Inspiring Change in Women

I am an empowerment and self esteem building columnist for Unlia magazine, a New York based lifestyle magazine and also a bestselling author of three self - help books on girls and women empowerment related topics.

I thought this article will be helpful .Read on ladies and share too.

Celebrated annually on March 8, the 2014 theme for International Women’s Day was:\"Equality for Women is Progress for all\" .International Women's Day has been observed since in the early 1900's, a time of great expansion and turbulence in the industrialized world that saw booming population growth and the rise of radical ideologies.Thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate achievements. A global web of rich and diverse local activity connects women from all around the world ranging from political rallies, business conferences, government activities and networking events through to local women's craft markets, theatric performances, fashion parades and more.

The story of women's struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.This is a broad picture of what goes on around the world on March 8th.

But how do we inspire change in us and our little circles. I was really blessed to have called in on a teleconference on March 8th whose theme was Inspiring Change. And all the speakers amongst which were Doctors and top leaders in their various fields really inspired change.All of them were very sincere and spoke from the heart which greatly inspired and empowered not only me but the rest of the participants. I really thought I could share some of the goodies with you so we can keep the inspiration going.

So how do you inspire change in yourself.

1) Courage and ability to overcome challenges.

Challenges, setbacks and trying times do happen to everyone at some point in life.No one is free from this.But how you get through or over it. Crying over it? Or giving up? Or stress over it day and night? Does crying or stressing or giving up really works anyway? Absolutely NO.It is ok that when challenges comes as humans we will be down for \"sometimes\".I put sometimes in quotes because we shouldn't stay there for ever.People have asked me this question over and over; Claire how do you do it? How do you stay hopeful? How do you even smile despite all? And I have said; I have every reason to smile and be grateful to God.I wake up every day healthy.I have children that are healthy.I have a family that is healthy, I have a roof over my head.I live in the greatest country in the whole world.The list goes on.So what is there not to be thankful for.What I do in essence is to look at the good things God has done for me instead of dwelling on my trials. Challenges comes and goes and God has given each one of us the courage and ability to overcome anything. So at anytime troubles comes, just take a moment and look at the beautiful things in your life.Count your blessings and name them one by one.

2) Taking care of ourselves.
I know we come as mothers who are at the same time wives, teachers, nurses, doctors, engineers, lawyers, writer, entrepreneurs .We are trail blazers. But do we find time to take care of ourselves? The world we're living is quite demanding especially because we have to juggle work, family and other things,but creating time in between to take care of ourselves is as important too.You have to start to inspire change in yourself first before others. Sometimes our children or the people we inspire wants to see us as examples first.

3) what drains you and what gives you energy

What are those things you find toxic in your life? Is it your job? Yes of course some jobs are like toxins. All they do is drain you of your energy. You wake in the morning and feel like not going there.Figure it out. Or is it your friends? You know those friends that are very negative and will always put you down no matter what you do? Yes they're not good. You want to hang out with positive minded people that will fill your cup until it runs over.There comes a time in life when you walk away from all the drama and the people who create it. Surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad and focus on the good.To inspire change in yourself and others learn to stay away from things that are toxic.

4)Who are you and what is your purpose?

It will blow your mind how people answer this question. I have asked this in workshops many times and the answers are amazing. From \"My name is Rose.I am a woman, a mother,a farmer, a teacher etc.Sure we're all that.But there's much more . Recently I read that approximately 70% of us will go to our graves without knowing who we are and what our purpose in life is.That number is definitely too much . However you can know your purpose by answering these questions below;
What is your passion?
What is that thing that keeps you awake at night?
What is your strength?
Do you know what your weaknesses are?
What do you love to do with your life?
What are your gifts and talents?
Do you have a story to share? Sure it might just be what someone out is waiting to inspire and empower them to change their life.
Always remember that the whole world awaits that gift which only you have come to deliver.

Many cultures and religious beliefs tell us what we should be or not to be,but when you know who you are you will be more effective. You've got to tap your personal power to meet your personal needs as a woman. Recognize your true value and power within and use it to pursue what you want.It is never too late even to re-invent your life.

\"Ten years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do, so throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, Dream, Discover & live.Stop existing or just getting by and start living ----Hey! Make your life counts because who you are matters\"

Princess kuja

\"It's so scaring to show up but if you don't show up and fail then you're simply not showing up.There's fear, shame , anxiety, lack of confidence, low self - esteem and so forth .Quite understand-able. But it's even scarier to reach the end of your journey on earth and wished you would have showed up anyway\"

Princess kuja.