Winning Strategies

"I See You, I Hear You and What You Say Matters to Me"

I sit in wonder watching the taped episode of Oprah's last show. She reveals life lessons that she has learned across the 25 years, the thousands of shows and multiple thousands of guests.

She challenged each of us to find our passion and our purpose, to identify what we were put on the earth to do. She talked about accepting life's blessings and to know and accept that each of us is indeed worthy. She asked us to accept that we are enough, just as we are.

She said that each person she has ever met wants to be validated. They want to hear us say,""I See You, I Hear You, and What You Say Matters to Me". I believe that with every fiber of my being.

She gives the credit of the amazing success of the show to Jesus, to God, and to listening when He speaks.

So- on this day of the last episode and the last show- I want to say that I owe many thanks both personally and professionally to Oprah. I learned to accept myself just the way that I am, with all of my differences (and those that know me know that list is long). I learned to embrace the passion
that God has given me to coach others and help others learn from my mistakes. I felt validated when I was invited to Chicago to be interviewed as a 'Woman of Influence', and even more so when I was considered for 2 separate episodes and a spot in the O magazine. Thank you for that
encouragement and blessing. I will always carry it with me.

I am new, I am different, I am a better person today. I am 45 pounds lighter, more forgiving, more accepting, and I recognize and enjoy my God given strengths partly due to Oprah and Team! I speak, I write books, I give of myself because Oprah encouraged me to live my passion. I have been blessed beyond belief. Thank you. It is indeed a blessing that I can
never repay.

We will miss you dearly Oprah.

The Pressure to Be Thin

We have created an undue burden on our daughters and ourselves. Through our advertisements and television shows, we have promulgated an image of 'beauty' that is pure thin, creating pressure on our girls to be that thin. It is disheartening and heart wrenching to watch them struggle to achieve that goal.How can we teach them that the value of their hearts and 'who they are' as a person is worth FAR MORE than their external image? We have left them believing that the external image is more important than what's inside.

I am saddened to watch our young ones struggle with their identities and an inability to both comprehend and fully accept the true meaning of beauty. Think of some of the 'beautiful' people that have changed the world; Mother Teresa, Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey, Diane Sawyer, and my mother Elois Eastman, just to name a few. Let's help our daughters choose role models that are beautiful on the inside! Let's teach them what's really important! (And it has little to nothing to do with their waistline)

Daydreaming

Ever just sit back and daydream about something you'd love to do or somewhere you'd love to go? Daydreaming is good for you. All actions start with thoughts. You can work towards bringing to life your daydreams.

I like to tear out pages of magazines that reflect a wish or desire of mine. The picture below is a torn magazine page from CL Magazine from the summer of 2008- 1 1/2 years ago. It has been safely tucked away in my 'dream' file.

Dreaming is free. Never allow yourself to get so discouraged with life that you stop dreaming. It may be only a matter of time until you make that dream a reality.

For me - I'm still daydreaming of a trip to Tahiti, an appearance on the Oprah Show, publishing book 2, and a size 26 waist. (Smile)

Happy dreaming!

So- - -Oprah is leaving us (so to speak)

I've made no attempt to hide my ever apparent support for Oprah and her show.  I am saddened by the announcement of her upcoming retirement.  I am calculating the number of remaining shows, should I just forward the dates I'm available now to make sure the schedule works for my appearance?  (smile)

OK- Allyson- I'm ready (Allyson is one of the Production Associates at the Oprah Show).  I want attention shown directly on the working single moms and working mothers everywhere that are working hard, sacrificing, and yet still continue to be paid less than their male counterparts working the same job with the same experience.    Single moms suffer the most since the fear factor of losing their jobs is higher, therefore they are less apt to ask for raises and additional pay.

 

Oprah hits one out of the park with her "I Hate my Job Show"

I love it! Oprah is beginning to cover work topics. Our requests are being answered. Her "I Hate My Job" Show focused on a workshop that Marcus Buckingham did for a few hand selected individuals. He is offering his Strengths Course from the Oprah web site for free. Check it out!

It was heart wrenching to watch the women (who were working outside of theit strength areas) burnout and continue to be frustrated at their jobs. If you feel burnt out and sad to go to work- then there is a better way forward. Working in your strength areas will energize you and you will find satisfaction and increased committment at work.

People always ask me how in the world I get everything done. It is apparent to me- that when you find your strength area- you will not be burned out. I am gifted in Leadership, Communication, Activation, Idea Generation, and relationship building.

I don't tire of mentoring women- it energizes me. I do it for the love of it. I don't visit prospects out of 'duty'- I do it because I love people. I don't plan events out of obligation- I love planning. I don't blog to disseminate information- I love to write. (Actually- when I don't blog daily, it is because I've let something I don't love get in the way).

What do you love to do? What are your gifts? Promise me that if you can't answer that question- you will answer it in 2009.

The Quest for an Appearance on Oprah

I appreciate all of you that are pulling for me to make an appearance on the Oprah Show. I am so passionate about women working under our potential and at lower pay than we deserve.

In speaking to publishers, press agents, publicists- an ever present theme is "how big is your platform?". A platform is the industry term for the 'audience' of followers that one has. I woke up one morning with an amazing thought. My mission to improve the promotions and pay for women everywhere should be focused on one woman at a time. I wouldn't worry about 'my platform'. I would concentrate all of my efforts on changing one woman's life at a time. Even Oprah was an unknown at one time. With that breath of fresh air- I have launched a plan that allows me to mentor as many women as possible in pursuit of my mission. I continually focus my efforts and energy on changing ONE LiFE at a time. This has not, however, kept me from recognizing how many lives I could affect in a positive way with an appearance on the Oprah Show.

Kind of a long winded summary just to say THAT I WAS CONTACTED BY THE OPRAH SHOW PRODUCTION staff yesterday. They want to ask me a few questions.

Please continue to send positive thoughts into the universe. Hugs to all of you that read my blog and experience life with me. The stats continually amaze me at how many readers are out there! I'll keep you all updated. Stay tuned!

I'm never giving up.

Consultants for Oprah Interview Women on the topic of Women of Inspiration

Yesterday I received a call from a group of consultants working for Oprah.  They are interviewing women on the topic of Women of Inspiration.  They have invited me to Chicago for a meeting next week.  I will be travelling there Thursday evening for a meeting next Friday.  Wow, sounds interesting, huh?

I'm up to my ears in work, but I know that it is a good thing.  My dog is exhausted.  Our four mile workout this morning pooped him out.  Laugh.

I hope you are making this day special and unique.  Plan something FUN for yourself or your family for the holiday weekend!

Keep writing....I love hearing from all of you.