mission is to weave the thread of love and end the cycle of child abuse by bringing it to the forefront and hopefully preventing it before it begins.

For more information, visit http://www.sheilaaronbooks.com/.

Living the Life of My Dreams: An Interview with Caryn FitzGerald

2011-03-09T08:19:00.000-08:00

Caryn FitzGerald is a mother, wife, friend, writer, healthy foodist, nature lover, teacher, blogger, entrepreneur, coach, and overall lover of life! She holds a masters degree and her formal training is as a mental health therapist. She spent many years working in both the prison system and the community sector assisting those facing challenges on redirecting their life’s path.

Caryn has been writing in several genres for over thirty years. Some of her recent work includes: Tulips in the Sand: A Riley Matthews Mystery and Fish Sticks, Books and Blue Jeans - Teaching kids to be thankful for everything (yes, even Fish Sticks) everyday! which she co-authored with her daughter, Sami.

Caryn recovered from a decade long struggle with bulimia and anorexia and is a domestic violence survivor. She shares her personal story and assists others by providing encouragement and guidance in overcoming adversity. Caryn’s belief is that a full, abundant life can be created and enjoyed regardless of one’s past. Today she enjoys the blessings of playing from home as a writer and speaker, fulfilling her passions by assisting others in learning the techniques required to create the life of their dreams. I was really excited to talk more with Caryn about this.

Shelly Rachanow: You write a wonderful blog called Embracing My Journey. Tell us more about that.

Caryn FitzGerald: I spent the first half of my life going through the motions and being bored with life. Over a decade ago, the Universe stepped in and in an instant I found myself moving in a different, more exciting and meaningful direction.

EmbracingMyJourney.com was created out of my desire to share my passion for living a life full of purpose while encouraging others to do the same. My goal is to share real-life stories from those who have transitioned, connecting them with those who are seeking something better. To inspire and encourage people to take a chance on themselves and go for what they really desire in life. Several times a week, I highlight and share the stories, guidance and wisdom from people who are living a life full of passion and purpose. Doing something meaningful each day and paying it forward. My intention is to contribute to the world by connecting those who are seeking with those who have the guidance to share.

Shelly Rachanow: I love the following quote on your web site: “A full, abundant life can be created regardless of one’s past.” Why do you believe that’s the case?

Caryn FitzGerald: Because I’m living proof it’s true. So often people are caught up reliving the drama of their past and the bad things that happened in their lives. It’s this cycle that keeps them grounded in negativity, lack and self-doubt. I’ve been there. I spent a decade struggling with anorexia and bulimia and abusive relationships. I could have easily continued to feed off of those negative experiences. I made a conscious decision not to. Instead of festering in it, I chose to use what I learned from those experiences to assist others and to contribute to the world instead of take away from it.

A perfect example is when something bad happens and instead of learning from it and releasing it, a person calls their seventeen friends and tells them each the story all over again, relishing the drama over and over again. It’s a slippery slope, and yet, it’s one anyone can avoid falling over by making one simple decision. The decision to live focused on the positive and letting the negative float on by.

Shelly Rachanow: I’m honored to be part of your Living the Life of My Dreams project. Tell us more about it and what’s so exciting about it this week especially?

Caryn FitzGerald: Several years ago I began writing my blog, EmbracingMyJourney.com. The blog is all about living a passionate and purposeful life. I knew I was not the only person who had turned their life around and was living like this, so I put out some feelers and asked people to share their stories. The response was overwhelming. Hundreds of people emailed me to say they were living the life of their dreams. After two years, I was asked if I would consider putting together a series of interviews and essays in ebook format. It felt right and that is how Living the Life of My Dreams: Essays & Interviews with 30 Ordinary People Living EXTRAordinary Lives was born.

On March 9, 2011, Living the Life of My Dreams: Essays & Interviews with 30 Ordinary People Living EXTRAordinary Lives will be released online at: http://www.livingthelifeofmydreams.com/ available for immediate download. Thirty people are sharing their personal stories, the lessons they learned along the way and their how-to suggestions for people who are ready to move out of the boring and mundane and into the exciting life of their dreams. The ebook has been met with rave reviews and on launch day, there are partners from all over the world joining us in spreading the word. Our goal is to reach over 1,000,000 people and encourage them to decide and take action, moving into the life they truly desire.

Shelly Rachanow: As someone who was once in a career that wasn’t my dream, I know how hard it can be for people to take a chance and pursue what they love. What are some things you’ve learned from the interviews you have done?

Caryn FitzGerald: The common theme that runs through all of the interviews I have done and from my personal experience is that one must make a choice to go for what they really want. Too often we get caught up in the path that others set up for us. Whether it be our parents, our spouses, school counselors or friends, it is common to rely upon external people or things to guide us. The issue is that when someone chooses to follow the guidance of others, they are making a decision. Then when things don’t work out well or happiness isn’t achieved, it’s easy to blame others.

The key factor I have learned is that it is important to follow one’s heart and move forward along the path that brings you joy. It is a lot easier to take these chances and move step by step towards one’s true destiny than it is to remain stagnant in a place that doesn’t allow for true happiness to radiate through.

Shelly Rachanow: What advice do you have for people who aren’t sure what their purpose is...or who aren’t feeling passionate or inspired about the life they are currently living?

Caryn FitzGerald: Give yourself a break. Take time for yourself, do something that makes you feel alive and excited. Reconnect with nature. Read a book that really catches your attention. Do something different. There are times when you won’t know exactly what your calling or destiny is. And that’s okay. If you are set up to do something that really causes a pit in your stomach or that nagging feeling of distress, don’t do it. Make small changes. Find new places to spend time, donate to others, add more laughter to your life. Begin removing the people and things you find not bringing you pleasure from your life. Then focus upon what you do what in your life and watch how the space will begin to fill in with these goodies.

Remember that you are responsible for how you fill your days, who you surround yourself with, what you contribute to the world. You don’t have to make all of the changes in one day, just take aim at what you’re seeking and continue to move forward, one step at a time.

Shelly Rachanow: And last, the 'If Women Ran the World Blog' question for everyone - What would you do if you ran the world?

Caryn FitzGerald: I would make it a requirement for everyone to learn about the power of intention and the Law of Attraction from childhood. I would like to see meditation as a daily practice, a time when the world goes silent and inward as a community for 10-15 minutes and people receive the peace, calm and clarity that accompanies meditation. I believe when people are at peace with themselves, it is reflected in their daily lives and in the way they treat others.

To learn more or contact Caryn, visit:

Blog: http://www.embracingmyjourney.com/

Website: http://www.carynfitzgerald.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheManifestingQueen

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/caryngf

Teen Wisdom Inc: An Interview with Tami Walsh, M.A.

2011-03-02T12:34:00.000-08:00

Tami Walsh, M.A. is President of the San Diego based teen and parent empowerment company, Teen Wisdom Inc. Tami is the first life coach for teen girls in the country and has personally impacted the lives of over 10,000 teenaged girls. Tami is committed to impacting 10 million teen girls by training 1,000 women worldwide on her cutting edge life coaching program.

A recognized expert in the teen community, Tami has appeared on both local and national radio and television shows including KUSI and SD 6 News, as well as TLC's 10 Years Younger and NBC's The Other Half. Tami has been a featured expert on the Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen.com website, has spoken to over 10,000 teens nationwide, and is the author of the top selling “Did-Wells Journal” for teen girls and popular audio series for parents, “Communication: Turning Battles Into Bridges With Your Teen.”

Currently Tami can be seen in the feature film, “The Compass” with other world renowned speakers and authors including Joe Vitale and Brian Tracy. Tami is a graduate of UCLA and received her Master's Degree from Loyola Marymount University. I was really excited to hear her insights about things we can do for teens today.

Shelly Rachanow: Teenagers often face some major pressure and stress in their lives. Tell us more about your program Teen Wisdom.

Tami Walsh: We are the world leader in teen life coaching and have helped over 20,000 girls in the last 11 years. Teen Wisdom Certified coaches worldwide are empowering girls to know and honor themselves, and to make decisions they can be proud of! We also focus on helping girls create a future they can be excited about!!

Shelly Rachanow: From cliques to drugs to boys to wanting to be accepted, it can be tough for teens to enjoy their teen years. But you’ve got some secrets to help them do just that. What are a few that you can share?

Tami Walsh: One of the key principles the Teen Wisdom Program is based upon is the importance of having a strong sense of self. One way we do this is through a tool we use called, “The Did-Wells Journal” which teaches girls how to define their worth based on the inner vs. their outer qualities. It is a tool girls use for at least 30 days and it transforms the way they see themselves. Teen girls today need to have an inner voice that is louder than that of the media, their peers, and oftentimes themselves. We also focus on teaching girls how to STOP the negative competition and comparison going on amongst them through our Oneness4Girls program which is one of my favorites!

Shelly Rachanow: What can parents do to better communicate with their teens, and to help them move through these years with self-love and self-respect?

Tami Walsh: I get asked this question a lot and the one thing I can say is: LISTEN, LISTEN AND LISTEN SOME MORE…oh, and WITHOUT JUDGMENT. This is not always easy but listening is the #1 need teens have from their parents, who often make them feel lectured and misunderstood.

Shelly Rachanow: You have a new program called Oneness4Girls that specifically addresses the gossip, rumors, and exclusion teen girls sometimes face. How does this program help tear down the walls girls can build around each other?

Tami Walsh: Yes, the Oneness4Girls program focuses on helping girls see each other as allies and ASSETS to one another vs. adversaries or “frenemies” It is time to empower girls to treat each other with respect. We don’t EVER want to see or read about one more girl who takes her own life due to bullying or cyberbullying by other girls.

Shelly Rachanow: You have a quote on your web site, which I love: Your Life = Your Habits. Your Habits = Your Life. What are some of the most important habits you encourage teens to adopt today.

Tami Walsh: “Get out of yourself” by helping someone else…daily.

Say “please” and “thank you” to your parents everyday!!

Find one thing you like about your body every time you look in the mirror. Yes, every time!

Dream big by making a list of your Top 100 dreams and take action on at least one of your dreams everyday.

See your mistakes as lessons. Just like you have tests in school, you will have tests in life.

Shelly Rachanow: And last, the 'If Women Ran the World Blog' question for everyone - What would you do if you ran the world?

Tami Walsh: I would have a large council of teen girls advising me on exactly how to run the world to make it a more harmonious, peaceful and equal place for all. Their wisdom, humor, and passion for living in the moment would ensure that I’d not only be the hippest dressed world leader, but the most relevant and inspired one, too!

To learn more about Tami’s Certified Teen Wisdom™ Life Coach Training Program and other programs to empower teen girls, please visit http://www.teenwisdom.com/. You can also find Tami on Facebook: Teen Wisdom, and Twitter: @TamiWalsh.

Fix It, Make It, Grow It, Bake It: An Interview with Billee Sharp

2011-02-23T10:41:00.000-08:00

Billee Sharp was born and raised in a little village in Dorset, England. She studied anthropology and ancient history at University College London. Billee went on to style herself a career as a contemporary art curator and gallerist. Working with Damien Hirst and others, she opened Building One, a huge gallery in an old biscuit factory, and mounted a series of group shows, which contributed to the emergence of the YBAs.

Billee moved to San Francisco, California in 1993 where she started both a family and record label. In 2009, Billee founded The Mission Casbah, which is a fair trade, free market for craftsmen and artisans. She lives with her husband and two sons. Her book, Fix It, Make It, Grow It, Bake It, was released in 2010.

Shelly Rachanow: Tell us more about your book, Fix It, Make It, Grow It, Bake It.

Billee Sharp: I was very excited when Brenda Knight of Viva Editions suggested that I submit a proposal for a book about living cheaply and living your dreams. I believe that’s what I've been doing for the past twenty years and I was very glad to have the opportunity to share my philosophy and my tips!

Shelly Rachanow: I love the subtitle of your book: The D.I.Y Guide to the Good Life. What inspired you to live a D.I.Y. approach to life?

Billee Sharp: This book grew out of my personal experience: I've been married to my husband, a musician, for nearly twenty years, and when we started a family I decided that I wanted to be a full-time mom and continue developing my skills as a writer. The results have been very fulfilling but not entirely lucrative. We don't participate in a lot of consumerist pastimes, we make our own fun for the most part. This is the experience I tried to impart in my book: You don't need a lot of money to be healthy, eat well and enjoy life!

Shelly Rachanow: What do you want people to understand about quality of life on our planet today?

Billee Sharp: I think there is a wide misapprehension in Western society that we need a lot of things and these things make us happy. Like everybody else I love beautiful things and I feel happy when my family and I have the things we need. However getting caught up in materialism often leads to excessive consumerism which is difficult to sustain financially and certainly does the planet no good!

We cannot keep using the planet's resources at such a frantic rate. Deforestation and fossil-fuel depletion are real problems we are facing now in the twenty-first century. It’s our responsibility to change our ways and develop a more sustainable way of life. For this our children, grandchildren and beyond will be grateful.

Shelly Rachanow: Your book is a great step-by-step guide to help people consume less but create more. What are some ways we can do this?

Billee Sharp: I think the first step is to ask ourselves whether we really need the stuff we are buying. When we do need things, try to support green and sustainable industries and try to buy quality goods that will last, hopefully a lifetime. Although its nice to have shiny new items, it’s also great when your teenager says stuff like, "I love this dish. I remember you made a huge trifle in it for my fifth birthday party!"

Shelly Rachanow: What are some simple actions people can take right away to help both themselves and the planet?

Billee Sharp: Start by considering purchases as an ethical consumer. In our society we are very market-led, when consumer trends become identifiable they are followed. A good place to start would be to stop buying products which contain high fructose corn syrup – it’s bad for your health and bad for the environment. The less people buy of this nasty stuff the more obvious it will be to suppliers that we want healthy alternatives!

Shelly Rachanow: And last, the 'If Women Ran the World Blog' question for everyone - What would you do if you ran the world?

Billee Sharp: I really think the idea of women running the world is reactionary. I understand that men have held the concentration of power for the last two thousand years, they have made women second-class citizens and propagated a culture of inequality. However, I would hate to see the pendulum swing back the other way and I also reject the "women in power" model that women like Margaret Thatcher, Condoleeza Rice, Sarah Palin epitomize: These are women who act out like powerful men and follow the dominant themes of patriarchal society. This means that any power they have is merely male power by proxy.

I prefer the idea of partnership society which many contemporary anthropologists and ancient historians believe was the structure of Neolithic society. Partnership society is epitomized by men and women sharing power and making decisions for society together, where women are accepted as religious figures, doctors, teachers and politicians. Riane Eisler's book, The Real Wealth of Nations, advocates for partnership societies. She holds that sexual equality is the essential key to human development. Eisler cites the last 100 years of Swedish history as evidence that as women assume a more powerful role in the decision-making processes of society, men have less desire to aggressively dominate.

For more information:

Visit Billee on Facebook and read her posts at http://www.asitoughttobe.com/, including a recent article about feminism:

http://asitoughttobe.com/2011/02/01/queen-eileen-and-the-twisted-knickers-of-feminism/

Jungle Mamas: An Interview with Robin Fink and Margaret Love

2011-02-08T10:46:00.000-08:00

Robin Fink is currently working as the Program Manager for the Jungle Mamas/Ikiama Nukuri Program at Fundación Pachamama in Quito, Ecuador. She graduated from Reed College in 2009 with a B.A. in Anthropology. She also plays the alto and tenor saxophone with various musicians around Quito.

Margaret Love is the Program Director for Jungle Mamas/Ikiama Nukuri at The Pachamama Alliance in San Francisco, California. She is a retired midwife. She has three grown children and three grandchildren. She has been a landscaper and the founding board president of a private school in Santa Fe, N.M.

Shelly Rachanow: Tell us more about the Jungle Mamas Program.

Robin Fink / Margaret Love: Jungle Mamas/Ikiama Nukuri, meaning Women as Keepers of the Forest in the indigenous language of Achuar, was conceived in a conversation between Margaret Love, a midwife from Berkeley, California and Achuar women in 2007. It is a program of The Pachamama Alliance in San Francisco, California and Fundacion Pachamama in Quito, Ecuador. The women and men in the communities were interested in learning about Western methods of pre-natal care, safe birthing and, post-partum care.

Traditionally, when it came time for an Achuar woman to give birth, she would scurry off into the jungle by herself and give birth alone in the forest, without the help of a mother, spouse or traditional birth attendant (who do not exist in Achuar culture). In the last 40 years, the Achuar have seen a great amount of change to their culture and society, despite having successfully kept out oil and resource extraction activities by transnational corporations. Through a deeply-rooted partnership with The Pachamama Alliance and its sister organization, Fundación Pachamama, the Achuar have been extremely active in protecting their territory, the rainforest, and the organisms that reside within it. Largely due to more increased contact and navigation of life outside of the Amazon, the lived realities and health conditions of Achuar men, women, and children have drastically changed. Jungle Mamas/Ikiama Nukuri was created as a result of these changes, both due to an increased openness for cultural exchange and an increased need for solutions to maternal and community health problems.

Initially, the Jungle Mamas team consisted of Margaret Love, the program director, and Narcisa Mashienta Jimbicti, a woman of the indigenous Shuar nationality, who has lived and started a family in Achuar territory and is currently the program coordinator. Since then, Jungle Mamas has been working to train men and women of the communities of Pumpuentsa, Kurintsa, and Corinua in birth attendant, prevention, family health, and basic health workshops. Ten Safe Birthing and Family Health workshops have been conducted so far.

Shelly Rachanow: What is life like for Achuar women? What are some of the biggest challenges they face?

Robin Fink / Margaret Love: Achuar life in the present is characterized by change. With increased travel to cities outside their territory, formal education and professional jobs, local realities have changed. Instead of authority residing in elders, it now resides largely in the men and few women who have received teaching titles or who have become leaders. Whereas traditionally it was the men’s responsibility to hunt, provide food for their families, and take care of the cattle. It was the women’s responsibility to take care of the children, tend to the animals, plant and take care of the family garden, bring water from the river, and maintain the overall well-being of the family.

Now that many men have become professionals, there are times where they spend periods of time outside of the community, placing more responsibility and pressure on the women to take care of their children and maintain their houses. It is the case of many women who have recently given birth or have newborns to spend very little time recuperating from their births, they often rest 3-5 days and immediately go back to lifting heavy buckets of water or spend very little time breastfeeding their children.

In one conversation, we discovered that it was common for women to stop breastfeeding between 3 and 6 month of age, significantly contributing to malnutrition and problems with diarrhea – the leading cause of death among infants in the communities we are working in. We have made significant advances in the prevention and treatment of diarrhea and dehydration, in addition to other easily preventable health conditions in the communities, but one factor remains a constant threat to the Achuar people – contaminated water.

Shelly Rachanow: Water.org, which was cofounded by Matt Damon and Gary White, reports that nearly one billion people on our planet lack access to safe water. They also note that the Ancient Romans had better water quality than half of the world’s population does now. How does water quality impact the Achuar people, and particularly, Achuar women during childbirth?

Robin Fink / Margaret Love: Contaminated water is the most problematic obstacle standing in the way of the health and well-being of the Achuar. In the past, Achuar communities would only stay in one part of the territory for up to 15-20 years before relocating to another plot of land. However, recently people have settled in one location and the land’s capacity for supporting growing populations is decreasing.

In one community, Pumpuentsa, for example, only two tiny creeks provide nearly 275 people with water for drinking, bathing, washing dishes, washing clothes, and cleaning meat. In an effort to address this problem, the county municipal government installed water systems that pump water from a cleaner water source – one that requires diesel in order to function. Keeping in mind that the only way to access these communities is via Cesna airplane, bringing in diesel from the exterior is hardly sustainable.

In addition, the municipal government did not provide the community with any education in maintenance of the system or how to navigate the eventual bureaucratic process once the system breaks. As a result of this unsatisfactory use of infrastructure, the community of Pumpuentsa has been without clean pumped water since April of 2010.

If a mother needs all the strength she can get after giving birth and yet she is drinking contaminated water, it is near impossible to ensure her own health let alone the health of her newborn and of her other children. The easy solution would be to tell them to boil water, but can you imagine the time it takes to boil enough water for a family of 8 over a wood campfire every day, in addition to all your other responsibilities.

Shelly Rachanow: How can we improve health and sanitation for people all over the world, while still respecting different cultures and ways of life?

Robin Fink / Margaret Love: The most important thing we can do to help improve health and sanitation conditions for people living all around the world begins first by listening and working to achieve an understanding of local needs, obstacles, cultural barriers, and culturally respectful means of action. Perhaps the greatest failure of all well-intentioned foreign aid projects originates from the beginning – when we as outsiders approach a local ‘problem’ without thinking through the consequences, obstacles, and local norms of action. It is wonderful to want to provide communities with water systems, but there is a double-edged sword to unwise, un-thought-out development.

By providing communities with resources that fall under the responsibilities of local and national power structures of authority, you are in effect guaranteeing the continued inefficiency of those larger bodies. You are also disempowering local communities by not providing them with the resources they need to eventually navigate the omnipotent system. So the greatest thing that people working in development or interested in helping people at the community level is to work towards building partnerships with local institutions and providing the resources that local community members need to be able to actively solve the problems in their community.

We are working both with local community members, local government, the Achuar Federation of Ecuador (NAE) and are currently building alliances with Ecuadorian governmental organizations and other international organizations to help find a solution to the contaminated water currently plaguing the Achuar.

Shelly Rachanow: What’s one thing each of us can do right now to make a difference? And, in particular, how can we support the Jungle Mamas Program?

Robin Fink / Margaret Love: You do not have to travel to a foreign country to make a difference in this world. Change starts in your heart and an active decision to open yourself up to what is happening in the world today. For those interested in learning more about the initiatives on climate change, and supporting indigenous initiatives, please visit http://www.pachamama.org/. To learn more about the Achuar, and for those interested in traveling to Ecuador to experience the Amazon with the Achuar, see this most recent NYT article: http://travel.nytimes.com/2010/10/17/travel/17Ecuador.html?ref=travel

Shelly Rachanow: And last, the 'If Women Ran the World Blog' question for everyone - What would you do if you ran the world?

Robin Fink / Margaret Love: The key to self and community empowerment lies in education. If I ran the world, I would make sure that everyone, regardless of gender identification, class, ethnicity, and age has access to a good education. What makes life so full of inequalities is the variable access to resources, not just economic resources, but social and basic.

Education is empowerment. When one has an education, one is better able to visualize a different future and thus take responsibility in creating it. An education, no matter how basic, provides people with the ability to believe in themselves and to access certain resources that allow for the creation of new opportunities and the realization of dreams. I was able to visualize my dreams thanks to my (albeit privileged) education and the very fact that I had people who believed in me, thus creating a belief in myself – a true sense of empowerment.

In the hypothetical circumstance that I should run the world, I would encourage children starting at a very young age to believe in themselves, for the members of their families to empower each other to envision new possibilities and that solutions to problems can originate from within.

For more information about or to support Jungle Mamas, please contact program director, Margaret Love margaret@pachamama.org or Ecuador program manager, Robin Fink at rfink@pachamama.org.ec.

Follow Jungle Mamas on Twitter: @Junglemamas

See videos of our workshops at: http://vimeo.com/user4829164

The Fatigue Prescription: An Interview with Linda Hawes Clever, MD

2011-01-19T13:57:00.000-08:00

Linda Hawes Clever, MD received both undergraduate and medical degrees from Stanford University where she now serves the School of Medicine as Associate Dean for Alumni Affairs. She is founding chair of the Department of Occupational Health at California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC), Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCSF and a member of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences. Dr. Clever was the first woman governor in the American College of Physicians.

She is also founder and president of RENEW, a special project of the Institute for Health & Healing, at CPMC. RENEW is aimed at helping devoted people maintain and regain enthusiasm, effectiveness, and purpose as they navigate the challenges of work and life.

Dr. Clever’s widely acclaimed book The Fatigue Prescription: Four Steps to Renewing Your Energy, Health and Life was published in 2010 and I was so excited to talk to her about it.

Shelly Rachanow: Tell us more about your book, The Fatigue Prescription.

Linda Hawes Clever: The book was born out of my conviction that you are important and worthwhile. You may have crushing pressures and troubles yet also have more resilience, courage, and resources than you think. The challenge is how to surface those so you can be enthusiastic, effective, and have meaning and joy in your life! As part of my work with the not-for-profit, RENEW, I asked people across the country and listened as they answered the question “How do you ‘renew’?” The book collects their answers and the results of other research. It offers profound yet practical ways to lift and focus your spirit and talent – along with your body, relationships, and attitudes.

Shelly Rachanow: So many people, myself included, often feel overwhelmed by all the things going on in their lives. What can we do to feel more revitalized and renewed?

Linda Hawes Clever: When you know your values, you can set priorities and do things that are central to your – and your dear ones’ – hopes and dreams. The fact is, you can’t Do It All, all the time. No one can. As you decide what to emphasize – body, soul, family and friends, outlook, learning – the frazzle drops away. . . if, of course, you can say “No” at the right time and in the right way :).

Shelly Rachanow: You organized a non-profit organization called RENEW. What inspired you to do so, and what is RENEW all about?

Linda Hawes Clever: RENEW helps people juggle work, family and community commitments and sustain their enthusiasm, effectiveness and purpose. It grew out of a terrible time in my life when I had to weather my parent’s death, my husband’s cancer (he is fine now!), losing two jobs, our home burglary and vandalism – among other things. My good friend, John W. Gardner, who had founded Common Cause and who wrote extensively on leadership, excellence and renewing, pointed out that this was the perfect time to put renewing theory into practice. With friends and colleagues, I started RENEW, which offers keynotes, workshops, seminars, Conversations Groups©, and teaches others how to convene Conversation Groups. We have a great time, doing what we do!

Shelly Rachanow: Tell us about a wonderful tool you use called the RENEW-O-METER.

Linda Hawes Clever: The RENEW-o-Meter is all about awareness, the first step in renewing. It is based on studies that have looked into ways you get and stay whole and healthy. You can total your points as you score yourself and see how much you need to renew. You can also notice which questions jump out at you. They may show where you need to start renewing – or where you are renewing and need to make sure you keep on. The RENEW-o-Meter is in The Fatigue Prescription’s Introduction and also on RENEW’s website http://www.renewnow.org/.

Shelly Rachanow: If there’s one thing readers can do right now to feel more energized, what would that be?

Linda Hawes Clever: Know that you are important and therefore that it is not selfish to take care of yourself. It is self-preservation so you can do the things you want and need to do.

Shelly Rachanow: And last, the 'If Women Ran the World Blog' question for everyone - What would you do if you ran the world?

Linda Hawes Clever: I would educate all people so they would use the safe water, healthy food, immunizations, and medicines I would make available to everyone worldwide. Imagine the fun--and the peace!--we would have.

For more information, visit:

RENEW Website: http://www.renewnow.org/

The Fatigue Prescription website: http://www.thefatigueprescription.com/

Email: renewjuggler@gmail.com

Help! My Baby Came Without Instructions: An Interview with Blythe Lipman

2011-01-11T16:13:00.000-08:00

Blythe Lipman has taken care of over 1,000 babies in the past twenty-five years. She worked in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Boston as a volunteer while attending Boston University and is now the president of Baby Instructions in Scottsdale, Arizona. She has set up infant rooms with turn-key operations in many preschools throughout the country.

Blythe works extensively with new parents, providing seminars, tips and daily phone calls of reassurance. Blythe presents workshops sharing her expertise and easy-to-use tips to make those first years the easiest and best! Her parent books have won numerous awards of recognition.

Though I’m not currently a mom, I know if I ever become one, Blythe's books will become permanent fixtures by my bedside! I was really excited to talk to Blythe about all her wonderful insights.

Shelly Rachanow: I LOVE the title of your book, Help! My Baby Came Without Instructions. Tell us more about it.

Blythe Lipman: Here's the Story: One day when I was running an infant room in a preschool, a mom brought little 5 ½ month old Sophie in for her first day. As she walked in with Sophie in her car-seat she said, “You have to help me. Sophie has been sleeping in her car-seat since she was born. I don't know how to get her to sleep in her crib, she just cries!” That night when I went home from work, I sat down at my computer and started writing the first page of my book.

I always knew there were no instructions for new parents and the book had been in my head for years, but little Sophie was the baby that pushed me to sit down and start writing. And my thought was to have a book that was in list form so parents only need to go down the list and pick the tip that works best whether it be crying, sleeping, eating, bathing and a myriad of other topics. Let's face it, when a baby cries, moms don't have the time, patience or energy to sit down and read cumbersome chapters in a book or on the internet. They want their baby to feel better immediately and that is what my book does...provides those tips to help NOW!

P.S. Little Sophie was sleeping in her crib that first night. I taught her mom how to put her in the crib using a swaddle and sleep positioner so she felt safe and cozy in her crib.

Shelly Rachanow: One of the biggest things that's always scared me about being a mom is that I would do something “wrong.” What words of wisdom do you have for parents who may feel the same way?

Blythe Lipman: I don't think there is a parent in the world that isn't afraid that they are going to make a mistake. Here are my words of wisdom for every new parent: Each baby is wrapped up in it's own unique little package. They are all wonderfully different. So there is no right or wrong when caring for your baby. What works for one baby may not work for another baby and that's okay. Just go with your gut and your heart when caring for your baby. You will receive lots of well-meaning advice, just smile, say “thank you” and do what works best for you and your baby. While I give new parents lots of tips when caring for their babies, I teach them confidence. When a parent is confident, then the rest is easy.

Shelly Rachanow: These days, many people live away from their families and don’t always have their own parents, grandparents, or siblings around to lend a hand with a new baby. What advice do you have for people in that situation?

Blythe Lipman: Don't ever be ashamed or embarrassed to ask for help, whether it be from a babysitter, husband or a friend. Being a parent puts many new pressures on us that aren't always easy. And trying to be a “Supermom” won't make any difference to your baby, it will just exhaust you! Remember to take care of yourself, too. When the baby naps, you nap...the dishes will still be there when you get up!

Also, pick one book or reference, (hopefully my book!) to use when you have questions. Too many resources can be confusing and frustrating. You know the old adage: “Ask ten people the same question and you will get ten answers!”

Shelly Rachanow: You have some wonderful tips in your book for what to do when a baby won’t stop crying, for making sleep time easy, and so much more. Give us a small sample of things people can do in those situations.

Blythe Lipman: Some ideas include:

Put a receiving blanket in the dryer for a few minutes and make it warm and toasty (not hot), then swaddle your little bundle in the warm blanket.
Turn on your clothes dryer and lay a receiving blanket on top of the dryer. Then gently lay your swaddled baby on top of the dryer on her back. Gently stroke her cheeks with your fingertips and say “Shh.” The warmth from the blanket, the vibration from the dryer, and your calming presence should stop the tears.
If you know your baby isn't hungry, doesn't have to burp, her diaper isn't pinching and she is just having a cranky day, walk outside with her. Just open the door and step outside, the change in scenery usually calms any baby!

Shelly Rachanow: What’s the most important thing you want new parents to know?

Blythe Lipman: Babies grow up so quickly. Don't expend your energy worrying about your parenting skills. Just enjoy each and every moment and be confident that if your baby is eating, sleeping, growing and giving you lots of smiles, then you are doing a great job!!

“Babies are such a nice way to start people.” – Don Herrold

Shelly Rachanow: And last, the 'If Women Ran the World Blog' question for everyone - What would you do if you ran the world?

Blythe Lipman: If I ran the world I would make sure each woman gave herself permission to be exactly who she is, to make decisions based on her knowledge, experience and confidence. And to take care of herself first, not last. We women are very strong but tend to put ourselves last, and if we don't we are considered selfish. That's the wrong message to teach our daughters (and sons).

So many times I thought, if I just finish this task then I can take a nap, eat a piece of chocolate or do something just for me. It dawned on me a number of years ago that I will never take care of me with this attitude. It's like doing the laundry, there is always another piece to wash...it's never done! So now...the “new me” takes a minute to stop, breathe and think about what I am doing and if it's working.

I do realize that age and experience play a part in getting to know yourself, but maybe with a different attitude and more confidence, we'll take better care of ourselves sooner.

For more information or to contact Blythe, visit:

Website: http://babyinstructions.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Baby-Instructions/10150134590360453
Twitter: http://twitter.com/BabyInstruction
Radio Show: http://toginet.com/shows/babyandtoddlerinstructions
Podcast: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/baby-toddler-instructions/id342291190
http://www.linkedin.com/
http://www.citymommy.com/
http://www.momszone.org/
http://www.chatchewandchocolate.com/
Arizona Midday Channel 12 KPNX

And to set up an in-home, video or telephone consultation, as well as a workshop, contact Blythe at babyinstructions@cox.net.

Reflections to the Letter: An Interview with Jessey Ina-Lee and Diana Martens

2010-12-21T16:40:00.000-08:00

Jessey Ina-Lee has earned various degrees and certificates which include interior design, art, music and even a master’s degree in psychology. She has had a number of different professions and a lot of jobs, including teacher, real estate sales/appraisal, secretary, interior and graphic designer, and homemaker. Oh, yes, and there’s the very important jobs of being daughter, sister, caretaker, companion, partner and friend. She has also been devoted to animal rescue work, other social causes, writing, art, music and dance.

Diana Martens grew up in Charleston, West Virginia and was immersed in art from the beginning with her father, Robert E. Martens, an architect and sculptor, and her mother, Eloise Guthrie Martens, a musician and composer. Shortly after graduating from college, she began “drawing” her unusual style on large acrylic spheres that were made to be used as covers for outdoor lighting. Loving the shape, and experimenting with many sizes of spheres, she found the clear, solid acrylic spheres to be the perfect “canvas” for her work.

Soon after Diana moved to Connecticut in 1994, she began drawing her unique alphabet which is now part of the book, Reflections to the Letter, which is a collaborative work with Jessey. The artwork from the book has been shown in a number of select galleries in Connecticut and West Virginia. It’s a beautiful and inspirational book, and I was really excited to talk to Diana and Jessey about it.

Shelly Rachanow: Tell us more your book, Reflections to the Letter.

Jessey Ina-Lee: This is the description we wrote for the cover of the book, and I hope it doesn't sound like bragging, but I think it's true. "Reflections to the Letter is a beautiful, thought-provoking book with stunning full-color illustrations of each letter of the alphabet. The unusual art with its interesting shapes and pulsating, vibrant color offers an adventure into the imagination. Each letter is represented by dramatic art accompanied by a short essay. From introspective reflections on childhood experiences to interesting observations from the vantage point of a back-yard lawn chair, each piece offers an unusual perspective. This book is a thought-provoking look at life that will make you go hmm....... "

Diana Martens: Reflections to the Letter is the culmination of many incarnations of our combined art work. The first one was my black and white letters with very simple, well wishing words to go with each letter. Each evolution of our book was a step toward the finished book you see today. The phrase that speaks most about our process is that we have ended up with a book where “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts”. It grew, it flowered, and it was a wonderful process!

Shelly Rachanow: The art inside your book is breathtaking. What made you start drawing the alphabet?

Diana Martens: I have always loved black and white pen and ink. Over the years I developed a distinct style of showing motion and movement that seems to be stopped at a given moment. A good friend had been watching my work and said. “Diana, do you think you could draw the letters of the alphabet in your style?” So the project began!

The more I worked on the letters, the more fascinated I became with the alphabet itself. It is amazing to me that only twenty six letters are the basis for our language .The letters of the alphabet tell stories, communicate thoughts, feeling, ideas, concerns, hopes and dreams. I wanted my drawing of the letters to be a tribute to their role in our lives. I read books about the history of the alphabet and my awe of these 26 letters continues to this day. It is amazing!

Shelly Rachanow: What inspired you and Jessey to collaborate?

Diana Martens: I had just finished putting border designs around each letter of my alphabet. These borders finished and framed the artwork and I was excited! I proudly showed them to my artist friend Jessey. She thought they were amazing and quickly asked if it would be alright with me for her to scan one of my letters in her computer and “see what would happen” when she added color to it. I said, “Sure. Why not.”

Neither of us knew, at that point, how many hours of work this suggestion would entail. I certainly had no idea or expectation of the results.

I will never forget opening the first file of the letter Jessey had colored. I was blown away! It was absolutely beautiful! It changed my work so dramatically that it took my breath away! And my work was still there. I loved it!

And so the work continued.

Jessey Ina-Lee: When I saw Diana's pen and ink drawings, I asked her if I could color them. I have a graphics background and in my mind's eye, I could see them in full color. I was very excited about the possibility of working on the letters. Diana agreed to let me do it and I spent many, many hours scanning and coloring the artwork. The computer sees each white space as a separate object, so I had to color every tiny space individually. It took months to finish the letters. But each one was so beautiful, it kept me going!

After that, Diana and I worked on putting together a book. Since she had originally done the drawings for a friend's child, we were thinking a children's book, but somehow that just didn't work. Then I got the idea of using some of my writing with the letters and making an inspirational book for adults. Diana liked the idea so I started working on our alphabet book for adults. The result was Reflections to the Letter.

Shelly Rachanow: The messages next to each letter are really inspiring. Give us a small sample of one of your favorites.

Jessey Ina-Lee: To me, the writings are like when you look at something and then tilt you head a little bit to the right or left to see a slightly different angle. That's how I see things - from a slightly different view - and that's what the writings are about – how I see the world. One of my favorites is the letter R - Realizations. It’s a slightly different view of some very familiar sights. An audio reading of that piece can be found by clicking on the Reflections Sound Clip at: http://womonswork.com/page15.php.

Diana Martens: The beauty of the vignettes that Jessey has written to go with each letter is that depending on what is going on in my life, different letters are my favorites.

My all time favorite letter is the letter B and it is also my favorite message. What Jessey says about “Brilliance” is a humbling and inspiring message. The more I know - the more there seems to be for me to know! (And, yes, the word is misspelled on its page – it was a test to see if all the brilliant people were paying attention!)

Shelly Rachanow: This book was definitely a labor of love for you, and I’m sure it was an amazing feeling when you finished it (which I totally understand myself as an author). What words of wisdom do you have for other people who are currently pursuing a dream?

Diana Martens: My advice to anyone pursuing a dream is to not limit the scope of your dream by the distance you can see right now. Don’t be afraid to let the dream grow and evolve as you move toward it. Remember how I thought I was “finished” when I completed the borders of each letter. This book would not have happened if I had let it stop there! And now the book is a reality and we’ve even been featured in a magazine! How exciting is that? See our write-up at http://www.womonswork.com/page20.php - link to Stylus Magazine.

Jessey Ina-Lee: My advice to anyone is just to work on what you love and in a way that will keep you in love with your work. Other than the graphic arts jobs, I’ve always had jobs unrelated to my creative work because I didn’t want to mix the two. So, how I make a living and what I do are not necessarily the same thing. I don’t want to create according to someone else’s specifications. I want the freedom to create what I choose when I choose. I work on many projects at once and love bouncing back and forth between them. Sometimes, I put a project aside for years and then come back to it with a fresh approach.

For me, what matters is the process. I love the process of creating. I’ve done books and art and videos and plays and jewelry – I can’t even remember all of my creative pursuits. But they’ve all been works of love, and they fill me with joy!

Shelly Rachanow: And last, the 'If Women Ran the World Blog' question for everyone - What would you do if you ran the world?

Diana Martens: If I ran the world, I would make food and shelter for everyone a priority.

Jessey Ina-Lee: I would bring back good old-fashioned manners. Judith Martin (Miss Manners) is one of my favorite authors and I love her book, MISS MANNERS RESCUES CIVILIZATION in which she “calls on etiquette to champion the quest for civil decency.” Bringing back common courtesy and consideration of others would go a long way toward solving world problems.

To contact Jessey or to learn more about her work, visit http://www.womonswork.com/ or email jesseyina-lee@sbcglobal.net.

To contact Diana, email dianamartens402@aol.com, or connect with her on Facebook and LinkedIn.

International Fund for Educational Development: An Interview with Patricia Sullivan

2010-12-14T14:38:00.000-08:00

Patricia Sullivan is a C.P.A. and formerly was employed as a Chief Financial Officer. She dedicates herself as a volunteer for International Fund for Educational Development (IFED), and personally identifies the projects, organizations and individuals with whom the organization partners.

She is a foreign professor at Anhui University of Finance and Economics in Bengbu, Anhui Province, China. She teaches International Business, Financial Reporting Standards and Ethics to C.P.A. candidates and develops training programs for the Accounting Department. She serves as a consultant to the Bengbu City government for Economic Development and mentors the student leaders of the Dragon Lake Keepers environmental awareness organization.

I first met Pat when I was writing my second book, What Would You Do If YOU Ran the World?, and I’m as inspired by her now as I was three years ago. I was so excited to talk with her about everything she and IFED have been doing since then.

Shelly Rachanow: Tell us more about the International Fund for Economic Development (IFED).

Patricia Sullivan: IFED’s mission statement is to make a better world, one village at a time. Our goals are to improve peoples’ lives and environment by being global, yet acting locally.

“IF Education, all things are possible.”

We believe that education, training and helping individuals, communities and entire cities to maximize and realize their potential produces economic benefit for everyone.

We do this by “tossing pebbles and watching ripples form.” It only takes a little effort to start a movement that can take on a life of its own.

Much credit for our success is attributable to our donors and the IFED Board of Directors, which is comprised of talented, enthusiastic and generous members from around the world. Our Board members contribute their time, energy and financial support to expanding our training programs and environmental publications. Our members travel to support and review projects, interview scholarship candidates and deliver supplies. As volunteers, their commitment enables us to make a significant impact in the world with minimal overhead costs.

Nadeen Green, our Director of Education, is also the author of our two environmental publications – Let There Be Dragons and The Ballad of Bengbu. Our Treasurer, Ned Cone, has traveled to China to assist in the candidate selection process for our scholarship candidates. Will Shipley, Director of Marketing and Promotions, has been instrumental in our South America projects, along with Vanenka Mosquiera, our Peruvian Project manager. Rodrigo Tobar de la Fuente is our web site designer and the illustrator of both of our environmental publications. Much enthusiasm has been generated by his beautiful, creative efforts in the illustration of our environmental publications. In China, Xue Xioaoming manages our projects throughout the country, identifying educational and humanitarian needs in Anhui Province as well as contributing supplies and his linguistic skills to the medical relief effort in Sichuan Province after the 2008 earthquake.

As representatives for IFED, we try to lead by our example and motivate the young people around us to expand their imaginations and see more possibilities. We inspire them to reach beyond their comfort zones and aspire to greater goals and achievements. We recognize the cultural differences in each of the countries where we work and try to build “friendship bridges” and act as goodwill ambassadors for America.

Shelly Rachanow: What inspired you to start IFED?

Patricia Sullivan: My first grade teacher, Sister Patricia Rodemann, taught us more than the alphabet and phonics. She taught us appreciation for what we have, compassion for those who have less and that we have a social responsibility to “feed the children” who are starving in other countries of the world.

I attribute her early influence with my “attitude of gratitude,” commitment to improve the lives of those less fortunate, and desire to live my life “on purpose” – aware of the small things around me that I can immediately impact. We believe in the Confucius saying, “If you give a man a fish he will eat for a day, if you teach a man to fish he will eat for a lifetime.”

Shelly Rachanow: Where are some of the places IFED has made an impact?

Patricia Sullivan: IFED projects can be broken down into three categories: Economic Development, Education (Environmental and Academic) and Humanitarian.

Once a community is identified, the need established and the infrastructure and support network is in place to make a project sustainable, we work with the local government and community leaders to determine what they believe to be the opportunities and what works and fits within their cultural framework.

It is imperative that they have access to raw materials (wood, clay, fiber, and seed) which can be cultivated, given access to tools, to create products for resale. We typically partner with other organizations that have a management presence and can be onsite to support the process.

The key to the success of our programs is sustainability…the programs grow and prosper beyond the time that we are directly involved. This can be accomplished with proper resourcing, education and training of the community leaders.

We encourage the preservation of the cultures and share an appreciation for the diversity of peoples on our planet.

Some of our projects include:

Peru:

Computers, a computer training centers and workshops in the over 22 communities in the Northern Andes of Peru
Sewing coops for adults and youth, equipped with foot-powered sewing machines, fabric and supplies in the Amazon region of Peru
A ceramics kiln utilizing locally accessible material for pottery clay
Roof for a school in the Chachapoyan region of the Northern Andes to keep the snow, rain and wind out of the classrooms
Bookcases for the schools to protect the limited supply of library books safe, dry, and protected from rodents
Sponsorship of programs for the CCC library, to include carpentry workshops, reading and environmental programs and veterinarian access for pet spaying and neutering
Cookware, dishes and eating utensils furnished to a community of 90 persons where sanitation and access to clean potable water was creating disease and infections

China:

Dragon Lake Keepers environmental awareness organization that teaches in the elementary and high school
Economic Development project currently being developed and coordinated with the Bengbu city government to introduce Dragon Boat racing, educate existing businesses on opportunities to market internationally and spur entrepreneurial ventures to support tourism in the area.
Fuyang Orphanage in Anhui Province was in a dire situation, without basic sustenance or hygienic necessities, placing the 200 plus children at risk. Our involvement, at the government’s request, created a media urgency that enabled the facility to attain the necessary funding for operations.
Sichuan Earthquake support was provided by our Dragon Lake Keepers members collected funds and gathered the required medical and food supplies for delivery directly to the affected area of the country. Our China Project Manager, Xue Xiaoming, hand delivered these supplies and worked with the International medical team – translating for the medical staff and communicating with the families during this very stressful time.

Cambodia:

In 2010 we identified an organization that we are working with to develop and expand their current projects and objectives – to include a nutritional program, computer training and teaching cooking and gardening skills. The Cambodia Children’s Painting Project (CCPP) http://www.letuscreatecambodia.org/ is located in Sihanoukville, in the south of the country.

Their children struggle daily with uncaring or abusive parents, living in extremely impoverished households, lacking regular access to food, clean drinking water and medical care. These children come from the beaches in the local area, collecting cans and bottles for a meager return or selling bracelets and such to tourists for money. Their objective is to provide these vulnerable children with the opportunity to develop their imagination and skills through artistic expression, and providing them a safe place to play, learn and dream.

Their organizational mission, like IFED’s, is to provide future opportunities through education.

United States of America:

A senior citizen computer training facility was set up at the Robert D. Fowler YMCA in Norcross, Georgia. 15 computers donated to IFED were placed to fill the objective of enabling seniors to connect with loved ones geographically separated but accessible via the internet through email.
A student training facility was established at the A. Worley Brown Boys & Girls Club facility in Norcross, Georgia. The 15 donated computers are available to children and teens in the community who attend the after-school and summer programs. The mission of this program is to empower members to become caring, productive adults and to provide a positive place, productive activities and the guidance of caring adults.
Five computers were provided to the S.A.F.E. House in Blairsville, Georgia. This facility provides Support in Abusive Family Emergencies. The computers enable the women to search for work and housing options and assist the resident children with support for homework and their continued education.
We have secured college scholarships from Young Harris College, in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia, for International students with limited financial resources.
We coordinate with local colleges and universities to provide guest speakers and present cultural programs, creating a forum for open dialogue with our Global Friendship Ambassadors, scholarship students and board members and esteemed donors.

Shelly Rachanow: How can people help or get involved with IFED?

Patricia Sullivan: International Fund for Economic Development, Inc. (IFED) is a 501(c)(3) organization. Tax deductible donations can be made directly to IFED at PO Box 668, Young Harris, Georgia 30582 or through Network for Good at http://www.networkforgood.org/ - keyword IFED.

We invite individuals to “sponsor”, through a specific and targeted donation, tools or items that will be used in one of our existing projects – computers, language software, food processors, pressure cookers, sewing fabric, school supplies, hygiene and medical products and small stuffed animals (many children will, otherwise, never have a toy).

Shelly Rachanow: What’s one thing you want people to realize when it comes to making a difference?

Patricia Sullivan: You CAN make a difference.

It seems impossible, when you are focused on the day to day of work, family and other responsibilities, to think about how you can make a difference in the “global village”, beyond your own world. “Random acts of kindness” take little time or effort and their impact can create “ripples of change.” Sometimes the smile you give can change one person’s world....and we all smile in the same language!

I believe that we have the power within us to positively influence individuals who we encounter each day, as well as others in our “circle,” and that human kindness is infectious. Imagine a movement where everyone treated others with respect, appreciation and as if they are significant in their lives.

I want people to know and appreciate that we are surrounded by inspiration. You can choose to focus on the positive, surround yourself with people who are optimistic and motivating and proactively seek solutions which will enable you to understand that “all things are possible.”

Charity and compassion begin at home...and as a parent, you can help children to learn social responsibility and respect for others. Simple lessons – canned goods for the local food pantry, toys for tots, providing a gift for a less fortunate individual featured on the holiday tree at the local department store, a letter or CARE package to a soldier, or spare change to one of the many organizations who do so much good in our world - the Salvation Army, the Lion’s, March of Dimes, Shriner’s Hospital or the Firefighters Boot Campaign. You can volunteer a day to an organization planting trees for the environment, collecting or raising money for medical treatment or building homes.

Children learn what they live...and the example we give as parents will resonate with them all their lives. They learn compassion from the adults in their lives, their parents and their teachers.

Getting involved in any way – small or large – provides a deep sense of satisfaction for the giver and appreciation for the receiver.

Shelly Rachanow: And last, the 'If Women Ran the World Blog' question for everyone - What would you do if you ran the world?

Patricia Sullivan: The first thing I would do is educate ALL people in the developing countries about the world we live in!

This could be initiated by producing videos and educational documentaries to be shared in every school at every grade level, that teaches awareness of the global village where we live. The purpose would be to evoke responsibility for those less fortunate and encourages interaction with residents in every country around the globe. On television, for the general audience, I would produce a series of reality shows that are “Real Survivors” - with education of all facets of each individual location including, but not limited to: geography, cultural appreciation, food production, resource consumption, access to education, medical care and clean water, cost of living and household income, war index and poverty ranking.

This would be beneficial to the majority of the developed world who do not travel to developing and undeveloped countries to learn, understand and appreciate the commonalities and the differences created by the “luck of the draw” - where you were born and into what family and environment. People don’t choose poverty…but it can be insurmountable when “survival” is your primary goal.

I believe that the result of these educational efforts would be awareness, open-mindedness, and the beginning of an appreciation and compassion for those people we do not know. We would become a less “me-centric” nation and our focus would shift to a global understanding of the population in our entire world. We would know the faces of poverty and the circumstances beyond our current comprehension.

Next, I would work with global leaders to eliminate poverty, through the empowerment of individuals, development and implementation of working capital and micro enterprise lending programs to encourage entrepreneurial ventures. The world leaders would exert influence to eliminate the injustice, theft of resources and human rights violations that plague undeveloped nations. This plan will be more extensive….but with the support of the majority of the people in the developing world, it should have the momentum to move beyond the self-interest of political parties and elected officials...

Imagine a world where starvation, fear of reprisal and religious fanaticism were mere memories and “Human Kindness” was the one, true belief…a world where goodness and consideration prevailed… and ignorance and intolerance were replaced by compassion and enthusiasm for our differences and our uniqueness. “Paying it forward” would continue as a global movement and impact all walks of life – from the financially secure to the poverty stricken.

To learn more about IFED, or to contact Pat visit:

http://www.ifed-us.org/Contact.html

Shop As You Give: An Interview with Joanne Leone

2010-12-07T16:04:00.000-08:00

Joanne Leone is a person of many talents and abilities. She received her BA in Communications and Creative Writing from Chapman University, as well as AAs in Computer Information Management, Office Information Services, and Business Management from Saddleback College.

In the past, Joanne started the first Women’s Committee and was President for several years for McHenry County, Illinois. Joanne was also on, and Chairman for two years, of the McHenry County ‘708’ Tax Board Committee, in charge of distribution of the 708 taxes to nonprofits in McHenry County.

Joanne is also a writer, professional speaker and Master Prosperity Teacher. Her first book, Life is A. B.L.T. (balance, love, trust), has helped many seekers find truth. Recently, Joanne has been using her wonderful gifts and talents to help a great organization called Shop As You Give help nonprofits.

Shelly Rachanow: Tell us more about Shop As You Give.

Joanne Leone: Shop As You Give was a 'divine' idea of my brother's. He is really the entrepreneur's entrepreneur for certain. When he was young and in college he purchased old clunker cars and rented them out to other students for their dates. It probably had the first rental car idea--who knows! He's also had other businesses, the latest of which was the largest barter business in the United States. He was known as the Barter King! The other two partners have been in the computer technology and investment business for many years and bring many talents into the business. I bring my communication, shopping, computer and people skills.

The idea behind Shop As You Give was to 'give back' to people, mainly assist nonprofits in making money without doing any extra work on their part.

The site http://www.shopasyougive.com/ is geared to bring in shoppers in 2 ways. First, a nonprofit who is an affiliate can have a link from their web site to their own specialized store. In this instance, the nonprofit is in a position to even choose any category of product they do not wish to have in their linked store. And, when their supporters check-out, a percentage of the monies goes directly to that particular nonprofit. If a supporter of that nonprofit goes to our store directly, they choose their particular nonprofit from the list of nonprofits at check-out. It is so easy.

Another help to the nonprofits is that we send out two special promo emails to them weekly, for them to forward to their supporters, encouraging their supporters to shop, as well as highlighting different categories of products available. It is entirely up to them if they send one or two of these out a week.

Any person can shop at http://www.shopasyougive.com/ to find fabulous products. They can choose to have a portion of the sales go to a nonprofit or not.

Shelly Rachanow: So many non profits are struggling these days. How can Shop As You Give help?

Joanne Leone: Shop As You Give gives the nonprofits a full 30% of the gross sales, and this amount is paid every month, when the monthly amount accrues to $25 or more. If not, the amount is carried over to the next month. It is more helpful than only getting paid once a year. Also, all the nonprofit has to do is spend about 15 minutes to get the logo link set up, after they sign-up on line. One of our associates helps with this easy process. After that, all the work is done by us: sending them weekly specials, follow-up, customer service, etc. There is nothing else for them to do but collect the money.

Shelly Rachanow: What makes Shop As You Give different from other programs like it?

Joanne Leone: As mentioned, each nonprofit who signs up to be an affiliate receives a full 30% of the gross profits from what their supporters purchase. This amount is an unheard of amount in the industry; it is usually only about 5%. We are able to do this by being choosy with which vendors we choose, picking fabulous products (including eco and American made), and keeping our prices at or below other on-line stores. It takes a lot of work, but is worth it! Also we have an Advisory Board, made up of nonprofit people, who have guided us in what they believe nonprofits want in their stores.

Shelly Rachanow: How can people or nonprofits who want to get involved do so?

Joanne Leone: If someone would like to join all they have to do is go the home page of http://www.shopasyougive.com/. At the top of the page they will see the "nonprofit resources" category. All they have to do is fill out an Enrollment Form. At the bottom of the form, they can use me, Joanne Leone as the IFA reference, and #89 as my IFA number. After that, all they have to do is go to the "Setting up your Store" category. There is a link to the IT people and directions of 'how and where' to send their logo.

Also, if there are product categories, (for example, fragrances) they do not wish to carry in their store, they can send these along as well and they will be deleted from their nonprofit store. Listed under the 'nonprofit resources' is also a W-9 form to forward so they can legally get paid and a whole list of marketing materials. For instance, there is an example of an introductory memo to send to their supporters telling them about the on-line store and how it will help the nonprofit. Besides this, one of our associates will telephone them to answer any questions and see how they are doing.

Shelly Rachanow: What do you want people to understand most when it comes to making a difference and making our world a better place?

I believe people need to understand we are 'all' just people, and we are all important to the survival and well-being of each other and the planet.

Shelly Rachanow: And last, the 'If Women Ran the World Blog' question for everyone - What would you do if you ran the world?

I would continue to live as I do now and try to be the best example of a loving, compassionate, giving person, living in integrity and Truth, in this big 'ole world. The world will continue to be a more loving, peaceful place if we each do our part. As it has been said by others, it's an inside job, you know!

For more information, visit http://www.shopasyougive.com/.

See also http://www.zippycart.com/ecommerce-news/1606-you-get-they-get-new-ecommerce-solution-pairs-spending-with-giving.html

Shop As You Give is an "accredited" business partner with the Better Business Bureau, and has been given the highest rating available (A-) to new members.

Every Day Love: An Interview with Judy Ford

2010-11-30T08:33:00.000-08:00

Judy Ford (an authentic romantic who has had every marital status there is: single, married, widowed, single, married, divorced, single, living together, single again after the death of her partner) is a couples counselor in Kirkland, Washington, as well as a best selling author, mother, friend and inspirational role model. She has been studying love and relationships for over three decades, specializing in love, loss and the things that matter most.

Articles on Judy's work have appeared in O: The Oprah Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Woman's Day and Family Circle among others. Her media appearances have included Oprah, CNN and National Public Radio. With compassion and candor, Judy’s work speaks to the heart, inspiring us to love life, to persevere through its challenges, and to share our gifts with others.

I’ve been a huge fan of Judy’s books for a long time, and I was so excited to talk to her about one of the best subjects there is: Love.

Shelly Rachanow: Tell us more about your book, Every Day Love.

Judy Ford: I wrote my first love poem over 50 years ago. It was published in the junior high school paper and since then I’ve been curious about relationships and a student of love. Every Day Love is based on my personal experiences (by the time I was thirty-four I’d had every marital status there was) and my professional experiences as an individual and couples counselor. I’ve worked with singles searching for love, couples so bogged down and overwhelmed with the demands of daily life that love took a back seat, and with parents who claim to love their children, but sometimes I couldn’t tell it by their actions. I once asked a seven-year-old boy how he rated himself in the love department and he answered, “Good” and then he added, “but my parents don’t love each other as much.” Turns out we all have much to learn about loving.

The questions I am interested in are: What is love? How do you find it? Is it possible to love every day? Is a broken heart inevitable? What is loving action?

Every Day Love, a peek into love that comforts and flourishes, is filled with couple’s stories and experiences that are often overlooked as insignificant. I wrote this book as reminder of what every day love looks like and feels like and how to put our love into action even when we don’t feel much like loving.

Shelly Rachanow: In your book you say that, “Falling in love is easy; sustaining love is difficult.” Why is that true for so many of us?

Judy Ford: It is easy to be loving when the setting is romantic, when you’ve got extra jingle in your pocket, when you’re looking good and feeling fine, but when one of you is out of sorts, exhausted, overwhelmed and distracted then behaving lovingly requires conscious effort. It’s in those moments of restlessness and upheaval that you find out who you are and what it truly means to love each and every day.

Shelly Rachanow: Why do people try so hard to change their loved ones, when we know that the only person we can ever change is ourselves?

Judy Ford: We fall in love with a person who has the qualities that we would like to develop in ourselves. We see all the budding possibilities and are excited to be accepted by such a wonderful and perfect person. Watch out! A strange fog will cloud your vision and you will become disoriented. Rather than developing the qualities in yourself that you would like, you will try to develop the other person’s potential. This creates havoc because there is only one person’s potential that you can develop and that is your own. This is one of the basic teachings in a love relationship. We change for love and love changes us.

Shelly Rachanow: What are some things people can do to be more loving in their everyday lives?

Judy Ford: Be aware that nothing you do lacks meaning. Everything you do and everything you say has the power, on the most subtle emotional level, to bring you closer or tear you apart.

Shelly Rachanow: If there’s one idea you want readers to take away to help them give and receive more love, what would that be?

Judy Ford: Nothing is as important as day-to-day life.

Life is hard. It goes by fast. Love matters every day.

Shelly Rachanow: And last, the 'If Women Ran the World Blog' question for everyone - What would you do if you ran the world?

Judy Ford: I would talk about love. I would practice love. My motto and attitude would be: “It is possible to love the whole world.”

For more information or to contact Judy:

Web site: http://www.judyford.com/
Email: judy@judyford.com
http://twitter.com/judyfordideas

Living Life as a Thank You: An Interview with Nina Lesowitz

2010-11-23T09:07:00.000-08:00

Medieval philosopher Meister Eckhart once said, "If the only prayer you say in your entire life is 'Thank you,' that will suffice." Gratitude is life-changing, not just during Thanksgiving but everyday of the year. That’s why I had to bring back Nina Lesowitz (who told us about her newest book, The Courage Companion, in October) to talk about her first book, Living Life as a Thank You, which she co-authored with Mary Beth Sammons.

Nina is an award-winning marketing professional who runs Spinergy Group, which represents authors, corporate clients, and nonprofits. She lives in Northern California with her husband and two daughters, and is on the executive committee for Litquake, the largest literary festival in the Western United States.

Shelly Rachanow: What inspired you to write Living Life as a Thank You?

Nina Lesowitz: I started noticing the difference saying “Thank You” was making in my life, and starting talking to people and noticing trends. I noticed that shifting my perspective has caused me to be grateful for what I DO have instead of focusing on what’s lacking.

Also, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about happiness. I’ve read many self help books. They didn’t seem practical to me, raising two children and working full time. I didn’t have the time to join an organization or meditate for hours a day. I fantasized about a different life and thought that the only way I would achieve a state of contentment was if I moved to Tuscany to renovate an old farmhouse. Happiness was always some far off, conditional state in the future. When I started practicing gratitude, I realized that happiness is not something that is dependent on outside circumstances, it comes from within.

Shelly Rachanow: With the Thanksgiving holiday this week, people may be focused on gratitude more than they usually are. How can we live life as a thank you year round?

Nina Lesowitz: By recognizing our blessings every day, throughout the day.

Shelly Rachanow: Is there proof that an attitude of gratitude can transform people’s lives?

Nina Lesowitz: Yes, a UC Davis study by Professor Robert Emmons found that gratitude is one of the very few things that can measurably change people’s lives. He’s spent his career studying what makes people happy and he’s found that happiness is facilitated when we want what we have, instead of focusing on what’s missing. It is actually a critical component of happiness.

In one study, the professors asked three groups of volunteers to spend their week thinking about and writing down what happened to them that week. One group was asked to focus on what they were grateful for, another focused on hassles and irritations, and the third simply recorded what happened.

They found that a daily gratitude intervention resulted in much higher levels of energy, and of course, happiness! And based on my own personal experience, I find that I am so much happier when I am consciously cultivating an attitude of gratitude.

Shelly Rachanow: What are some of the biggest ways gratitude has transformed your life?

Nina Lesowitz: Interestingly, we think that if good things happen to us, we will be happy. Yet scientific literature on happiness shows that it’s the other way around. When we are happy, good things happen. The benefits of happiness include higher income, greater productivity, more friends, more satisfying relationships, better physical health, lowered stress levels, etc.

Practicing gratitude has transformed my outlook, which in turn has transformed my reality. It has enabled me to live in the moment instead of constantly focusing on “what’s next.”

Shelly Rachanow: Gratitude doesn’t always come naturally to people, especially when they feel they’ve been wronged or victimized? Why is that and what are some things that can help?

Nina Lesowitz: Some people associate the act of giving thanks as something that places them in a state of obligation and debt. At the risk of generalizing, men have a harder time expressing gratitude because they would rather feel self-sufficient. Also, it’s much easier to be a grouch and a cynic. While we’re focusing on annoyances, and grievances, we take the good things for granted. Without a conscious intervention, we lapse into complaints. I always did that with friends, it almost seemed like a competition – who had more stress in their lives, more problems with their teens. Another issue is that we live in a time of entitlement, and there’s been much talk about how today’s children expect a lot. When we feel entitled, we’re not focusing on gifts; we take good things for granted.

By expressing gratitude, we can re-wire our brainwaves to appreciate our many blessings. When you shed the negativity, it clears space for something better to arrive.

Shelly Rachanow: Can you give us some gratitude practices and tips, for year round and for this week as people may be standing in long lines or stuck in traffic on the freeway?

Nina Lesowitz: When you feel a gripe coming on, try to turn it around. For instance, instead of focusing on the long lines at the security scanner, give thanks for the people who are working to ensure your safety. Go to bed with a smile, thinking of all you appreciate in your life. Appreciate your family, friends and co-workers. Take a walk in nature, and notice the beauty around you. And last but not least, be grateful for you! We quote writer Anne Naylor in the book, who says, “Be grateful for and bless your qualities and strengths. There is no one else quite like you. Honor and appreciate yourself.”

Shelly Rachanow: And last (because I bet you have more than one answer to this question), the 'If Women Ran the World Blog' question for everyone - What would you do if you ran the world?

Nina Lesowitz: If I ran the world, I would ask everyone to take time to incorporate the practice of gratitude in their lives. This would engender more compassion toward those less fortunate, and inspire more charity. (Grateful people are more likely to give back to others). Also, by expressing appreciation for others, goodwill would radiate across the planet, bringing peace to all.

For more information, contact nina@spinergygroup.com or visit http://www.vivaeditions.com/.

Inspirational Coffee Club: An Interview with Julie Clark

2010-11-16T10:26:00.000-08:00

As founder of the delightfully invigorating Inspirational Coffee Club™, Julie Clark knows what it takes to savor life to the fullest. Through her Inspirational Coffee Club, Julie shares one-of-a-kind strategies that teach women how to pour their hearts into a life that overflows with fulfillment. Offering a unique blend of strategies she calls her ‘Ground Rules’ for brewing up a life you love, Julie has become America’s favorite coffee break companion.

Julie’s messages emphasize that achieving a life filled to the brim with happiness, fulfillment and success is within your grasp. By sharing her Ground Rules for Life, she provides just the right blend of fun, inspiration and motivation to give your life a boost. Her Inspirational Coffee Club supports you in becoming the woman you've always wanted to become, encourages you to create a future filled with joy and challenges you to savor each day to the fullest!

Julie has developed an innovative approach to applying these Ground Rules—a method she calls ‘Inspirational Coffee Breaks.’ She teaches women how to take charge of their lives, set and achieve goals for the future, embrace risk, savor each day and feel more happy and grateful than ever before. She is the author of a new book: Inspirational Coffee Breaks for Women: 12 Ground Rules for Pouring Your Heart into Life—a unique guide for living that is overflowing with heartwarming stories and rich wisdom to help women discover creative, new ways to renew and revitalize their lives. (And you don’t have to be a coffee lover to enjoy it!) It was recently named a finalist in the ‘Best Books 2010’ Awards from USA Book News, and I was really excited to talk with Julie about it (read more below for a special offer going on TODAY with Julie's book).

Shelly Rachanow: As most everyone who knows me can attest, inspiration and coffee are two of my favorite things so I was really excited to learn about The Inspirational Coffee Club! What was your inspiration for creating it?

Julie Clark: I’ve been a coffee lover since I was 3-years old. My first coffee break companion was my Grandma who taught me a very special technique--dunking sugar cookies into my coffee and the habit stuck! I’ve carried my love for coffee into my adulthood. From my early years of enjoying treasured coffee breaks with my Grandma to the current days of sharing cherished coffee time with my mom and my friends, coffee has played a critical role in my development through the years. I’ve learned that coffee can be such a powerful metaphor for living life to the fullest. So I decided to blend my love for coffee and passion for personal growth into something fun, refreshing and motivating—hence The Inspirational Coffee Club—a unique and uplifting spin on personal fulfillment to help women awaken their potential and get a boost of encouragement for life.

Shelly Rachanow: What does an inspirational coffee break actually look like?

Julie Clark: An Inspirational Coffee Break involves taking purposeful, scheduled time to refill that part of yourself that gets poured out in the daily grind. Let’s face it—the majority of time you spend pouring yourself endlessly out to others—and that’s one of the qualities that makes you so special. You love to put other people’s needs first. But if you continue to pour yourself out to others without ever filling yourself back up, you’ll soon be going through life on empty--overwhelmed, burned out, depressed, stressed, exhausted, and out of touch with yourself. The truth is you cannot be your best self when you are constantly running on empty. To be a great mom, wife, daughter, employee, boss, or friend you must first be a great you. This means you need to keep your body and mind healthy.

An Inspirational Coffee Break can be simply 15 minutes of quiet time for yourself each day doing something the refreshes and refills you. A true Inspirational Coffee Break should not only recharge your body, but it should invigorate your mind and soul as well. Use some of these short spurts of down time to consciously invest in your happiness and well-being. Fill yourself with regular sources of inspiration to help you become a better woman, improve yourself, and get re-inspired for the rest of your life. Regular breaks from the daily grind are essential for a high quality life.

Shelly Rachanow: Can inspirational coffee breaks really make a difference? How have they done so for you?

Julie Clark: Absolutely! I take Inspirational Coffee Breaks on a near daily basis to keep inspired in the hustle and bustle of life and to set me in the right mindset for the day. On any given morning, you will find me alone—taking 15-30 minutes of quiet time for myself in my favorite cozy chair, enjoying my first cup of coffee, filling myself up with something inspirational and positive: a new magazine or self improvement book, passages from my study Bible, an inspiring interview or article, etc. I sit quietly, giving myself plenty of time for self reflection and loving every solitary moment as I relax my body and refill my soul. This is the time when I gain many new insights about my life. In fact, it was during one of my Inspirational Coffee Breaks that the idea to start The Inspirational Coffee Club came to mind and the entire 12 Grounds Rules came flooding out of me! These moments of down time continue to be the times when I get my best ideas!

I wouldn’t be the same person I am today without my treasured Inspirational Coffee Breaks! Its a definite daily ritual I try to never miss. I wouldn’t have near as much energy and optimism to face the day, I wouldn’t be nearly as connected to myself without them. People often comment how peaceful and relaxed I am although my life is busy and filled with responsibility. I just practice what I preach—a daily Inspirational Coffee Break.

Shelly Rachanow: You have some wonderful “ground rules for savoring life.” Tell us more about some of these.

Julie Clark: The Inspirational Coffee Club’s foundational messages are based upon our ’12 Ground Rules for Life.’ These are the 12 themes for which the new book is based on. Four of my favorites include:

Find Your Special Blend—Be True to Yourself: In a world where we’re pulled in so many directions, it can be so easy to get ground down by the expectations and demands of others that we start to lose track of who we even are anymore. Finding Your Special Blend means getting to know the real you again and following the desires of your heart. It’s taking a stand for who you are instead of being what you think everyone else wants you to be. The real source of fulfillment is discovering who you are. You were made to be your own Special Blend. Find and live yours!

Don’t Be Afraid to Burn Your Tongue—Take Some Chances: So many of us are scared to try anything new for fear that we might fail. The truth is, in order to live life to the fullest, you have to be willing to step outside your comfort zone and take some risks, try new things and challenge yourself. Don’t worry so much about making mistakes because that’s how we learn and grow. The happiest women aren’t the ones who have made the least mistakes in life; they’re the ones who have tasted all that life has to offer, even if that means burning their tongue along the way.

Take Time to Fill Another’s Cup—Make a Difference: We weren’t created to live for ourselves. We were created to add value to the lives of others. On our journey to fill our own cups, we must also be on the look-out for ways we can pour happiness onto those around us. People tend to feel better about their own lives when they know they are making a difference in someone else’s. Happiness is a natural result of doing something to make someone else happy. Taking time to fill another’s cup is one of the best ways to create a live that overflows with joy.

Leave Room for Cream and Sugar—Enjoy Yourself: For some reason, as we grow older we seem to repress our sense of fun in preference for something called 'maturity.’ It becomes so easy to take life too seriously or become so wrapped up in our day-to-day routines that sometimes we forget to leave time for some plain old fun. Remember to mix a little more enjoyment and fun—what I call cream and sugar—into your everyday life again. Life tastes so much better best when sweetened with fun.

Shelly Rachanow: Your book Inspirational Coffee Breaks for Women: 12 Ground Rules for Pouring Your Heart into Life really helps women revitalize their lives. And there are some exciting things happening with your book TODAY! Tell us what’s going on.

Julie Clark: Today, November 16th, is the official online launch of the new book, and The Inspirational Coffee Club is preparing to give women around the world a desperately needed shot of inspiration. To celebrate the launch, today we’re hosting the world’s largest virtual ‘INSPIRATIONAL COFFEE BREAK’ to help women refill that part of themselves that gets poured out in the daily grind. Anyone who purchases the book today from Amazon.com, will receive an extra JOLT of bonus gifts from over 90 other invigorating authors and entrepreneurs from across the world who can help women improve in all areas of their lives. It’s truly meant to give women from all walks of life a LIFE BOOST! Here’s how you can be a part of it: http://www.inspirationalcoffeebreaksforwomen.com/.

Shelly Rachanow: And last, the 'If Women Ran the World Blog' question for everyone - What would you do if you ran the world?

Julie Clark: Well, first I’d make coffee breaks mandatory! Then, I’d try to inspire people to live each day as if it were their last. So many of us take our days for granted and waste our precious time. We rush through life waiting for some kind of wake-up call before we start enjoying it. I want people to realize that we have no idea when our last day will be so we need to live fully NOW, remembering that each day is a gift. Once it’s gone it can never be recaptured no matter how badly we wish it could. Remember there are no do-over’s in life. A ‘good’ life is not measured by the number of days we live, but by the life we put into those days. Get out there and live now. In other words, pour your heart into it!

For more information or to contact Julie:

The Inspirational Coffee Club™
PO Box 87922
Sioux Falls, SD 57109

Ph: (605) 271-8983

Email: Julie@theinspirationalcoffeeclub.com

Website: http://www.theinspirationalcoffeeclub.com/

Facebook

The Measure of His Grief: An Interview with Lisa Braver Moss

2010-11-09T15:49:00.000-08:00

Lisa Braver Moss is a writer specializing in health, parenting, family issues and humor pieces. Her essays have appeared in Tikkun, Parents, and the San Francisco Chronicle. Her column, “I’m Not Impressed…” is published in the Piedmont Post and simultaneously on her blog, lisabravermoss.wordpress.com.

Lisa’s nonfiction book credits include Celebrating Family: Our Lifelong Bonds with Parents and Siblings (Wildcat Canyon Press, 1999), and, as co-author, The Mother’s Companion: A Comforting Guide to the Early Years of Motherhood (Council Oak Books, 2001).

Having written several articles questioning the practice of circumcision from a Jewish point of view, Lisa is making her first foray into fiction with a contemporary literary novel on that topic, The Measure of His Grief (Notim Press, November 2010). I was really excited to talk to her more about it.

Shelly Rachanow: This month marks the release of your first fiction book – congratulations. Tell us more about your book, The Measure of His Grief.

Lisa Braver Moss: It’s a literary novel about a Berkeley physician, Dr. Sandor (“Sandy”) Waldman, who wages a campaign against circumcision. But rather than becoming alienated from Judaism as he rails against this custom, Sandy finds himself feeling more deeply Jewish. The book is also about Sandy’s marriage, his grief over the death of his father, family secrets, and the price Sandy pays for his iconoclasm.

The Measure of His Grief is told from three alternating viewpoints—that of Sandy, his wife, Ruth, and their teenage daughter, Amy, whom Sandy and Ruth adopted at birth. Ruth is a nutritionist and cookbook author who had a painful childhood, and who starts to feel neglected and angry as Sandy lives and breathes the circumcision controversy. She winds up separating from him and carrying on a secret relationship. Amy spends a lot of the book in teen angst, struggling to figure out who she is and what to do with her life (oh, and why her parents are so stupid). She also has to tackle the looming question of whether to make contact with her birth family.

Shelly Rachanow: How did you become interested in the topic of circumcision?

Lisa Braver Moss: I started thinking about the issue in the late eighties, after the births of my sons, whom we had circumcised (we’re Jewish). Many women don’t find this custom difficult, but for some of us, the experience is harrowing. In my case, I felt I had to separate myself from my personal spirituality and my biologically-ingrained protective instinct toward my infants in order to ensure that they would be accepted into the community. What was this all about?

I became fascinated with the issue and especially how to talk about it. There was (and still is) a surfeit of shrill rhetoric, scholarly rabbinical works, anti-circumcision material with decidedly anti-Semitic undertones, medical information that was based on strange premises, and tasteless jokes. None of this addressed my own experience or, in my opinion, led to thoughtful dialogue or inquiry.

I decided to write articles that would tackle the circumcision issue with respect for Judaism and in a way that would give voice to my own experience. So I first approached this topic as a journalist and personal essayist.

I went on to write articles and books on other subjects, but remained interested in circumcision. I found it surprising that despite all its psychological, sexual, medical and religious complexities, no novelist had ever given it center stage. But it was a long time before it dawned on me to take up that challenge, because I thought of myself as a nonfiction writer.

Shelly Rachanow: As a woman and a first-time novelist, what made you decide to take on this very male topic?

Lisa Braver Moss: I did a lot of research into the circumcision tradition so as to be able to write in informed opposition to it, and I found myself feeling more Jewish in the process. I’d always thought this paradox would make for an interesting story, and that’s probably the single most autobiographical element of The Measure of His Grief (i.e., Sandy’s Jewish identity becoming stronger as he rails against circumcision).

I probably wouldn’t have thought of trying to create a male main character - it’s hard enough figuring out how to write a novel, let alone inhabiting a different gender. But I’d had conversations with various men about this topic, including a Jewish man who felt he had remembered his own circumcision trauma. I found myself asking “What if…?” That is, what if a Jewish man had some kind of flashback to his own circumcision, became obsessed with the issue, and surprisingly, began to feel more deeply committed to Judaism as a result?

I also learned about foreskin "restoration," in which circumcised men stretch their residual tissue over a period of months and years to mimic the function of the lost tissue. I was so astonished by this phenomenon that I couldn’t seem to shake free of it and its rich possibilities for exploration in fiction. I began to realize that if indeed I had a novel in me, I had a male main character.

Shelly Rachanow: How is male circumcision a women’s issue or even a feminist issue?

Lisa Braver Moss: Circumcision is an issue for women in terms of how it affects their bond with their newborns, and how it affects their self-assurance about the validity—even sanctity—of their primal urge to protect the infant.

Renowned anti-circumcision activist and writer Miriam Pollack put it this way in her brilliant paper "Circumcision: Gender and Power," presented at the Genital Autonomy 2010 conference: "Circumcision subverts... the life-giving principle of the feminine... by trivializing and implicitly forbidding [the new mother] to acknowledge, much less act upon, her deepest mammalian instincts to protect her newly birthed child.”

Not all mothers of newborns experience circumcision as a violation of the bond, or an undermining of their maternal self-confidence and efficacy. But many do, at least to some extent. I think that’s a feminist issue.

Shelly Rachanow: What should expectant mothers be aware of in considering the circumcision issue from a medical perspective?

Lisa Braver Moss: There’s a lot of information out there about circumcision; it’s easy to get overwhelmed by it. So in thinking about the health issues, I like to invoke simple medical precedent: surgery is a last resort. Only in rare individual instances should it be done to prevent a possible future outcome (such as a mastectomy being considered as a pre-emptive measure against breast cancer). And that is on a case-by-case basis, not as a routine matter.

There may be benefits to circumcision—and as with any surgery, these must be weighed against potential risks and drawbacks. The risks of circumcision appear to be low, but have never been accurately documented, so it’s hard to know what to think. For example, in those cases where a death has occurred, the mortality has generally been attributed to the secondary cause (such as hemorrhage or blood poisoning) instead of being tied to circumcision. Thus, the risk data is scanty and unreliable.

Regarding the drawbacks, very few doctors are aware of the relatively recent studies documenting the erogenous nature and the anatomical function of the foreskin. What that means is that even professionals don’t grasp the drawbacks of the procedure—so they don’t have enough information to weigh it against the potential benefits. In the absence of accurate risk and drawback information, doctors should not be recommending the surgery, certainly not routinely.

I would encourage mothers not to be intimidated by this issue, to really look into their hearts and step into their female power in all this. As I said, I think the disruption of the incipient mother-newborn bond is a major drawback of the procedure. To dismiss its impact is to deny the importance of women’s experience and the significance of their role. I think that’s not just sexist but perhaps even misogynistic.

Shelly Rachanow: And last, the 'If Women Ran the World Blog' question for everyone - What would you do if you ran the world?

Lisa Braver Moss: You mean, besides tackling climate change, ending war, famine, disease, torture, enslavement and oppression? Hmm…

Create an industry that would put people to work retrofitting existing vehicles into more energy-efficient ones; take all possible measures to counter the eco-hostile idea that everything has to be new.

Make cell phone manufacturers accountable for the health hazards, resource-wastefulness, and planned obsolescence of their products.

End the idiocy that compels some news outlets to present both sides of a story equally, even if one of the sides is uninformed, hate-based or insane.

Put mature, educated women in charge of designing car dashboards, computer operating systems and all other user interfaces. No more product designs by techno-geeks!

Oops, I almost forgot the most important thing: ban those horrible too-dark hair dye jobs on men.

But back to the topic at hand… I would work to ensure that women don’t feel they must deny their own female power, biology, or spirituality by giving their babies over to be circumcised.

To contact Lisa or for more information, visit:

Web site: http://www.lisabravermoss.com/

E-mail: lisa@lisabravermoss.com

Facebook page: The Measure of His Grief

You Tube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxKjmGcV9w8

We Did It For You: An Interview with Patty Turrell

2010-11-02T10:47:00.000-07:00

With her background in Human Resources and Operations Management, Patty Turrell has the natural ability to organize teams and get things done. Eight years ago she started The Women’s Journey Conference, an event that empowers women and builds self esteem in young girls. Many of the young girls that attend this event are from various foster care organizations throughout the Orange County, California area. Patty realizes the dire need to help young girls with their confidence and has produced a specialized program to help young girls overcome their insecurities. The conference is FREE to all girls between the ages of 8 to 18.

From the Women’s Journey Conference an idea was born to create a play to further educate and empower women and girls. The play We Did It For You focuses on the challenges women have faced throughout history while celebrating their historical achievements. The play is a virtual history lesson filled with song, dance, comedic moments and compelling dialogue. It is Patty’s goal to take this play into schools and colleges nationwide to teach young women about the perils women faced for equality and the importance of women’s role in society today.

I was so excited to talk to Patty about her play...for which there is a Fundraiser Brunch this Sunday, November 7 at 1:00 pm in Costa Mesa, California...and all the wonderful things she does for women.

Shelly Rachanow: Tell us more about your play, We Did It For You.

Patty Turrell: The play is a historical account of the women who paved the way. We Did It For You was created to acknowledge and celebrate women's historic achievements: how they were able to affect and change the society in which they lived. This play is their story, what they did and dreamed, a depiction of the diverse and historic accomplishments of the many women who bravely stood for equality and social justice. We Did It For You is filled with music, dialogue and comedy bringing the audience from tears to laughter.

Shelly Rachanow: Why is it so important for us to preserve women’s history?

Patty Turrell: Young girls do not know and most women do not understand the history of women. Most young women of today do not realize that there was a time when women had no rights and were considered property. Much of what is in this play is not necessarily written down in history books nor is it being taught in the classroom. The danger is that if the women of today are not educated about the events of the past, they may take for granted their freedom and their independence. Women feel a sense of pride and empowerment when they understand where they have come from, the historical journey. If given the knowledge, women will continue to grow in consciousness and make changes necessary for the further development of women worldwide.

Shelly Rachanow: What are some things we can do right now to make things better for women everywhere?

Patty Turrell: First and foremost, educate yourself about the needs of women/children who may be less fortunate. Get involved with other women's organizations and participate.

Shelly Rachanow: You also founded the Women’s Journey Conference. Tell us more about that.

Patty Turrell: The Women's Journey Conference was developed to empower women and build self-esteem in young girls. On May 7, 2011 we will be hosting our 9th annual conference at UCI. We invite a host of speakers and entertainers to inspire women. The entire day is for self-discovery and celebration of the power, the spirit and the beauty in each of us. We also have a specialized self-esteem program for girls ages 8 to 18. Many of the young girls who attend are considered "at risk". These girls come from various foster care organizations throughout the OC area. Girls attend this event FREE of cost. Our goal is to offer these girls a day where they can feel secure, nurtured and encouraged.

Shelly Rachanow: How would you like things to be different for future generations of both men and women?

Patty Turrell: I would like to see women strive for even more, to be treated like equals and continue to become exceptional leaders. With that said, when women truly recognize who and what they are capable of, men too will have a better understanding of themselves by the examples that women exhibit.

Shelly Rachanow: And last, the 'If Women Ran the World Blog' question for everyone - What would you do if you ran the world?

Patty Turrell: I would build schools worldwide and provide an education for every child on the planet.

For more information, email spiritually1@earthlink.net or visit:

http://www.wediditforyou.org/

http://www.womensjourneyconference.com/

The Power of Positive DOING: An Interview with BJ Gallagher

2010-10-26T15:21:00.000-07:00

BJ Gallagher is a sociologist, author, and speaker. She writes business books that educate and empower, women's books that enlighten and entertain, and gift books that inspire and inform. Whether her audience is corporate executives, working women, or college students, her message is “The Power of Positive DOING.” She motivates and teaches with empathy, understanding, and more than a little humor.

BJ's international best-seller, A Peacock in the Land of Penguins (Berrett-Koehler), has sold over 350,000 copies in 23 languages. Her business books include: YES Lives in the Land of NO (Berrett-Koehler) and Who Are “They” Anyway? (Dearborn). Her latest career book is It's Never Too Late to Be What You Might Have Been (Viva Editions).

BJ is a regular Huffington Post contributor. She has been featured on CBS Evening News with Bob Schieffer, the Today Show with Matt Lauer, Fox News, PBS, CNN, and other television and radio programs. She is quoted almost weekly in various newspapers, women's magazines, and websites, including: O the Oprah magazine, Redbook, Woman's World, New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Wall Street Journal, Christian Science Monitor, Orlando Sentinel, Financial Times (U.K.), Guardian (U.K.), MSNBC.com, CareerBuilder.com, CNN.com, Forbes.com, among others.

In addition to writing books, BJ also conducts seminars and delivers keynotes at conferences and professional meetings across the country. Her corporate clients include: IBM, Chevron, US Veteran's Administration, John Deere Credit Canada, Volkswagen, Farm Credit Services of America, Raytheon, US Department of Interior, Phoenix Newspapers Inc., the American Press Institute, Infiniti, Nissan, Atlanta Journal Constitution, among others.

I first met BJ in 2006, when she did me the honor of writing the Foreword to my first book. I was so thrilled to catch up with her and hear about all the wonderful things she's been up to lately!

Shelly Rachanow: Last year was a busy year for you, with SIX new books out, making up what you’ve called your Inspirational Stimulus Package. Tells us about a few of them.

BJ Gallagher: Actually, I published SEVEN new books, but who's counting? ;-)) Most people hunker down when times get tough but I do just the opposite. Rather than take fewer risks in business, I believe in taking more risks.

Wherever this is chaos and change, there is also opportunity, so I go out there looking for it. Also, my work is about service and contribution, so whenever people are in pain it is my job to see if I have anything to offer that might help them. My gifts are teaching and writing and my mission in life is to give my gifts away. So that's what I do. I write books and teach seminars that help people help themselves.

For the past couple years, the economy has been in such terrible shape, and I was inspired by Obama's Economic Stimulus Package ... so I decided to offer my own Inspirational Stimulus Package. People need financial support to get through hard times ... but they also need spiritual and emotional support. That's what I offer with my books. I published three more new books this year, and I have three more coming out next year. My mission statement is: "I am a laptop in the hands of God."

Shelly Rachanow: As someone who left a legal practice when I was thirty, I especially love the title of one of your new books, It's Never Too Late to Be What You Might Have Been. As you tell people, “Don't just seize the day - seize the rest of your life!” What are some things people can do to move towards the life of their dreams?

BJ Gallagher: Probably the first thing people need to do is make friends with fear. Fear is what keeps most people from following their hearts and living their dreams – fear of failure, fear of looking foolish, fear that it's too hard, fear that their loved ones will not be supportive, fear of losing money ... their list of fears is almost endless. So coming to terms with fear is the first thing task.

One of the tools I use to deal with fear is self-talk. Whenever fear shows up, I have a conversation with myself. "What's the worst that can happen?" I ask myself. "I might run out of money," is usually the answer. "OK, so if you run out of money, what will happen?" I ask myself. "I'll lose my house," is the answer. "OK, and if you lose your house, will anyone die from that?" I ask. "Well, no," is the answer. "OK then, if nobody dies, then losing your house won't kill you." "Right." And that almost always makes the fear manageable. If my fear is not about a life or death issue, I can talk myself down and go on with my life.

The other important thing I rely on in living the life I want to life is my FAITH. 92% of Americans believe in God. Many of those people consider themselves spiritual but not religious – which is fine. Whatever form your spirituality takes, I encourage folks to tap into spiritual beliefs and practices to live their lives to the fullest, finding happiness and fulfillment along the way. Faith is especially important in hard times like these.

Shelly Rachanow: I also love your book, Learning to Dance in the Rain: The Power of Gratitude because, as you note, “For many people, gratitude goes right out the window when Life doesn't show up the way they want it to.” I think we’ve all experienced that at some point in our lives. What are some things we can do to be grateful when our lives aren’t going the way we want them to?

BJ Gallagher: The Taoists believe that we humans can never really know whether something is good or bad. A tragedy happens and later on it turns out that the "tragedy" was really a blessing. And vice versa ... sometimes wonderful things happen that turn out to be not so wonderful after all. Here's an old Taoist parable that's a good reminder of that:

There is a Taoist story of an old Chinese farmer who had worked his crops for many years. One day his horse ran away.

Upon hearing the news, his neighbors came to visit. "Such bad luck," they said sympathetically.

"Maybe," the farmer replied.

The next morning the horse returned, bringing with it three other wild horses.

"How wonderful," the neighbors exclaimed.

"Maybe," replied the old man.

The following day, his son tried to ride one of the untamed horses, was thrown, and broke his leg.

The neighbors again came to offer their sympathy on his misfortune.

"Maybe," answered the farmer.

The day after, military officials came to the village to draft young men into the army. Seeing that the son's leg was broken, they passed him by.

The neighbors congratulated the farmer on how well things had turned out.

"Maybe," said the farmer.

Shelly Rachanow: One of the big themes in your books is the “Power of Positive Doing.” Tell us more about what you mean by that.

BJ Gallagher: Much has been made of the Power of Positive Thinking. Many gurus and spiritual teachers tell us how important it is to harness the incredible power of our minds in order to get what we want in life. What they're teaching is true, no doubt about it. But thinking isn't enough ... we must take action. It may be just a single step in the direction of what it is we say we want – that's enough to get the ball rolling.

You might call this "active faith" or "living with intention" or "acting as if." Whatever you call it, it's about movement – it's about doing something.

Even Norman Vincent Peale, the wonderful minister who wrote "The Power of Positive Thinking," talked about that – but that part of his teaching seems to get lost sometimes. Here's what he said: “A lot of people misunderstood the power of positive thinking … they thought that all you have to do is think positively and everything is going to work out. ... No, you have to also take some action, learn some skills – you’ve got to DO something.”

Shelly Rachanow: And last, the 'If Women Ran the World Blog' question for everyone - What would you do if you ran the world?

BJ Gallagher: Ha! What a great question! OK, let me think for a minute .... I would run the world with unconditional love, compassion, non-violent conflict resolution, kindness and forgiveness ... just as the Dalai Lama runs his community, as Gandhi ran his, as Jesus ran his, as Mother Teresa ran hers ... as all great spiritual leaders run their communities, that's how I would run the world. To quote Gandhi: I would BE the change I wish to see in the world.

BJ can be reached at http://www.bjgallagher.com/ or bbjjgallagher@aol.com.

Follow her on twitter: @BJ_Gallagher and find her on Facebook: BJ Gallagher

Grief Transformation: An Interview with Andrea Hylen

2010-10-19T15:16:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year, I had the privilege of interviewing my good friend, author Andrea Hylen, in my first blog interview celebrating amazing women and the amazing things women do. And with several amazing projects in the works, including an exciting book launch happening today, I was thrilled to catch up with Andrea and find out more details about all the great things she’s doing for women everywhere.

Shelly Rachanow: You’ve had a busy summer since we last spoke to you in June. Tell us about some of the great work you’ve been doing.

Andrea Hylen: I spent the month of August writing articles about my experiences of grief and loss with the deaths of a brother, son and husband, as well as dreams, jobs, and roles that no longer served me. I wrote about honoring the grief and feeling the feelings. I wrote about releasing the grief through tears and laughter. I wrote about releasing the ashes of my son and my husband. The more I wrote, the more I understood from a deeper level how the lack of grieving shuts down our hearts to feel love and joy. And how important it is to stay open to grieving layers throughout my life.

In September, I participated in a “no impact” week. The idea was to lower my impact on the environment by making lifestyle changes. Even with my deep awareness, I learned and implemented some new ideas. I made one change every day. An example, I write at a coffee bar every morning and started to carry silverware with me instead of using the disposable plastic ware.

I am currently creating videos to provide information and spread the word that being green is not a trend. I use Shaklee products as an example because they have been around for 50 years and they work. This is a lifestyle, not a trend. The videos will be on my youtube account beginning November 1, 2010 http://www.youtube.com/user/OpentoInspiration There will be a link to join my mailing list for monthly information about easy ways to support your health and the planet.

Shelly Rachanow: I was really moved when you told me about the Grief Transformation Circle you decided to start on Sunday evenings. As you now, I lost one of my best friends to cancer last April and I know your husband passed away from cancer several years ago. What are some of the lessons you’ve learned about grief along the way?

Andrea Hylen: Shelly, first let me give you the bridge line telephone number and access code. This is a FREE call, open to anyone who needs it. My commitment is to be there to provide support and to sit in prayer by myself, if no one comes on the line that evening. The call is every Sunday evening at 5:00 p.m. Pacific/8:00 p.m. Eastern. My intention to hold a space for conversations to emerge that support each other as we discuss loss of loved ones, changes in jobs, health, families and the world. As long as one person is on the call, I will be there. Bridge line number (605) 562-3000. Access code is 899688#. Spread the word. ALL WELCOME! Personal long distance rates apply.

I would suggest that people join the Open to Inspiration Fan page on Facebook. I post updates there every week with the phone number and any changes in the time.

There is another thing to understand about grieving. The feelings of loss and sadness are a part of you and will be in your heart forever. Let me explain it this way. Imagine that you went to the beach for a week with your loved ones. Whenever you think about that time together, you remember the way you felt. The sound of the ocean or the seagulls, memories of the activities and conversations, and smells from the foods you cooked and ate together . You carry this in your heart. The freshness of the memory fades over time, but there are connections that bring it into the present. The sound of the seagulls, the smells of the food, a song, a conversation and you can feel yourself transported back in time remembering the love and happiness.

Grieving the loss of a loved one is the same thing. You remember sounds, smells and conversations. The freshness of the memory fades over time, but things can happen to bring a wave of emotion into the present.

Grief is a gift. Honor it. Feel the feelings. Be open to healing and remembering.

Shelly Rachanow: You have been participating in a book project with 40 women and men over the last six months. Today is the book launch! What can you share about this?

Andrea Hylen: Yes! Today is the book launch for an amazing project. The book is called Align, Expand and Succeed: Shifting the Paradigm of Entrepreneurial Success. From the moment I heard the book title, I wanted to be a part of this project with 40 conscious business owners. The book is for anyone who feels the connection to living a conscious life. Conscious Business is a lifestyle that includes all aspects of a person’s life. I wrote a story about a self-discovery process that led me to understand an aspect of who I really am.

The word “Align” is missing in many of the Law of Attraction movies and books. You can create a vision board with a bunch of stuff you want to manifest, but the things may not be in alignment with who you are. In this book there are stories about how the authors stepped into alignment by discovering their true purpose, connecting with intuition and eliminating self-sabotage. The next step is the willingness to Expand into a greater part of yourself with self-discovery, awakening, and shifting with the changes happening in the world. With the steps of Align and Expand in place, Success is the natural next step.

Today, October 19, 2010, is the book launch. If you purchase the book(s) today, you will receive access to over $6,000 in bonus offers! Here is the link to check it out: http://www.aesbook.com./

Shelly Rachanow: I can’t let you go without asking you to tell us more about your new E-book club, which helps members discover their own inner journey. How does it do that and what have you learned about the importance of honoring our journey?

Andrea Hylen: On a beach walk on August 31, I received a burst of inspiration to write stories of my life to help people discover their own inner journey. Within two days, the ideas fell into place. Write three e-books about the past two years of living on the edge with reflective questions in the back of each chapter for the reader. Each book is released one section at a time over a period of four months.

As people began signing up to be a part of the experience, I saw something else happening. We are creating an energetic space for infinite possibilities to emerge for everyone in the club. Some members are reading the books and writing in their journals, as part of a private process. Some members want to participate in discussions on the phone. There are monthly teleseminars with topics generated by the club members, a monthly drawing of products connected to the topics in the book and opportunities for sponsors.

The stories begin here: I started going to Jonas Brothers concerts during the summer of 2007 to help my teenage daughter heal from the loss of her father. When I drove to the first concert, I had no idea how this would change my life and help me heal my own broken heart.

Two summers later, I was selling my house, releasing personal belongings and preparing to move from Maryland to California with my daughter. I suggested we travel to the 45 cities with Jonas concerts and have an adventure together before settling down in California. We had a buyer, cleared out our house, put memorabilia into storage and were completing the last of the details when the house contract fell through. The woman lost her job of 21 years and could not qualify for the loan.

We made the decision to leap and live on the edge. The trip stretched me physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and financially. There was a strong inner calling to leap. In order to continue, I had to change my perspective, let go of the way I would normally do this trip and I had to be willing to risk everything including my house and my reputation. For the readers who don’t know me I want you to know I am not a lunatic. I am a simple person with simple needs who loves her family and friends and who would have been content to be a Girl Scout leader in Baltimore for the rest of my life. But there was something inside of me calling me to go out into the world. When my daughter began to get 3,000 hits on her blog every day, and women began to tell me that we were giving them the courage to make changes in their lives and take bigger risks, I knew I had to keep going.

I am beginning to call this an E-book Experience instead of a club. It is experiential and evolving every month.

Shelly Rachanow: And last, because I know you have more than one answer to this question, I have to ask again: What would you do if you ran the world?

Andrea Hylen: The key to me is empowering women and girls to become leaders in their lives. When women step into leadership, they use their voices to make change. They speak up for themselves, children, the environment, human rights, and animal rights. They work in collaboration with others to implement change. When women heal self-esteem, worthiness, grief, and trauma, their voices get stronger and they can have an impact on making a difference in their families, communities, states, countries and the world. We do run the world. The choices we make every day affect the world we live in. We can all discover the leader within us and begin making changes in our part of the world now. My commitment to running the world is creating safe, healing spaces like the Grief Transformation Circle, developing projects like the E-book club for empowering self-discovery within individuals and demonstrating leadership by taking simple steps with “Being Green is not a Trend.” Let us all commit to being leaders in our own lives now.

For more information, visit:

Website is http://www.opentoinspiration.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/andrea.hylen
Facebook Fan Pages: An Evolutionary Woman’s Journey Series and Open to Inspiration
Email: opentoinspiration@gmail.com
Blog: http://www.andreahylen.blogspot.com/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/AHylen
Twitter: www.twitter.com/daydreamwithGod
Twitter: www.twitter.com/consciousbook
Link to Articles on grieving: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert_bio=Andrea_Hylen

The Courage Companion: An Interview with Nina Lesowitz

2010-10-12T14:31:00.000-07:00

Nina Lesowitz is an award-winning marketing professional who runs Spinergy Group, which represents authors, corporate clients, and nonprofits. She lives in Northern California with her husband and two daughters, and is on the executive committee for Litquake, the largest literary festival in the Western United States. Along with Mary Beth Sammons, Nina is co-author of the bestselling book, Living Life as a Thank You.

With National Face Your Fears Day coming Wednesday, October 13, this week marks the release of Nina and Mary Beth's newest book, The Courage Companion: How to Live Life with True Power, which contains stories of extraordinary fortitude. These true tales not only invite us to "tap into—and hold onto—our inner strength when times get tough and when we're feeling all alone," but also act as guides to inspire anyone to just do it, whatever that "it" may be.

From world-class athletes to business and humanitarian leaders, and from cancer patients to ordinary people who took extraordinary action to transform their lives, these courage warriors show us how to turn apprehension into action. If ever there was a time for courage, it’s now. That’s why I was especially excited to talk to Nina about this book.

Shelly Rachanow: What was your inspiration for The Courage Companion: How to Live Life with True Power?

Nina Lesowitz: Growing up, both of us were inspired by novels about courageous girls: Nancy Drew, Jo in Little Women, Mary in the Secret Garden, and others. Later in high school we learned about men and women with tremendous courage – Susan B. Anthony, Rosa Park, Martin Luther King Jr., and so many more.

We started thinking about our heroes and people today who are risking their lives to fight for equality and justice. And we thought about how much courage it takes just to survive and thrive in day-to-day life when facing the unknown. Like today: with double-digit unemployment numbers, people losing homes to foreclosure, wars in the Middle East, the threat of climate change, lack of health care coverage, many Americans are feeling more stressed out than ever.

How do people battle fear and tap into their inner power? We decided to find out. We interviewed people throughout the United States and Canada to try to define courage. From those interviews, we selected a range of stories that we feel epitomize qualities of bravery and gutsiness. We share their stories of inner strength for readers so that in tough times they know they are not alone. They can read these stories and tips, and actually learn how to become unafraid.

Shelly Rachanow: Why is this book especially relevant today?

Nina Lesowitz: Because we live in times of incredible economic stress, in times when our kids are bullied at school; one in six college freshman girls is sexually assaulted, natural disasters – hurricanes, oil spills, fires, tsunamis are the fabric of our nightly news, and we all live in anxiety about keeping our jobs, our homes, our health, our marriages, and our safety IF we have them. It takes courage during these times just to get out of bed in the morning.

Shelly Rachanow: How can boosting our courage quotient help us to live life more fully?

Nina Lesowitz: When you live in fear, afraid for your personal security, you are not living your true life. But the good news is, you can make the choice to become more courageous. You can choose to live out the rest of your life feeling secure, or you could tap into your inner power and take the first step toward living a fulfilling, exciting and, possibly dangerous life.

When Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself,” he was saying that the emotion of fear, rather than the reality of what we fear, is what causes us anxiety, stress, and unhappiness. When you boost your courage quotient, a whole new world of possibilities opens up for you. Just think what would you dare to dream, or be, or do, if you weren’t afraid of anything in the whole world?

Shelly Rachanow: Can you give us some practices and tips?

Nina Lesowitz: Fortunately, the habit of courage can be learned just as any other success skill is learned. To do so, we need to address our fears, while building up our courage quotient. We can use techniques to change our self-perception and develop courageous states of mind.

Positive thinking promotes positive outcomes, and pessimism begets negativity. So to generate a courageous attitude you have to train yourself to start thinking more positively. Create a mental picture of the person that you would like to be, performing the way you would like to perform. Try saying three positive self-statements out loud before you go to bed each night. Think about all you did well that day. Or create a positive affirmation(s) and carry them with you each day, referring to them when you need them:

“I know I can handle all that comes my way.”

“I am in control of my fears.”

“Challenging my fears helps me grow and makes me stronger.”

Also, do one little thing outside your comfort zone every day. It doesn't have to be a big step, just something different from what you normally do or say. And take inspiration from courageous people, some of whom pay the ultimate price to stand up for their beliefs. You can tell yourself, “Speaking up for myself will NOT cost me my life, but if I don’t speak up, it may haunt me for the rest of my days.”

Shelly Rachanow: Tell us about National Face Your Fears Day, happening October 13.

Nina Lesowitz: National Face Your Fears Day is the brainchild of Steve Hughes, a presentation skills trainer who marveled at the sheer terror that people faced when giving a speech in public. He noticed that when people actually thought about it and took some action, suddenly public speaking didn't appear as menacing. After all, no has ever really died of nervousness during a speech. (Well, nothing has been documented so far.)

Since 2007, the second Wednesday in October is your day to confront your fears and begin the journey to put them behind you.

Shelly Rachanow: And last, the 'If Women Ran the World Blog' question for everyone - What would you do if you ran the world?

Nina Lesowitz: If I ran the world, I would take money from each country’s war chest and create an International Council whose goal would be to completely eradicate child and animal abuse. Just as international government agencies work together to eliminate global health threats such as SARS, AIDS, and Avian Influenza, I would direct even more resources to call attention to – and fight against – any type of hurtful behavior toward children and animals.

Mahatma Ghandi said, "A nation's greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members," and if I ran the world, we would start by mandating the humane treatment of animals and children. The benefits would then “trickle up,” because societies would not be generating psychologically damaged people who grow up and create cults, start religious wars, or perpetrate “ethnic cleansing.”

For more information, contact nina@spinergygroup.com

Order The Courage Companion here: Amazon.com/CourageCompanion

Like The Courage Companion here: Facebook/CourageCompanion

The Herbal Kitchen: An Interview with Kami McBride

2010-10-05T14:27:00.000-07:00

Kami McBride is an herbalist and inspiring teacher who has helped thousands of people learn to use herbal medicine in their daily lives in ways that are healthy, safe and fun. She founded the Living Awareness Institute and serves as an instructor of herbal medicine at Solano Community College, Napa Valley Junior College and College of Marin. Her work is centered in sustainable wellness practices, creating self-reliance and revitalizing our relationship with the plant world.

Kami’s extensive knowledge of healing plants is infused into her specialty of herbal cooking for preventive health. She empowers people in understanding how to use herbs in the home setting for prevention and every day common ailments. For instance, did you know that adding ginger to a fish meal kills pathogens found specifically in fish and sprinkling fennel into your meat marinades helps you to more easily digest the fat in the meat. I didn’t, until I spoke to Kami and learned all about her new book, The Herbal Kitchen (which may even inspire me to cook).

The Herbal Kitchen helps readers recognize the extraordinary pharmacy that already exists in their own kitchen – one that will boost immunity, heal sickness, enhance energy, and ensure overall health and vitality, all without the need for fancy equipment or specialty products. In thirteen informative chapters, Kami gives us a detailed guide to the most common herbs, their medicinal benefits and the tips and tricks to using them for a healthier life. I was really excited to learn more about this from Kami.

Shelly Rachanow: Tell us more about The Herbal Kitchen.

Kami McBride: Did you know that stuffing your turkey with sage helps to keep away the colds that begin circulating around Thanksgiving? The Herbal Kitchen discusses many herbs and spices that you already have in your kitchen. I hope that this book encourages people to think of their spice rack as more than a source of flavor. It is also a medicine chest, full of healing remedies that can help you to keep your family well.

Shelly Rachanow: People may not realize that many culinary herbs are medicinal. What herbs do you work with that people are already familiar with?

Kami McBride: The Herbal Kitchen helps people become more intimate with their spice cabinet. Using medicinal herbs doesn’t have to be foreign and difficult or take a year of college to understand. We can begin with what we have on hand and already have a relationship with. Most of the herbs in The Herbal Kitchen are common household items; you don’t even have to buy anything.

Let’s take cinnamon for example; most everyone has cinnamon and has used it to liven up their oatmeal or pumpkin pie mix. Cinnamon is a highly medicinal herb with hundreds of health and kitchen medicine applications. It is a first-rate cold and flu prevention agent and remedy. Cinnamon offers relief from menstrual cramps, allergy symptoms, coughs, and much more. The same thing holds true for all the common spices: oregano, garlic, sage, cloves, and pepper all contain healing attributes that inspire good food and good health.

Shelly Rachanow: How can people use herbs in their food to help prevent seasonal illness? What are some of the physical ailments that you address with herbs prepared into foods?

Kami McBride: In The Herbal Kitchen there are more than 200 recipes for how to use herbs in your food more effectively. Consciously knowing that fennel helps you to digest fat and having the awareness that oregano fights colds and flu is the first step to knowing when to use them in your food. Herbal cooking can be very therapeutic. The wise spice-wielding cook can ward off colds and flu, stomach aches, headaches and allergies. Turmeric helps with arthritis, cumin helps with indigestion and sage helps with coughs. If you have that basic knowledge, then your cooking just naturally becomes a medicinal endeavor.

Shelly Rachanow: You write about medicinal foods being an important part of our ability to heal the environment and connect with the natural world. How can using herbs in our food impact healing and the environment?

Kami McBride: One of the best things about using herbs is that they help to reduce our reliance on over the counter medications. Many medications are not being effectively removed from our water supply and end up in the environment. Also, growing your own herbs can provide beneficial habitat for butterflies, bees and other pollinators.

Shelly Rachanow: It all seems so simple, why isn’t this knowledge just part of what we grow up with?

Kami McBride: We are dealing with several generations throwing out their grandmothers’ herbal remedies and falling in love with pharmaceutical solutions to common ailments. The drug companies have very powerful advertising campaigns that people fall for. I am not saying that we should never take over the counter drugs, but for many things there are natural solutions and I suggest trying those first.

I teach courses that train people how to use herbs in the home. For those families, herbs are becoming again just part of what we grow up with!

Shelly Rachanow: Will kids eat any of the foods or drinks in your book? In your experience, what recipes do kids like the most?

Kami McBride: My son loves herbs. He is six years old and drinks my teas, sprinkles herbs on his food at meal times and picks his own herbs for teas. So the answer is yes, your kids will use herbs, you have to provide the foundation for having lots of herbs as part of your kitchen culture. Kids especially love to have herbal sprinkle combinations at the table to choose from for putting on their food.

Shelly Rachanow: And last, the 'If Women Ran the World Blog' question for everyone - What would you do if you ran the world?

Kami McBride: I would stop the wars and spend the money on solutions that help people set up systems to live sustainably.

For more information, visit

http://www.facebook.com/LivingAwarenessInstitute

http://www.livingawareness.com/

The Joy Factor: An Interview with Dr. Susan Smith Jones

2010-09-28T15:26:00.000-07:00

For a woman with three of America’s most ordinary names, Dr. Susan Smith Jones has certainly made extraordinary contributions in the fields of holistic health, optimum nutrition, anti-aging and balanced, joyful living. For starters, she taught students, staff and faculty at UCLA how to be healthy and fit for 30 years! As a renowned motivational speaker, Susan travels internationally as a frequent radio/TV talk show guest and motivational speaker; she’s also the author of over 1,500 magazine articles and 25 books, including her new release, The Joy Factor: 10 Sacred Practices for Radiant Health, which is available this Friday, October 1.

In the Foreword to The Joy Factor, Dr. Wayne Dyer writes, “Regardless of your current state of physical or emotional disrepair, you can take this book, read carefully, and begin now to create vibrant health and bring serenity and sacred balance into your body and life.” I was very excited to ask Susan more about this!

Shelly Rachanow: I was inspired by how you celebrated the “human being” in your new book, The Joy Factor. Would you please share what you wrote about how special we all are? Everyone wrestles with low self-esteem from time to time.

Dr. Susan Smith Jones: Think about this Shelly? 80 billion humans have walked this planet since the beginning of time, and never has there been anyone exactly like you. If each of the 6 billion people living on our planet right now were to stream by you in single file, it would take 200 years to greet each one in turn. And by that time you would probably be off your rocker!

How miraculous is that? In 200 years you would never find two people exactly alike. You would never find two whose experiences had been the same or whose fingerprints were alike or who thought, believed, felt, or talked alike. To that let’s add another amazing fact. Of the approximately 50 to 100 million sperm that traveled an immense distance, and overcame tremendous obstacles, just one won the competition — probably the fiercest and most challenging of your life — and succeeded at fertilizing the one egg that lay in wait and together they joined to become you. You see. You are already a winner.

What’s more, you are composed of a body, mind, and spirit, and you already have everything you need to live up to your highest potential—to become master of your life. I think that calls for a celebration. “The place where you stand is holy ground.” (Exod. 3:5) Today, I want to encourage everyone reading this to focus on this miracle, this work of divinity that is you. The point is, we are all waves of divine and infinite energy and potential and today, spend some time thinking about that.

Shelly Rachanow: Do you think that we too obsessed with our bodies and how they look?

Dr. Susan Smith Jones: Yes and no. No, we must not let our health take a backseat to anything; we must be serious about taking loving care of our bodies and our lives. And yes, to answer your question about obsession -- it’s so easy to identify too much with the way our bodies look.

Just last week I saw a television program about plastic surgery, where they interviewed teenagers who were unhappy with their looks. They were getting all types of plastic surgery — breast implants, ribs removed to make their waists smaller, cheek and chin implants, fat sucked out, and lips puffed up. It was heartbreaking to see teenagers so determined to change their bodies to suit some cultural ideal and worse to think that their parents were supporting them in creating the “bodies of their dreams.” It was fairly obvious that the parents didn’t feel good about their own bodies and were passing that judging attitude on to their children.

Of course we are all encouraged to do this all the time. But just look at most magazine ads or television commercials. Either by innuendo or by outright declaration, they encourage us to change who we are in some fundamental way. Here’s the truth of the matter: You can spend millions of dollars changing your physical features, but that will do little good until you stop looking for love and acceptance from the outside in.

Shelly Rachanow: Talk about the connection between self-esteem and the body and how important positive self-image is to creating success in every area of our lives.

Dr. Susan Smith Jones: When you are not feeling good about you, you feel separated from others and God. When you see yourself as a failure, you create a self-fulfilling prophecy. You attract to yourself that which you believe you deserve. Your negative thoughts and attitudes about yourself, whether they originated within yourself or others, convince you of your inability to succeed. If you feel you don’t deserve success, don’t deserve prosperity, don’t deserve to enjoy life, don’t deserve happy relationships, joy, and peace, you settle for less than that to which you are entitled. When you feel unworthy, you cut yourself off from the fullness of life.

Shelly Rachanow: How detrimental is negative self-talk and self-judgment?

Dr. Susan Smith Jones: At any moment, we have the choice to judge ourselves or to be kind and loving. Whether we succeed or fail, enjoy our lives or struggle, depends largely on how we view ourselves. In fact, numerous studies have concluded that the view we have of ourselves is the key to taking control of our lives.

Loving ourselves — feeling good about ourselves is an inside job. When you begin to see yourself as divine, special, and unique, chances are you’ll be happy with the miraculous physical body that your Creator provided for you, and you will establish a salutary health and fitness program to keep your body temple in peak functioning order.

Shelly Rachanow: Is there an action step that someone can do today, something really simple Susan, to jumpstart his or her life and move out of a humdrum, “spin-cycle” life and back on the right track to a life of more joy, passion, success, and vitality?

Dr. Susan Smith Jones: There are countless things you can do: Perhaps start with something special today to honor your body temple. Some examples might be to . . . take a bubble bath; drink more water or eat more fresh, colorful fruits and veggies; splurge on new, luxurious bedding and sleep in them; go to a movie that makes you laugh because laughter is always the best medicine; get new PJ’s that feel good against your skin; carve out extra time for quality sleep; get a massage, facial, or manicure and pedicure; or any thing else that shows you are honoring and loving your beautiful body temple. Think about how miraculous your body is today.

Shelly Rachanow: Why did you write The Joy Factor?

Dr. Susan Smith Jones: In the routine of everyday life, it can be easy to feel stuck. We may cycle between fad diets but never reach our weight goals, shove our greatest hopes and dreams to the back of the closet, and ignore our nagging health concerns. Sometimes we just need a jumpstart and supportive advice from someone who cares and knows how to get us back on the right track—Yours Truly. In The Joy Factor, you will have in your fingertips all of my tools and time-tested advice to take your life from ordinary to extraordinary. I have put my decades of invaluable information and research into this reader-friendly book – part rule-book, part work-book, and part play-book.

Through the pages of The Joy Factor, I will become your own personal holistic lifestyle coach. You will soon begin to revel in simple pleasures, live more intuitively, learn how to let too much stress flow off your shoulders, and take every opportunity—large and small—to serve others and engage fully with the world. If you invite me into your life with each page of my book and the countless healthy living tips, I will gently guide you — step by step — on how to reinvent your life, become the CEO of your body and life, blossom into your highest potential, and create the life you desire and deserve – with 360-degree success and delicious joy.

Shelly Rachanow: And last, the 'If Women Ran the World Blog' question for everyone - What would you do if you ran the world?

Dr. Susan Smith Jones: If I ran the world, everyone would need to take time out daily to meditate, dance, sing, laugh, and tell someone how much you love them. I also would encourage people to get lots of sleep, breathe deeply, eat colorful, healthy foods, spend time in nature, and find ways to move (exercise) daily. As well, I would offer these words of Robert Fulghum in his book All I Ever Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, which would change the world for the better. He suggests the following: "Think of what a better world it would be if we all -- the whole world -- had milk and cookies about 3 o'clock every afternoon and then lay down with our blankets for a nap. Or if we had the basic policy in our nation and other nations to always put things back where we found them and cleaned up our messes. And it it still true, no matter how old you are, when you go out into the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together." Our planet would glow with love and vitality if we could all live this way. And it's this vision I hold close to my heart day and night.

For more information, or to order copies of The Joy Factor: 10 Sacred Practices for Radiant Health, please call toll-free: 1-800-423-7087 ET or visit http://www.susansmithjones.com/ and http://www.susansremedies.com/.

Dearn Law Group: An Interview with Alicia I. Dearn

2010-09-21T14:54:00.000-07:00

When I was practicing law years ago, I heard my fair share of negative things about lawyers. Yet, I’ve also had the privilege to meet many attorneys who are committed to serving their clients with integrity, respect, and trust. Alicia I. Dearn is one such attorney.

As the CEO and Managing Attorney of Dearn Law Group, P.C., Alicia represents businesses in general civil matters from advice to litigation, and both employees and employers in all aspects of employment law, with a focus on employers. Alicia acts as an outsourced “general counsel” for her clients and is part of their business team, helping them succeed within the framework of the law. Her litigation practice is sophisticated and full service, including trial, appeal, complex matters and class actions.

I really enjoyed talking to Alicia recently about her legal practice, her advice for women who want to start their own business, her thoughts on making a difference, and why she says that if she ran the world she "would make it a prerequisite to filing or appearing in a lawsuit that the litigant explain their position in detail to their grandmother."

Shelly Rachanow: As a former attorney, I can speak from first-hand experience about the negative opinion many people have of lawyers. How do you think we can change that as a profession, and how are you working to change that individually?

Alicia I. Dearn: There are many parts to why the legal profession has a negative reputation (which is a polite way of saying that most people think that lawyers are greedy, dishonest agitators). There is not just one answer on how to change this. But I personally feel that the most immediately effective way to improve perceptions is to ditch billing by the hour. The billable hour creates a natural conflict of interest between attorney and client (the attorney being incentivized to work inefficiently on the client's matter and charge more). No matter how diligent the lawyer, this is perceived by the client and creates distrust.

The client is frequently surprised by the bill, no matter how much you communicate with them. As a result, clients spend hours combing over the massive bill and wondering to themselves why their lawyer deserves to be paid $47.50 for an email. With this distraction, the lawyer cannot effectively communicate her value to the client and cannot help the client purchase appropriate preventative legal services. The result is that clients only hire lawyers because catastrophe has struck; and now they are stuck paying the extraordinary bill that results. The whole thing is negative and destructive.

I have eschewed traditional law firm business models to offer legal services on set monthly fees with defined deliverables. This allows me to be more interactive with the client, focus on problem solving and communicate my value in an authentic and natural way. The relationship with the client becomes centered around positive actions and collaboration. Money is only in the equation to the extent that the client has to budget for my services (and she can, since the price is stated up front).

Shelly Rachanow: Tell us more about Dearn Law Group, and why you decided to start your own practice.

Alicia I. Dearn: I started DLG out of necessity. I was partner-bound at a big firm but felt deeply unsettled at the prospect of staying long term. Even now, I cannot really put my finger on it; I think, perhaps, I'm more entrepreneurial than I am big-corporate and I felt stifled by that environment. After several years, this unsettled feeling dominated my psyche, but I did not know how to modify my career to resolve it. When my husband needed me to go with him to London to help him care for an ailing parent, quitting the big firm to support him felt like a no-brainer -- my love for my family is massively more important than a career I wasn't even satisfied in. As I'm an intellectually active person, I used that time to learn about business, marketing and technology. Several months later, I returned to San Diego and quickly obtained several offers at law firms. But the economy simultaneously crashed and my job offers were yanked. I'm plucky, so I thought to myself: "I still have a license. I don't need a firm to practice law." And so DLG was born using Craigslist and my laptop in my living room.

Shelly Rachanow: How is your legal practice different from most?

Alicia I. Dearn: Dearn Law Group, PC is different from other firms because we are focused 100% on leaving the client in a better position as a result of hiring us than they were in before they met us. The money is secondary; we're obsessed with helping people (particularly small businesses and entrepreneurs). As a result, we become a business partner and true counsellor to our clients. Drafting legal documents is almost an incidental service because of the amount of strategic advice and planning that goes into our work with our clients before pen ever touches paper. We never just spit out forms; if that is what our clients need, we'd rather send them to LegalZoom or Nolo and spend less. For that reason, we only work with clients that we really like, because they become an important part of us and our obsessive personalities. I worry about my clients in my sleep -- I don't take on that kind of stress for just anyone!

Shelly Rachanow: These days, more and more women are starting their own businesses. As a business owner, and an attorney specializing in business and employment law, what advice do you have for other women who want to start their own business?

Alicia I. Dearn: Be brave. Being an entrepreneur has huge highs and deep lows. It's also an exercise in almost irrational optimism. You must march forward bravely, holding onto that optimism in the face of all contrary evidence and ignoring your worries. You cannot let fear stay your hand because your talents are needed in the world -- now more than ever -- and it is taking fearless action that gets your talents out there. Success will follow this inspired action.

Shelly Rachanow: And last, the 'If Women Ran the World Blog' question for everyone - What would you do if you ran the world?

Alicia I. Dearn: I would make it a prerequisite to filing or appearing in a lawsuit that the litigant explain their position in detail to their grandmother. Too many people engage in ridiculous arguments for the sake of pride, greed, arrogance or short-sightedness. If you can explain your position to grandma without either blushing or being slapped upside the head, then there may be a bona fide dispute. Otherwise, stop fighting over petty stuff and work on a compromise, or let it go. Litigation should be the course taken only when there is literally no other choice. Typically, the only winners in litigation are the lawyers.

For more information, visit http://www.dearnlaw.com/.

The Power of Slow: An Interview with Christine Louise Hohlbaum

2010-09-14T12:53:00.000-07:00

Christine Louise Hohlbaum is an American author of several books, including Diary of a Mother and The Power of Slow: 101 Ways to Save Time in Our 24/7 World. A frequent media commentator (NPR, New York Times, PC World, Redbook, Woman’s Day and more) and lively presenter, Christine is a proven thought leader in the area of time consulting. She often conducts speeches, corporate seminars and Webinars for ExecSense.com.

Christine also works as a PR consultant for various international companies and lives near Munich, Germany with her husband and two children. Occasionally, she appears in TV shows and feature films, playing smaller roles to satisfy her inner thespian. Writing and acting are her passion. Her biggest dream is to change the world through words, which is a dream I share.

Christine has been a wonderful supporter of my books through the years, and I was so thrilled to chat with her about her wonderful book, The Power of Slow, and the time crunch so many of us feel today.

Shelly Rachanow: Tell us more about your book, The Power of Slow: 101 Ways to Save Time in Our 24/7 World.

Christine Louise Hohlbaum: The Power of Slow was borne out of my need to articulate what seems to be happening to our every day lives thanks to the technological revolution that is the Internet. Our relationship with time has dramatically changed as we can now perform things instantaneously that used to take days (such as ordering a book ~ have a Kindle? Download in seconds!). While we have raised the bar on productivity, we have left a lot of roadkill in our path, including our own personal sanity.

The Power of Slow serves to address our collective sense of urgency and offers solutions to work with the clock, not against it. After all, you cannot manage time, only the things you do within the time that you have.

Shelly Rachanow: On your web site, it says, “Christine Louise Hohlbaum is a recovering speedaholic who recognized the power of slow while one day eating ice cream with her then three-year-old daughter. Life is in the details. Don’t let it whiz by.” How did that moment transform your life?

Christine Louise Hohlbaum: It feels like just yesterday that I had that revelation! I was standing in front of a huge selection of ice cream with my daughter when I noticed how impatient I felt about her taking ‘so long’ to decide on a flavor. I mean it is one of the most precious moments in a child’s life when she gets to bask in the glory of 100 flavors! Yet I was pushing her along, as if I had somewhere incredibly important to go. Accustomed to the rush-rush of my former corporate lifestyle, I had yet to adjust to the pace of my children who were becoming more independent themselves as they explored their world on their own two feet. I realized that I could slow down to their pace and still have a happy life. It was a most liberating moment for me!

Shelly Rachanow: There’s another great point on your web site that I really agree with: “Everyone seems to be feeling the time crunch in today’s plugged-in, stressed-out world: businesspeople, moms and dads, even over-scheduled kids. Yet the desire to constantly do more—and do it faster—is actually eroding our productivity and quality of life.” Why do you think this is and, more importantly, what can we do about it?

Christine Louise Hohlbaum: First, let me just say I am not a technophobe. I thank the Internet, my cell phone and other devices for allowing me the flexibility and freedom to work and live as I do. At the same time, it has been scientifically proven that our pace of life has increased globally by 10% since the mid-90s. http://www.paceoflife.co.uk/. In some cases it has increased as much as 30% (Singapore). I attribute our faster pace to the technological advances that have placed us in a space of reactivity most of the time. It is harder to feel you are the master of your ship when you’re constantly being distracted by text messages, inbound IMs, phone calls and email.

The first step in addressing our collective time crunch is to slow down long enough to take a look at the Big Picture. We need to ask ourselves, “Why am I doing this?” Once we’ve answered that question, we can then probe deeper to ask ourselves, “What is most important to me?” Take a significant time of year, whether it’s the New Year, your birthday or anniversary to evaluate where you are in your life and where you’d like to go. The moment you identify your ultimate purpose is the beginning of your dropping those things that fill your time, but empty your spirit. When you follow the ‘less is more’ principle, you will begin to see the true power in slow. It is a most satisfying place to be because you dwell in time abundance versus time starvation.

In short, busy is a mindset. The Power of Slow requires that you shift your paradigm from one of lack to one of abundance.

Shelly Rachanow: These days, many of us, women especially, find ourselves multi-tasking a good portion of our day. How can we learn to be more mindful, especially when we are feeling so pressured or overwhelmed with everything that’s on our plate?

Christine Louise Hohlbaum: Great question! Multi-tasking for humans is a myth. Much like a lot of our behavior today, the term multi-tasking is informed by computer science and means to execute multiple tasks at one time. The human brain cannot focus on more than one thing at a time. In other words, it can task switch, but not multi-task. Nonetheless, women seem to have more neural pathways connecting the two brain spheres, making our ability to task switch more pronounced.

Having said that, I would say ‘Just because you can, doesn’t mean you have to!” Is it really necessary to respond to every request that comes your way? Learning to say ‘no’ is key here. Women are often taught to accommodate everyone else’s needs. When we place our oxygen mask on first, we can help others do the same.

Draw boundaries for yourself. Going back to question #4, look at the Big Picture of your life. Take the time to ask yourself what is meaningful to you? When you’ve identified one or two things, guard them with your life. So if salsa dancing keeps you sane, don’t even consider scheduling a Girl Scout meeting during your dance hour.

A simple mindfulness exercise you can begin immediately is the moment you wake up in the morning. Repeat a daily affirmation that reinforces what’s most important to you. Mine is “I embrace this day and all the possibilities it brings. And so it is.” As Marianne Williamson recently told me in an interview (Link: http://www.wowowow.com/life/shadow-effect-deepak-chopra-debbie-ford-marianne-williamson-audio-47514), how you start your day informs how the rest of it goes.

Another exercise I recommend is the time abundance exercise. If you feel you are going to be late to something, the natural response is to rush. Instead, take a deep breath, then exhale slowly. Tell yourself “I am going to arrive at the exact moment I need to.” You’d be amazed at how relaxed you are when you do arrive (safely, I might add!).

Shelly Rachanow: If there’s one thing you want people to take away from reading this to help them in their daily lives, what would it be?

Christine Louise Hohlbaum: I believe we all can embrace a positive relationship with time so we have more of it. We are all born into this construct called time and our lives are defined by two very finite time notations: the date of our birth and the date of our passing. What we do with the time in between is up to us.

You have a lot more time than you think. If you’re rolling your eyes at this point, think about it. How do you spend your 24-hours? Do you fill it with activities that truly serve you? What one thing could you do differently right now to get you one step closer to ‘yes’ in your life? Chances are it won’t take much of a change, but it will take something for you to see the possibilities for positive transformation.

Shelly Rachanow: And last, the 'If Women Ran the World Blog' question for everyone - What would you do if you ran the world?

Christine Louise Hohlbaum: On some level I believe we all run our own worlds. We are in charge of our attitudes, if not our circumstances. When we embrace our own personal power, we grant others permission to do the same. Imagine a world in which we all embraced 100% personal responsibility! It would change everything: We would no longer be stripping the Earth of its natural resources (see http://www.storyofstuff.com/) and we would give back to each other in a large pay-it-forward circle of generosity and care. The world would recognize the impact of its actions; people would truly see how important each and every one of us is; and we would all live our ultimate purpose in life: realizing all that we ever searched for has been within us all along.

To learn more, visit:

Web site ~ http://powerofslow.wordpress.com/ You can subscribe through feedburner at http://feeds2.feedburner.com/ThePowerOfSlow.

Email ~ christine@diaryofamother.com

Twitter ~ @powerofslow

Facebook ~ bit.ly/fanofslow

Youtube ~ http://www.youtube.com/diaryofamother

Boxes of Secrets: An Interview with Veronica Wright

2010-09-07T15:05:00.000-07:00

According to statistics found on the National Domestic Violence Hotline web site, 1 out of 3 women around the world has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused during her lifetime. That’s something author and speaker Veronica Wright personally knows about. Her debut novel, Boxes of Secrets: A gripping true account of overcoming sexual abuse in a 'perfect' Christian home, is a fearlessly raw and authentic account of the abuse she suffered as a child.

Today Veronica is a survivor, advocate and spokesperson for rape victims worldwide. She also works with and is the spokesperson for International Crisis Aid (ICA), which is based in Saint Louis, MO. ICA rescues girls ages 4-14 who are victims of sex trafficking, forced prostitution, rape or other sex crimes. Through this partnership, Veronica speaks at government agencies, conferences, universities and churches promoting the rescuing and safe havens for children – not only in this country but in many others as well.

I recently had a chance to talk to Veronica about this important issue and about her thoughts on how we can eradicate sexual abuse and sexual slavery from the planet for good.

Shelly Rachanow: Tell us more about Boxes of Secrets.

Veronica Wright: Boxes of Secrets: A gripping true account of overcoming sexual abuse in a “perfect” Christian home is a book written from my own personal experience. The book starts out with my husband and I in a complete financial crisis, which ultimately led to a marital crisis. After 23 years of marriage, we were on the verge of divorce. In a last ditch effort to save our marriage we decided to give marriage counseling a chance and found ourselves in a therapist’s office. In one of our first sessions together, our counselor had us describe each other’s childhood experiences. To my surprise, my husband was unable to disclose many details concerning my childhood. I discovered that after 23 years of marriage, I was a complete stranger to my husband. I hadn’t intentionally been silent concerning my abusive childhood, I was my family’s secret keeper and I took that belief into my adult life.

The book then chronicles my walking the reader through my forbidden and nightmarish history. With the guidance of a trusted therapist, I backtracked through the decades where I had methodically packed away my memories in carefully wrapped boxes in a special storage closet in my mind. I escort the reader into my therapist’s office where one by one, I open the boxes of memories whose contents are shocking even to the seasoned counselor. In the end, readers are on the edge of their seats as I dare to confront my abusive family members in an explosive confrontation that takes place in my therapist’s office. Ultimately, I show that it is possible to walk away from your abusive past and its harmful effects and into a life of freedom.

Shelly Rachanow: What gave you the courage to share your story?

Veronica Wright: I guess I found the courage from recognizing that I was not alone in my experience. I wanted to help other victims know that there is hope if you reach out for help. I also became very passionate about dispelling the belief system in the Christian community that you are to remain silent about your abuse and trust God with the outcome. What is so puzzling about that belief is, it’s not how God demonstrates handling family secrets. Soap operas have nothing on the Bible. The scriptures don’t have any objection with telling us what brother raped his sister, what father slept with his daughter-in-law and so on. It is all about exposing evil and dealing with it. I have come to believe that “silence is permission”. If victims don’t speak out about what happened to them and who the person responsible for it was, it empowers the perpetrator to hurt more victims. I call it the “Religious Code of Silence.” My editor was appalled while researching for my book to find that it is the first “tell all” in the Christian market.

Shelly Rachanow: On your website, you say that it is your “heartfelt belief that not only can a victim survive, but they can thrive beyond the pain of an abusive past.” What have you learned that can help other people who have also been abused?

Veronica Wright: Many outspoken well-known people are open about surviving a past of sexual abuse. In my observation, survivors tend to fall into two categories. One category is those who repeat the pattern of victimization into their adulthood, like marrying abusers or self-destructive behaviors like substance abuse. I think in those cases, subconsciously victims feel they don’t deserve better. Of course many feel the need to self medicate as a way of escaping the pain. However, there seems to be another group of survivors who go the exact opposite direction. They are the overachievers, the ones who thrive.

I have witnessed countless women who tell stories of unimaginable childhood horrors, but in their adult life, they have not let it stop them from doing what they were created to do. A notorious example of this is Oprah Winfrey. She is very public about having been molested by three different perpetrators in her childhood. Oprah has achieved more in her five decades on this planet than most could achieve in three lifetimes. But, she is not alone in this multiplication factor. Many former victims rise up from the ashes of abuse and use the tenacity that it took to survive such traumas into achieving great things. In other words, they refuse to let the perpetrator win. Although many victims seem to thrive instinctively, it is my heartfelt belief that this thriving quality is available through faith, education and counseling.

Shelly Rachanow: What are some things we can do to help eradicate sexual abuse and sexual slavery from the world?

Veronica Wright: Awareness!! The issue of sexual slavery and sex trafficking has been in the dark far too long. The FBI recently reported that 300,000 American girls are at risk of being trafficked every year in the US. That 300,000 number only represents the American girls who are at risk. It does not reflect girls who have been smuggled into our country for the expressed purpose of sexual exploitation and slavery. The number one demographic group that is trafficked is 11-14 year old girls.

We have eradicated slavery once in the history of this country; I truly believe we can do it again. History shows us that freedom was accomplished through the strong convictions of certain individuals who wouldn’t back down for human rights. We need tougher laws on the books for persons found guilty of selling other human beings. Sexual slavery is a multi-billion dollar industry. The laws have to ensure that it isn’t worth the time in prison if the pimp gets caught. Right now, a pimp can make thousands of dollars selling his sex slaves, many of whom are only 11-14 years old, and if caught and convicted, it is only a matter of time for him to be released to go back to his fortune. Why a person who sells a human being for the expressed purpose of sex ever sees the light of day again, is beyond me!

Shelly Rachanow: If there’s one thing you could say to someone who is currently experiencing abuse, what would it be?

Veronica Wright: Get help! Regrettably, this is easier said than done. When abuse is all you have ever known, it becomes a normal part of your life experience. Lines between love and hate quickly become blurred. I encourage anyone who is in some kind of abusive relationship to tell another trusted individual. More importantly, if you know of someone who is in an abusive relationship, reach out and offer them support. Often the abused feel as though they have nowhere to go so they remain in an unsafe relationship. They have usually been shamed into thinking that they are not of any value. You can make the difference in the life of another simply by offering them help and support in their time of need.

Shelly Rachanow: And last, the 'If Women Ran the World Blog' question for everyone - What would you do if you ran the world?

Veronica Wright: Hmm, that’s a great question and not an easy one for me to answer. I feel incredibly torn between something terribly profound and something completely ludicrous. I’m gonna have to go with my gut on this one, believe it or not, I would eliminate homework and “at home” school projects. I have four children who spend close to six hours a day, nine months of the year, in school. I would love them to be able to come home and just be kids for the rest of the day. I think there is as much to learn while playing with friends in the neighborhood and in various sports activities as there is in the classroom. I would insist on children being able to live much more balanced lives than what we are giving them. They will have plenty of time to stress when they are adults. I say let them remain children while they can.

Boxes of Secrets is available at Amazon.com and Kindle download, and at http://www.veronicakwright.com/.

Look for Veronica Wright on Facebook.

The Emotional Pro: An Interview with Ilene Dillon

2010-08-31T13:56:00.000-07:00

Ilene Dillon, M.S.W., is known as The Emotional Pro. Author of 19 books, workbooks and CD sets, including a teacher's manual on emotional literacy, Ilene holds two California professional psychotherapy licenses, with over 40 years of service. Through the years she has seen how many people "have learned to stuff, ignore, or avoid emotions, not realizing how great life is when they’re being used as intended!" That's why she has a personal mission to teach people, herself included, about love.

Ilene has been featured in publications such as The San Francisco Chronicle, Care Notes, Feel.com, Personal Excellence and Woman's Day. Ilene has practiced as a Coach the past 8 years (and works worldwide, through the Internet, with people in such places as South Africa, France, Germany, Mexico and all over the U.S.), and is credentialed as a Junior College instructor.

A quarter-century professional member of The National Speakers Association, Ilene's clients include California colleges and probations officers, Dallas Presbyterian Hospital, American Family Cruises, California Council for Self-Esteem, California Personnel and Guidance Association and Adelaide, Australia's C.O.P.E. Ilene was a guest on King World's Rolanda Show, and has presented to Beijing's China Rehabilitation Research Institute, the Relationship Coaching Institute's first-ever online Conscious Relationship Summit Conference, at women's conferences, for federal and state penitentiary inmates, and has appeared on radio and national television in the U.S. and Australia.

Since 2004, Ilene has been the creator/host of Full Power Living, Internet-based radio "awakening the world to the power and importance of human emotions," LIVE on Thursdays, 9 a.m. PT (http://www.emotionalpro.com/). She also hosts “Emotionally Speaking” and “Building Conscious Families” on the Women’s Information Network (http://www.thewinonline.com/), is an Expert at http://www.myexpertsolution.com/, and a registered therapist on http://www.eqlive.org/.

I recently had the chance to talk to Ilene as a guest on her show, Full Power Living, and I couldn’t wait to share her wisdom and expertise here.

Shelly Rachanow: Tell us more about your radio show, Full Power Living.

Ilene Dillon: Full Power Living (FPL) was begun in 2004, when I didn’t have a clue what I was getting myself into! I wanted to “awaken the world to the power and importance of human emotions.” I had been discovering how important emotions are, and how little we know about them, or how to work with them. Focusing on emotions allowed me to talk about everything, because emotions are part of everything! I discovered and embraced that FPL was really God’s “conspiracy” to keep me growing and expanding!

A hallmark of my hosting is that I actually read each person’s book and construct my own questions. Amazingly, I get to talk in-depth and one-on-one with the world’s cutting-edge thinkers, about what interests me! We have more than 300 archived shows, release over iTunes (“Ilene Dillon”) and book incredible guests 3-4 months in advance! I’ve had to expand my knowledge of “things computer/Internet,” allow myself to ask for what I want, trust my capabilities and my Sixth Sense, and enjoy the wonder that computers and technology afford us to connect, share, relate and open the world to feeling! I’ve made great new friends—listeners and guests worldwide. We visit when traveling. FPL welcomes sponsors who exercise full respect for our mission by supporting FPL “as is.”

Shelly Rachanow: Our emotions can both help and hinder our ability to experience “Full Power Living.” Why is that so and how can people learn to feel more empowered?

Ilene Dillon: Emotions are amazing! They’re tools that have been given to human beings to help us navigate life. Each one gives us a “signal” that tells us the best action to take; they’re available to us 24/7. We need our emotions in order to manifest and create our lives. Sadly, most humans have learned to stuff, ignore, or avoid emotions, not realizing how great life is when they’re being used as intended!

Full Power Living is all about being the fullest, true-to-ourselves, working-in-harmony-with-the-universe people we can possibly be. My show guests have taught me: The key is recognizing who we really are—amazing souls in bodies. Next, we need to listen to our inner voice, that voice that guides us to do what’s right for us, behave in loving ways, and use our talents, skills, emotions and learning. We need to dedicate ourselves and our lives to LOVE (love ourselves and others--we are all One). We need to trust ourselves, realizing we have an internal guidance system constantly leading us to good. We need to share our individual part of the “life puzzle,” stay connected with nature, value what is really important (Big Stuff, not small stuff), and enjoy ourselves, realizing it’s about the journey, not the outcome! Emotions are key to all of this. Learn the emotional signals, feel emotions, make friends with them, learn their lessons, and share them.

Shelly Rachanow: So often in our culture, we are taught to ignore or suppress our feelings about things, men especially. Why is it important to change this?

Ilene Dillon: Our earth is designed as a “giant school,” to which we all have come to learn and grow. Every experience is an opportunity to learn. Learning lessons frees us to grow and move to new lessons. Failing to learn lessons leads us to repeat them, ad nauseum, until we complete them; each repetition offers a harsher experience. Emotions are paired with our experiences to help us notice and learn! Positive and negative childhood experiences are paired with emotion, becoming our “homework assignments” for our lifetime.

As adults, when similar experiences occur, emotion(s) comes with them, drawing our attention through joy or pain. We need to listen, find the “lesson” and use the emotional “signal” to take new actions that heal us, allowing us to move smoothly through life. The reasons we’re taught to ignore/suppress emotions could fill a later book! What’s important is that we now fear, feel embarrassed by, and don’t understand emotions. It’s harder than ever to sweep them under the rug; and it doesn’t work. Men and women both ignore/suppress emotions, just in different areas. Men sit on hurt, tenderness, and love; women sit on anger, desire and the emotions of power.

We need to rethink emotions. They are merely energy in motion (e-motion), each shaped to signal us to appropriate-for-us action and serve as our “Human User’s Manual.” Not using our emotions is like burning the books in Alexandria’s library. We’re made to grow, love, change, evolve—and emotions are our 24/7 specially-designed tools!

Shelly Rachanow: Your personal mission is to teach people, including yourself, about love. What have you learned along the way and how can people use love to transform their lives?

Ilene Dillon: In the early 1990’s, I authored a manual for parents, for them to teach their children about love (re-released as The ABCs of Love: Building Emotional Foundations for Life). In my research, I learned “love, is love, is love,” meaning it doesn’t matter whether we’re loving ourselves or another—it’s all love. What does matter is that we choose love as our lifes’ guiding principle. This is an active decision that I made; it transformed my life!

Love is the “stuff” of the universe. Not the limited human love, but agape, unconditional love--loving without restriction or requiring change. Since what we focus on, we tend to become, when we focus on love, we build it inside. What we have inside of us is reflected back to us, drawing to us others who are focusing on love. Our lives become filled with love. No matter what happens, love is our primary awareness and experience. Many people complain of the rude, difficult and uncaring people encountered when traveling. For years, traveling has brought me the most loving, caring and helpful people—but only after I chose love as my life’s guiding principle.

Transform your own life by making a choice: From now on, whatever happens, love is the most important thing! Notice what happens with the way you treat yourself, react to others, take responsibility, care for the earth, treat your children or spouse, or the kinds of experiences you have. Transform your life by deciding to fill yourself with love!

Shelly Rachanow: What’s one thing each of us can do right now to feel more fulfilled in our daily lives?

Ilene Dillon: Gratitude is the Law of Increase. When you are grateful for the “crumbs,” the loaves will follow. Stop several times each day and notice, be grateful for and enjoy those things that enhance your life, including difficulties (which offer you opportunities to learn and grow)! Stay totally in the present (not easy!), a way of eliminating worry and fear. Recognize each experience as an opportunity to learn. All lessons are not going away (until you learn them and are finished with them). Learning is what we’re all here for.

Take as much responsibility as possible, for each of us is personally responsible for our lives (and responsibility is a building block of self-esteem). Responsibility is about freedom and choice—if I make everything I do my choice, I am responsible and I have the ability to make new choices to get different outcomes. Choose love as the guiding principle of your life, and remember that “loving others as I love myself” involves loving myself! When I am full of love, I send love out, without behaving manipulatively, or being stressed. I also draw love effortlessly from my world—human and natural. Listen to, work with, and learn from your emotions, and life becomes a wonderful event of supportive friends and experiences, crammed with fulfillment!

Shelly Rachanow: And last, the 'If Women Ran the World Blog' question for everyone - What would you do if you ran the world?

Ilene Dillon: If I ran the world, I’d make sure people knew from the beginning how things are set up (like a giant school). I’d help them to see who they truly are (an incredible and amazing soul). I’d encourage people to greet each new experience with the wild enthusiasm of a 4-year-old child, no matter what. Rather than change anything about the earth experience, I’d help people rejoice in blending their lives together, realizing they are helping each other to learn with every encounter, joyfully and lovingly. I’d make sure everyone knows that we are all “One”—with each other, animals, the universe and that “whatever is larger than I am” we call Allah, God, Yahweh, The Great Spirit, or The Great Whoever.

I would make sure people understood that emotions are our friends, with us 24/7, prodding, reminding, focusing attention, filling us up, helping us manifest and create, and standing ready as the tools they’re created to be. Like Al Capp’s Schmoos, emotions serve us, happily allowing themselves to be consumed and released into the atmosphere, so long as they can do their job of helping us live better lives! If I ran the world, we’d all be creating beauty—inner and outer—together, as we speak “Emotion,” the language of the universe!

To learn more, contact Ilene at:
http://www.emotionalpro.com/
ilene@emotionalpro.com
P. O. Box 21708, El Sobrante, CA 94820
Twitter: IleneDillon
Facebook: Ilene Dillon
Linked In: Ilene L. Dillon

The Green Devotional: An Interview with Karen Speerstra

2010-08-24T16:10:00.000-07:00

Our planet, our home, is in crisis. Author Karen Speerstra, who lives and writes on a mountain in central Vermont, is keenly aware of our planetary crisis. In her book, The Green Devotional, she gathered a collection of quotes, poems, essays, and prayers meant to inspire all of us to actively reverse the man-made cause of global warming, stem the tide of environmental destruction, and reconnect to the good earth.

As Karen says in the introduction, “For the voices within these pages call you not just to prayer, but to action. They form an eight-part polyphonic chorus in support of our green planet. They’re a ‘shout out,’ a call to ‘step up.’ Open this book anywhere, anytime, and hear what the voices are saying. Choose one of the devotional thoughts to think about – alone or with friends, meditate on it, and act upon it. For when we are devoted to something, we cannot help but fervently live it.”

Included are selections from such people as Rachel Carson, Cornel West, Bill McKibben, Alice Walker, Sue Monk Kidd, Dean Koontz, Barbara Kingsolver, Daniel Pinchbeck, Arundhati Roy, and many others. The Green Devotional ends with a section of “closing prayers” that prepare us not just to go to sleep but to rest up for another day of passionate action.

I was really excited to talk to Karen more about what we can do to help our planet, especially after watching everything that’s unfolded in the Gulf Coast in the last few months.

Shelly Rachanow: Where has your “green” interest come from?

Karen Speerstra: I’ve been around this great planet of ours for a while. In the 70’s, especially during a fuel shortage - people today wouldn’t believe the lines we were in waiting to fill our tanks - I began to think very seriously about this little spaceship earth and how we were overpopulating it, denigrating it, quite literally destroying it. We read Paul Erlich and were “into” zero population growth. I wrote articles about ecology. I made my own yoghurt. My husband and I deliberately decided to have only two children - just to replace ourselves. I’d have loved more. Being pregnant was the greatest time of my life. But we felt there are limits to everything. Jimmy Carter put solar panels in the White House; we turned down our thermostats. Then we drifted into the “me” decades and forgot about the “us.” Thank the goddess we’re now coming back to realizing more is not necessarily better and there is likely no better living through chemistry. I love a slogan on some T shirts here in Vermont: “I like butter better than margarine because I trust cows more than chemists.” I mention this with great trepidation because my daughter-in-law is a chemist. But a very savvy one.

Shelly Rachanow: What is your personal view of climate change?

Karen Speerstra: I believe there are natural cycles our earth goes through, but I also see evidence that our meddling and greed has created conditions that are hastening changes - changes we as humans are not equipped to deal with no matter how “in control” and smart we think we are. Earth will survive. Many of us may not. We see in the Gulf writ large what’s happening all around us. Our oceans have dead zones. Our coastal populations will be threatened. Even slight temperature risings cause ice to melt; oceans will rise. I believe bio-diversity is crucial to our planet’s (and our) well-being and when we pluck one tiny thread out of our immense life-tapestry (and believe me, we’re destroying species at a horrendous rate—it’s not just tiny threads) the whole tapestry frays. We’re acting like silly, self-centered adolescents rather than responsible adults. It’s time we grew up.

Shelly Rachanow: Why have you called this a collection of 350? And why “devotions” in the title?

Karen Speerstra: When I first talked with Conari Press about this book (and they approached me with the idea—“How about a book to ensure the well-being of your grandchildren.”) I wasn’t sure exactly what it would be. I knew I wanted to write some original essays in addition to gathering quotations. We have one grandchild, Josie, who is now three. I dedicated the book to her. I live in Vermont and have met Bill McKibben. I was and am close to the 350.org movement which is an attempt to remind us all of the dangers of rising carbon dioxide. It’s now perilously close to being irreversible no matter what we do. 350 parts per million of carbon dioxide in our air is a “planet-saving” number. I felt this book might further remind folks of that. The editors thought, even at the outset, they wanted 365 “prayers”—loosely defined. I doubt people read one a day, but I complied by adding 16 more at the end—one for the extra day in leap year.

“Devotions” was the publisher’s sales and marketing people’s idea. At first I felt it might be too “religiousy” but as I lived with the text, it grew on me. We do need to be “devoted” to saving our planet. And we do need to recognize that we need help from inner/higher/other sources. As I say in the Introduction, early prayer books were devotional aids called Books of Hours. They measured out the day in eight three-hour increments. The book has eight parts. Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Time, Space, and Essence (soul if you like) and a final section on those 16 closing prayers as early books of hours had.

Shelly Rachanow: You have a chapter in Green Devotions on hope. How can there be hope amid such despair over the inevitability of climate change and things like the oil spill in the Gulf?

Karen Speerstra: Good question, especially when the looping videos keep it ever-present in our minds. But that’s also good. Too many oil spills have been covered up and forgotten. We only usually see the edges of our oceans and they usually look pretty good. And we have very short attention spans.

Hope is a fragile bird-like thing as Emily Dickinson pointed out. Easily squashed. Easily killed. Hope is, as another writer, Gabriel Marcel, pointed out “a memory of the future.” We have to “remember together” now what tomorrow and next year might look like. It’s our creative visualizing that can make or break us. I’m hopeful that we can do that. Hope is not positive thinking or a Pollyannaish attitude. Hope, I believe, is like steel. It’s our core. It’s what gives us the energy and strength to “get up and do what has to be done” as Garrison Keillor says about Powdermilk Biscuits. We all have to get up and “do” now. We can’t leave it to the government, or even to the Bill McKibbens of the world. It’s up to me. And you.

I’m an ovarian cancer survivor (diagnosed n 2003) and one of the things I firmly believe about hope is what Dr. Jerome Groopaman says in The Anatomy of Hope. “Hope, unlike optimism, is rooted in unalloyed reality…Hope is the elevating feeling we experience when we see - in the mind’s eye - a path to a better future. Hope acknowledges the significant obstacles and deep pitfalls along that path. True hope has no room for delusion.”

Shelly Rachanow: What are some things people can do right now to make a positive impact on our environment?

Karen Speerstra: While it’s buying local, taking bags to grocery stores, driving less and changing light bulbs, I love what Bill McKibben says: "You’re going to fix global warming by changing lightbulbs? Try changing your politicians instead. Screw in a new Congressperson."

I believe we have to elect people who have the best interests of our planet at their core. We can as individuals, families, and neighborhoods do a lot, but regulations and enforceable consequences for the larger impacts are mandatory.

I was one of the co-authors on a book called Our Day to End Poverty and here’s what we said: “Here’s the good news. Just as the problems are interconnected, so too are the solutions. Solving one part of the problem can have a positive ripple effect.” Every little ripple helps. We know what to do - it’s now just a matter of will. Will we?

Shelly Rachanow: And last, the “If Women Ran the World Blog” question for everyone: What would you do if you ran the world?

Karen Speerstra: If I ran the world I’d need a lot of help – but the right kind of help. I’d listen more to children. They know the importance of play. Of smiling. Of wanting to be healthy. They know how to pick up and use whatever is at hand (the French call that bricolage) to make it into something. They also know they don’t need to stockpile things for a later time. That’s because they live in the present and not the future. Or the past. I’d encourage people to listen more to their hearts and not only their heads. I’d encourage people to listen more to the earth. Really listen. She’s vibrating. She reminds us we’re all energy. We can raise our energy - and hers - by loving or lower it by fearing. It’s our choice.

For more information, visit http://www.sophiaserve.com/.

The Opposite of Me: An Interview with Sarah Pekkanen

2010-08-17T10:21:00.000-07:00

Sarah Pekkanen's debut novel, The Opposite of Me, was a Redbook magazine pick and won 3.5 out of 4 stars from People. The Opposite of Me has been sold in countries including Holland, Germany, Spain, Australia, China, and Italy - where it hit the bestseller list. If this sounds glamorous, please consider the fact that Sarah writes part of her books at Chuck E. Cheese while her children scream for more tokens.

Her second book, Skipping a Beat, will be published in February 2011. Sarah's novels are published by Washington Square Press, a division of Simon & Schuster. She is a former journalist whose articles have appeared in publications including The Washingtonian, The Washington Post, People, The Reader's Digest, The New Republic, The Baltimore Sun, and others. Sarah lives in Chevy Chase with her husband, three young sons and rescue lab Bella.

I recently read The Opposite of Me and LOVED it! I particularly related to the main character and the pressure she put on herself to succeed. I was so thrilled to talk to Sarah about why we women tend to do this, the labels we're given in our families, and more!

Shelly Rachanow: Your book, The Opposite of Me, has received some amazing reviews and you have been compared to writers like Jennifer Weiner and Emily Griffin – that’s amazing company to be in. Tell us more about The Opposite of Me.

Sarah Pekkanen: Thanks so much - believe me, I'm thrilled to be in the company of writers like Jennifer and Emily, since I adore every word they've ever written. When my agent called to tell me that Jennifer Weiner's editor wanted to buy my book, I had tears in my eyes!

The Opposite of Me is the story of 29-year-old twin sisters who have nothing in common - or so they think. Lindsey is the driven overachiever, while Alex sort of floats through life on the strength of her looks. But life as they know it changes for both sisters, and they're forced to re-think their relationship and the assumptions they've always made about one another.

Shelly Rachanow: When we first meet Lindsey, she’s working very long hours in a stressful job – something so many women can relate to. She also has placed a ton of pressure on herself to succeed, which is something else so many women can relate to! Why do you think so many women do this to themselves, especially when they don’t seem to be happier in the process?

Sarah Pekkanen: What a great question! I'm not sure how much of the pressure is internal or external, but I know that I was raised to believe I could do anything I wanted, which is an exhilarating and also scary prospect. I think because women were held back for so long, our generation carries a lot of hopes and expectations. We feel as though we should be able to do it all - but no one can, at least not without going a little nuts. Magazines that trumpet celebrity moms squeezing back into their size 2 jeans just weeks after giving birth certainly don't help. I wish we could all get together and admit that we don't floss enough, that we put on a baseball cap to cover up our gray roots, and that we inhaled a pint of Ben & Jerry's over the sink for dinner -- instead of worrying we don't measure up.

Shelly Rachanow: One of the themes of your book is the labels we’re given in our families when we’re young (i.e. the smart one, the pretty one, etc) and how these labels can shape our lives in the future. What made you decide to explore this topic in The Opposite of Me? Did you have a label in your family and, if so, how did it impact who you are today?

Sarah Pekkanen: I took a lot of psychology classes in college, and I'm always interested in the experiences that help shape us as individuals. I think the notion of identity is so fascinating. Probably like most of your readers, I switch hats a dozen times during the course of the day: I'm a parent, wife, writer, sister, friend.... I play different roles depending on, say, if I'm meeting with my kid's teacher, talking on the phone with an editor I want to impress, or grabbing a drink with my girlfriend. In a way, we're all shape-shifters, aren't we? It's hard for me to pinpoint exactly how my idea for this aspect of the book formed; I wish I knew! But I loved the idea of creating twins, then making them as different as possible. I've always heard about twins who are so close that one of them feels pain if the other one gets injured miles away - but I wanted to twist around that phenomenon. What if my twins had nothing in common? What if they weren't close at all?

I also think it’s very common in families for children to get certain labels, either spoken or unspoken – like the “pretty sister,” the “smart one,” the “drama queen,” or the “peacemaker.” I’ve always been curious about how those labels are formed – are they really a true reflection of who we are inside? It’s interesting to me that we can go out into the world and re-invent ourselves as adults, yet when we go home to visit our families, they still see us through the lens of our childhood roles. And sometimes, despite our best efforts, we get dragged kicking and screaming back into those roles! So I took both of those notions and spun them around in my mind for a while before they turned into the premise of my novel. The intersection of those themes – sisterhood and identity - is the heart of my novel.

In my family growing up, I often played the role of peacekeeper. I don't really like conflict, which is interesting, because my biggest challenge as a writer is trying to infuse it into my manuscript!

Shelly Rachanow: Balancing work and family is one of the biggest challenges facing women today, especially when we have young children as I know you do. How do you think we as a society can be more supportive of women or make things easier for women in the future?

Sarah Pekkanen: In an ideal world, women would have access to fabulous, inexpensive child care, generous paid maternity leave, and flexible work schedules. In fact, some of these benefits already exist in other countries, like France and Canada. It's a shame that women in our country are booted out of the hospital so quickly after having children, and that many have to return to work after just a few weeks off. I wish fathers had these benefits, too. Hopefully as more women rise in the government and private sector, we'll be able to carve out more supportive surroundings for all women.

Shelly Rachanow: What can you tell us about your next book? What can readers look forward to?

Sarah Pekkanen: SKIPPING A BEAT will be published by Atria Books/Washington Square Press on Feb. 22, 2011. Skipping a Beat is similar in tone and genre to The Opposite of Me, but the story is totally new. It's about a woman named Julia Dunhill who discovers that her husband has turned into a completely different man after a sudden, shocking medical trauma - and now he wants to rewrite all of the rules of their marriage. Julia, who sees pieces of her life in scenes from the world's great operas, has three weeks to decide if she should stay with Michael or leave him. Like my debut, it's set in the D.C. area (my hometown!).

Shelly Rachanow: And last, the 'If Women Ran the World Blog' question for everyone - What would you do if you ran the world?

Sarah Pekkanen: I'd make it more like kindergarten. Everyone would get a nap at 2 p.m, followed by a cookie and glass of milk. Think of how much happier we'd all be! Especially if the cookies were chocolate-chip.

To contact Sarah, visit:

Web site: http://www.sarahpekkanen.com/
Email: sarah@sarahpekkanen.com
Twitter: @sarahpekkanen
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sarah-Pekkanen/215202723761?ref=mf

Let Go Now: An Interview with Karen Casey

2010-08-10T09:30:00.000-07:00

Our own, individual well being is a fragile thing when it is enmeshed in other people’s issues or dependent upon the approval of others. When we pour our efforts into trying to solve the problems of others, or into fixing their lives, rescuing them from crises, or controlling them, it not only drains us of the energy that would be better spent on our own growth and development but it becomes hard to tell where other people end and we begin. The same holds true when we invest too much of our self-image in the approval of another. For many of us, solving, fixing, rescuing, and controlling seem like caring acts that would be callous to discontinue. And approval-seeking becomes a crutch, too.

That’s why it’s such a plus when Karen Casey, the “founding mother” of recovery books, steps in to clarify, advise, and give us meditations to help us find a loving way to let go of ineffective attachments. Karen has written 20 books that have sold several million of copies worldwide, and in her new book, Let Go Now: Embracing Detachment, she counsels us to realize that we can show genuine love and concern only when we detach from the knee-jerk need to solve, fix, rescue, or control. When we let go of the drama, we can feel and share our true caring feelings that come from within.

In Let Go Now, Karen shows us how to find our own balance points, set boundaries, and make our lives our own. The meditations she provides are just the tools we need to help us let go of the illusion that we can control anyone or anything beyond ourselves, which is definitely something I’ve been working on in my own life. I was especially excited to talk to Karen about this topic.

Shelly Rachanow: What does detachment mean to you?

Karen Casey: My definition of detachment is having the freedom to not let the behavior, the opinions, the attitude or the mannerisms of others affect how I feel, how I behave, or how I perceive myself. In other words, it’s the “art” of allowing others to be who they are without re-”tooling” who we are.

Shelly Rachanow: How might you explain it to other people so they can implement it into their lives?

Karen Casey: The best way to explain it to others is through sharing my own experience with how “attachment” looked and felt. My life was very narrow and constricted. Every move I made and every thought I had was based on, ie., in reaction to, what I observed others doing. Watching the movements, and particularly the facial expressions of others gave me the “clues” I used to determine my own worthiness and I became very practiced at this from a very early age.

A passage I read in a book in 1971 clarified how I had been living for as long as I could remember. My enlightenment was ignited from reading a response one person made about the behavior of a third person: Why should I let him decide what kind of day I’m going to have? In that moment I knew that my entire life had been in response to others. By explaining what it was like for me, others can see how similar they might be living.

Shelly Rachanow: Is detachment a concept that fits for women more than men?

Karen Casey: I have thought about this a lot over the years and while I think women might be more sensitive to “their attachment,” than men, both sexes find themselves in relationships that aren’t respectful of boundaries, relationships that are defined by the actions coupled with the reactions of both parties. Detachment is really about freeing ourselves from our “codependency,” and it’s a skill that both men and women need to cultivate.

Shelly Rachanow: Compare and contrast for us Change Your Mind and Your Life Will Follow; It’s Up to You; and this new book.

Karen Casey: The differences in these three books are in form more than content. All three have at their core how to live more peacefully. In Change Your Mind, I settle on a dozen relatively simple principles that can quite adeptly be applied to one circumstance or another that presents itself in our life on a daily basis; and in the process, create far more peaceful interactions with all others who have been “selected” to travel with us, thus for every one there is a more gentle journey.

In It’s Up To You, the principles from Change Your Mind are fleshed out in a three month program of morning and evening readings that will keep the reader on track with making the changes that will insure a life that’s more peacefully lived.

Let Go Now: Embracing Detachment, is a modified meditation book. It has 200 essays that can be read and reread, describing detachment. It repeatedly “pictures” how it looks and how the refusal to do it makes those of us who hold on to others, feel. Learning to let go of the behavior of others on our journey, understanding that what they do is not defining us, no matter what we think; is hard but it can be done with fervent practice. The book’s simplicity allows the reader to feel hopeful about the possibility of real change and a life that feels stress-free.

Shelly Rachanow: And last, the “If Women Ran the World Blog” question for everyone: What would you do if you ran the world?

Karen Casey: If I ran the world, I’d be a constant proponent of initiating peaceful encounters with other nations and neighboring communities too. I do believe in the concept of “pay it forward,” and I also firmly believe that nothing can change in the world around us if each one of us isn’t willing to also change how we see the others who wander our way.

Peace Begins With Me is the title of a song but it’s so much more than a song. It is the one sure thing that every person could do that would result, in time, in changing the tenor of the entire planet. Mother Teresa assured us many years ago that the best we could do was to be kind to every one and start with the person standing closest to you.

If I ran the world, there would be no more hunger, I’d outlaw nuclear weapons and I’d see to it the we, the wealthiest nation in the world, provided the best and most accessible health care for every one, the best educational programs, and a tax structure that is honestly equitable; one that demands that the wealthiest truly pay their fair share.

If I ran the world I’d eliminate racism and classism, both of which are at the root of so many problems in this country and the world at large.

Karen is in demand as a keynote speaker at Hazelden Women’s Healing conferences and a sought-after speaker at many other recovery and spirituality conferences. She conducts Change Your Mind workshops based on her bestselling book, Change Your Mind and Your Life Will Follow. Visit her online at http://www.womens-spirituality.com/, and read her blog at http://www.karencasey.wordpress.com/.

R Star Ministries: An Interview with Rosalind Russell

2010-08-03T16:22:00.000-07:00

Rosalind Russell is “one passionate woman doing all she can” and the more I learn about her, the more I can say that is definitely the truth! Based in the Laguna Beach area of California for the last 31 years, she founded The R Star Ministries in 1991 with a focus on empowering women.

Rosalind began her international work in Nepal (the third poorest country in Southeast Asia) in 2003 with a program called, “Women helping Women and Children…Therefore the World." With this program, her foundation provides two pregnant goats to women, who agree and sign accordingly that they will pass on two goats within two years to another village. The women also offer training and support to the village they collectively choose and they are learning to work with women of different castes.

The women in these villages seldom have any way to earn funds and as they learn to earn and recognize that they did the earning, they are empowered. As Rosalind says, “Micro banking is teaching women to be bankers, and bankers run the world.”

Rosalind has also collaborated with others to create hospital care and dental care for thousands of people in the area. In 2005, she saw the need for a school for the 200 children there; construction began in 2006 and the school is now open. She has gathered funds for books, desks, paper and pens, teachers, and chalkboards, and the structure that was built includes toilets, a cooking area, and a much needed well. With the school’s programs, human trafficking is more preventable because, Rosalind notes, “education contributes to better thinking!” Her work in the area since 2003 has helped stop trafficking and infanticide and has given pause to those thinking of freely entering a terrorist training area.

I was so excited to talk to Rosalind recently and learn more about how she is making a difference around the world.

Shelly Rachanow: Tell us more about R STAR Ministries.

Rosalind Russell: We are a small grass roots organization and we have always been focused on empowering women by assisting where we can with health and education, encouraging women to apply for a grant or scholarship. Well before our ‘goat’ work in Nepal, we began a one-on-one prison ministry in California that is still ongoing 27 years later. We support many philanthropic groups within the local Laguna Beach area, as well as nationally and internationally. Belonging to Rotary International of Laguna, I am involved in a variety of projects and exposed to many countries’ needs and how to fulfill them.

Shelly Rachanow: How did you earn the nickname “The Goat Lady”?

Rosalind Russell: The moniker “The Goat Lady” came from the very first article written about my first trip in 2003. It stuck and has broadened from Goat Lady of Laguna Beach to Goat Lady of Nepal. I just laugh when I hear someone recognizing me but not recalling my actual name of Rosalind. I am pleased to be associated with my work, and with a name few would desire because it can relate to stubborn or old, which I am. Old that is, and tenacious I will add. It all works for me.

Shelly Rachanow: Why did you decide to focus your international efforts on Nepal?

Rosalind Russell: Can’t say I decided to focus on international efforts in Nepal exactly. I will say that is what transpired because of the ‘chance’ meeting with my now adopted Nepali son Rabin while in Kathmandu in February 1988 (his family actually adopted me, rather than the other way around as most people assume). We remained in contact, lightly at times due to our time constraints, life and actual stamp money. Once I integrated to using a computer and having email, we were in constant contact, and he always asked me when I would return.

After years of political turmoil there, I finally made it back in 2003. I tried to think of what I could bring as a gift to Rabin and his family and finally I came up with goats, as they are a favored animal on small farms on mountain sides. Soon, several friends also decided to give goats and the story increased when another friend told an editor of our local paper.

The simple plan has changed my life. In truth, I didn’t plan to gift the goats more than one trip. I thought I would gather the funds, meet with one of my favorite charities which I did here on the phone a few times; then meet with the head of the same organization in Kathmandu, which I did, and hand it over to them to disperse and manage the funds I had collected. However, I wanted to help women who were living in a remote and war torn area and the charity wasn’t able to reach as far as we wanted to.

So I’ve traveled there personally and Rabin does much of the fieldwork. Because of my meeting Rabin and returning to do a little something for his family, I am now doing amazing work to benefit women… and children… and of course men, too. I like being part of the solution toward uplifting women in the wee area I eagerly work in.

Shelly Rachanow: What are some things people can do right now in their daily lives to make our world a better place?

Rosalind Russell: They can align with one or more charities they resonate with by donating their money and/or volunteering their time. They can host a gathering in their own home for the purpose of exposing the work of those they support. Government can’t manage the world, or all of us for that matter, but individually we can give of ourselves to help make the world better in our lifetime.

Peace is one of the elements we introduced to our first school, which just opened for kindergarteners to third grade students. Despite living in wars for well over a dozen years, students will take what they learn home so peace can be a consideration from our school for families to adopt for their lives.

At our school, the girls are allowed to attend on scholarships (free expresses it well). Otherwise, the country would continue to have 49% illiteracy, 98% being females as females are not considered important. Villagers will not pay to educate a female, so another way to make a difference is by sponsoring a female child so she can have uniforms/pencils/paper.

Shelly Rachanow: On your website, you say “the R STAR MINISTRIES is dedicated in bridging the gaps that have left people, especially women and children, isolated and disempowered. Through simple acts of connecting resources with people who need them most, we are changing the world one heart at a time.” What’s the most important thing you’ve learned through your experiences that you want people to know?

Rosalind Russell: The quote from the web and blog is our mission statement. Everyone can do something, is what I have learned from my experience in Nepal. I am not an exceptional person, but I do and have done exceptional things because I am willing and eager to see what’s needed.

I have learned it takes a village to help me to do what I do. In other words, I do not work alone. I have a cadre of capable people who help me, from donors to board members, family and friends, bookkeepers and tax advisors, and counselors. I also have my own willingness to continue forward as the more I do, the more I see the way we will achieve peace in our world will be to lift women who are neglected into education and then actual jobs and food to support their lives.

My work empowers women to have a voice. I have also learned it is important to have the support of men as well, which I do.

Shelly Rachanow: And last, the 'If Women Ran the World Blog' question for everyone - What would you do if you ran the world?

Rosalind Russell: Education for all, but focusing on females since 2/3 of those who are illiterate are female. Also, education so women are in a more equal place to run the world as they desire. I would find ways for women’s education to be safely available.

Education would include learning women are valuable BECAUSE they are women, empowerment being the word, self love if you will. With such empowerment, women would then be able to take care of many injustices they face, like not being allowed to work; forced genital mutilation which does go on in modern, Western countries for those thinking this is a third world country phenomenon; infanticide; forced abortions because of carrying a female child; being terrorized by rape and kidnapping; being trafficked; or being killed or neglected.

By the way, peace would be the first subject taught within the education process for both genders…if I ran the world.

For more information, visit http://www.rstarministries.org/ and http://www.rstarfoundation.org/ or contact Rosalind at PO Box 4183, Laguna Beach, CA 92652 or 949 497-4911.

Affirmative Therapy Products: An Interview with Donna McCullough and Barbara Klein-Robuck

2010-07-27T13:44:00.000-07:00

Donna McCullough, PhD received her Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology in 1994 from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. She has a private practice in Laguna Hills, CA. Donna has a special interest in spirituality and psychology, and she incorporates mindfulness and meditation into her work with clients. She also worked at the UCSD Alzheimer's Disease Research Center as Senior Psychometrist.

Barbara Klein-Robuck, MS, RN is a Board Certified Holistic Nurse with an MS in Health Care Administration. At her San Juan Capistrano, CA home office, she empowers clients using a unique combination of healing energy modalities: Therapeutic Touch, Jin Shin Jyutsu and Integrative Imagery. She was named Holistic Nurse of the Year by the American Holistic Nurses Association. Barbara is also a case manager in private practice for workers' compensation and long term care insurance clients.

Recently, Donna and Barbara combined their expertise and co-founded Affirmative Therapy Products ©. As my parents still spend a good part of their day caring for my brother (who was born with a disability thirty-three years ago), I was excited to learn more.

Shelly Rachanow: Tell us more about Affirmative Therapy Products.

Donna McCullough and Barbara Klein-Robuck: Affirmative Therapy Products © or ATP are audio CDs with positive messages and inspirational music (specially composed by Mark Romero – http://www.markromeromusic.com/) that support and acknowledge you. The Affirmative Therapy for Caregivers CD is for family and facility caregivers. The positive messages on this CD affirm the importance of their nurturing role and help reduce feelings of depression, anxiety and fatigue sometimes experienced with care giving. Caregivers are reminded of the healing potential of their loving presence. The Affirmative Therapy for Memory and Cognitive Challenges CD affirms health and well being as well as the ability to get along with others. The positive messages on this CD help reduce agitation and increase receptivity to redirection. Both CDs have been referred to as "Respite in a CD."

Shelly Rachanow: What inspired you to develop them?

Donna McCullough and Barbara Klein-Robuck: A series of coincidences unfolded which inspired us to develop ATP. To begin with, Donna's step-father, Pat, had been struggling with Alzheimer's disease for a couple of years. As is typical of someone in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, Pat was experiencing low self-esteem and depression related to his cognitive decline. Donna mentioned Pat's diagnosis to a mutual friend who suggested that she talk to Barbara, who had some information that might be useful.

Barbara had just read about the work of Barbara Derrick, PhD in a newsletter from AHHA (American Holistic Health Association - http://www.ahha.org/). Dr. Derrick had arranged for Alzheimer's patients in a large residential care facility to listen to a positive affirmation CD to bolster their self-esteem and improve the quality of their lives. She used a similar CD for caregivers to support them in their role as caregiver.

Dr. Derrick's research showed that patients who listened to the CD were more cooperative and easier to re-direct than those who did not listen to the CD. Facility caregivers who listened to the CD daily for six months reported greater job satisfaction and their absenteeism dropped from 33% to 3%.

Shelly Rachanow: Being a caregiver for someone, be it professionally or as a friend or family member, can be an incredibly emotional and challenging experience. What’s the best way we can support loved ones who are facing a health issue, and also the people who care for them?

Donna McCullough and Barbara Klein-Robuck: One way to support a loved one who is struggling with a health challenge (or a caregiver to someone with a health challenge) is to be fully present with them with an open heart as they experience various emotions, thoughts, and reactions to their situation. It can be uncomfortable to talk with someone that you love about how they are suffering. Often times it seems better to distract a person from their negative feelings or to minimize these feelings.

However, this does not make the feelings disappear; it just pushes them out of their awareness. It then takes a lot of energy to keep the feelings suppressed, and this energy might be better used to help the person heal (either physically or emotionally). Instead, if you want to provide support to either a caregiver or a patient; start by taking a deep breath, relaxing your chest and opening your own heart. Then ask the person how they are feeling (both physically and emotionally) and listen in order to understand what they are experiencing.

The nature of feelings is for them to pass through a person and it is only by allowing the feelings to come to the surface that they can pass. As our caregiver CD states, "You are a loving presence in the life of this person. Your loving presence has a healing effect on them." By opening your heart and accepting them where they are, you are providing them with the space in which they may begin to heal.

Shelly Rachanow: The National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Aging estimates that anywhere from 2.4 million to 5.1 million Americans have Alzheimer’s Disease. Tell us more about how Affirmative Therapy Products can help memory and cognition.

Donna McCullough and Barbara Klein-Robuck: Both our Affirmative Therapy for Caregivers CD and our Affirmative Therapy for Memory and Cognitive Challenges CD provide the listener with respite from the worry, disappointment, sadness and fatigue of dealing with a health challenge. This can help to alleviate anxiety and depression, both of which contribute to difficulties with concentration and memory. So by helping a person to feel better about themselves and their situation, they might be able to function better cognitively.

In addition, the body is capable of healing itself in many ways. Providing the right kind of environment (i.e., low stress) can help the immune system, the autonomic system and other parts of the body to function better.

Shelly Rachanow: What kind of benefits have people experienced from your CDs?

Donna McCullough and Barbara Klein-Robuck: Dr. Barbara Derrick's research results show that patients with advanced forms of Alzheimer's dementia demonstrated improvements in their ability to cooperate with others, are less agitated, and are easier to redirect. We conducted a similar study at a local Board and Care facility. Although we did not have a no-treatment control group, our results replicate Dr. Derrick's findings. Caregivers in our study report that the residents were calmer and more cooperative.

In the early stages of his Alzheimer’s disease, Donna's step-father, Pat said that listening to the CD helped improve his self esteem and alleviated his depression. In later stages it helped reduce agitation, restlessness and helped him stay calmer.

The research shows that professional caregivers who listen to the CDs feel more satisfied with the work they are doing and they have a lower rate of absenteeism. Our family caregivers report that they feel more energized and less depressed after listening to the CDs. Clearly this approach is a cost-effective therapeutic tool!

Shelly Rachanow: And last, the 'If Women Ran the World Blog' question for everyone - What would you do if you ran the world?

Donna McCullough and Barbara Klein-Robuck: If we ran the world we would ask each person to consider why we are at war with each other instead of feeding each other? We would ask people to take an honest look and ask themselves why they hold resentments and judgments towards people in their lives, even friends and loved ones? We would educate people about why this happens, including an understanding that this kind of behavior stems from fear (See the book The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer for more information).

We would educate people further about opening their hearts and trusting the process of life. For more information about opening the heart, please see the article by Dr. McCullough called “Caring From the Heart” that was originally published on the Alzheimer’s Reading Room blog http://www.alzheimersreadingroom.com/. We would also ask people to consistently and consciously focus their awareness on the present moment and meet life as it is. We would ask them to open their hearts wide for all of the world. We would ask them to imagine what it would be like to walk into work (or come home from work) and hear, “Oh hi, it's so nice to see you! You are so special to me and I am really glad that you are in my life!” Just imagine how good that would feel.

Now, as Nike says, "Just Do It!”

To learn more about these wonderful products and to listen to a sample of the CDs, visit http://www.affirmativetherapyproducts.com/ or contact:

Barbara Klein-Robuck, MS, RN, 949-493-2534, barbarakr@aol.com, http://www.bkrwellness.com/

Donna McCullough, PhD, 949-246-7724, donnamccullough@cox.net

MommyBest: An Interview with Donna Scrima-Black

2010-07-20T13:20:00.000-07:00

Donna Scrima-Black is an author and a mom. Her first book, MommyBest: 13 Inspirational Lessons Derek & Dylan’s Mom (and maybe yours) Never Learned in School, was nominated as a finalist in ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards in 2009. MommyBest was truly a labor of love for Donna, taking over ten years to piece together, using any spare moments she could find while raising her boys and juggling part-time work freelance writing and helping families with Educational Advocacy issues.

Before having children, Donna was a successful Advertising Sales Representative for several years. Seeking to make the world a better place and longing for fulfillment in her daily work, she went back to school to earn a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. She taught fourth-grade for several years in the suburbs of New York, before starting her own family. Her greatest and most challenging endeavor is raising her “two boys, her two joys.”

Shelly Rachanow: I’m not a mom yet, but I definitely think being a mom is both the hardest and most important job on the planet. Tell us what inspired your book, MommyBest.

Donna Scrima-Black: The birth of MommyBest: 13 Inspirational Lessons Derek & Dylan’s Mom (and maybe yours) Never Learned in School is a tribute to my two boys, my two joys: Derek and Dylan. It’s also my way of shouting out to the world: “Hey, do you women out there feel the same as I do, blown away by the transformative journey you’ve taken into motherhood? What happens to the carefully laid-out life itinerary plans once we have children? Like me, do you need to connect with other moms about traveling into these unchartered waters, often losing your way? Do you need some Cliffs Notes and a way to share your thoughts about discovering which choices make the most sense for you to live the life you and your family so desire?”

Until a woman becomes a mom, there’s no way of truly understanding the intense and complex set of emotions that exist, the challenges we encounter in making difficult choices and ways to navigate through the social environment we moms encounter. There are so many lessons for moms today which, if shared early, can truly sustain them in raising their children as they grow into adulthood. Ultimately we discover a woman needs to be her personal best on her journey to becoming her MommyBest!

Shelly Rachanow: What do you think are the biggest challenges moms face today?

Donna Scrima-Black: There are many challenges that moms today face, some similar to those of our own mothers and some very different ones.

A major challenge that women continue to struggle with is staying “true” to who they are, regardless of the social norms that exist. For example, I’ve met many older women who shared they wished they had the career opportunities afforded women today because they weren’t fulfilled as “stay-at-home” moms. Yet, they never rebelled, often feeling trapped by what others would think if they challenged traditional norms.

In contrast, our generation has so many choices that it can be overwhelming! After graduating college during the 80’s, I was bombarded by numerous career opportunities. In stark contrast to my own mother’s wish to get married and raise children, I wanted to travel the world and, with a little luck, become famous at “something.” Most of all, I was determined to emerge as an independent woman, able to make her own decisions and pay her own bills. Hence, getting married and having children was not on my immediate to-do list.

Instead, I planned measurable career goals, often exhausting myself in order to achieve them and impress others. It took many experiences and lessons to connect with who I truly was and what MY dreams are – and then seek to live them! I ultimately discovered becoming independent means constantly evolving and making choices that reflect who I am – at any given moment of my life.

Some major challenges women today face center on finding a support network for the difficult choices we make. Families often live states away from each other, instead of in the same neighborhood – which now, in many cases, have been replaced by “developments.” Plus, women often don’t support each other regarding which winning recipe creates the coveted magical life: pursuing a career, full-time motherhood or combining the two? Adding more rift to the divide that already exists is the often spoken about fallacy of women “having it all” – as if such a state of being even exists – and why isn’t this expression a height which men aspire to reach?

I believe each of us has it all when we find a unique balance that works for today in fulfilling our individual dreams along with those of our families.

Shelly Rachanow: How do you want your book to help moms in their everyday lives?

Donna Scrima-Black: This book is designed for “Everyday” moms and aspiring moms who are the real “Superstars” in changing the lives of those they touch! Even Oprah says Motherhood is the “hardest job” she’s never done! I’m hoping that MommyBest puts a smile on women’s faces because they feel a connection, a sisterhood, if you will, knowing someone has “come out of the kitchen” with truths we all share.

MommyBest is a quick, spirited read providing a unique format of Lesson + Memoir + Reader Reflection Page. It was designed with the understanding that women have little time, so they can read the lessons in any order, whichever seems relevant at the time, and then use the Reader Reflection Page to jot down their own responses to one day use as a springboard, if they so choose, to create their own family story. The topics range from dealing with children growing-up so quickly, to parenting opposite children, to what it was like to be an identical twin (the book includes suggestions to help parents of multiples) to the importance of nurturing a child’s relationship with “Grandma.”

It is my intent for MommyBest to leave an imprint on the reader’s mind so that she will reflect/assess/adjust her choices and the consequences of each in helping to create a happy and balanced life; to encourage women to surround themselves with a network of people who will support the difficult decisions we make; to cherish being a mother and define what that means specific to our own lives; and possibly, the most significant, is to create a universal paradigm shift of our cultural view of women so our society, in its entirety, pays homage to all mothers for their daily contributions on behalf of their family’s well being.

Shelly Rachanow: I definitely agree a paradigm shift is needed! On your website, you make a really important point when you say, “Today, more than ever, women need to rally together. Unlike ‘older times’ when Mom's had relatives and neighborly friends close by, we are often isolated and bombarded by an overload of career and domestic choices to make and responsibilities to take on.” As someone who lives 3,000 miles from her family, I completely agree with this. What advice do you have for women and moms who are feeling isolated and overwhelmed?

Donna Scrima-Black: Moms and women in general who feel isolated and overwhelmed can find comfort in seeking a network of people who do support the triumphs and struggles women face. If there isn’t family close by, a mom can join a parent support group or “Mommy & Me” type of class. It’s important to note that some of the people we meet through these venues will be acquaintances for only the duration of the shared activity; others may remain friendly for many years; and a few relationships will amazingly develop into wonderful and lasting friendships. So, don’t discount anyone because all different levels of connections will help us grow in wondrous ways!

I share a lesson in my book about the importance of remaining connected to at least one friend who knew you as a child, then as a woman, before ever knowing you as a mother. This shared history provides a strong foundation for me! Sometimes, I go out with my childhood girlfriend who doesn’t have any of her own children. I get a break from talking about my mommy stuff, and my friend and I often act like our shoe size rather than our age.

E-mail communication and social networking sites like Facebook enable us to connect with peers from high school, create a stronger bond with some and get to know others we never befriended during those school days. For example, people from my high school are now connecting and sharing their successes as well as their hardships – and all different personalities who weren’t friendly back then – are now connecting, reminiscing and planning reunions. So, there are plenty of opportunities to reach out.

Shelly Rachanow: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned that you want to share with other moms?

Donna Scrima-Black: The biggest lesson I’ve learned as a mom is to trust my “Mother’s Instinct” regarding any and all decisions that have to do with my children. During my first pregnancy, I had to change obstetricians a few months before my delivery date because my doctor became affiliated with a different hospital. I never felt comfortable with the new obstetrician, yet my husband assured me he was well regarded and had impressive credentials. Hence, I ignored many of the uneasy feelings I had when I was around him.

During my delivery, complications ensued, and I developed a fever. Derek’s heart rate had to be monitored. The situation intensified when an emergency vacuum delivery was performed, and the doctor regrettably forgot to remove the fetal baby monitor clip, attached to Derek’s skull. The monitor clip had pierced his head and left quite a large hole, which the nurses immediately X-Rayed. Our son was placed in the Special Care Nursery for weeks before miraculously healing. Through my tears, I had to sign consent forms for tests to be done, including a Spinal Tap. As I wrote the word, Mother, for the very first time beside the phrase Relationship to Patient I prayed to never again second guess my Mother’s Instinct in guiding my son and I on our future journey through Life.

Shelly Rachanow: That’s a really great lesson…for all of us! And last, the 'If Women Ran the World Blog' question for everyone - What would you do if you ran the world?

Donna Scrima-Black: If I ran the world, I would ask every fortunate mom to help another mom in need. Since our first son had a “rough journey” into this world and miraculously healed, my husband and I agreed we would focus on the magical moments of parenting. In my quest to become my MommyBest, it’s my intention to donate a portion of the profits from MommyBest to charities/organizations devoted to empowering families less fortunate. In this way, I am doing what I ask all mothers to do: help other moms/families in need reach their full potential.

Thus far, I have worked with several schools to do fundraisers to help members in the local community! It’s my desire for all fortunate women – and men – and businesses to extend a helping hand to those in need. When I learn of famous people paying thousands of dollars to get their hair styled, I’m “blown” away because we have so many hungry people, especially little kids on the streets. Ultimately, I want to get on the Oprah and Bill O’Reilly Shows (from O to O) to help me spread the word and work with other moms to better the lives of children.

For more information:

Visit http://www.mommybestbook.com/ or the MommyBest Book page on Facebook

Email Donna at dscrima@mommybestbook.com.

MommyBest can be purchased at http://www.mommybestbook.com/, barnesandnoble.com, and Amazon.

Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows: An Interview with Melanie Joy, Ph.D

2010-07-13T11:47:00.000-07:00

Melanie Joy, Ph. D., is a psychologist, professor, and author who teaches psychology and sociology at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. She has also authored numerous articles on psychology, animal advocacy, and social justice, which have been published in academic and popular journals and magazines. She has been interviewed for magazines, books, and radio on her work, including the prestigious Le Scienze, the Italian edition of Scientific American and National Public Radio.

Melanie’s groundbreaking new book, Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows, explores the invisible system that shapes our perception of the meat we eat, so that we love some animals and eat others without knowing why. Unlike the many books that explain why we shouldn't eat meat, Joy's book explains why we do eat meat – and thus how we can make more informed choices as citizens and consumers. Melanie’s book has received some amazing reviews, including a feature on Ellen DeGeneres’ site earlier this year!

While I’m not currently a vegetarian, I’ve been doing a lot of reading lately about the connection between our diet and our health, after one of my best friends passed away from colon cancer in April. I was really excited to discuss this fascinating topic with Melanie.

Shelly Rachanow: When did you first become interested in exploring our relationship with animals?

Melanie Joy: Like many Americans, I grew up with a dog who I loved like a family member. And like most Americans, I grew up eating meat, often multiple times a day. I never thought how strange it was that I could pet my dog while I ate my hamburger without recognizing the profound inconsistencies in my attitudes and behaviors toward animals. I had that “knowing without knowing” – on one level, I was aware that whenever I sat down to a meal of meat an animal had to die for my plate. Yet on another level I preferred not to know, not to connect the dots. So I lived with an internal, largely unconscious, moral discomfort; there was a gap in my consciousness when it came to eating meat. It was my experience of becoming aware of this gap, and working to close it, that led me to explore our relationship with animals and, ultimately, to write my book.

Shelly Rachanow: What do you want people to understand about carnism?

Melanie Joy: Carnism is the invisible belief system that conditions us to eat (certain) animals. This system has a profound impact on our thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and values; it’s the invisible hand that guides us when we eat meat and other animal products. Essentially, carnism teaches how not to feel; it blocks our awareness and empathy toward the animals we eat by maintaining the gap in our consciousness. For instance, consider how you might feel if you were told that the lamb stew you’d just eaten was actually kitten stew. Even though lambs, like kittens, are babies, chances are you’d be disgusted at the idea of eating baby cats while you’re not disgusted at the idea of eating baby sheep—simply because you’ve been conditioned from the moment you were weaned not to think or feel when you’re served certain kinds of meat.

Carnism is the reason humane people can participate in inhumane practices without realizing what they’re doing. The whole system is set up to keep us from thinking for ourselves; when it comes to eating animals, most of us don’t even realize we’re making a choice, following the dictates of a deeply ingrained belief system. We’ve been taught that it’s only vegetarians who bring their beliefs to the dinner table. But when eating animals isn’t a necessity (as is the case in the majority of the world today), it is a choice—and choices always stem from beliefs.

I want people to become aware of carnism—how it’s structured, the mechanisms it uses to perpetuate itself—so that they can make their choices freely. Because without awareness, there is no free choice.

Shelly Rachanow: Why did you write this book?

Melanie Joy: I wrote my book because carnism hurts all of us: animals, humans, and the environment. Meat, egg, and dairy production cause extensive, intensive, and unnecessary animal suffering; consumption of animal products is a leading cause of disease and death in the western world; and animal agribusiness is the number one cause of global environmental degradation. And carnism will continue to thrive until enough people can step outside of the system to see through their own eyes, rather than through the eyes of carnism.

I wanted to write a book that would appeal to meat eaters, a book not simply about why people shouldn’t eat meat, but why they do eat meat. I wanted a book that would invite meat eaters into the conversation rather than preach at them. I wanted people to understand the specific psychological and social defense mechanisms carnism uses to maintain itself, so that they could be less vulnerable to these defenses and more likely to become conscientious objectors to the system.

I wrote my book because people need and deserve to know the truth—not just the truth about meat production, but the truth about carnism—so they can make choices that are in the best interest of themselves, animals, and the planet.

Shelly Rachanow: Do you think it’s unnatural for people to eat meat, even though we’ve done so for centuries?

Melanie Joy: It’s true that we’ve eaten meat for centuries, but it’s also true that never in the history of humankind have we eaten anywhere near the amount or type of animal products we consume today; there’s absolutely nothing natural about contemporary meat production and consumption. And there’s an ongoing debate about whether humans are natural herbivores or omnivores.

But I think we need to examine the true meaning of this question—which I’m very glad you asked. More often than not, the question of whether it’s natural to eat animals is actually a question of whether it’s justifiable to eat them. We’ve been taught that if eating animals is “natural” then we are justified in continuing to do so. We see eating animals as something we’re “meant” to do and can therefore give ourselves permission not to reflect on the ethics of our actions. In other words, we end up viewing meat eating as a given rather than a choice.

So we need to be careful to distinguish between natural and justifiable. Consider, for instance, how murder, rape, infanticide, and cannibalism are as longstanding and therefore as “natural” as eating animals, and yet we don’t invoke the history of these acts as a justification for them. I think a more productive way of looking at the issue of eating animals is not whether we’ve eaten them historically, but whether meat consumption is necessary. And for the vast majority of us (the exception being those without the economic means to make their food choices freely), we don’t eat meat because we need to; we eat meat because we choose to.

Shelly Rachanow: What is one thing you’d like readers to take away from your book?

Melanie Joy: My hope is that readers will become aware of facts that can change their lives and help change our world. I want readers to leave my book with an awareness of a truth that had been hidden from them. Much of the power carnism has over us is due to its invisibility; unveiling carnism empowers us to step outside the system, and stepping outside the system is like waking from a dream.

Shelly Rachanow: And last, the “If Women Ran the World Blog” question for everyone: What would you do if you ran the world?

Melanie Joy: Oh, wow. That’s a tough one! I honestly wouldn’t want to run the world, so it’s a bit difficult to imagine being in that situation. But if I somehow found myself in this position, I think the first thing I’d do is surround myself with people from diverse cultures and disciplines, with diverse viewpoints and experiences. These people would be committed to their own integrity and would espouse the qualities I believe are fundamental to the kind of world I’d be proud to say I’d had a hand in shaping—qualities that are, perhaps not surprisingly, the opposite of those carnism is based on. So together we’d work to shape a global paradigm based on empathy rather than apathy, compassion rather than complacency, awareness rather than ignorance, authenticity rather than dishonesty. I’d want to help create a world that encourages all human beings to become their highest selves, a world that doesn’t need anyone to run it.

To learn more about Melanie’s work, visit her at http://www.melaniejoy.org/.

Change the World, Change Your Life: An Interview with Angela Perkey

2010-07-06T12:44:00.000-07:00

18,000 children die of hunger every day. By 2030, there will be no glaciers left in Glacier National Park. 47 million Americans do not have health insurance. From job loss and foreclosures to global warming and poverty, it’s hard not to feel powerless in the face of such depressing news. Yet, many young people today are more eager than ever to get involved, to do something to improve the world. They crave meaningful lives that are worth remembering.

Angela Perkey is the founder of Students Serve, a national nonprofit that awards service grants to college students. Students Serve has been mentioned or featured in several publications, including the Chronicle of Higher Education and USA Today.

Angela’s book, Change the World, Change Your Life, which was published earlier this year by Conari Press, shows young people how to get involved and effectively address the problems they care most about, from their own backyard to the world stage. It provides a kind of blueprint for being of service and includes several pages of links to practical resources for starting a non-profit or other service agency.

I had the privilege of speaking with Angela recently about ways each of us can be of service in the world.

Shelly Rachanow: I know you believe, as I do, that each of us has the power to change the world. Why do you believe this is so?

Angela Perkey: Even the smallest things we do on a daily basis can impact the life of someone else. Smiling at a stranger and taking the time to talk with the grocery cashier can turn their days around. You never know what someone else has been going through, and this is just a small example. The effect that you can have on the lives of others through service and by giving financial contributions to solve world problems is vast.

Shelly Rachanow: What prompted you to found Students Serve?

Angela Perkey: As a college student several years ago, I became frustrated in classes because we were coming up with new and realistic plans for solving the problems that my classmates and I were learning about in textbooks. However, few of us could use our ideas to improve communities because we didn't have the basic funding that was necessary. In many cases we only needed a couple hundred dollars. Because few students could use their skills and ideas to improve the world due to lack of funding, I decided to launch Students Serve. The nonprofit provides grants that empower students across America to use their education to benefit communities.

Shelly Rachanow: Why did you decide to write Change the World, Change Your Life?

Angela Perkey: It was during my last year at the College of William and Mary. People from students to professors to senior citizens kept asking how to start a nonprofit and how they could make an impact, so that’s why I wrote the book.

Shelly Rachanow: What’s the best way to start making a difference to help solve a world problem?

Angela Perkey: None of us can ‘save the world’ by solving every problem out there, so because of this it’s really important to first take a step back and figure out the one or two issues that you’re most passionate about. Then you can identify how to plug in and contribute your skills and talents.

Shelly Rachanow: How can we improve upon traditional ways of serving our communities and providing funding to charities?

Angela Perkey: Instead of doing traditional volunteer work that might not use the unique abilities and skills that you have, think about what your natural gifts are. If you’re great at teaching young children, you can volunteer with a literacy group. If you know Spanish or another language, volunteer to help an ESL adult learn English. If accounting is your passion, help senior adults file their taxes. This multiplies the impact that your efforts can have.

Shelly Rachanow: For people who want to start giving back, what are some easy steps they can take to begin the process?

Angela Perkey: Reading the newspaper, watching the news, and staying up-to-date online are important so that you can know what our world’s most pressing problems are. Once you narrow all of these problems down to a couple that you’re passionate about, see if any local nonprofit organizations or churches are doing anything to make a difference in this area. Contact them and ask how you can contribute your skills.

Shelly Rachanow: And last, the "If Women Ran the World Blog" question for everyone: What would you do if you ran the world?

Angela Perkey: So many things! However, the first thing on my agenda would be to make sure that everyone is employed in a job that uses their skills in a productive way and also pays a wage that is fair - not too much or too little. This might seem surprising, but I believe that when people are able to contribute to society through their work, they value themselves, other people, and their communities. And with adequate compensation they can provide for their families and also give to others.

To learn more, visit Angela’s website, http://www.changetheworldchangeyourlife.com/.

Animal Kinship Ministry: An Interview with Rose Tingle

2010-06-29T11:28:00.000-07:00

According to the Humane Society of the United States, four million cats and dogs…about one every eight seconds…are put down in U.S. shelters each year. In addition, they estimate that six to eight million cats and dogs enter shelters each year. And that doesn’t even begin to describe the issues many animals in the wild face, and not just in regions experiencing some kind of crisis like the Gulf of Mexico, where so many species are currently suffering in the wake of the oil spill.

An animal lover her entire life, Rose Tingle recently decided there was something she could to help animals in her community. She started an Animal Kinship Ministry at the Center for Spiritual Living, Capistrano Valley (CSLCV), where she has been a member for many years. Her ministry educates people and helps support animals in her area.

In addition, the group has had fundraisers to support several animal rescues, including a horse rescue and a wildlife rescue. In April, they invited the Humane Society University to conduct their workshop on Compassion Fatigue for people in animal care and rescue at CSLCV. And in January, they assembled spiritual leaders from multiple faiths to conduct a group blessing for the animals at the Orange County Animal Shelter.

Shelly Rachanow: What gave you the idea to start an Animal Kinship Ministry?

Rose Tingle: I was inspired by a series of articles which appeared in the magazine published by Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, the largest animal sanctuary in the U.S. The series began with an article, “The Kindness Revival: Why don't churches preach compassion for animals?” I approached our minister, Dr. Heather Clark, and she was open to another opportunity to serving our congregation and the community, so I organized a team of volunteers and our Animal Kinship Ministry was created.

Shelly Rachanow: How can people do more to help animals in their community?

Rose Tingle: Spay and neuter their pets. Adopt their pets from shelters or animal rescues. Studies indicate the majority of pets are obtained from family or friends. People need to realize that when they allow their pet to breed, their offspring may eventually wind up in a shelter. Approximately 50% of dogs and 75% of cats that come into a shelter are euthanized. I would never take the chance.

Shelly Rachanow: What's the most important thing you want readers to know?

Rose Tingle: As Marc Bekoff, author of The Animal Manifesto states, “Some people ask, 'Why are you working for animals when there are so many people who need help?' ... Caring for animals doesn't mean caring less for humans. Compassion begets compassion. When we learn to be compassionate to all animals, that includes humanity.”

Shelly Rachanow: And last, the "If Women Ran the World Blog" question for everyone: What would you do if you ran the world?

Rose Tingle: End “factory farming.” Capitalism does not have to allow animal cruelty. And animals at shelters should not have to pay with their lives just because they are homeless. I think most people are compassionate, so it is just a matter of education, awareness and prayer. It does not matter whom you bestow compassion upon, animals or otherwise. We all benefit.

To be added to Rose’s email list so you can learn more about educational elements and issues that affect all animals, contact Rose at roselite@comline.com.

Dramatic Adventure Theatre: An Interview with Mary K. Redington

2010-06-22T12:46:00.000-07:00

Mary K. Redington co-founded Dramatic Adventure Theatre less than a year after graduating from Concord University in May 2006 with a Regents Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Arts where she studied Public Relations and Theatre. While participating in the theatre program at Concord, Mary was an active member and later an officer in her schools chapter of Alpha Psi Omega, a National Honors Theatre Fraternity.

She helped her chapter with many community service projects including programs to help raise money for local charities such as victims of domestic violence, aids victims, and sexual assault awareness, as well as programs designed to promote appreciation for the visual and fine arts divisions at her university.

Since DAT's start in 2006, Mary has played a key role in the day-to-day operations as well as holding the position of Production Manager while acting and traveling through Zimbabwe during the workshop process for the original work, "Voices from Zimbabwe" in the summer of 2007 and again for "Flight 360", the first Ecuador Project, in the summer of 2008. She is currently planning/ producing ACTion:Ecuador 2009 – the emerging artist project.

I first met Mary just before she was leaving for Zimbabwe in 2007, and I was immediately impressed with her fearlessness, her commitment to making a difference, and her willingness to help the people in this world who need it most: Our children who often don’t have the voice or the power to speak for themselves. Though I’m more than a decade older than she is, I want to be like Mary when I grow up.

Dramatic Adventure Theatre’s mission is to provide the opportunity for artists to perform around the world, to explore the unknown and the familiar, and to become intimately involved with distant communities in order to build a platform where ideas, talent, and original works can be shared.

Shelly Rachanow: Mary, tell us more about Dramatic Adventure Theatre.

Mary K. Redington: DAT is a theatre company that ACTS!! I co-founded the company in 2006 with my now husband, Jesse Baxter. Long story short, we wanted to figure out a way to make touring theatre less, "Here's our play, bye" and more fulfilling for the audience and actors alike. We realized the missing component was community service.

We strive to empower artists, to be true-story tellers by devising new work, and to engage, making real honest human connection.

Shelly Rachanow: You've done amazing work, both here in the US and overseas. What are some places you've visited?

Mary K. Redington: Our first project was in Zimbabwe, and since then we've worked on three different projects in Ecuador. My husband and I have independently scouted Colombia, and we traveled throughout the United States speaking to colleges and universities and holding auditions. We've also had independent scouts in Australia, Germany and Jordan/ Egypt.

Shelly Rachanow: What kind of impact do you want Dramatic Adventure Theatre to make?

Mary K. Redington: I want DAT to get people thinking outside the box. As a theatre artist, you're trained to reach for two goals, Broadway and Film. We are a part of a movement of people looking at theatre in a new way. The nature of working as an artist creates a narcissistic character: They're MY new headshots, MY updated resume, MY agent, My audition, and it has to be this way. It's the way you survive as an artist. We want artists to have an opportunity to break that cycle, to be able to perform acts of community service and teach their art all over the world.

Shelly Rachanow: What are some of the biggest lessons you've learned in your travels?

Mary K. Redington: "There's no reason to worry, unless there's a reason to worry." This is our mantra. I don't always listen, but I strive to. As a business owner, and Executive Director, I'm in control of a lot of stuff. One of the biggest things I've learned is that I can't control everything (again, that doesn't stop me from trying). I can't have everything my way. If I did everything myself, my way, under my control, I wouldn't have the time or space to grow into who I want to be. I have to take things one day at a time, tackle issues as they arrive, and listen to other advice and ideas in order to really enjoy myself in the moment, whether I'm home, or abroad.

Shelly Rachanow: What advice do you have for people who want to make a difference in their communities or around the world?

Mary K. Redington: Think about the work you want to do and ask yourself, "Is there someone else doing this in my area?" If the answer is yes, ask yourself how you can support their work. Don't start a new highway clean up club if there is another one in place, you'll end up cleaning the same stretch of highway twice. Work to support good systems that are already in place, you'll clean up twice as much highway!

Secondly, if you have a new idea, go for it. I can't tell you how many times people say to me, "How are you going to do THAT?" when I tell them about the newest project. I don't know, I never know, I just figure it out. Take your guts out for a spin!

Shelly Rachanow: And last, the 'If Women Ran the World Blog' question for everyone - What would you do if you ran the world?

Mary K. Redington: If I ran the world, I would develop an intricate system of passionate leaders. I would choose to focus on Art and Arts Education – it is more of a priority than our leaders make it. I would create a world where everyone worked on something they were passionate about. This is not to say our current structures would fall, we still need our trash picked up and the windows on skyscrapers washed, but I would design a structure in which people who weren't fulfilled by their job would have time to focus on a passion, too.

Running my start up, young company is hard work. It's like having a four year old, I need to care for it all of the time, but it's because of my passion for the results I am able to work through the night and really rally when I need to. If everyone was allowed this kind of joy and satisfaction from their work, it's my opinion that the world would be a better place.

To learn more about Dramatic Adventure Theater, visit:

http://www.dramaticadventure.com/
http://www.facebook.com/DramaticAdventure

Open to Inspiration! An interview with author Andrea Hylen.

2010-06-15T13:27:00.000-07:00

On her website, www.opentoinspiration.com, author Andrea Hylen says “I am a writer, speaker, minister of spiritual peacemaking, mother, daughter, friend and lover of life. I am here to learn and grow and share. I am here to observe, reflect, participate and wake up. I am here to wake up to the fullness of who I am.”

In the nearly four years that I have known her, she has proven time and again that she is all of those things and more. And as an author, she has made it her mission to help others wake up to the fullness of who they are, too.

In September 2008, the name “Open to Inspiration” came to Andrea in a dream. Those words eventually became the title for her book, which details her summer of self-discovery during a 10,000 mile road trip with her teenage daughter, Hannah, as they went to a series of Jonas Brother’s concerts. The trip began as Andrea’s wish to help Hannah heal after the death of Hannah’s father. It evolved into a trip that healed Andrea’s heart, too.

Late last year, Andrea sold her house and everything in it and moved to California with Hannah. They are currently living in Los Angeles…and they are open to inspiration.

Shelly Rachanow: You're involved in a very exciting writing contest right now! Tell us about it.

Andrea Hylen: James Twyman (an internationally renowned best-selling author, filmmaker and musician) and Robert Evans (from the Messenger Network) came up with an idea to help spiritual authors get their message and books out into the world. The contest is called “The Next Top Spiritual Author” and Hampton Roads Publishing will publish the winner’s book. They winner will also receive a $50,000 promotional package, including things like a website to promote his or her book.

There will also be a prize for three additional people: James Twyman will pitch their book to several other publishing companies, opening the door to other possibilities.

As I watch the unfolding of this journey, I personally think Hampton Roads will publish more than one book.

Over 3,200 authors entered the contest. In Round 1, the authors created a short video or audio pitch to tell people about their book idea. The concept in Round 1 was to test the authors’ ability to promote their book idea. 75% of the score was popular vote. 25% was a review of the author’s video/audio by one of the other authors in the contest.

Round 2 is going on now, and 271 of the 3,200 authors are in Round 2 of the contest. In this round, the authors posted a book proposal, the draft of a chapter from their book and the video/audio from Round 1. The scoring is 50% based on popular vote and 50% from a book committee selected by Hampton Roads Publishing that will score the book and the proposal.

The name of my book is, Open to Inspiration: The summer a woman discovered herself with a teenage daughter and the Jonas Brothers on a 10,000 mile road trip.

Voting for Round 2 ends on June 24. Here is the link to my voting site. http://www.NextTopAuthor.com/?aid=49

Only 50 authors will advance to Round 3.

Shelly Rachanow: That’s so exciting! What inspired your book idea?

Andrea Hylen: The story started with one concert. It was a FREE Jonas Brothers concert in Philadelphia, a two hour drive from our home in Maryland. It was also the 2nd anniversary of the death of my husband. My youngest daughter, Hannah, had requested an afternoon of pop/rock music instead of another sad ceremony to honor the death of her father. As I watched Hannah laugh and dance and connect with people again, I was immediately hooked on the Jonas Brothers.

Eight concerts and eight months later, Hannah asked if we could go to ten concerts during the summer of 2008. I was hesitant until I had an experience in the 8th concert during one of the songs. I discovered that the concerts I was going to, with the hope of helping my daughter heal her heart, were also healing mine. I was beginning to feel alive and in love with life again.

The book is the demonstration of an experience of opening to inspiration. What does it look like when you listen to your heart, step into action, trust and let go and enjoy the adventure? I share stories that happened along the way in my relationship with my daughter, myself and life.

Shelly Rachanow: What are some of the most important things you learned along the way?

Andrea Hylen: I remembered the essence of who I really am. I began a process of peeling away layers of the words I used to define who I am – mother, Girl Scout leader, teacher, Destination Imagination coach, homeowner, 51-year-old woman and more. They were only words I used to give myself value and definition. Without them, who am I? Experiencing who I am without all of the labels, listening to my inner voice, and watching my daughter discover her own uniqueness were the greatest gifts.

Shelly Rachanow: How are you using your experience to help others and make a difference?

Andrea Hylen: My deepest passion is to encourage people to live life and follow an inspiration within them. I do this by living open to inspiration and sharing my passion through speaking and writing about it.

I have created a series of monthly spiritual audios on topics like grieving, compassion, forgiveness, and acceptance. I have 4 e-books that will be available this year called An Evolutionary Woman’s Journey series.

I have a blog where I share an ongoing journey of opening to inspiration. My daughter and I sold our house and everything in it to move from Maryland to California in 2010. We have been living in hostels and hotels and sublet apartment space. I share the wide variety of emotions and experiences at http://www.andreahylen.blogspot.com/.

Shelly Rachanow: What's the most important thing you want to share with people to help them feel happier and more fulfilled?

Andrea Hylen: Feel everything. Embrace feelings and let go of the labels of bad and good. When the door is closed to feeling sadness or disappointment or conflict, the door is also closed to more joy, more fun, and more experiences in life. Become comfortable with being uncomfortable. Let go of figuring it all out before taking a step towards your passion.

Most of the sadness I feel now is when I don’t take a risk and follow the guidance of my heart or when I follow someone else’s path.

Imagine it is the last day of your life. Look back and think about how you have lived and what you have experienced. Are you happy with what you see? Did you take the time to look in the eyes of the people around you? Did you listen to your heart? Did you stop and look at roses, a bird flying, the land and nature around you? Did you listen to the words of a song?

It is the little moments that are the most meaningful. Wake up to what is right in front of you.

Shelly Rachanow: And last, the 'If Women Ran the World Blog' question for everyone - What would you do if you ran the world?

Andrea Hylen: I would add classes of inspiration to school curriculums. The classes would teach students to connect with their inner voice. There would be guidance and self-reflection to discover the true calling and purpose of their lives. No matter what job they had for work, they would always know their underlying gifts. Learning how to stay connected from the inside out will help in learning and living. Add 10 minutes onto the first class and spend time in silence connecting to their inner self.

So much time is spent trying to get someplace. It can sound so cliché to say enjoy the journey, but that is the truth. I would teach this to the children. Every day when my husband would go off to work, I would kiss him, look him in the eyes and say, “Enjoy the adventure.” Every day is an adventure in your life. I would like children to remember this throughout their lives.

To connect with Andrea, visit her:

Website is http://www.opentoinspiration.com/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/AHylen
Facebook: www.facebook.com/andrea.hylen
Email: opentoinspiration@gmail.com
Blog: http://www.andreahylen.blogspot.com/

To vote for Andrea’s book, visit http://www.NextTopAuthor.com/?aid=49.