A Force for Good
Nov-Dec 2022
On Purpose Woman
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On Purpose Woman Magazine is published bi-monthly online. We reserve the right to edit or reject any material submitted. Neither the publishing team or the advertisers accept responsibility for errors. Publication and distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of information, products or services. The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement or listing for any reason. To reproduce articles, always credit On Purpose Woman Magazine with the link to the issue. Also, credit the author and leave their bio and contact info intact.
On Purpose Woman Publisher/Editor Ginny Robertson Creative Director Kathryn Yarborough Contributing Writers: Ama Chandra Laura Di Franco Andrea Hylen Yemaja Jubilee Marie Ek Lipanovska Anne Pamfilis Lilia Shoshanna Rae Tamara Robinson Shelly Roman Emily Shull Sofia Wren Cover Art By: Janny Taylor
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Inside On Purpose Woman...
6 Letter from the Publisher Ginny Robertson 12 How to Have Fun With Your Fear: A 5-Step Guide for World-Changers Laura Di Franco 22 It is the Hardest Thing Marie Ek Lipanovska 28 Do You Have an Inner Rebel? Unchain Her and See What Happens Lilia Shoshanna Rae 36 Nov-DecOPWGC Gatherings – Speakers & Topics 40 What Does It Take To Shift Your Perspective? Emily Shull 48 Living An Orgasmic Life Tamara Robinson 56 Real Women. Real Purpose. Talk Show Calendar 58 Found Things Sanahara Ama Chandra 62 Cover Artist Janny Taylor 72 On Purpose Woman Global Community Member Directory 81 Events and Resources 84 Sage Women Wisdom 86 Heal Yourself: Using Grace as Salve to the Wound Shelly Roman 90 On Purpose Woman Member Spotlight 92 Taboo Topic: Money Andrea Hylen 102 Lovingly, Gently & Graciously I Let Go Dr. Yemaja Jubilee 108 Reflections On Singlehood Anne Pamfilis 113 Black Women Owned Business Directory 118 How to use the Internet for Deeper Connection Sofia Wren
Thank You to Our Advertisers Andrea Hylen * Automation Nation * BANC * Bessie Estonactoc * Brave Healer Productions * Breakthrough Divorce Coaching * Coach Claudette * Coaching By Shelly * Columbia Center for Spiritual Living * DoraVilk * Earthsave Baltimore * Heart’s Voice Movement * Jacklyn Ryan * Julia Mattis Re/Max Advantage * KarmaFest * Last Wishes * Laurie Morin * Legal Shield *Lilia Shoshanna Rae * Mary Perry * Me Myself & Money * Mended Digital * Nourishing Journey * Olivia Jones Mary Kay * Rebel Magic * Sacred Ground Walk * Sahffi * Send Out Cards * Smarter Advantage LTC * Soul-utions Hypnosis * Storyweaving * Tamara Robinson * Temple in the Woods * Veronica Grey * Your Inspired Choices * Your Writing Mentor
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As we head into the multiple-holiday season here in the U.S., I wish all of our readers a season of abundance. This can also be a time of stress and significant multi-tasking. Remember to take care of yourself. Be conscious of what you say yes to, who you say yes to, and why. Take time to breathe, be and acknowledge your blessings. If you're looking for inspiration for this new season, On Purpose Woman Magazine always offers opportunities to discover ideas and resources for your mind, body, spirit, and business and be inspired by women living their lives On Purpose! Would you like to have fun with your fear, or do you have an inner rebel you'd like to unchain? Do you desire to connect more authentically online? Could you use some guidance in shifting your perspective? Do you love being single and wish more people understood that? Does your current relationship with money have deep roots? How does the idea of living a more orgasmic life sound? You'll find some answers, ideas, inspiration, and much more on these pages. Also, check out the heartfelt poetry and more art from our cover artist. Thank you to the talented writers who share their wisdom, life experiences, joy, and hope. Our advertisers are why you receive this for free. Please look on these pages for support or to enhance your personal or professional life. The ads are linked, so click on each one for more info. Have you considered attending a gathering of the On Purpose Woman Global Community, online or in person? Click here for meetings, speakers, and topics for November and December. Mark your calendar so you can catch everything. Remember – they're free! And, in January, our meetings will be about Creating Your 2023 Vision! Be Well, Love Big, Ooze Joy, Make a Difference, and LIVE ON PURPOSE!
Get involved with the On Purpose Woman Global Community Read and share this magazine. Write for us, advertise with us, or be our cover artist. Attend one of our 12 free online gatherings or in person in Charlottesville, VA. Join the On Purpose Woman Global Community and take advantage of the member benefits. Only $19/month or $195/year. Click here for more information. Be interviewed on our Real Women. Real Purpose. Talk Show live on Facebook and on our On Purpose Woman Global Community YouTube channel. Watch our interviews there too! Click Here to join the On Purpose Woman Global Community on Facebook.
Ginny
From the Publisher Ginny Robertson
How to Have Fun With Your Fear: A 5-Step Guide for World-Changers By Laura Di Franco
Your words and work change the world when you're brave enough to share them. Afraid those words aren't good enough? Or that someone has already shared them and, "who am I to. . . "? Your fear of not-good-enough is boring. Those fears are purpose-driven — and understanding how to have fun with them will change everything! It is possible to have fun with your fear. Whether we're talking about asking for a divorce, investing in my business before I could afford it, confronting a scam artist who took my money or accompanying my daughter to court to fight her abuser, I have been faced with fears that could have easily paralyzed me. I learned to pay attention to the feeling and to take aligned action when necessary. I've experienced a practice of awareness that allows me to discern between survival or primal fear, and purpose-driven fear. This discernment is a game-changer when it comes to living a full, juicy, joy-filled life. I've learned to recognize the feeling of purpose- driven fear in my body and then take aligned action (feeling the fear and doing it anyway). I got comfortable being in my discomfort zone — where everything great happens! Nowadays, feeling that feeling is more like a game. It makes me smile. Oh, there you are again, I think. And with a full, deep, pelvic bowl breath, I center and ground my energy, remember my mission and vision, and align with my deepest desires and dreams for my life. I take action without feeling the clarity, courage, or confidence first. I take action with the fear. I've gotten good at feeling the feeling — at giving myself permission to feel everything. And I'm developing ninja-level moves of awareness that help me have fun with those feelings, especially when I know they're linked to what I was born to do in the world. I've laid out a 5-step process—the bullet list of awareness steps, to help you create your practice. The way you incorporate them into your day and integrate the steps will be your own magic. 1. Get clear on the big-ass, slightly scary vision you have. 2. Practice getting still, so you can hone your intuition and listen to your inner wisdom. 3. Practice knowing what the sensations are and which ones are "good" and "bad." 4. Follow the joy. 5. Repeat. Your big vision is extremely important. I'm not talking about what you were taught you should be doing to make you happy. I'm talking about your deepest desires, dreams, and goals — what actually brings you joy. Spend some time with your journal and write about this. See what comes. Get still more often. In whatever form you enjoy doing this — meditation, breathwork, sound healing, walks in the woods — do it more often. The connection you have to your inner wisdom and intuition, that connection that helps you know which fears are primal and which are purpose-driven, will be enhanced and honed in when you get still and quiet the mind. Incorporate time to do this every day. Practice feeling fear. There are situations you experience that are a "Hell No," and there are some that are a "Hell Yes!" Your soul knows immediately. The "no" feels heavy. The "yes" feels freeing. Fear has the "yes" qualities and a bit of "excitement anxiety." Discerning the feelings and being a master at noticing what you feel is how you develop your ninja moves of awareness. These are the moves that allow you to take action with the feelings of fear. Always follow the joy. Figure out what the "yes" feeling is and keep after it. Prioritize doing things and being with people who help you feel that way. When something is aligned with your big vision, and you experience the unbridled enthusiasm, that's the biggest clue. Don't let anything get in the way of that. The most well-meaning critics are not allowed to have too much say in what brings you joy. Follow your heart and soul straight through the purpose-driven fears and do the things that light you up! Repeat the awareness practice every day. This is a lifelong practice, and you'll want to create a discipline of it. When how you show up in the world with love, joy, gratitude, and enthusiasm becomes your new habit, you will feel unstoppable — even on the tough days. Your practice is the refuge. It's the reminder. Bonus tip: This practice is doable alone, but we were never meant to do this journey alone. Find a community of like-minded, heart-centered badasses who will walk the walk with you, hold you accountable to your brilliance, and share your moments of celebration or pain. You'll find such a community on Facebook: Brave Badass Healers, a Community for World-Changers, is where I gather with a group of awesome people to practice, share, grow and evolve. It's a safe place to be yourself, find yourself, and practice moving through the fear. There's someone waiting for you to be brave, share your words, and work out loud with the world in a bigger way. This isn't about you anymore. It's time to move through the fear and change someone's life. Body text Body text Body text Body text Body text Body text
Laura Di Franco, CEO of Brave Healer Productions, specializes in publishing and business strategy for holistic health and wellness professionals. She has a 30-year background in holistic physical therapy, 14 years training in the martial arts, and has published over 40 Amazon bestselling books, including 9 of her own. She's a spoken-word poet, lover of dark chocolate, and has a contagious passion for helping you share brave words to build your business. BraveHealer.com You'll find the Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/YourHighVibeBusiness
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On Purpose Woman Magazine & The On Purpose Woman Community Stand With Our Friends and Colleagues Black Lives Matter For 21 years, the On Purpose Woman Community has welcomed and encouraged all women to join us in “connecting women around the world to their gifts, their purpose, and each other.” On Purpose Woman Magazine has always been committed to diversity within our pages. We embrace diversity. We will work harder to practice inclusion. We will use our platforms of privilege to do both.
Kathryn Yarborough, Global Facilitator On Purpose Woman Community Creative Director On Purpose Woman Magazine
Ginny Robertson, Founder On Purpose Woman Community Founder / Editor On Purpose Woman Magazine
It is the Hardest Thing by Marie Ek Lipanovska
Marie Ek Lipanovska is a Swedish author and illustrator. In her work you find the story of an inner and outer journey with God. www.marieeklipanovska.se www.instagram.com/sotnosen.se
It is the hardest thing that I have ever done. To let go of the woman I became. She who laughed too loud and danced too wild. At least that was what the men echoed back to me. She who was blamed and she who was shamed. For who she was, and how she gave herself to the world. It is the hardest thing that I have ever done. To let go of the only woman I have known. But what if there is another woman waiting for me? A woman of grace, of love and of dignity. Shaped before the eyes of God's light and infinite love. A woman of peace, of compassion and of gentleness. Can I walk and talk as Her? Embody the woman in God. A woman of passion, of courage and of prosperity. Bringing love and life and freedom to our world. It is the hardest thing that I have ever done. To let go of all the lies that shaped my womanhood.
Do You Have an Inner Rebel?
Unchain Her and See What Happens by Lilia Shoshanna Rae
Know Thyself is written on an ancient temple in Greece - wisdom handed down through the ages. I love learning about how I tick or why I don't. Give me a self-discovery tool, and I am delving deep. Astrology, the Enneagram, Meyers Briggs, Human Design – I love them all. My angels tell me that knowing myself is key to living a life of purpose and meaning. It helps me discover the unique gifts I was born to share. When we know ourselves, we love ourselves because we are awesome amazing creatures designed to do great things. However, we may encounter some surprises on that road to self-discovery. Last year I was working with a business coach to figure out why success as an entrepreneur is so much harder for me than success as a student or a former salaried professional. I mainly got straight A’s through high school and college. I worked successfully for over 30 years as a legislative lawyer. Entrepreneurship has been a different story. Midway through my law career, angels introduced themselves to me and suggested a different path – one they said was my soul's purpose. That meant leaving familiar work and a dependable income. It meant becoming this thing called a solopreneur. Very solo - except for my angel team, of course. It hasn't been easy. Other entrepreneurs may identify with how daunting it can feel switching from a corporate or salaried job and having to learn a new set of skills. Why do I need to learn to market, sell, or network when all I want to do is give a Reiki healing session or a message from the angels? So, I hired a coach. I have hired many coaches, but this one speaks my language and understands what I am trying to do. And she knows her business stuff and how to teach it – from websites to funnels and speaking gigs. One day I shared my recent struggle with doing a daily practice she recommended for building my business. She invited me to ask myself if there's a part of me with a different agenda who doesn't want me to have the success I say I want. So, I turned my attention inward and asked. Up popped this part of me that I saw smirking back. She said, Yep, it's me. I don't like being told what to do, and I certainly don't like sticking to daily practices, especially when they are advised by someone else. I sheepishly told my coach what I saw and heard. She said, "Ah, so you have an inner rebel. What if you befriended your inner rebel and asked her for help? You and your inner rebel have no reason to do anything if you are not all in for it. See if she is willing to work with you." The next day, instead of doing the recommended daily practice, I turned inward and invited my inner rebel to help me plan my day. I have an article to write. Are you willing to help? She said yes. It was one of the most fun writing experiences I've had. The words spilled out onto my laptop screen. I was able to hit send in minutes instead of hours. Now when I feel stuck or sluggish, I check in with her. I sometimes forget, but things go much more smoothly when I remember. Do you have an inner rebel, a part of you that seems to balk or stall or even sabotage? Try having a conversation with her. See if she is willing to play on your team. You might be surprised by the creativity you unleash together. Knowing ourselves includes knowing the parts of us trying to protect or prevent us from making mistakes. When we befriend these parts of us, we can feel whole and complete. Self-discovery requires us to dig deep and face some hard truths about ourselves. It can also be playful and allow us to tap into our unique creativity. Explore for yourself. Get to know your true self and all your beautiful pieces and parts. Have fun with the exploration and see what happens. I would love to know. Body text Body text Body text Body text Body text Body text
We are awesome amazing creatures designed to do great things.
Lilia Shoshanna Rae is a "Live your Brilliance" Mentor who helps lightworkers, spiritual healers, and changemakers share their unique gifts as brilliant beacons of light. www.LiliaShoshannaRae.com
Have you ever had a sudden shift in how you think about something? It's like playing a word puzzle. With one letter missing, you can't make sense of the word. You struggle, and the frustration builds because you know there's a logical answer, but you can't see it. Then suddenly, you do. Oh my gosh! Of course! you say to yourself. It seems so obvious now. You wonder how you didn't see it just a moment before. I am fascinated by these sudden shifts. To the eye, nothing has changed from one moment to the next, yet – BOOM - the energy transforms. I've experienced one recently that got me thinking about how they occur. Last summer, my partner and I significantly changed our household. We began preparing, cooking, and eating whole, plant-based (WFPB) meals at home. Don't worry – I'm not out to recruit or judge you. Feel free to nibble on beef jerky as you read this if that's your thing. I have tried – and failed – to eat healthier foods my entire life, including two previous attempts at a WFPB diet. So I was first skeptical, then dumbfounded by how effortless it was this time. I was shocked by the complete lack of tension and resistance I had to this new way of eating. Something had shifted. So what happened? Why was this time different? I realized that the elements that led to this shift are the same ones that led to a shift in my relationship with money. And the same ones I see in my clients. It's a shift in perspective, and to experience it, the following three elements are necessary: Awareness that gets to the underlying issue. Whenever we want to change but cannot, our subconscious is usually why. It's trying to keep us safe from emotional pain like rejection, abandonment, or shame. To unlock this emotional pain, you first need to feel it. It's not enough to know intellectually that a childhood event connects to a behavior you want to change. To get the underlying issue, you must feel it in your body. For example, I froze the first time I tried to market my services. I felt incredible resistance to informing my network of my free webinar. After tuning into what I was feeling and going down a few wrong turns, I finally got to the heart of it. I heard myself saying, I don't want to bother them. I felt my chest tighten, and a wave of sadness engulfed me. That's how I felt as a child. A bother to my parents. Not interesting or important or talented enough to warrant their full attention. So I kept small and quiet and to myself. First as a child, then as a young adult, and ultimately as a businesswoman. But now that I was aware, I finally had the power to change this dynamic as long as I took the next step. Healing the underlying issue. Healing can take many forms: journaling, being in healthy relationships, counseling, art therapy, and hypnosis. My healing journey has included all of these. No – it does include all of these. It's an ongoing process. And healing is a process that we can't do alone. We need others to help us see what we cannot. And its within relationships where we practice using our voice and hone the borders of our emerging boundaries. We are all facilitators and recipients of healing. I've experienced cathartic moments during networking meetings and even while watching a Facebook Live. Once we are aware of what needs healing, it can happen in surprising places. Allowing the healing to happen in its own time. As much as we want to feel the shift, release, and calm that follows healing, we can't force it. We can surround ourselves with resources and put ourselves in situations where it's more likely to occur, for example, by meeting with a therapist, joining a program, or sitting down with a journal. But there is no guarantee that anything will shift during that time. We need to be patient with ourselves and with the process. The energetic shift and calm that follows are well worth the wait. Body text Body text Body text Body text Body text Body text Body text
What Does It Take To Shift Your Perspective? by Emily Shull
Emily Shull is a Certified Money Coach (CMC)® and Founder of Me Myself and Money. Sign up for our newsletter to receive weekly-ish tips, musings, and resources to help you improve your relationship with money. (860) 468-5257 www.memyselfandmoney.com
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Living An Orgasmic Life by Tamara Robinson
What is it? What is that thing that lights you up from within and excites you like nothing else? Is it pleasurable, exciting, or even orgasmic? Orgasmic: ● relating to orgasm ● exciting, pleasurable, enjoyable ● intense or unrestrained excitement I invite you to grab your journal and answer these questions: Am I living the life of my dreams/desires? Am I living a life that amazes & excites me? Am I living an orgasmic life? If you are - wonderful! I love it!! Please share your orgasmic life experiences and be an inspiration to others. If your life is not orgasmic, why not? What's stopping you from having the life you desire? Is it possible that you've forgotten how to dream, visualize and give in to those desires? What limiting beliefs, behaviors, or habits are standing in your way? What does it mean to live an orgasmic life? An orgasmic life is designed, ruled, and lived from your pleasure and inner desires. Your inner desires provide a sneak peek into who you are with no filters and no walls. You can experience an orgasmic life when you're powerfully connected to a source greater than yourself and live full-out every day. The person who lives full-out takes nothing for granted and understands that she's here to create and live as many experiences as possible. An orgasmic life is sensual. It's filled with sights, sounds, fragrances, delicious flavors, and sensitivity to touch. An orgasmic life is a full-body experience, much like a roller coaster ride. Where are you on that roller coaster track? Are you climbing your way to the top? Are you standing at the apex, observing how far you've come in anticipation of the results from your next steps? Are you riding the waves with your hands in the air, enjoying a pleasurable life of twists, turns, and excitement? Or are you sitting at the starting gate watching others go by? An orgasmic life is available to everyone, and every day can and should be lived like a luxury getaway - a life of more than enough. How can you live a more orgasmic life? One way is to connect with someone who's already living the kind of life you desire and learn from them. Allow their energy to spill into your life as they share the secrets to creating the life of their dreams. When you're living a more orgasmic life, you can share all that juiciness with others through your written and spoken words and by touching lives close-up or from a distance. Living an orgasmic life means your life has purpose and meaning. You can leave that legacy. Imagine how the world would look and feel if EVERYONE lived the orgasmic life of their wildest dreams every day. What can you do today to create or enhance your orgasmic life? Body text Body text Body text Body text Body text
Tamara Robinson Sex, Intimacy & Body Confidence Coach. I help people over 40 feel more confident in the bedroom so they can have better sex & more intimacy. I can also guide you to living a more orgasmic life. https://linktr.ee/passionpleasurecoach
Found Things by Sanahara Ama Chandra I know peace because I know love. Love is all. All is love. Grace is a superpower. Mercy is medicine. Forgiveness is healing. Clarity is boundaries Acceptance is growth. Challenges are lessons. Thoughts/perspectives are realities Curiosity is flow. Wonder is magic. Stewardship requires discipline. Self-awareness. Self-mastery. Sovereignty.
Sanahara Ama Chandra is an Energetic Wellness practitioner and Holistic Nurse Care Manager. She is a trauma informed thought leader, world servant, and mama of two based in Baltimore, MD. www.Sanaharaenergetics.com
I am an artist, author, and life coach who was infamously deemed a "kooky kind of genius" by O, The Oprah Magazine. Back in 2020, at the beginning of the pandemic, when we were more or less on lockdown, I couldn't get to my studio. I set up a small, make-shift work area in my house. Just a table, a chair, some scissors, glue, and magazines with the objective of creating a daily art practice. I knew I needed to keep my hands and mind busy and fully engaged; I realized that I had to give purpose to each day, one day at a time, lest I lose my mind. Seriously. Truly. So, I set my intention to create a collage a day, no matter what. Beyond the obvious therapeutic component of keeping busy, I wondered what might happen if I stayed with it.How long might this pandemic last? How many pieces might I create? What would the work evolve into? Surely it wouldn't be the same from start to finish. I stayed with it for a solid year and created over 370 collages. I posted on my Instagram account, where a sizable audience grew. Quite unexpectedly, people wrote me and said that they looked forward to my daily posts and that it was great entertainment and a comfort to them. I hadn't factored that into the equation. Hearing from people was the greatest gift; the silver lining in all this, if you will. We were in "it" together. When lockdown ended, I returned to my studio. Instead of creating one collage a day, I decided to go big and spend a long time working on being with one piece. This led me to the newest series, 'Going Back to Yesterday.' I've worked with vintage LIFE magazines from 1939 to 1959. It is an exploration of the past and a glimpse into our future. Collage is an interesting medium. A painter takes a kind of formless thing and gives it form and makes a language with it. But a collage artist takes things that already exist in the world, have stories and context, and uses them in an associative way to create a new reality. More About Me: I'm an award-winning, internationally-shown artist. My work has been featured in many galleries and museums, including MoMA (Museum of Modern Art, NYC) and the National Catholic Museum (NYC). I'm published in numerous places, notably the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Sun Times, and O-the Oprah Magazine. I'm the author and illustrator of the critically acclaimed, bestselling book "Our Lady of Weight Loss: Miraculous and Motivational Musings from the Patron Saint of Permanent Fat Removal" (Penguin publishing). In addition, I'm the co-founder of the Harlem Open Artists Studio Tour, NYC, and the Arizona Collage Collective. I studied with the renowned feminist artist Anita Steckel at The Art Students League and Parsons School of Design, both in New York City. Body text Body text Body text Body text Body text
Cover Artist Janny Taylor
More art by Janny Taylor
Cover Art by Janny Taylor She's been living and loving in the Sonoran Desert for over a decade. Find her online: https://www.jannytaylor.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jannytaylorcreates/
Art By Janny Taylor Pages 62-70 Artist with LIFE: Portraits of America 1959 He Promised Her Romance & Adventure - 1940 Life Magazine Dare to Fly Portrait of a Pea Pod Peddler The Singing Birds The Magical Machination of the Firefly Cooler - 1959 Life Magazine Her Name Was Flora Woman Warrior From the Year 1500 Heart Shaped Tears
On Purpose Woman Glogal Community Member Directory
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Amanda (AJ) Schwarz. Mended Digital.Mason, OH.Website Design and Digital Marketing. Feel confident about putting yourself & your business online. www.mendeddigital.com aschwarz@mendeddigital.com Bessie Estonactoc. Bessie Estonactoc, LLC.Nipomo, CA. Helping Professional Spiritual Women in Mid-life to authentically 'EMBRACE THEIR WOO.' www.BessieEstonactoc.com Beverly Hamilton CHT.S oul-utions Hypnosis.Connecting women to their starbabies; 3Keys® Hypnofertility/Hypnobirth. Baltimore, MD. Free self-hypnosis recording: www.Soul-utionsHypnosis.com HypnoAromaBev@gmail.com 410-663-5089. Carol Burbank. Storyweaving Coaching. Fort Washington, MD. Compassionate, professional writing mentoring and services: coaching, manuscript evaluation, editing, publisher/agent proposals, research, ghost writing. cburbank@storyweaving.com Cheri Martin.So Social Visionary LLC. Satellite Beach, FL. Your Guide to Simplifying Social Media; Social Media Strategist, LinkedIn and Facebook Coach and Trainer www.SoSocialVisionary.com Cheryl Hickman. Hickman Enterprises.Clinton, MD.Recommend/Educate Blockchain platforms for Retirement, Supplemental and Legacy Income. YourExclusives@gmail.com 301-536-6265 (please leave a message) Cherryll Sevy. Living Forward After Fifty. Los Gatos, CA. Writer/Speaker, inspiring and guiding women to a full life. www.cherryllsevy.com Cindy Freland. Cindy Freland, Author.Bowie, MD. Children learn about the Chesapeake Bay by reading my books. www.cbaykidsbooks.com cindyrenefreland@gmail.com 240-882-5429 Claudette W. Gadsden. Coach Claudette & Associates. Caret, VA.We guide women to more clear concise conversations. Let's Talk! www.CoachClaudette.com Claudette W. Gadsden.Temple in the Woods. Caret, VA. Bed & Breakfast off the beaten path. A place to nourish your soul. www.TempleintheWoods.com. Dawn Shuler.Soulful Business Coach.Gore, VA.I work with women business owners to play bigger by focusing on systems. www.SmartBusinessFromYourSoul.com Dr. Dora Vilk-Shapiro. Romance Mystery Author of Love Arrested, Love Attempted, and Love Avenged. Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, FL. www.DorisVilk.com 954-675-3500 Doria Musaga. BEMER Distributor. Columbia, MD. BEMER therapy improves blood flow to increase energy. Decreases, pain chronic fatigue, aids recovery from injury. http://bmruniversity.com/whatisbemer www.nursedoria.bemergroup.com 667-786-1032 Elizabeth Papp-Stinson.Transpersonal Life Coach. Saint Lucie, FL.Mind, Body & Spirit connection to create balance and peace. amethistlady59@hotmail.com 585-313-6668 Ellen Koronet. LNK Creative. Frederick Co. MD.Lead Magnet Strategies: creative bubble mapping, quizzes, and assessments. EllenKoronet@LNKcreative.com 240-315-3371 Free chat:bit.ly/LNK-talk Emily Shull. Me Myself and Money.The Netherlands. I help women understand and heal their relationship with money. https://memyselfandmoney.com Felicia BarlowClar. Epilogue Tributes. Annapolis, MD. Creating unique, personalized Celebration of Life services. Virtual gatherings available. Because we all matter. www.celebratingthedash.com Gerise Pappas. Phoenix, MD.Transformational Life Coach & Enneagram Facilitator working with growth-oriented individuals ready to replace fear-based habits with inspired action. Phoenix, MD www.GerisePappas.com Gina Hogan Edwards. Women Writing for CHANGE; WomanSpeak Circles & Speaker Certification; Retreats. 850-766-6029. https://www.ginahoganedwards.com/Links Ginny Robertson. On Purpose Woman Global Community. Lutherville, MD. 11 Free Zoom gatherings each month. In-person meeting in Richmond, VA. https://www.OPWGC.com Ginny Robertson.On Purpose Woman Magazine. Lutherville, MD. Go to the website to read the current and back issues, for advertising rates, and info on writing for the magazine or being our cover artist. https://www.OPWGC/magazine Helena Richardson. HRichnetworks, LLC.Chesterfield, VA. We offer Web Design, Digital marketing, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Google Analytics, Technical Support with a focus on Network Security. www.hrichnetworks.com Janet Roessler. CreativityConsultant. Inner Voices Outer Vision.Ft. Pierce, FL.Art, Marketing, Rituals, Events, & other journeys. I help you do what you do, better. https://innervoicesoutervision.com/ Jennifer Palmer. Nourishing Journey Café & Wellness Center.Columbia, MD.Healing Bodies ~ Opening Minds ~ Uniting Hearts.Columbia MD.410-992-3001 www.nourishing-journey.com Joyce Fishel, DPT. Blue Lotus Physical Therapy & Wellness. Baltimore, MD. Specializing in Holistic Pain Relief & Therapeutic Movement. www.BlueLotusPhysicalTherapy.com 443-650-8886 Julia Mattis. The Julia Mattis Sales Team at Re/Max Advantage Realty. Columbia, MD. Realtor specializing in working with Sellers and Buyers in Maryland! www.JuliaMattis.net juliamattis@hotmail.com 1-410-303-7010 Julia Rivas. Smarter Advantage LTC. Advice and guidance for health/life insurance, Medicare, long-term care and retirement planning https://smarteradvantageltc.com 240-421-0491 Karen DaGrava. Stepping Stones To Perfect Health.Baltimore, MD. Lose weight and end yo-yo dieting effortlessly through self-love. karendagravamd@yahoo.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/stepping stonestoperfecthealth Kathryn Yarborough. Manifesting Clients Academy. Lake Mary, FL. Where women entrepreneurs become authentically vibrant speakers who attract clients. https://www.manifestingclientsacademy.com/ Kenya Halliburton. Course to CashFlow. Huntsville, AL. As an Online Course Choreographer, I help women entrepreneurs build life-friendly and profitable online businesses using courses. www.KenyaHalliburton.com Kim Eley.KWE Publishing.Prince George, VA. Bringing magic to authors to transform their idea into their amazing published book. www.kwepub.com Kitty Hatcher. Awareness Through Astrology. Baltimore, MD I give private astrological readings and teach classes in astrology, Tarot, and meditation. phone/text: 443-610-6437 Kristi H. Sullivan. W.Hartford CT. Virtual Community for Human Design, Self-Care, Wellness & Yoga .www.kristihsullivan.com Kyle Brooks, LMT. Heartfelt Shiatsu. Columbia, MD. Craniosacral Therapy, Shiatsu, Massage & more443-514-4399 Kyle@HeartfeltShiatsu.com www.HeartfeltShiatsu.com Laura Di Franco, MPT. Brave Healer Productions. Bethesda, MD. Have fun with your fear and share your healing message with the world. www.BraveHealer.com 703-915-3653 Lauren Thomas. Common House. Charlottesville, VA.Common House is a gathering space that cultivates community through inspirational design, dynamic programming, and intentionally-sourced food and beverage. www.commomhouse.coml auren.thomas@commonhouse.com 434-825-2685 Laurie Morin. Wilmington, NC. Retreats to help women design adventurous lives and legacies.Author of Shero's Journey. https://www.LaurieMorin.com Lilia Shoshanna Rae. Author ofThe Art of Listening to Angels, Reiki Master. Severna Park, MD me@lilia.co www.LiliaShoshannaRae.com Maria Guadalupe Lopez. Apapacho.Rosedale, MD. Have a Mexican experience first-hand at Fiesta Mexicana and Apapacho. Restaurant/Specialty Mexican Shop. www.fiestamexicanamd.com https://www.facebook.com/pamperingyoursoul443 961 4964 Maria Petrucci, DC. Columbia, MD. Craniosacral Therapy, Chiropractic, and Mind-Body Tools to alleviate pain and stress. www.mariapetruccidc.com 240-394-2037 mpetrucci.dc@hotmail.com Marnie Simpson. Breakthrough Divorce Coaching. Jacksonville, FL. Helping Moms Navigate Breakup to Breakthrough www.breakthroughdivorcecoaching.com breakthroughdivorcecoaching@gmail.com Mary E. Knippel. Your Writing Mentor.Half Moon Bay, CA.I help Businesswomen write their book for business growth.I help women craft their transformational stories into a book. https://yourwritingmentor.com MentorMary@yourwritingmentor.com Mary Perry. Wings Unfurled. Sparrows Point, MD. I offer Intuitive Angel Readings and Healing Sessions. https://www.Wings-Unfurle.com Mary Scott. BusinessRiff. St. Louis, MO. Solve problems, connect resources, providing business concierge/consulting services. https://businessriff.com businessriff@gmail.com 917-628-6322 Mia Zachary. Elemental Abundance. Charlottesville, VA. Energy Balancing; Intuitive Counseling; Holistic Coaching. http://MentalDancing.com Nadene Rogers, Rev. Dr. Columbia Center for Spiritual Living – Interim Minister. Ellicott City, MD.Teaching Universal Principles and Practices supporting empowered and successful living. www.ColumbiaCSL.com info@ColumbiaCSL.com 410-750-8559 Nadene Rogers, Rev. Dr. Humanity Knows. Kelowna, British Columbia. Spiritual Coaching and Counselling, Ritual and Ceremonial work, Guest Speaker and Workshop Facilitation. www.NadeneRogers.com Olivia A. Jones, Independent Beauty Consultant. Mary Kay Cosmetics.Tallahassee, FL. My business offers opportunities to be your own boss, to earn the use of a company car, to experience facial products that help you look and feel your best. www.marykay.com/oajones Pam McFarland. Dragonfly Creative, LLC.Silver Spring, MD. Using writing as a tool in for growth and personal expression; workshops, coaching, memoir-writing. www.pammcfarland.com pammcfarland.01@gmail.com Pam McLellan. Blast through barriers limiting Health, Energy & Success.Oregon & West VA.Practical proactive holistic guidance for long-term benefits. Free consultation. frompam@gmail.com linktr.ee/pammclellanIG: pam_mclellan Risa Lynch.Risa Lynch LLC.Charlottesville, VA.ASEA Redox distributor. Redox helps improve healing, energy, chronic issues, anxiety, sleep and much more. https://risalynch.myasealive.com/ risa@risalynch.com 757-619-1286 Rita Thomas. Rita Thomas Enterprises. Knoxville TN. I teach entrepreneurs to automate processes so that they make more money with less stress. www.RitaThomasEnterprises.com Info@RitaThomasEnterprises.com 865.326.3656 Sahffi Lynne. Music is Medicine. Ellicott City, MD. Musician and Vocal Coach connecting hearts around the world. www.sahffi.com Shelly O’Connell. Coaching by Shelly. Martinez,CA.Flirting Coach for Women & Author of Finding Your Flirt. https://www.facebook.com/coachingbyshelly https://shellyoconnell.com Shelly Roman. Sacred Ground Walk, LLC. Sterling, VA. Author, Speaker, Trainer, Co-Walker™. Helping women return to the LIGHT, heal body and brain. www.sacredgroundwalk.com Susan Westwood. Sacred Solutions, LLC. Charlottesville, VA. I guide women across the bridge from FEAR to FAITH in business and life. https://www.sacredsolutions-coaching.com Sylvia Henderson. MindTeam Solutions, Inc. Olney, MD. Leadership and professional development. Meeting and retreat ideation and facilitation. https://MindTeamSolutions.com Tamara Robinson. Love Heals Coaching, LLC. Author and Passion & Pleasure Coach.Hanover, MD. Heal and connect with your desires, reclaim your pleasure and have more confidence. www.passionpleasurecoach.com Tammy Workman-Lopez. Sparks Hope Anxiety Relief & Wellness. Orlando, FL. Successfully relieve anxiety & negative thinking and have the personal & professional life you desire. www.SparksHope.Life.com Veronica Grey. National Campaign for Financial Literacy.Baltimore, MD. Free financial educational presentation and workshops. Text Veronica 443-929-1140. Veronica Grey. VG Total Care. Baltimore, MD. We focus on Financial Literacy through workshops and life coaching. vgtotalcare@gmail.com https://h9mwidat.pages.infusionsoft.net/
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Tears streamed down my face as I rode my bicycle through the park. It’s the spring of 2020 and I’m on a journey of deep grief. Biking has become a go-to activity. Sometimes I cry and scream while pedaling furiously, other times I pray and thank Source for each tree, animal, and body of water I pass. These rides are healing for me, not just the exercise for my body, but for the release in my soul. I have entered the fourth phase of this sacred ground walk I’m traveling. I let myself fall in phase 1. I began to inch along in phase 2. When my eyes were able to notice it, I gathered grace around me in phase 3. Only with hindsight can I see how this grace began to heal my pain. Editor’s Note: See the On Purpose Woman Magazine archives for Shelly’s story about each phase, starting with the May/June issue. The dictionary defines heal as “become sound or healthy again”. At times, healing has seemed an impossible task. In 2020 I didn’t feel returning to soundness was ever going to happen. During most of that year, I wanted to die. Numbness frequently overtook each arm, leg, and my core. I would try to will my soul out of my body. I prayed to Source to take me to the other side. During a bike ride along a roadway with my husband, I did not think about turning my bike into traffic, but I did imagine how convenient it would be if a car lost control and just took me out. This is passive suicidal ideation. My life journey has provided many opportunities to walk through grief and trauma. My challenges included abandonment at birth, family violence, sexual abuse, mental illness, emotional abuse, and addiction. With each challenge, I would say to myself, Shelly, you are on sacred ground. Walk with care. During 2020, I nursed myself as I journeyed through this pain. I gathered grace around me like a cocoon. The grace of my husband, Bill, gave me a soft place to land. Bill drove me around for days because I was not coherent enough to be behind the wheel. Loving and uplifting notes from him greeted me throughout the house from time to time. He listened without panic when I told him my thoughts and feelings. We were able to discuss what might lead him to take me to a hospital should I become actively suicidal. With Bill, I was safe. In February 2020, Galilee United Methodist church provided me with a Stephen’s Minister, Mary. The night after I met with Mary the first time, I slept. I really slept. This sleep provided hope for me, and Mary became a continual lifeline. Online meetings became ubiquitous after the lockdown in March of 2020 enabling me to reconnect with and meet regularly with a therapist I had used in a different state, Carly. She knew me so well. Carly knew my first husband, my children and the story of my life and recovery. The universe handed me a giant gift by bringing her back into my life. During one session, I was in a deep meditation. Carly was guiding me through an exercise of talking to the pain in my body. Shame had constructed a tight knot in my stomach and fed my heart and mind with terrible thoughts. Shame told me that I deserved my pain. I continually tried to pinpoint my terribleness – the one act or thought that would prove I deserved this pain. I could not find it, but shame told me it was there I would find it if I kept searching. Slowly, Carly guided me to transform this knot of shame into the light of innocence during this meditation. Wow! The relief was immediate, and I was able to sustain that light. Some friends held me up and some friends never spoke to me again. The friends who held me up were grace and the ones who left gave me more to grieve. Trauma has a way of filtering friendships. Ultimately, this is always a gift of grace. The emptiness of those who chose not to walk beside me made space for new people who would. Throughout 2020, my world filled with new and lovely people who cradle my heart in their hands to this day. The same trauma wounded my father. Dad and I held on to each other at the beginning and through these last 2 years. His words of caring and hope uplifted me. His shared grief eased my isolation. Grace filled my world and eased my pain. Each bike ride enabled me to release the hopes and dreams that would no longer be fulfilled due to my loss. Simultaneously, the rides brought in more gratitude for what could be. Mary listened, prayed, and invited me into her spiritual world giving me hope and love. Carly used her therapeutic skills to transform my shame to innocence. Friends held my hand, hugged me when I cried, laughed with me, and invited me deeper into their world. Bill was the rock providing a solid foundation through it all. Dad and I grew even closer, and our relationship deepened. Now, it is 2022 and I can look back to see the salve each of these elements of grace provided to my wound. I no longer want to die. Nothing about the triggering situation has changed, yet I have changed. I am sound and healthy again. Healing is possible. Life brought me to my knees, but I am up again. I am new. I have different scars, and I gained perspective. Life will bring me to my knees again. Such is the cycle of our human journey. When you fall, let this remind you that the impossible is possible. We are spiritual beings having a human experience. Source will never abandon your spirit no matter how lost our temporary human bodies my feel. Apply the salve of grace to your wounds liberally. Feel the comfort it brings. Know it will allow you to become sound and healthy again. Body text Body text Body text Body text Body text Body text Body text
Heal Yourself by Shelly Roman
Using Grace as Salve to the Wound
...you are on sacred ground. Walk with care.
Shelly Roman is a Speaker, Author, Trainer, and Co-Walker® committed to manifesting a world where trauma is not ignored or minimized. www.sacredgroundwalk.com
#8 in a series of 8 Taboo Topics
by Andrea Hylen
Taboo Topic:
Money by Andrea Hylen
Holistic money coach, Emily Shull, says that only a small percentage of her client’s money blocks are directly related to money. The rest comes from how we think and feel about ourselves, and that feeling has a lot to do with our early childhood experiences. We were conditioned at a young age about the purpose of money, and that conditioning gave us the “rules” in which we have been functioning. Whenever I look at the root of my money story, it always begins with a moment when I was seven years old. My eight-year-old “boyfriend” came over to the house, and I showed him my new swiss chalet bank with the secret hidden compartment and key. He asked me for the little bit of coins in the bank, and I gave it all to him. I knew that he was one of six kids, and it sounded like they struggled with money. It felt natural to give it all away, and I did not feel remorse. Unpacking this for decades, I can see how I was already conditioned as the oldest child to give away what was mine. I was taught to share with my sister and brother without considering my own needs and that not sharing was selfish. The conditioning of women and money was also ingrained in me from the collective. When I was born, women in the United States could not have a bank account or credit card or apply for a loan without their husband’s signature. Men earned money at work, while women were not compensated for their work at home. Men also had job opportunities that were not available to women. There are still places in the world, 167 countries, that have at least one law on the books that restrict women’s economic opportunity (a study from the World Bank.) My mother was a full partner with my father for 66 years before he died last year. She was a stay-at-home mom who always described their money as “your father’s money.” She ran the household, helped to entertain clients, raised the children, cared for the sick, renovated houses, and packed and moved us around the country whenever my father was promoted. Even the money she inherited when her parents died, she called “your father’s money.” About ten years ago, I lived on the edge of eviction for two years when the person who bought my deceased husband’s business declared bankruptcy and wiped out all my future resources. When I blogged in real time about the first eviction notice and asked a group of women to support me emotionally, I began to hear stories about bankruptcy, foreclosure, and eviction that women were hiding. It was a terrifying time that led to an incredible educational experience around hidden shame and loss of confidence. This was the after-effect of the great recession in the US (2007-2009). Women wrote to me privately and shared money “failures” they had never told anyone. There were also women and men who wrote to me privately and called me irresponsible and stupid, shaming me along with the others. Most of my coaching and writing clients talk to me about money owed, money earned, money successes, and money desires. It is one of the taboo conversations that we normalized during the Heal My Voice projects. All conversations are welcome with zero judgment. Every experience is part of the journey of life. FYI – When you talk about trauma, loss, and grief, many women have hidden money shame. Michael Bernard Beckwith spoke about money during an Agape Sunday Service: Somehow, in American society, it is considered indelicate, impolite, to discuss money in a direct way with anyone other than your banker, broker, accountant, or employer! Money itself is neither good nor bad. It is neutral. Money has the meaning we invest in it.” A few more things I’ve noticed: Women work in many helper professions that have lower pay: teaching, nursing, counseling, and childcare, or they may stop getting a paycheck to support home and children, including during illness and crisis. Women have not been taught how to handle money, barter, or negotiate salaries or purchases, like a car or car repairs. Women spend money on others before investing in themselves. Women start businesses doing things they used to do for free and have a hard time charging for their time. Women reject money because they have been victims of misuse of power and manipulation. So, how can women shift the conversation and mindset around money? 1. Become more transparent. Talk with other women about how much money you make and where you are stuck. Learn from each other. 2. Allow yourself to be uncomfortable and vulnerable in spaces where you are safe to express the truth. 3. Talk about the ups and downs of money without labeling it a failure. 4. Reflect on consumerism and your relationship to buying and accumulating physical stuff. 5. Take some classes. Watch YouTube videos. Step into the conversation. Certified Money Coach Jeannie Dougherty talks about three tools you need to make your money run smoother and stronger. All three tools are skills you can learn and develop. 1) Money goals 2) Money tools: budgeting apps, investment education 3) Money mindset: Your Sage power A few ways to get started: Use a journal to write your money story. Stop judging yourself and others. Expand how you measure your success. Reduce consumerism by participating in the shared economy: Buy Nothing groups on Facebook, Trusted Housesitters, Airbnbs, and car, bicycle, and tool sharing. Hire a holistic money coach who can help you get to the root of your beliefs and support you in changing your mindset and setting goals. 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“"We live in a toxic money culture. ~Lynne Twist
Andrea Hylen Author of Heal My Voice: An Evolutionary Woman’s Journey. Creator of The Incubator: On-line Co-working Space for Cultural Creatives. Ancestral Lineage Healing Practitioner. www.andreahylen.com
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Lovingly, Gently & Graciously I Let Go Let Go I Say… Cause I have no control over what you do or say. I Let Go Let Go I Say… Cause tomorrows are not promised, so I must live in the moments of this day, being the recipient of each individualized breath given to be A-LIVE in this span of time. I Let Go Let Go I Say… Cause my difficulties and challenges are but steppingstones to changing my perspective, enhancing my response and heightened resilience to all of life’s ups and downs on this merry go round. Round and round I go adhering lovingly, gently and graciously to divine flow. I Let Go Let Go I Say… Cause scarcity, lack and not-enough-ness play games with my mind that there is not enough to go around for all humankind. I Let Go Let Go I Say… Cause these games in this matrix have domesticated me, intoxicated my soul and put out the fire in my spirit. Lovingly, gently & graciously I shift to a new paradigm I Let Go Let Go I Say… Cause ancestral patterns of cursing, drinking, telling others it’s your way or allow the door to hit you on your way out. Hmmm, how cruel as unkind words flow out of your mouth. Lovingly, gently, graciously, and now willingly I Let Go Embracing and embodying A sense of joy A sense of surrender A sense of ease A sense of pleasure and playfulness With the heart of a child at my divine core. I AM free to fly An authentic expression of love and light. An opulent, jubilant, beloved being embraces and loves the totality of me. ASE ASE
Dr. Yemaja Jubilee is a poet, author, creative consultant, and songwriter. As an inspirational speaker/workshop facilitator, she spreads her message of love and inclusivity. Landnluv@aol.com https://www.facebook.com/yemaja.jubilee 434-808-2472 Body text
Lovingly, Gently & Graciously I Let Go by Dr. Yemaja Jubilee
The myth of the lonely spinster or the Peter Pan is being replaced with the image of the independent, interesting, active, complete single person.
In the past few years, we have witnessed a rejection of outdated belief systems. Comfort cages have been rattled, allowing us to explore and understand other ways of thinking. And so, the time has come to reflect upon singlehood and the long-held beliefs surrounding it. The myth of the lonely spinster or the Peter Pan is being replaced with the image of the independent, interesting, active, complete single person. According to a 2021 Pew Research poll, the number of people in the U.S. who have never been married has grown from 17% to 33%. And nearly half of adults in the U.S. are single. Just one look at the news and social media reveals singlehood as a timely and common discussion. Single by choice people are familiar with the raised eyebrows, sad faces, and hopeful yearnings of well-meaning friends, family, and acquaintances. What’s often missed by many is that singles who have made this choice embrace it. It wasn’t by accident. It wasn’t for lack of options. It was by design. Just as married and coupled people have decided their future, single by choice people have decided theirs. Often, the first question asked of single people is, “Why are you single?” Imagine asking someone who announces their engagement, “Why would you get married?” or responding to a birth announcement with, “But why do you want to have children?” Seems outrageous, no? These negative responses regarding singlehood are usually a reflection of people who fear being alone. But marriage doesn’t always equate to a lack of loneliness. Sadly, some people who are married still feel very alone. Being alone and being lonely are two separate states. And just as there are many married folks who feel thrilled with their relationship status, there are single people who feel this as well. Let’s start seeing single people as whole rather than incomplete. Singles have friends and family whom they love and enjoy, the freedom to make decisions based on personal preference, and the time to explore fulfilling activities like travel and hobbies. A friend’s young daughter visiting my home looked around and said,“So, you live here all by yourself? That’s smart.” She inherently understood my life choice as a positive. And there are many perks to being single - having the freedom to decorate the house without debate, scrolling on the phone in bed at 3 am without disturbing anyone, leaving the house neat or messy and returning to it in the same condition, and visiting people and places without having to schedule it with anyone, are just a few. Are there drawbacks to being single? Yes, of course. The world is set up for coupledom, the main benefits being a double income to a single living space, shared utility bills, property taxes, health insurance, and retirement benefits. As a society, we are so accustomed to the expectation of marriage and partnership that we spend little time imagining and making a place for other ways of living. The main complaints of singles are financial. But the exclusion of single people from coupled plans, the expectation that singles will work holidays because their married co-workers with children have more at stake, being relegated to lesser quarters (like the couch) when on a family vacation because couples are considered higher value and more deserving of privacy and space, and the lack of celebration of single people are also frequently mentioned. Married people are rightfully celebrated at every turn with engagements, showers, and weddings and, more often, if they have children or get married multiple times. Single people are rarely celebrated for their successes, including buying homes or career advancements. Often singles are an afterthought when seated at weddings, sometimes banished to the misfit table with no plus one. And please, let’s leave being dragged to the dance floor at a wedding to catch the bouquet in the last century. Being single by choice is akin to being a pioneer, like having a long-held secret that people are just beginning to embrace. Hopefully, more consideration will be given to singles in our society. It would be especially nice to see a single’s section at the grocery store, so there is less food waste. Singles do not need a pound of pre-sliced cheese. Think about the ways you’ve been trained to view singlehood and what you can do to break these stereotypes in your life. Notice your immediate reaction when someone tells you they are single. How does it make YOU feel? Do you view marriage/ coupledom as a life achievement or a victory? Reminder, marriages sometimes end. If you’ve ever told a single person they’re too picky, would you appreciate them telling you you’re not picky enough? Is your instinct to set up two single people based on the fact that they are both single with no other criteria? While we have long celebrated and are genuinely happy for our married/coupled friends, let’s look to a future where singles are no longer stigmatized but respected and celebrated equally. Body text
Reflections On Singlehood by Anne Pamfilis
Let’s start seeing single people as whole rather than incomplete.
Anne Pamfilis of Project Outsource is a virtual assistant. She helps clients with administrative tasks, social media engagement, content creation, proofreading, and any number of projects with which they need assistance. She takes tasks off your plate so you can concentrate on what you love to do. Her services are perfect for anyone who needs support but who isn’t ready to hire a full-time employee. Anne’s been in business since 2008 and lives in Sparks, MD. She spends her free time laughing with friends, following the music and being grateful for the moment. anne@projectoutsource.net www.projectoutsource.net
by Sofia Wren If you've been online, have you felt uncomfortable or disconnected? Maybe you've visited dark corners where people shout negative comment after negative comment. Or you put yourself out there and got crickets back or responses that didn't leave you feeling great. What if the internet could help you create new or better connections with other people? What if, instead of feeling like the internet was just a place to consume alone, it could be a place for genuine and deeper relationships to form? I believe this is true because I have been a blogger for 20 years and have been coaching others to write and share online for 10. The internet can be a magical place. I have benefited from the friendships I've formed through sharing and communicating online. I get to work with my friends, who have become clients. I've shared personally online and had my heart expand like the Grinch from all those beautiful connections. You can shift the things you put online through your website or social media so that you invite a deep response from people who get you. They are out there, but first, you need to send out the bat signal! To do this requires intention. If you're despairing that your web presence is messed up or not working, keep reading for what to do to create a big change in your results. When everything is working well, the internet can be a place for you to display your best skills and qualities. You can set things up and change the life of someone else--no matter where they are in the world or what time it is, sometimes reaching them years later. You can build off what you create online, like an echo shooting off into infinity. Are you used to working with people one on one? What if you could multiply that effort ten times? If you're having a really good day and you say something profound, what if you could put that moment on replay? You can! The internet allows people to experience you at your best over and over. You connect, build relationships, get to know each other, and bond. Done right, you can draw in clients who feel like soul mates. What’s my secret? Here's the method I use for myself and in coaching my writing clients. To set yourself up for success, think about your online presence, whether a website or social media page, as a sort of altar. This is your place, like a window display for a store. To put out your "bat signal" and call in connection, you first set up a sacred space in this display. If it were a physical display, you might place a Buddha or a sacred text, prayer beads, or crystals. For your digital space, focus on the feelings you want other people to experience visiting your home online. How do you want to make people feel? People may not remember exactly what you say, but they will remember how you make them feel. And wouldn't the world be better if everyone asked themselves, "How do I want to make people feel?" Give yourself time to find the answer. FEEL into it and be intentional about how you want to relate to other people online. Consider that when you think about your website or social media, and you're thinking, "Ah, it's so outdated," or "I'm doing this wrong," you may be projecting your feelings on other people. You could be hiding online or projecting, "Don't come here; I'm not ready." This creates a muddy intention that won't bring the best connections. If so, become aware, and sit with those feelings. Journal or meditate. Decide how you want to feel about your home online and how you want others to feel while visiting your online space. What do you want them to feel when they first see it? What do you want them to take away? What do you want them to be feeling when they leave? Feel it in your body and then offer up this feeling to your website or digital space. Imagine placing it on your digital altar for safekeeping. It holds it. Program it like a crystal to beam out this feeling to everyone it touches. This lighthouse will keep shining when you are away from it and require no more energy from you. Now it's done. When the time comes, the perfect words or images will come to you to match this feeling so you can express it more. Others will feel your good vibes and want to connect with you more deeply. I aim to share the courage to be yourself first with others right now. Not your grumpy self necessarily, but the YOU that is sparkly and flowing and genius. Your best mermaid self, as I call it. Because putting yourself out there can take a lot of courage every day. Even if you have had disappointing results online, I encourage you to try this approach and see how it works. Feel free to reach out and let me know how it goes. Keep refining this process and evolve the energy you're putting online over time. Keep that beacon lit, so you stay inspired to shine. Most people need to update or redo their website yearly to stay current with who they are. Embrace the process! Not only will it help other people find you and deeply connect, but it can remind you of why you are here: your purpose and why you should gather the courage to be yourself first. Body text Body text Body text Body text Body text Body text
How to use the Internet for Deeper Connection
The internet can be a magical place.
Decide how you want to feel about your home online and how you want others to feel while visiting your online space.
Sofia Wren is a mermaid fairy godmother here to put your damn calling out into the world online through FUN business writing & books. Writer, copywriter, and coach at https://flow.page/sofiawrencoaching. Body text
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