We all have things that keep us from moving forward with our lives, and it takes strength and courage to move through these experiences. The challenges come in different forms, and arrive in our lives at different stages of our personal development.
"How do I find my place?" "How do I develop a support system of friends that accept and support me for who I am today?" "How do I balance work and family?" "How do I find time for myself?" "Am I strong enough to run 2 miles?" "Am I strong enough to face what is ahead of me?"
Avoiding our challenges is easy, keeping our heads down and continuing on our current paths. Yet, when we do, we keep from moving forward with our lives. We miss out on all of the wonderful things that happen to us on our journey toward our goals. It is often the experiences along the way are often more valuable than our intended endpoint.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Springing Into Ourselves
After a few weeks of needed respite, The Beautiful Women Project is back on-line.
Spring has arrived and it is one of the most wonderful times of the year. Like the flowers and trees, many of us are finding our energy again, growing and changing after a long winter's rest. Once again, it is time to open up our personal "suitcases" and peer inside. Sorting through our "stuff" is a wonderful exercise in self reflection and growth. Ask yourself, what are the things in my life that I want to continue to carry? These are elements of your being that support you, feel good to you, allow you to continue to grow and change. Then look at the things in your suitcase that are holding you down, don't make you feel good about yourself and your life, keep you from growing into the person you want to be in your lifetime. These things include thought patterns, habits, friends, jobs, and sometimes it may mean family members. It is hard to "unplug" from the comfortable, but what is comfortable may not be what is best for you as you create your life's picture. And that picture is a BEAUTIFUL image of yourSELF.
Enjoy the spring, it is a time of life and reflection on the past moving toward renewal for the future.
Spring has arrived and it is one of the most wonderful times of the year. Like the flowers and trees, many of us are finding our energy again, growing and changing after a long winter's rest. Once again, it is time to open up our personal "suitcases" and peer inside. Sorting through our "stuff" is a wonderful exercise in self reflection and growth. Ask yourself, what are the things in my life that I want to continue to carry? These are elements of your being that support you, feel good to you, allow you to continue to grow and change. Then look at the things in your suitcase that are holding you down, don't make you feel good about yourself and your life, keep you from growing into the person you want to be in your lifetime. These things include thought patterns, habits, friends, jobs, and sometimes it may mean family members. It is hard to "unplug" from the comfortable, but what is comfortable may not be what is best for you as you create your life's picture. And that picture is a BEAUTIFUL image of yourSELF.
Enjoy the spring, it is a time of life and reflection on the past moving toward renewal for the future.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Maya Angelou: The Sum of Her Life Experiences
The Beautiful Women Project received an email with excerpts of an interview of Maya Angelou on her 70th birthday. Interviewed by Oprah Winfrey, the two spoke candidly about many topics including body image and what she has learned throughout her lifetime. This interview is an excellent example of our belief that it is the sum of a woman's life experiences that makes her beautiful.
Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older, her response was simple and direct, "Exciting."
Regarding body changes, she said that there were many occurring everyday...like her breasts, "They seem to be in a race to see which will reach her waist...first."
Ms. Angelou went on to say:
"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life goes on, and it will be better tomorrow."
"I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights."
"I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a life."
"I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance."
"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back."
"I've learned that even when I have pains I don't have to be one."
"I've learned that everyday you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back."
"I've learned that I still have a lot to learn."
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people never forget how you made them feel."
Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older, her response was simple and direct, "Exciting."
Regarding body changes, she said that there were many occurring everyday...like her breasts, "They seem to be in a race to see which will reach her waist...first."
Ms. Angelou went on to say:
"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life goes on, and it will be better tomorrow."
"I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights."
"I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a life."
"I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance."
"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back."
"I've learned that even when I have pains I don't have to be one."
"I've learned that everyday you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back."
"I've learned that I still have a lot to learn."
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people never forget how you made them feel."
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Honoring Women's History Month
March is Women's History Month, a time to recognize the achievements of the women that have walked before us, to remember the obstacles that women overcame in order to achieve their goals, and to reflect upon those who sacrificed everything so our collective lives are richer today.
The Beautiful Women Project's message is simple, yet powerful: It is the sum of a woman's life experiences that makes her beautiful. It is how a woman meets her challenges and carries her experiences. As individuals, we are defined and shaped by our unique experiences. It is this personal history that makes us the women we are in our present moment.
As we reflect upon our shared history as women, it is important to take a moment and honor our personal history. A person's legacy is measured not by the great things they do, but the little things they do in great ways.
The Beautiful Women Project's message is simple, yet powerful: It is the sum of a woman's life experiences that makes her beautiful. It is how a woman meets her challenges and carries her experiences. As individuals, we are defined and shaped by our unique experiences. It is this personal history that makes us the women we are in our present moment.
As we reflect upon our shared history as women, it is important to take a moment and honor our personal history. A person's legacy is measured not by the great things they do, but the little things they do in great ways.
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