Pulitzer Prize-winning author and world-renowned historian Doris Kearns Goodwin joins the dynamic keynote lineup for the 11th annual Texas Conference for Women, November 10 in Houston. Read More
Additional confirmed speakers include:
—Leigh Anne Tuohy, the inspiration behind the movie, “The Blind Side”
—Glenda Hatchett, host of “Judge Hatchett” and bestselling author
—Tory Johnson, founder of Women For Hire and workplace contributor on ABC’s “Good Morning America”
—Dr. Jen Arnold, medical director of Texas Children’s Hospital’s Pediatric Simulation Center, an assistant professor of pediatrics and star of TLC’s reality show, “The Little Couple”
**Register with a friend for $200!
Individual tickets are $125, and tables of ten are $1000—an incredible value for companies looking to provide professional and personal development for employees.
Learn more and REGISTER
Women’s Support Becoming Our Own Role Models
There was a time where women stood together in a bond of sisterhood, women supporting women.
As women embrace the fullness of who they are as individuals, they may find themselves supporting other women, helping others to reach the level of inner comfort and outer freedom that they themselves have found. Among those who are less sure of themselves and their place in the world, it may be more common to criticize other women than to seek their help. But there are things that a woman can only learn from another woman, as there are things about being a man that can only be learned from other men. We all recognize that we have much to learn from each other regardless of gender, but sometimes we could use a supportive role model that gives us a more precise example of what and who we can become.
There was a time where women stood together in a bond of sisterhood, women supporting women. It is only natural that the pendulum swings out of balance for a while so that we may have the experience of what we do not want. It is up to women to bring the pendulum back into balance and bring back the sacred sisterhood we yearn for at our core.
If we envision a world where women support each other and help each other find their place in an ever-changing world, then we can become the change we want to see. Jealousy, envy, criticism, and judgment are refuges for the insecure. As we help others to become self-assured, we create a world in which all people help each other, regardless of gender. Only women can make the change in how women are seen and understood, not just by other women but by the world at large. The way we speak about each other to other women and to the men in our lives informs everyone to treat us with the respect that all women, and all people, deserve.
Are you a role model? Health and Wellness, Financials, Relationships – Start today contact Tina Smith Life Coach.
That is right. After looking and feeling better than she had in 10+ years Pam got nervous and she shifted her focus to a negative. Pam started saying to herself, don’t gain the weight back. Guess what she did. Yep, in less than 8 months she had ½ the weight back on. That is when she met me. Check out the Tool of the Month to see how we got started.
Today Pam is back on track with a healthy focused attitude, increasing her flexibility and playing with her children in the back yard a minimum of 4 times a week.
*Client Confidentiality: There are times when a situation is used as an analogy in another client’s session, or in a public setting such as a newsletter or seminar. In such cases, reference to the situation is in such a way that it is not identifiable to others.
Are you ready to get Healthy? Contact me for a complimentary session.
As a Life Coach my conversations with people generally tend to move into health at one point or another. It has always fascinated me that the focus is on losing weight versus getting healthy. Losing the weight for external reasons can be a start on the path to being healthy. However, it does not replace the internal focus of being healthy. If the first wealth is health as Emerson states, what then does being healthy mean to you?
Being a certain weight? What about cholesterol and blood pressure level? How about able to run a marathon or walk two miles? When someone says to me, “I want to lose weight” I first have them move from losing weight to being healthy. To do this we write 10 specific, actionable items about what health looks like. I encourage you to take the time to do that now for your self.
Once you are aware that being healthy is all encompassing and that losing weight is an aspect of the big picture my next question is, “Are you totally committed to being health?” Why? To answer the why question look at it this way: “What is the benefit of accomplishing being health?” The next question is the one that really got my attention and launched me on my personal path towards health, “What is the COST of NOT being healthy?” Only you can answer these questions. The answer is specific to your thoughts, feelings and internal beliefs around health.
For me, as with Emerson, my health was the foundation for all of my wealth. My health holds the weight of all the things in my life that are important to me. Therefore it was with ease that it became my primary and immediate focus. Where is health on your pyramid of importance? Are you ready to get started on a healthy path right now? If the answer is yes, choose one thing that if accomplished this week improves your health and make it a priority to achieve it.
I am pleased to announce a collaboration with JAVANI Med Spa of Sugar Land, Texas and Empower-Women-Now. Learn More
When faced with a stressful situation, our bodies rely on the walnut sized Adrenal Glands sitting on top of our kidneys to monitor our “fight or flight” response. If we had to run from a tiger, healthy adrenal glands respond by releasing adrenaline, which makes us more alert and focused, and cortisol, which converts protein to energy and releases our stored sugar, glycogen, so our bodies have the fuel needed to respond quickly.
Today however we are not usually running from tigers. We are sitting in meetings, the adrenal gland starts pumping, can’t get up and run around the room which is the historical program of our body, so we sit there. Where does the adrenaline go? What does it do to our body? How are we now programming our selves and how will that affect our future?
In our society today we are inundated with stress – stress that doesn’t let up. Eventually, our adrenal glands are squeezed to the point that Adrenal Fatigue sets in, and many people experience symptoms such as:
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Fuzzy thinking
- Depression
- Food cravings
- And mood swings
Instead of the occasional, acute stress followed by a period of rest for recuperation, we’re constantly over-worked, under-nourished, exposed to environmental toxins, and worried about others.
Every challenge to our mind and body creates a demand on the adrenal glands. The list of challenges included:
√ Lack of sleep
√ A demanding boss
√ The threat of losing a job
√ Financial pressures
√ Personality conflicts
√ Yo-yo dieting
√ Relationship turmoil
√ Death or illness of a loved one
√ Skipping meals
√ Reliance on stimulants like caffeine and carbs
√ Digestive problems
√ Over-exercise
√ Illness or infection
√ Unresolved emotional issues from our past or present
√ And more….
The result is that the adrenal glands are constantly on high alert.
When we have long-term stress, the hormones cortisol and insulin remain high in the blood, and the extra glucose that isn’t needed for energy gets stored in the form of fat in our fat cells – primarily our abdominal fat cells. This fat known as visceral fat that begins to function as a metabolically active hormone producing organ reacting to the stress response, stimulating yet further abdominal fat to deposit. So the vicious cycle continues until we take steps to heal the metabolic imbalance. A good place to start is with the adrenal glands.
In its normal function, cortisol helps us meet challenges by converting proteins into energy, releasing glycogen, and counteracting inflammation. For a short time, that’s okay. However, to sustain high levels cortisol gradually breaks down the body.
Sustained high levels of cortisol:
- Destroys healthy muscle and bone
- Slow down healing and normal cell repair
- Steals nutrients needed to make other vital hormones (such as male and female hormones)
- Impairs digestion, metabolism and mental function
- Interferes with healthy endocrine function
- Weakens the immune system
The effects of adrenal dysfunction can be profound: fatigue and weakness, suppression of the immune system, muscle and bone loss, moodiness or depression, hormonal imbalance, skin problems, autoimmune disorders, and dozens of other symptoms and health concerns.
Adrenal Fatigue, labeled the 21st century stress syndrome by Dr. James Wilson, may also be a factor in many medical conditions, including fibromyalgia, hypothyroidism, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, frequent infections and more. It can also be associated with host of unpleasant signs and symptoms, including acne, hair loss, fatigue, salt and sugar cravings and caffeine addiction.
In the early stages of adrenal dysfunction cortisol levels are too high during the day and continue rising into the evening. In the middle stages, cortisol output may rise and fall unevenly throughout the day as the body struggles for balance against disruptive of caffeine, carbs and stress, but levels are abnormal and typically much too high at night. In advanced stages the adrenals are exhausted from overwork, and cortisol will never reach normal levels.
The good news is that adrenal fatigue can almost always be relieved. It is time for you to take care of YOU!
Attend a monthly Houston Area Support Group or Contact Us to get started TODAY!
In the center of a piece of paper place a circle. Inside that circle write what the item or situation is that you fear. From that point draw 4 or 5 lines coming out of the center with circles on them. Now what? If what you wrote in the first circle were to actually happen… Now what? In each circle around the core write what would happen if the center came true. Next take each of the new circles and draw 3 or 4 lines coming from each of those and add circles. Use as many or less circles as it takes to label the fears. Now what? If what you wrote in those circles were to actually happen… etc. Keep going until you can go no further. You will begin to see repeating patterns. Fractals are a mathematic name for it.
- Example of Web of Fear
Once you have completed your web review it. Write down the patterns that you see. Categorize them. Is there one large underlying fear? Now that you have brought it into the light and are aware of it are you ready to proceed?
If no, that is ok, what will be your next steps with your given situation?
If yes, let’s journal! Write the named underlying fear on the top of a page. Free write for 10 to 15 minutes. (keep your pen on the paper and doodle if nothing comes to mind to write, keep your pen and hand moving) Review what you wrote. Do you see anything pop out to write more about? Question to review regarding this named underlying fear. Where else in your life have you been tolerating this? How has it affected you? If you were to do nothing regarding it what are the consequences? What is the opposite of it? If you were to consciously shift to the opposite what are the rewards? Would there be any consequences? What do you want? Determine action steps to take.
See Tool of the Month: Web of Fear
Once you have completed your web review it. Write down the patterns that you see. Categorize them. Is there one large underlying fear? Now that you have brought it into the light and are aware of it are you ready to proceed?
If no, that is ok, what will be your next steps with your given situation?
If yes, let’s journal! Write the named underlying fear on the top of a page. Free write for 10 to 15 minutes. (keep your pen on the paper and doodle if nothing comes to mind to write, keep your pen and hand moving) Review what you wrote. Do you see anything pop out to write more about? Question to review regarding this named underlying fear. Where else in your life have you been tolerating this? How has it affected you? If you were to do nothing regarding it what are the consequences? What is the opposite of it? If you were to consciously shift to the opposite what are the rewards? Would there be any consequences? What do you want? Action steps to take.
Closing note on client: Underlying fear identified and processed. Desired conversation outcomes identified and affirmed. Prepped material for conversation completed and visualization utilized. Conversation scheduled. Desired outcome achieved!
Has your company been in operation for at least one year? Do you have 10 or more employees reporting to the same worksite? United States, Private and Public Sectors, Profit and Non-Profit: The Sloan Award! Alfred P. Sloan Award for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility. Last year 29 Houston area businesses qualified as finalists – 24 won. You can too!
April is Earth Month. Celebrate by promoting flexible work schedules and share the change!
3 Initiatives:
- Flexworks: Flexible Workplace Initiative Program (Designated cities/areas)
- Flex in the City: Companies testing flexible work options (Houston)
- The Sloan Award: National Recognition for Flexible Workplace Environments (National)
Flexworks: Encourage employers to adopt flexible work policies. Builds a business case and identify the measurable benefits including:
- Improved mobility, air quality
- Increased worker productivity
- Less Stress, better family/work balance
Participating Locations: Arizona; Aurora, CO; Boise, ID; Charleston, SC; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Dayton, OH; Durham, NC; Georgia; Houston, TX; Kentucky; Long Beach, CA; Long Island, NY; Louisville, KY; Michigan; Morris County, NJ; New Hampshire; Providence, RI; Richmond, VA; Rochester, MN; Salt Lake City, UT; Seattle, WA; Spokane, WA; Twin Cities + St. Cloud, MN; Winona, MN
Criteria:
- 35% of Managers knowledgeable about flexible work options and how to leverage the advantages and mitigate the disadvantages
- 75% of jobs evaluated to see if they are suitable for flexible work options
- 80% of employees understand the flexible work options available to them
- 40% of eligible employees participate in a flexible work option
Flex in the City: Want to see if flexible work schedules would work for your company? Houston, check other locations for availability, provides this opportunity. Flex in the City asks Houston area employers to adopt at least one new flexible work option to eliminate commuting during peak travel time, for a trail two-week period. Effects on productivity are measured by employers. Houston measures effects on mobility. It’s easy!
- Identify the jobs and employees where flexible options make good business sense.
- Offer employees the opportunity to try the flex option(s) for two weeks.
- Request participating employees to complete a simple online questionnaire describing:
- When they normally arrive at work
- Which route they use
- What changed as a result of their Flex in the City schedule
Sloan Award: Any employer in the U.S. is eligible to apply in 2010. An employer with a worksite located in one of the 26 participating When Work Works (Fleworks) communities or states should select that community when registering to apply. An employer that does not have a worksite located in one of the participating communities may apply as an “at-large” applicant. If an organization has multiple locations, separate applications must be submitted for each location that wants to be considered for the award. It is the worksite that is considered for the award, not the organization as a whole. Be in operation for at least one year and have a minimum of ten employees currently working from or report to the eligible worksite. (This does not include contract workers or consultants who are not reported to the IRS, but does include employees who travel frequently or work from home as long as they report back to the eligible worksite.)
Timeline:
Round 1: Applications open to Employers Jan 12 – April 16
(will most likely be extended, START the online registration TODAY and save initial information)
Preliminary Results April 23
Round 2: Employee Survey for Qualifiers April 30 – June 11
Final Results June 18
Award event October
Round 1: Employer questionnaire. Employers nominate themselves by completing an online application survey about their workplace flexibility programs, policies and culture. The survey will take approximately one hour to complete. (Be sure to write down the email address and password that you register with so that if you need to stop in the middle of completing the application, you can log back in later to finish.)
Round 2: Employee survey. For qualifying employers from Round 1, a sample of employees will be asked to complete a survey about their access to work flexibility programs and about the culture. The survey will take 20 minutes to complete. Eligible applicants will be considered based on their ability to demonstrate that workplace flexibility is being used successfully to meet both business and employee objectives. Award recipients in participating communities will be recognized locally. All recipients will have the opportunity for national recognition and benchmarking.
City of Houston contact. (Free initial assessment and consultation)
Shirley Crews Taylor
Shirley.crestaylor@cityofhouston.net
Tina Smith, TT&J Associates
Where Successful Women on the Next Curve of Their Path embrace Devine Essence
~ Inspiration ~ Education ~ Connection
Many years before I placed a conscious definition around the word affirmation.
I had an I AM statement. It was created during a very difficult time for me. One of many that touched my awareness of empowerment. I was 25 and my mother had recently died of a brain aneurysm. Lost without my best friend, my confidante, my mom and questioning who I was these words began to form.
At first it was only three. I wrote them down in my journal. Found myself doodling them at work. Like a gentle whisper from a friend. I AM beautiful, wealthy and wise.
Soon two more words joined in and the words became capitalized. I AM Strong, Beautiful, Healthy, Wealthy and Wise. They seemed to always have the same order of which they placed themselves. I found myself at the gym, exercising. In my car at a red light. Repeating them over and over. More than 15 years later these 5 words are still a part of me. They have never changed.
As part of the Empower-Women-Now.com community I invite you to share your I AM statement. View I AM statements HERE and share yours on the same page by scrolling down and clicking on the lower right “What is Your True Essence?” prompt. A box will open at the top of the page for your entry.
I AM Strong, Beautiful, Healthy, Wealthy and Wise!
First MONEY! An evening with The Women’s Resource celebrating volunteers provided an opportunity for a discussion on money. The green energy definitely turns a beautiful glowing pink when you understand it’s ebb and flow. Having the knowledge about your money and using it is one of THE top empowering aspects a woman can do. Plus I share an insightful dream that truly tapped into the sub-conscious. The Energy of Money
Second, EDUCATION! We are all on our path of True Essence. As a panelist for “The Women Who Rule The World” Event in Houston, TX I was honored to share the stage with amazing women and audience. Education comes in all shapes and sizes. Has education played a part in your Stepping Stones to this current moment in time? Taking the opportunity to increase your knowledge and skill set is a powerful decision. www.ProjectWorkingMoms.com has teamed with Dress for Success in sponsoring up to $5 million in full scholarships for on-line learning. Women Who Rule The World
Third, SHOES! When thoughts and feelings move forward into action, what shoes will be on your feet claiming those powerful steps? A Saturday afternoon Fashion Show brought out the best in footwear and my thoughts regarding empowered women and how internal thoughts and feelings are demonstrated externally on a very important accessory for women… Shoes! Empowerment & Shoes
Enjoy these videos in our blog community. Share your insight on these empowering and fun topics in text or video comments a blog tutorial is located within the community. I look forward to hearing from you.