Tag Archives: Women’s Empowerment

PASSION> PURPOSE> PEACE

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Happy Monday Darlin’!

Last week, I was honored to be given the opportunity to share my story and empowerment tips with a women’s group called Equipped By Faith led by my dear girlfriend, Sabrina Harrison. We wanted to make the evening interactive with a Q & A session. It was so powerful! Every woman in the room instantly connected and felt safe to share their personal experiences as well.

A question Sabrina asked me has been resonating with me which meant I just had to share it with you sistas.

What advice would you give to other women who are looking for their purpose in life?

There were 4 steps that came to mind when I thought back to my searching and seeking season. I wasn’t sure what my purpose for a very long time and I always say, “Sometimes when we’re running from our past, we run smack into our purpose”. For me, that means that my past– all the experiences (good & bad)– played into me finally stepping into my purpose. I was HURT, went through HEALING and then was ready to HELP other women get here as well.

 
1st) Always seek God to reveal it to you (Matthew 6:33-34). Invite God into your vision board process. You were born with purpose and destiny and God is the one who placed it inside you. Always seek the One who created you to find out what you were created for.

2nd) Pay attention to the things that light you up.  What are you passionate about?  Webster defines passion as: a strong feeling of enthusiasm or excitement for something or about doing something. When I’m coaching or speaking, I get so lit up on the inside that I feel like I’m buzzing. I don’t have to pee and I don’t feel hungry. I am so focused and passionate about on my purpose for that specific session/ event/ workshop. I’m present and not distracted (and I am easily distracted.. SQUIRREL!!). Pay attention to all of these things.

3rd) Look back at what you wanted to be at 10 years old. I wanted to be a teacher and an actress. What do those things have in common? They’re communicators. We can get so shifted by what our parents want us to do or get distracted by what your friends are doing, but you need to focus on what God has called YOU to do. Whether I am on Real Housewives, Sanctuary Of Style, teaching workshops or coaching clients– I am a communicator and open up others to communicate.

4th) How can you make the greatest impact and add value to others? I am passionate about women. I began having a deep desire to add value to and enrich women’s lives. The clearer I was about this passion, the more peace flooded into my life and spirit. (Remember, I’ve been transparent about my past with anti-depressants and anti-anxiety RX’s! I don’t think I ever felt a day of peace in my 20’s). In 2007, I was so hungry and eager to get out there and find women I could help. I started with what was logical to me at the time so I looked up modeling schools, charities geared for women and clothing boutiques. Your purpose is always linked to adding value and being of service to others in some capacity.

Pray for laser beam focus.

Focus on what God has for you every single day.

God divinely orders your steps.

Pay attention. 

Don’t allow yourself to be distracted by little things that will derail you from your purpose. For example, I keep my phone on silent when I’m working on my blog (like right now), on a Skype session with a client, having a lunch with a good friend, quality time with my husband, etc. The phone can be our biggest distraction these days! There are exceptions– I know you mama’s need to have your phone on so your kids can reach you. But, if you’re always on the phone scrolling through social media or texting with people who do not need your immediate attention– you could miss out on God appointments even important moments with your kids!

Stepping into your purpose and destiny can be difficult. Everyone wants to find their purpose. What they are really searching for is happiness and joy. I am a MUCH happier, joy-filled gal because I’m living my purpose. Just because you find your purpose doesn’t mean you’re floating around on a cloud wearing a pink tutu and all of a sudden life is grand. Purpose-driven appointments will put you in situations where you have to be bold and face your fears–BUT that, my dear, is where the magic to life is.

Remember, being peaceful is being powerful. That’s a #Tiffirmation y’all. 

Trusting the process,

Tiff

 

P.S. If you want to start a YouTube Channel like mine, join me and a small group of like-minded peeps for my Fall hosting & branding workshop on Nov 12th. Save your seat HERE!

 

 

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Own Your Journey + Stop Living In Shame: Tiffany Hendra Addresses Her Racy Acting Past via Bravotv.com

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Hey Sistas!

I knew God would convict me of the exact right time to open up about being raped at 16 and to address a few of the choices I made in my career. Now, you know the deeper reason why SOS is so important to me:

 

The Real Housewives of Dallas’ Tiffany Hendra is addressing the speculation about her acting days head-on by opening up about headlines that claim she starred in pornography, noting that the projects in question never veered into that territory. ‘Now’s the right time to address it because I am so ready. I am so willing every day,’ she told The Daily Dish about her resume’s unwanted attention.

—

“All of that [attention is] gonna come and the stuff that I’ve been through with this ‘porn thing’ and my acting career in L.A. and now just starting to share my story about being sexually assaulted [at age 16]…I knew all of that was gonna come,” she added. “I knew it, and I knew it was going to inspire people, so I really didn’t care.”

FOR MORE:

Source: Dallas Housewife Tiffany Hendra Addresses Her Racy Acting Past

TOGETHER WE CAN ROCK THE WORLD! Happy International Women’s Day

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I honor each of you today. Many thoughts have flooded my mind regarding International Women’s Day. Most of these are reposted from last year, but still hold true today:

  • My heart is filled with gratitude to my mother for instilling the “you can do anything you dream of” mentality in my sister and I.
  • Deep admiration & respect toward my mom for always working hard in her job and even harder at home to create a safe home for us as kids. She never hired a housekeeper and we rarely had a babysitter. She’s 67 and still happily working.
  • Deep admiration for my Japanese grandmother, Hannah, for choosing to leave her family and career as a clothing designer to raise her family in America.

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  • Pride and respect for my multi-talented younger sister who has followed her dreams and remained true to herself while finding her calling. It takes guts to try new things and change careers. She’s one of the gutsiest gals I know! If you’re in LA, make sure to go see her at the Beauty Boutique. Your skin will thank you!

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  • As a young woman living in the US, I’ve been able to work as an entrepreneur (I began modeling at 14 and started my 1st business at 16 doing graphic art, logos and designing T-shirts for companies), pave my own way and ask for the pay I’m worth all while trying to make a difference.  This overwhelms me! Again, I thank my parents for teaching us to fly and supporting all our crazy, but creative ideas. 
  • I’m more passionate than ever about instilling belief, vision, confidence and positivity in young women to prepare them for a successful future. There are several teenage girls that God has trusted me with mentoring. This has transformed my life probably more than it has theirs.
  • This blog is proof that we are blessed as women in the US with the ability to share our voice, ideas and thoughts.  Women in many countries are still forced to remain silent.
  • I echo the sentiment in an Instagram photo from Marie Forleo (one of my favorite biz mentors) which said, “Ambition is beautiful”. Her caption read, “You were born to create and contribute. Don’t let the noise of the world drown out the work your soul came here to do”. That goes for the boss lady doing the hustle and the stay-at-home mom raising future leaders. You do your thing and do it well!
  • I’ve been praying the Prayer Of Jabez (1 Chronicles 4:10) for several years and now- I have been given a larger platform and territory with the Real Housewives of Dallas. My intention is to inspire even more women to go for their dreams and the love they deserve. I have to share our latest commercial promo! Talk about Texas Girlpower..

 

TAKE A MOMENT TO THINK OF ALL THE WOMEN IN YOUR LIFE WHO HAVE MADE AN IMPACT ON YOU.

Silently say a prayer for them and send them love. 

May this love elevate us all to live a higher life and be so filled up that we have enough to give out to other girls and women.

Love, Tiff

International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. www.internationalwomensday.com

BROTHELS OR AN EDUCATION: Help Give These Girls The Right Choice

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Hey Sistas! 

My sister Natalie is embarking on a life-altering mission trip and felt compelled to share her journey and vision with you. I believe you can appreciate the importance on the following subject: 

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I have the privilege in traveling to Bangladesh in August for close to 3 weeks to work with the beautiful little girls there. This is the most destitute country I will have been to thus far, and with this level of poverty comes a lot of opposing challenge. I have been preparing my heart for what I will be encountering there.

Many of the girls in Bangladesh are victim to being thrown into brothels as young as 8 years old all the way through university age. They are also forced into child marriage for multiple reasons. The country is so destitute that families seem to have no other choice but to “give their daughters away” resulting in one less mouth to feed and to lighten the family’s burden.

A burden these little girls are not. They are smart, capable, dreamers, artists, and full of love.

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Below is a short summary of what will be taking place during and after our stay:

▪ We will be working with these girls by fostering the space for their education. I have already been asked to write stories to have translated in Bengali and printed for their entertainment and education.

▪ I will be holding a poetry and creative writing course for the girls who are inclined toward getting their thoughts on paper.

▪ We are providing a well-rounded platform to “tap into” the natural talents and gifts these girls were born with.

▪ We have many other programs already set in motion such as leadership, the arts, and education. All areas will be resourced.

▪ We have partnered with contacts in Bangladesh. We will be working with an established facility there operated by an attorney who has dedicated his life to fighting for human justice there in Bangladesh. If you would like to check out the organization: http://www.speakupforthepoor.org.

bangladesh educate

Educate

bangladesh womens rights

Fight for women’s rights

bangladesk empower

Empower

bangladesh dreams

Foster Dreams

bangladesh defend

Defend Basic Human Rights

bangladesh stop child marriage

Stop Child Exploitation

You may or may not know that I served as a missionary in my youth. From the age of 13-19 I dedicated my summer months to living abroad. I spent an entire year after high school as an intern helping to facilitate 2,000 teens travel to 14 countries. I was powerfully compelled to be of service to the world. From this early age the heartbeat of the world became my heartbeat. I could feel the pains and injustices and felt that I wanted to help by being a part of the relief.

By grace alone I am writing this email to you to let you know I have been reunited with my first love, to be of service, on a global scale. And this particular cause resonates with my heart deeply.

If this speaks to your heart, I would love for you to have your fingerprint on this trip.

If you would like to financially contribute to this trip you can do so at Natalie’s Crowdrise Appeal

It is important for me that you know I have and am continuing to financially contribute to this trip as well. I will be emailing progress and follow-ups so you can stay “in the know” with the impact you helped make.

If you have any questions or would just like to email me in regard to this trip, I would love to hear from you.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart-

Natalie Bolton.
Natalie@nataliebolton.com

srabani

P.S. I would like to introduce you to Sraboni. She is 12 and in 6th grade. She is a little girl I will have the privilege of working with one on one. Her hobby is reading just like me, so we will get along famously.♥

PURPOSE GONE WILD by Guest Blogger Ashley Brown

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The Gift you are meant to give…

You are a rare specimen. I know that’s a random way of starting this blog, but its true! The fact that you are alive is confirmation that you have purpose. Out of MILLIONS of sperm and hundreds of thousands eggs, YOU WERE SELECTED TO BE HERE. This is simply amazing. In case you didn’t know, it only takes 1 sperm, and 1 egg to create a baby, and in that particular moment, you were created. This is phenomenal. There is a specific reason why you are here, and your purpose is directly linked to your passion.

Let’s talk passion today…

We all have our passions & interest. The problem comes when we fall into a hypnotic rhythm of imitating the lives of others, and fail to realize our own uniqueness. Those who are truly great and legendary are the ones who pursed their curiosities even when it was contrary to what everyone else was doing around them. They did not fear the opinions of others, they simply acted on their hearts desires and in turn, they made a significant contribution to the world. The problem with mass media and social media is that when you are so focused on the lives of others it can be a distraction and distort your thinking, making you believe that you are supposed to be in a position that you are not.

Truth is…

you are right where you need to be and as soon as you take your eyes off everyone else’s purpose you can start pursuing your own.

Don’t be afraid of your own happiness or success.

The world NEEDS that authentic thing you have to offer.

Imitating the masses is a sure way of neglecting your true calling. Dig deep to find your OWN creative voice. Copying is easy. Many people can do it and it makes money, but there is no rewarding feeling at the end of it. When you pursue your passions, that “rewarding” feeling is worth more than any dollar amount.

Take some time to revisit the things that captivate you.

The things that make your heart skip a beat or have you up for hours, researching, studying, dreaming etc. When you are really excited or passionate about something that is a green light that you are headed in the right direction. Some people have a misconception that discovering your purpose is supposed to be a drawn out struggle. It is actually the polar opposite. You are co-creating this life with the ultimate creator (God) and he has instilled a gift in you that will spark your interest.

It is important to act and dive deeper into even the most subtle passions that may seem random and pointless. For instance, if you have a passion for drawing on the ground with chalk, you may be able to start a campaign writing positive quotes on college campuses. As crazy as it may sound, extraordinary things happen when you take time to learn what drives you. God didn’t create anything that is not gifted. Master who you are, instead of being pre-occupied with everyone else.

As we head into the new year, I want you to rediscover your passions. Take some time to reflect back on what interested you as a child, and be confident on your pursuit of purpose. I can’t stress enough how living your purpose truly serves the world.

If your passions don’t line up with all the degrees you have received or career path you’ve been on, do not fear. It’s better to start now, than to look back 30 years from now, realizing you let all your passions die.

So…join me in re-discovering our passions and unwrapping the beautiful gift God has given us. #GettingMyLife #PurposeGoneWild (Hashtag! I want to see your success & progress.)

 Follow me: @AshleyEmpowers 

http://www.ashleyempowers.com

AshleyEmpowers

 

SUSIE AUGUSTIN: She’s A Sexy, Fit & Fab Siren {Giveaway}

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It’s hard to believe that only 18 months ago I became a Bestselling Author! This was unexpected and truly a gift from God. In Sexy, Fit & Fab at Any Age! I share my stories and challenges to inspire women to develop their essences, exude confidence, embrace their true selves and feel extraordinary. But during the creation of the book, I started experienced obstacles. I went from losing 30 pounds, being in what I thought was fabulous shape, and looking and feeling confident and sexy, to feeling “off”.

I was suffering from female health issues, fatigue, weight gain, and ended up having a hysterectomy. During my recovery, my 83-year-old mom was hospitalized, had three surgeries, her heart gave out and she passed. Also, I found that I might be a victim of identity theft. It would have been easy to let what was going on in my personal life define me and focus on recovery. Instead, I chose to put aside the way I felt and continued to move forward with my goals to make my dreams come true. I’d lost my book savings due to being on Disability, I had no credit and no budget. But what I did have was perseverance and passion. I started my publishing company Get Branded Press. I surrounded myself with uplifting people and lived with an attitude of gratitude.

Within four months I had a book launch, became a Bestselling Author and a Publisher (I published my friend Kim Somers Egelsee’s book Getting Your Life to a 10 Plus, too). Another blessing that week – my finances were recovered. Amazing opportunities came along; speaking engagements, radio and TV shows: the Beverly Hills Book Awards and the International Book Awards.

I had faith and chose to see my challenges as life experiences, the same kind everyone goes through. I also experienced my highest highs during this time. While I didn’t always feel up to doing speaking engagements or let myself be vulnerable in front of an audience, I sucked it up and put aside my pain (physical, emotional, financial) and did it anyway. You see, I had a responsibility to share my message of Sexy, Fit & Fab at Any Age! even if I didn’t always look “perfect”.

This year, I invited 24 Sexy, Fit & Fab women, age 20s through 70s, to contribute stories to my new book Sexy, Fit & Fab Sirens. These women live confident, healthy and empowered lives, they’ve overcome the odds and have gained amazing achievements.

Sexy Sirens group shot

Contributing authors: Kim Somers Egelsee, Jeanette Ortega, Monica Blanco, Sheri Fink, Karla Keene, Danielle Augustin, Shaeny Hagey, Monick Halm, Amy Stahovich, Yin Chang, Jenée Dana, Kristina Mitchell, Kristina Johnson, Casey Krebs, Stephanie Dreyer, Sherri Boyer, Jaime Kalman, Katy Bray, Sylvia Armas-Abad, Jacqueline Kettle, Vivian Pulliam, Fran Boytos, Claudia Cooley, and Nancy Somers.

Additional contributors: Erin Cottrell/Foreword (actress, The Identical); Alexis Carra/Special Introduction (actress, Mixology); and Tiffany Hendra/Endorsement (TV Host, Sanctuary of Style).

Sexy Sirens Full Cover

The theme of Sexy, Fit & Fab Sirens is Sexy Collaboration. It’s powerful when women come together – so many women, so many blessings! The book was created in 6 months and hit #1 on Amazon in 16 categories (Health/Fitness, Beauty & Style, Aging, Movers & Shakers, and more!) I’m absolutely amazed and had such an exciting time celebrating with all the authors at our Sexy Sirens red carpet book launch! Look for upcoming books Sexy, Fit & Fab Beauty Secrets and Sexy, Fit & Fab Studs in 2015.

I challenge YOU to dare to go for it, and live the life of YOUR dreams!

Susie Augustin

Connect with Susie: 

www.SexyFitFab.com

@SusieAugustin

#SexyFitFab

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GIVEAWAY

To celebrate Susie and her success, she is giving away 3 signed copies of her latest book – Sexy, Fit & Fab Sirens.

To enter, simply make a comment on this blog post sharing that you accept the “challenge to dare to go for it and live the life of YOUR dreams”.

Winners announced Sunday, September 14th.

10 THINGS TO QUIT DOING TO YOURSELF

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Hellooo Sassy Pants!

It’s Monday and here is your official ‘kick-in-the-bootie’ motivation. Usually, I give you a to-do list, but today I’ve got ten things we need to all QUIT doing:

1. QUIT PUTTING YOUR NEEDS/WANTS/DESIRES ON THE BACK BURNER. Women can fall easily in that “martyr mentality” and glorify how much they do for everyone else. There is nothing glorious about sacrificing yourself to the point that you no longer recognize yourself. When we take care of ourselves – we are strong, grounded and equipped to do for others. You want to go on a nature walk? Make it to that yoga class? JUST GO, GIRL.. and quit saying you don’t have time. You’ll be a happier, more peaceful-  mom, wife, friend, sister, daughter and co-worker. 

2. QUIT BEATING YOURSELF UP. You are not a punching bag. You are a beautiful human being and child of God. We all make mistakes. Forgive yourself, learn the lesson and move on. Take off the gloves and quit reliving it. 

3. QUIT HANGING OUT WITH NARCISSISTIC OR NEGATIVE PEOPLE. This seems like a ‘no brainer’ so why do we do it? Life is too short to waste time with people who drain the life out of you or do not value your worth. We all know those people who talk incessantly about themselves and can’t stop long enough to ask you how you’re doing. These people don’t get a lunch invitation from Tiff. Just sayin’. It always shocks me that someone can’t ask three simple words – how are you?  Those three words go a long way in my book! 

4. QUIT COMPARING YOURSELF TO EVERYONE. You, your gifts & talents, your path, your beauty, your voice & accent, your style, your ism’s, your laugh, your heart – all make up one pretty awesome chick so what’s the point in comparing yourself to anyone. Quit making yourself crazy, girl. 

5. QUIT TRYING TO EXPLAIN YOURSELF. Your true friends ‘get’ you and who cares what your haters think. When I moved to Dallas, where most women are mothers, I found myself trying to explain why my husband and I didn’t have kids. I never realized there could be a prejudice toward childless couples. I would go on & on about how we work with orphans and it’s God’s will for our life and how we briefly tried to get pregnant, but never wholeheartedly wanted to have kids. I got over that quick. If someone has a problem with us because we don’t have kids- that’s their problem, not ours. 

6. QUIT TRYING TO MAKE EVERYTHING APPEAR PERFECT. The Stepford Wife Syndrome is still alive and kickin’. Perfect is boring. Be real… it’s way more interesting. Quit killing yourself trying to keep up appearances. It’s just stupid, really.

7. QUIT PUTTING UP WALLS. We’ve all been hurt by family, friends, boyfriends, spouses, bosses. Allow yourself to heal by forgiving them and moving on. When we put up walls we often sabotage  potentially great new relationships. Plus, being bitter, closed off and hardened is not pretty. 

8. QUIT STARVING YOURSELF. I’m guilty of running around and not stopping long enough to eat a nutrient rich meal. Busy women either go without or they shove a bag of candy down their throats for the sugar rush. QUIT THIS PLEASE! Love yourself enough to stop and fill your tank with a healthy meal. Depriving our bodies leads to so many other problems from illness to depression. 

9. QUIT LIVING IN THE PAST OR TOO FAR IN THE FUTURE. This is part of the human condition we all suffer. It is virtually impossible for most people to be fully present 24/7. It’s important to be conscious of how much we are dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Catch yourself and stop your thoughts. Be present. Look around you. Listen to your breathing. Take a deep breath and exhale it long and slowly. This will bring you back to the moment. Women do not breathe deep enough.

Do Me A Favor…………Right Now………………Inhale………………Exhale………………..Smile.   

10. QUIT COMPLAINING. This really needs no explanation. Just quit it and watch your blessings flow.

 

Which of these resonated with you the most?

Have a fabulous week! 

Love, Tiff

BLOOM AT YOUR OWN PACE: Stop Trying To Prove Yourself

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Happy Sunday Sistas,

As you all know, I am in a new season of life, in a new city and loving the fresh start. With that comes moments of both anxiety and excitement. Anxiety because I’m getting reacquainted with a city that has changed SO much from when I previously lived here, but more so- I think it’s because I have changed. I admit it is a good kind of anxiety- if there is such a thing. Excitement because I am connecting with wonderful women who are full of purpose, passion and integrity. Plus, the fact that I can drive down to visit my parents gives me tremendous peace that I haven’t felt in years.

Over the past few weeks, I have had several convo’s with women from all walks of life- single career women, wealthy stay-at-home moms and women in ministry. These conversations were some of the most authentic, genuine and flat out no B.S. talks I’ve had in a while. A great take-away from each encounter was the realization that I was free from the need to prove myself to any of these women. After years of searching for approval from others and desperately trying to prove myself and my worth- here I am…Tiff, no labels, no titles, no resume, take it or leave it, just as I am…

ME.

Everyone is climbing that mountain and running the race to see who can get to the top or cross the finish line first. Our ego’s want to be fed with that false need to prove something and say “Hey, look at me!” The flowers don’t beg for attention and open up when they are ready….when they have had adequate water and sunlight. It’s a simple analogy, but we could learn a lesson or two from them. They are all equally beautiful so does it really matter which one blooms first? We hear “enjoy the journey” on a regular basis, but are we all so consumed with that finish line or mountain top that we keep ourselves in a state of misery, comparison and competition? The beauty of the journey, the climb- is the growth and strength that’s achieved. Do not try to bypass it or you’ll miss out on your Destiny. There’s really no fun or sense of adventure in life if you went straight to the mountaintop. Sting made a profound comment in the documentary “Twenty Feet From Stardom” about the kids that win “American Idol” at an early age. They are given instant fame, recognition and money- BUT, if they have not had some degree of personal growth they will not sustain a lasting career. They do not have the tools or Spiritual growth to keep them at the top for long. (I’m paraphrasing, but that’s the gist of it) 

Often, I call myself a “late bloomer” and I’m okay with it. My entire 20’s were a time of seeking, self-loathing, fear based decision making and complete confusion. I didn’t start understanding myself…forgiving myself and others…until I was in my early 30’s and allowed God to take over. Remember, before a flower can bloom- it has to first grow underneath the soil, in the darkness and start out as a sprout. Whether you are fully bloomed or barely a sprout today- appreciate where you are and do not compare yourself to others. Don’t try to rush your growth and bypass some of the essential healing and lessons that MUST be learned. That’s a recipe for disaster. Each season, each stage of growth reveals amazing aspects of ourselves. Many stages are downright painful and challenging, but oh so glorious on the other side. That’s how we truly understand who we are, what we want to do and how we want to live our life. We have to go through the dark times in the dirty parts of life in order to really appreciate when we are…

standing tall and blooming like the tulips above.

If life is to be compared to a race- I’m in it for the long haul, the marathon. Not a sprint. I know I used several analogies from a race to a mountain climb to flowers, but I trust it helped to drive the point home. I see so many women who are wearing themselves out trying to prove they are successful, prove they are superwoman or the world’s greatest mom. Do not live your life by someone else’s definition of success. I may not have the biggest bank account, but I have a thriving marriage and healed relationships within my family. God is leading me every single day in my purpose to empower women. Heck, the fact that I’m even alive and breathing and not strung out on drugs somewhere…that is success to me, HOLLA! 

How has the need for approval derailed you? What is stopping you from living life at your own pace, on your terms? Are you distracted by the need to keep up with the pace of other’s? Are you disconnected from your Spirit and trying to take the wheel away from God? It is so exhausting and you’ll stay on the “road always traveled” then end up living someone else’s life. If that’s you today, please put it in “park” and reevaluate your route.

I would love to hear your thoughts.

Cheers to blooming when you are good and ready!

Love, Tiff

 

 

 

 

INSPIRE CHANGE! International Women’s Day

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photo-193[photo courtesy of Shoreline Dallas]

Happy Weekend Sistas,

Just a quick message to send you love and appreciation….

Today, on International Women’s Day, my thoughts are with all of you as well as my beautiful family in Japan & Australia and all the remarkable little girls that stole my heart in Africa. No matter where we are in the world- we can be an advocate and inspire change for women’s advancement. 

“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” – Gloria Steinem

Annually on March 8th, 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.

Many global corporations have also started to more actively support IWD by running their own internal events and through supporting external ones. For example, on 8 March search engine and media giant Google some years even changes its logo on its global search pages. Year on year IWD is certainly increasing in status. The United States even designates the whole month of March as ‘Women’s History Month’. via www.internationalwomensday.com

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You may have heard me share this story before, but it bears repeating. In Sudan, the language is Arabic so to connect with the little girls in the orphanage we support- I painted their nails. Such a blessed and intimate moment that I will never forget! You may think that painting a girl’s nails is frivolous, but as I held each hand and painted- all the other little girls gathered around her in a way of support, celebration and approval. Witnessing this blew me away and it is difficult to put into words. Instead of pushing to be the next in line for their manicure, each girl waited patiently. No competition. No comparison. Only cooperation & celebration. For the remainder of the day, the girls played and held hands in admiration of one another. We could all learn a thing or two from them. 

God Bless all the women who have stood by me on my journey since I was a little girl. I bow my head in a grateful prayer for those who fanned my flame, poured love or spoke even one small word of encouragement into me.

Make a difference, think globally and act locally! Make everyday International Women’s Day. Do your bit to ensure that the future for girls is bright, equal, safe and rewarding. Help one another to stand tall.

INSPIRE CHANGE.

Love, Tiff

COOPERATION Vs. COMPETITION {Sunday Affirmations}

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tiff_rayne{At Willow Tree Women’s Circle with Fellow Style Expert + Fashion Maven, Rayne}

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Happy Sunday Sistas!

I trust you all had a wonderful weekend and are taking some quality “ME” time to prepare for a fab week ahead.  I had such a fantastic week filled with several beautiful experiences and witnessing women lifting one another up and fanning each other’s flames. You know that is what SOS is all about! This morning, I was thinking back on the week and realized the common thread weaving through each event I attended and the clients I worked with– was women were COOPERATING instead of competing! It’s remarkable when strong, confident women operate from a state of cooperation  and collaboration instead of competition. As I get older and work with more and more women, I realize those who feel the need to compete are just insecure and unsure of their gifts and talents. I know I say it often, but it’s the truth– women are truly powerful beings all on their own, but when they unite….it changes the world! All of the women I collaborated with last week work in the same industry as I do. Many women would shy away from helping someone in their industry because they would view it as competition.  When we realize that what we have to offer the world, complete with our unique abilities, personality and talents– then competition is nonexistent. I give mad props to personal stylist- Rayne Hagstrom, life coach- Kim Somers Egelsee and TV Host- Patricia Kara for operating from a higher level and helping other women to come up higher as well. You ladies inspire me!

The definition of compete: Strive to gain or win something by defeating or establishing superiority over others who are trying to do the same. Synonyms: contest, race, rivalry.  NO THANK YOU!

The definition of cooperate: Act jointly; work toward the same end. Assist someone or comply with their requests.  Synonyms: Collaborate, pull together. YES!!

Tiff_trish_AliveT{Fellow TV Host, Blogger + Webseries Creator, Patricia Kara}
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There is an uncomfortable feeling and tension when you are in the presence of a woman who operates from a place of competition.  Sometimes you aren’t quite sure why you feel uneasy, but you just have this urgency to get the heck away from her fast!  Then on the flip side, when you are in the presence of a nurturing powerful woman who operates from a place of cooperation… you feel plain ol’ good in her presence and your spirit is lifted.  The other beautiful thing about encouraging others and helping their dreams come to pass is that God sees your heart and He will ensure your dreams will come to pass.  HOLLA!
As we go into the new week, may we all be conscious of this principle and whoa baby— watch your flame grow brighter and your dreams come true!
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THIS WEEK I WILL….

  1. Seek out people to encourage.
  2. Operate from a place of cooperation.
  3. Appreciate my unique gifts + talents.
  4. Realize there is no competition when I am being authentic.
  5. Compliment a stranger.
  6. Walk in love no matter what.
  7. Be a world changer by starting in my own backyard.
  8. Not dummy down and dim my light.
  9. Walk my talk.
  10. Stay in peace because it’s a place of power.
  11. Help others dreams to come true!

As always, I love hearing your thoughts.

Share, comment, etc!

We have a few more FANTABULOUS giveaways through the end of summer so make sure to check in on the Facebook Page for details and fun questions.

 

Fly High,

Tiff

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