Finding Your Entrepreneurial Worth (Lisa Messenger)

As a Collective Hub #CollectiveAmbassador, I was so excited to read this great The Daily Guru quick interview with Founder and Editor-in-Chief Lisa Messenger...her response was spot on and something I'm still learning to say no to after being a Girl Boss entrepreneur for almost four years! So inspiring!

Q: What has been the biggest block you have had to personally overcome in order to succeed in business?

A: I've had to really get my head around the value of my time and mastering the Art of Leverage. I think most of us when we start a business it's all about passion and we over service and undercharge and have a lot of free coffees or favors for people. As we evolve, we start to recognize the value of our time. Now, I really have found my true worth and it is paying off.

Bravo Lisa!!!

Collective Hub is a magazine based out of Australia and created by Lisa Messenger that is leading a movement to inspire and inform a "collection of gamechangers, rule breakers, thought leaders, and style makers challenging the status quo."

Luxury, Aging & The Evolution of Living Well

I celebrated another brilliant birthday this month and I wanted to share with you a word that is having a deep impact on me: LUXURY.

Before your mind automatically categorizes this word in what your own experience of luxury means, let me explain.

As I age, how I define luxury is evolving from what it meant in my youth (being able to buy things and quantity vs quality) to a more refined definition involving uniqueness, especially in our times of mass produced products and services.

I don't exactly know when and at what point my tastes and viewpoint of luxury changed but I do know that it has completely changed my life!

In what way?

I say "no" to more things and invitations than I say "yes" to...being in a position to control your own time is luxury defined to me. (I used to wear myself out working 10 hour days at a demanding job, sitting on multiple nonprofit boards all while volunteering at least 10 hours per month and being completely depleted)

I live my life out of a 1/3 filled walk in closet...wearing the clothes I really love that includes about 60% vintage (including my absolute favorite vintage dress that was in the $1 bin and is extremely well made) is luxury defined to me. (I used to have enough clothes to fill two walk-in closets and a hallway closet filled with coats/jackets)

I live in an urban neighborhood whereas I can hop on a bus to get to downtown in 10 minutes and I walk to work through a scenic, gorgeous historic neighborhood....not sitting in a car for a long commute to work is luxury defined to me. (I used to commute 40 minutes each way at that 10 hour/day demanding job)

These are just a few examples that are from my personal experiences.

While I was thinking of this post, I was pleasantly surprised to see an article in the October/November 2015 issue of Luxe Interior+Design magazine that asked some of the best tastemakers their definition of luxury. Based on their responses, I now know that I am not the only one going through a metamorphosis of determining what luxury means...here are some of the tastemaker responses I liked best:

"An overly planned space becomes mundane as does an overly planned life--spontaneity is everything." -Robert Passal

"We have reached a point where luxury is uniqueness: the painting that was a gift from an artist friend; the fabric brought back from a trip to Istanbul. Luxury is deeply personal." -Alexa Hampton

"It's experience that defines luxury, it's no longer about product." -Peter Dunam

"Luxury is harmony. At the core of harmony is decisive editing. If you don't love an object, lose it." -Amy Lau

"Luxury is time: time to create. Time to read. Time to relax. Time to focus. Time to explore. Luxury leaders find the time." -Ralph Pucci

"Invest in what you touch everyday--sheets, towels, the fabric on your favorite chair. These tactile things bring quiet comfort to your everyday." -Thomas Pheasant

"I subscribe to the 'less is more' credo. Buy fewer high quality pieces as opposed to a lot of junk." -Heather Hilliard

"There is no substitute for beautiful manners and thoughtfulness, or, for that matter, sheer quality." -Tricia Guild

"Comfort and quality are the ultimate luxury to me today and always." -Alessandro Branca

I hope this post and these quotes inspire you to find your own vein of quality and inspires you to evolve your definition of what it means to live a well lived life of luxury...based on your own stylish and purposeful terms!

It's Curva-Lish...

Photo Credit: all pics are from Instagram/Luxemagazine

Top 10 Tips for a Mindfully Healthy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving! A time for family, friends, football, and of course FOOD.  Oh, the food- Turkey with dressing, gravy, green bean casserole, creamed corn, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes with marshmallows, pumpkin pie, more pie, more pie, more pie.  Don’t forget the pie!  Throw in a few glasses of wine and ta’ da!!! You’re all set for the biggest and most delicious calorie fest of the year.

Sigh, but what a nightmare for those of us who have worked hard all year to reach our health goals.

As a health coach, I don’t believe in deprivation, starvation, or diets.  I teach my clients how to make healthy choices each day, no matter what the occasion- birthday dinners, happy hours, holidays, business dinners, or events.  There will always be an excuse to distract you from your goals, but you are stronger than that!

So here we go, my Top 10 Healthy Tips for a healthier Thanksgiving:

Tip #1 Have a plan before you sit down to eat.  Know which items are must haves and which foods you can do without.

Tip #2 Don’t starve until dinner!  If you are not eating until later in the day, don’t starve all day.  Eat your regular breakfast and lunch.  You will be less hungry when dinner time comes and you will eat less when turkey time comes.

Tip #3 Water.  Drink a tall glass of water before you sit down to eat. Water will help you feel full faster.  Drink another glass of water before reach for seconds.

Tip #4 Are you cooking? Fill your table with options that support your goals. Get creative and try healthier versions of your family’s favorite foods. Try new recipes that let you indulge in fancy salads and veggies.  I have included one of my favorites below!

Tip #5 Are you going to someone else’s home?  Cook a side or two to share that will support your goals.  That way you have plenty to eat without sabotaging all your hard work.

Tip #6 Serve yourself.  You know what your goals are and you know what your body needs.  If you serve yourself you can control the portion that goes on your plate. Other people may not have the same goals that you do.

Tip #7 Fill your plate at least half full of salad and veggies- the rest of the plate should be white meat turkey with small portions of other sides. If your table has a lot of sides limit yourself to 2. Ok, maybe 3.  I don’t want you to feel deprived. ☺

Tip #8 Limit alcohol.  Alcohol has a lot of empty calories with no nutritional value.  Your body metabolizes alcohol before food (which requires a lot from the body), so the calories you eat from food are not broken down as well.  If you choose to have wine or a cocktail, give yourself a limit.

Tip #9 Get up from the table once you are done eating. Relocate yourself instead of sitting in front of the food. Too tempting to nibble!  Throw the football around in the yard with the kids or take the dog for a quick walk!

Tip #10 Focus on getting some Soul Food.  You want to feel full?  Fill your heart and soul with love, kindness, and gratitude. Hug the children a little longer, tell someone how special they are to you, do something kind for yourself, love everyone around you in small and big ways.

My Favorite Healthy Thanksgiving Recipe: Roasted Winter Veggies
Sweet Potatoes
Brussel Sprouts
Butternut Squash
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
Grapeseed Oil
Fresh Sage, Oregano, Thyme, Rosemary
Herbs de Provence (dried seasoning with Lavendar)
Salt & Pepper

Start by cutting all the veggies about the same size.  Place cut veggies in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with just enough EVOO to cover the veggies and just a tiny drizzle of safflower oil, it has a slightly nutty flavor.  Roughly cut fresh Sage, Oregano, Thyme, Rosemary and put on veggies. Season the veggies with Herbs de Provence, Salt & Pepper.  Mix all the ingredients until veggies are evenly coated.  Bake on a cookie sheet and roast in oven for 25 mins on 375 degrees.  You will want to turn the veggies about half way through.  Enjoy the smell of fresh herbs and Lavender!
Option:  Add pomegranate seeds, walnuts or pecans, last 5 mins of roasting veggies.

Let us all be thankful this season for all we have been gifted!

Happy Thanksgiving!
Shivani, The Glow Coach


About Me:  I’m a Holistic Health Coach and personal wellness advocate who works with women as they begin a journey of transformation. I don’t believe in deprivation, starvation, or diets. I work with clients to help them explore health and lifestyle changes that can help them reach their goals.  By forming a healing partnership with my clients I am able to support them as they discover how to transform their bodies from the inside out.  I’m lover of laughter and life!  Energize! Sweat! Glow!

Instagram:  @glowcoachdallas
Facebook:  Glow Coach Dallas
Interested in a free 45 minute consultation?  Email  me at assistant@glowcoachdallas.com
Website:  www.glowcoachdallas.com (Debuting Soon!)

Just Own It!

Stop second guessing yourself and just own it!

Own the fact you messed up, move forward.

Own the fact that you deserve it, stop feeling guilty.

Own the fact you made the decision, go all in.

Own the fact you don't know all the details, ask and get help if you need it.

Own it that it may be better than you think, look forward.

Own it that you perceived the situation wrong, so what. Perceive it correctly now.

Own it that you went further and are more successful than the peers you started out with, you can't help everyone want it...immerse yourself in the fruits of your hard work!

Own it that you must make the BEST decision, it may be a mistake but you must decide.

Own it that you are fearful, fix your crown and walk like a queen/king.

Own it that you need a new network, network=networth.

Own it that you keep letting other people make you feel inferior, get over your envious attitude and own it!

Own it that aging has made your body different, put in your best outfit and sashay down the sidewalk like its a catwalk!

Own it that you have a dysfunction with money, get support, set a budget, stop shopping to try to impress people and start saving (today)!

Own it that you lost your parents and still feel their loss, live the rest of your life like you know they would want you to! It gives them honor!

Own it that he left you without any forewarning, you are amazing and there's another one that has been looking for you his whole life!

Own it that you can't do it all, be OK with a less than spotless house, get/hire help and do what you can do!

Own it that you have constant feelings of not being good enough, write out your affirmations, say them daily and finally get-over-it!

Own it that you feel different, do something everyday that showcases that difference!

Whatever you do, stop second guessing yourself and just (finally) own it!

Chicness: The New Essential Bag

I've written about how my prediction of the future of Style will be predicated on Essentialism.

Since then, I have continued to see streamlined, intentional fashion. Love it!

Here's a really cute Essentialism-type metallic pouch clutch featured by Target Style

Get the pouch clutch (and free shipping) by clicking here and input  490240618620 in search to shop directly for pouch!

Bonus, as of this blog post, Target has a buy 1, get one 50% off on shoes and accessories! This pouch clutch is included!

And don't forget, there are longer wear pouch options available from India Hicks, called the Flat Stanley! It's a higher price-point but will go the distance! The Flat Stanley is wipe-able and durable.

Flat Stanley in Bridesmaid Ivory

Flat Stanley in Heritage Print

Addicted to Busy? Prevent Burnout (Free Teleclass)

I am a huge supporter of the Texas Conference for Women because of all the amazing work they do year-round! (I was apart of the media coverage in 2014)

One of the great and informative events they will be hosting online tomorrow is "Addicted to Busy: Your Blueprint for Burnout Prevention".

Summary: Are you addicted to busy? Burnout is one of the fast growing professional obstacles people face, and it’s hitting high-achieving women hard. In this informative 30-minute session, Paula Davis-Laack, a stress and resiliency expert, will explore what burnout is, what causes it, and the warning signs you need to look out for. Participants will come away with a “Burnout Prevention Blueprint” and specific strategies that will help them build their resilience to stress, so they can thrive both personally and professionally.

Teleclass Leader: Paula Davis-Laack

So before you are neck deep in what can be holiday craziness, attend this free Teleclass and get your blueprint to prevent burnout!

Register HERE

Cultivating Hope & A Vision for Your Future

As I headed into a busy weekend of doing a private Vision Board Party, I saw news on the Paris attacks. I watched as the news unfolded of the horrific events and the human life that was ended.

The awful news made me that much more committed to doing what I do best: empowering people from all walks of life to not only believe they can be great but to also give them the tools and strategies to make that happen!

One of the tools I use is the "Self Confidence Personal Assessment" offered free on my Resources page.

So before the group even starts to create their vision boards, I equip them with tips on envisioning their future and use the self confidence tool that gives them specific results. I also demonstrate to them how to effectively use the results to drive towards their goals! (You can schedule a one-on-one 45-minute session at the Resources page)

As with prior groups, there were discussions on how to go through a transformation, recovering from divorce and creating new goals, how to take back your health, creating goals for a new business idea, letting go of the past and creating a vision for a new future and more!

It never fails that there are aha's, tears, high fives, support, clarity and so much more...that's the power of having self-awareness about your level of confidence!

One of my Why-s in caring so much about people maximizing their potential by getting equipped to reach their goals is that it cultivates an un-shakeable hope when people operate in their gifting... I have seen miracles happen in the most smallest deeds (such as the Parisian cab drivers who drove people home for free in the aftermath of the terrorist attack). Your vision for your future doesn't have to be on a large scale...it's about what you do each day to be a light!

Don't just wish or get motivated to achieve your dreams...also get equipped! Hire a Coach, take applicable assessments, get support, serve others with your gifting...the world needs you!

Saturday's Vision Board Group

Vision Board Table: We Mean Business

#FridayInspiration: Mrs Rodial & Thinking Outside the Box

I have a fondness for UK Beauty brand Rodial because after I was rejected by countless potential partners in the beginning, the folks at Rodial said yes to me being able to directly advertise (no middle-man) on my site.

Seeking out Partnerships for Curva-Lish is deeper than just advertising... I purposefully search out woman owned firms, companies and organizations that have owners who are inspiring as well as walking out their authentic journey.

Maria Hatzistefanis is one of these types of women...

In 1999 Maria Hatzistefanis invested $20,000 of her life savings to create a high performance skincare line which would offer targeted solutions to specific skin concerns.

Now, 16 years after launching Rodial out of the spare room of her home, the London-based Beauty entrepreneur is still breaking boundaries with her revolutionary skincare group.

Maria and her husband still own 100% of the company, which remains private.

"Don't think outside the box, think like there is no box." - Maria Hatzistefanis

Here are some other things I love about Rodial that I believe sets them apart...her site and YouTube channel is filled with information that teaches you HOW to use the products to achieve the skin you want and the makeup look you desire!

Rodial's success is indicative that this is what women want!

Here are a few of my favorites:

Mrs Rodial teaching a group on "How to Be An Overnight Success"

Mrs Rodial teaching a group "How to Build a Successful Business"

Mrs Rodial offering "Tips & Advice for Inspiring Entrepreneurs"

And my favorite tutorial from her site (she had dozens!), is the one to get Amal Clooney's (George Clooney's elegant wife and humanitarian) gorgeous look:

Lastly, start practicing now for your perfect Holiday smokey eye look...the best I've seen!

So join me in supporting this inspiring woman owned company's goal to equip women to find their own level of beauty!

Shop Rodial and see all their tutorials for YOUR perfect look!

Recap: Glamour Women of the Year Awards

As a Conde Nast Style Society member, I purposefully wanted to connect Curva-Lish to a brand that is as diverse as it is inspiring in being a pioneer through its network of brands.

Conde Nast owns Glamour and one of the highlights of the year is their Glamour Women of the Year Awards.

And, anything that celebrates women's achievements will be featured on this blog! Always.

This year's award recipients are just as inspiring and empowering as year's past with one exception: the awardees are getting better and better in representing the diverse ways in which women are breaking down barriers and overcoming obstacles.

Here's a recap of the highlights:

The Women Who Survived the Charleston Murders

The women of Charleston who survived the hate-motivated mass murder at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church earlier this year touched the hearts of every audience member with their message of forgiveness—"Forgiveness is power."

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon is a Woman of the Year because… "She's making movies, telling stories, giving women opportunities—all because she wants her daughter to have an example of what it's like to be a responsible human."
—comedian and 2011 Woman of the Year Chelsea Handl

Elizabeth Holmes

At 20, Elizabeth Holmes dropped out of Stanford University to devote every waking moment to her fledgling business. Its goal? Both to revolutionize ordinary blood tests, and to change the control average citizens have over their health. Today, Holmes, 31, is the youngest self-made female billionaire in the world.

Principal Ballerina Misty Copeland

Misty Copeland is a Woman of the Year because… "She's blazed her own 

path—and proven that you don't have to bend to society's expectations because you look a certain way." 

—actress Kerry Washington, 2013 Woman of the Yea

Inspiration To Be YOU!

I saw this on Instagram and wanted to repost...no author was noted.

#GetTheLook: Million Dollar Listing Inspiration

One of the stars from Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles posted the following photo on Instagram from a gorgeous home in L.A.

I liked it so much I did a little research on how I could replicate the look without having a million dollar budget... And FYI, I looked for inspiration for the look as a dining table dinner party centerpiece versus a display look:

Go to Etsy and input the following into the "Search" box to go directly to the item...

Input "187815481" at Etsy

Input "225127333" at Etsy

Input "24991362" at Etsy

Never Give Up: A Story About Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep - this is her on her way home from an audition for King Kong where she was told she was too "ugly" for the part. This was a pivotal moment for the young actress. This one rogue opinion could derail her dreams of becoming an actress or force her to pull herself up by the boot straps and believe in herself. 

She took a deep breath and said "I'm sorry you think I'm too ugly for your film but you're just one opinion in a sea of thousands and I'm off to find a kinder tide." 

18 Academy Awards later 

Never give up on your dreams...

A Woman Should...A Poem

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
Enough money within her control to move out...
And rent a place of her own
even if she never wants to
or needs to...
Something perfect to wear if the employer
or date of her dreams wants to See Her in an hour...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
A youth she's content to leave behind....
A past juicy enough that she's looking forward to
retelling it in her Old Age....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .
A set of screwdrivers,
a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...
One friend who always makes her laugh...
And one Who lets her cry...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
A good piece of furniture not previously owned
by anyone else in her Family...
Eight matching plates,
wine glasses with stems,
And a recipe for a meal that will make
her guests feel Honored...
A feeling of control over her destiny...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
How to fall in love without losing herself..
HOW TO QUIT A JOB,
BREAK UP WITH A LOVER,
AND CONFRONT A FRIEND WITHOUT
RUINING THE FRIENDSHIP...
When to try harder...
And WHEN TO WALK AWAY...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
That she can't change the length of her calves,
The width of her hips,
or the nature of her parents..
That her childhood may not have been perfect...
But it's over...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
What she would and wouldn't do for love or more...
How to live alone...
Even if she doesn't like it...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
Whom she can trust,
Whom she can't,
And why she shouldn't take it personally...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
Where to go...
Be it to her best friend's kitchen table...
Or a charming inn in the woods...
When her soul needs soothing...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
What she can and can't accomplish in a day...
A month...
And a year...

Written By: Maya Angelou/Pamela Redmond

Oprah's Favorite Things Now Available on Amazon!

For the first time in its history, Oprah's Favorite Things is available to the masses by a click of a button on Amazon!

The overall page of her Favorite Things can be found here.

Here are some of my favorites from Oprah's Favorites List:
*Oprah's words in italics

"Who on your list couldn’t use some quiet time for reflection and self-discovery? On these brand-new audio programs in the 21-Day Meditation Transcendence Trio, Deepak Chopra and I are with you every step of the way."

"My favorite fitness tracker! It looks great, automatically monitors everything from sleep patterns to heart rate to workouts, and gives you personalized advice based on your exercise and diet goals. It also has a new feature called Duels that lets you challenge friends (talking to you, Gayle King...)."

"My eyebrow guru, Anastasia, launched a collection of lip glosses this year, and I love how bold and rich they are. Did I mention they stay on forever? I personally curated this set’s colors, all perfect basics that go from day to night."

"This is amazing: Get the healthful benefits of ginger in the form of a luscious honey (to stir into tea) or a zingy organic syrup (the cocktail possibilities are endless), both made in Georgia."

"Tennessee artist Vicki Sawyer has the notion that since birds can build nests, they might be able to make hats! (Last time I checked, sheep couldn’t do either, but who am I to assume?) These dishwasher- and microwave-safe bone china plates will add a touch of whimsy to your appetizers and desserts."

"Now this is a fantastic gift: made in the U.S.A., a vintage-inspired mason jar containing a self-watering hydroponic system that grows herbs. I love the idea of giving a set—my faves are basil, parsley, and mint."

"Anyone who knows me knows I love my truffles, and these earthy delights are the perfect finish to just about any savory dish: Spoon the honey over cheese, sprinkle the salt over popcorn, add the oil to risotto, and spread the mayonnaise on sandwiches. Heaven."

***I have a direct woman owned business partnership with Amazon and so by you clicking on the link above, I will earn a small commission on all purchases made. Thanks for your support of my woman owned business!

#FierceFriday: Vintage & Timeless Jackie O Style

I am a long time lover and shopper of vintage fashion.

I love vintage style because it is timeless, unique and simply gorgeous.

When I heard that my favorite Dallas vintage store Zola's Vintage boutique had to shut their doors after a major ceiling collapse ruined most of their inventory, I was heart broken.

Easily, 60% of my wardrobe is vintage and of that, 90% of it has come from Zolas!

So I was ecstatic when Zolas put what little they had on a new Etsy store!

They are not yet back up and fully running but I did want to feature this gorgeous Jackie O inspired coat that's in their current store!

This coat epitomizes everything I love about vintage: timeless, great hardware (buttons), unique and in this case, classic!

It is the only one of its kind, a perfect condition size 6....so grab it and just also know, your purchase will help woman-owned Zolas recover...tell them Que sent you!

To purchase, click HERE and input "250821311" in the search to go directly to coat site on Etsy.

Front View

Back

Close-up

Life Choices: Adventure & Service

If you've ever read this blog before, you are keenly aware that authenticity underlines everything I post about.

And I genuinely strive to even take it a step further by making posts about how whatever life choices you make, there is something on this blog that will empower you to evolve your life towards your purpose, extending grace and doing it with style!

So as I approached my day today listening to positive and motivational videos, I was struck by how the infamous Jim Rohn and Will Smith talked about how so many people live lives of "quiet desperation" with no real adventure towards what makes their heart sing!

And no, I'm not talking about when you go on vacation to Hawaii, spending money on a credit card with money you don't have while being more focused on taking selfies than renewing yourself.

I'm talking about what you do in your everyday life as a choice to live it with adventure and in service to others...your family, work colleagues, Starbucks barista, your mailman, etc.

Your choice to live a life of adventure and service doesn't have to be big or complicated... It just has to be authentic.

Here are some tips I have seen from people who seem to be on a great life adventure that also seems to include a noticeable measure of serving others:

CLARITY: you will never reach a level of happiness and adventure in your life without first figuring out what makes your life feel whole and complete in the most significant areas of life...spiritually, mentally, emotionally, purposefully and lovingly. Get clarity. Journal, get a life coach, go on a retreat...whatever you have to do to get clarity, do it!

DON'T COMPARE: if you know that you are easily susceptible to envy others or are dealing with self-esteem issues, turn off social media, stop hanging with that group that just talks about material possessions....whatever your comparison kryptonite is, stop participating!

For further encouragement on not comparing, see the blog post I wrote on "Run Your Own Race".

LIVE IN THE PRESENT: learn to make yourself focus on the present. This is hard for everyone. But I promise you can get better and better the more you practice! Being present is so important because living in the moment and doing something that you've reached clarity on that is not from you comparing yourself to someone else leads to such a deep sense of contentment that you feel whole.

SLOW DOWN: I have read multiple studies over the past few years about interviews with people who were either senior in age (60+) or people who were dying from terminal diagnosis. The most consistent theme amongst these two groups is that they wished they would have slowed down from the highway of life and enjoyed life more.

We all have responsibilities and so incorporating this tip doesn't mean you have to necessarily change your whole life. For example, instead of giving yourself a strict time to go to your daily yoga class, why not add 30 minutes to your time frame twice a week. For that extra 30 minutes, breathe slowly and enjoy a great cup of coffee, take a different route, spend time afterwards to get to know your fellow classmates (instead of rushing out like normal).

EXTEND GRACE: study after study has talked about how giving helps people feel a sense of purpose. Again, don't make the concept of giving complicated or only when you write a big check to charity. In your everyday life, if you want to have a real sense of purpose, make your giving an extension of grace. Meaning, give surprisingly without any expectations of a return.

In other words, you doing something kind to someone that you really just want a business deal with is not what I'm talking about here. I'm talking about a genuine act of kindness (like what I profiled HERE) for someone else: a recommendation for someone who needs a second chance, an encouraging note, giving someone mercy in a situation where they maybe wrong, buying someone's coffee, giving a hug to someone who's hurting...you get the idea.

So today I encourage you to make a life choice to live a life of adventure that also serves others. It's a choice and it's Curva-Lish!

Why Not Walk Amongst the Giants?

From my long past as a leader in corporate America and from being on Boards, one thing I have noticed consistently is that women shy away from bold declarations, such as:

I want to be rich.

I want to be #1.

I want to own it.

I want to be powerful.

I want to be at the top.

Now before you agree or disagree with me, think about it: when was the last time you heard a woman say any of the phrases above in a meeting full of men (especially powerful men)?

What's even more interesting to me is that there are literally hundreds of thousands of YouTube videos of men in sports, business, philanthropy, etc that make the statements above and are called "brave", "inspirational ", " a go-getter", and more!

This post is not to get into some Lean-In exposé or to be some male bashing post. I write the above to illustrate that very clearly, there's a distinct, unsaid societal paradigm that doesn't encourage women to speak powerfully in a language that empowers them to be THE best.

And I was thinking of this even more so reading media on current women power players...their stories of becoming THE best is contrarian to historical accounts of what it means to have power, influence or to even be rich.

Women who are breaking down barriers in corporatations, owning businesses, volunteering and giving back are proving that their definition of being THE best must consider their relationships, family, spirituality, sister circles, desire to understand the world, giving back to the community, etc...the very people, experiences and groups that helped cause them to be THE best.

So let me ask you: Why not walk amongst the Giants?

To empower you to do just that and answer this question for yourself, here's a great note written by Robin Sharma, guru and confidant to global Titans:

Ready to walk with the giants?... 

Then make these decisions: 

--Release scarcity + adopt generosity as your main way of thinking. 

--Forgive the unforgiven, as you are carrying them on your back. 

--Understand that every person who has shown up in your life arrived to help you become the person you now are. Appreciate and love them. 

--Trust that suffering grows strength and your trials can serve your growth vastly. The best of us who have graced this earth leveraged their pain into greater humility, bravery and love. 

--Commit to doing the projects that terrify you + shifting from accepting good work from yourself to demanding legendary production from yourself. 

--Never miss an opportunity to serve or encourage another human. 

--Refuse to cling to stagnation. Complacency destroys potentially awesome lives. So as you rise to new levels of success and joy, keep optimizing. 

--Aggressively notice the miracles in every so-called average day--they are there for those awake enough to witness them. 

--Smile at strangers, do kind things for zero return + be polite (it's so uncool to be rude). 

--Make a stop doing list so you delete the misuses of your oh so precious time. 

--Less news more books. Period. 

--Be a person of depth, wisdom, understanding, ingenuity, audacity, decency and love. At the end, even the finest of us will have wished we'd loved more. So do it now. Please. 

--Remember that we get what we settle for, so set audacious goals that evoke the fiery brilliance that resides within you. 

--Write hand written thank you notes to your mentors and those who have helped you. In a world of digital, it shows how much you care. 

I believe in your talents + gifts + dreams. 

Now go walk amongst the Giants in what calls your Genius forth and that also serves humanity...no competition with others necessary based on some antiquated model of being THE best. It's Curva-Lish!