• WHAT’S NEW

  My Daily Dose

  Sites
  • Richer. Smarter. Happier.
  • Celebrate International Women's Day

  Courses, Teleclasses
  9 Transformational Conversations

  COMING SOON: A NEW LOOK TO THIS SITE!

  Look For Weekly Additions

• Blogs

  • Voices of wisdom
  • Voices of youth
  • Financial Empowerment
  
  
  • Share Your Thoughts
  • sharing   80+blogs re:Empowerment
• Subscribe in a reader
  
  

  Join Our Email List

  

  For Email Marketing you can trust

• Recent Posts

  • Paper Plane Movie
  • The Strangest Secret
  • Whether It’s A Person Waking Up or A Country – It’s the Same Process
  • How Can I Rebuild My Credit After It Has Been Damaged?
  • Halo Effect Video

• Resources: Inspire and Empower

  • My Guide/teachers
  • Courses/Teleclasses
  • BOOKS
  • Motivational
  • Spiritual
  • Children's
  • Sites
  • Magazines
  • DVDs/movies on-line
  • Referrals/Partnerships

• ENVIRONMENT

  • Intro - what we do in my family
  • Baby steps you can take
  • Books
  • Sites
  • Interesting Facts
  • Programs to be aware of
  
  
  • Sandra Finkelstein/Energy Work
  • Sandra Finkelstein/Workshops
  • Corporate
  
  
  • Terms of Service

Youth empowerment – what is it really? Is it letting people make the changes you want to see or is it you becoming involved in the process — being part of the change and transformation?

I see it as being part of and creating the changes you want to see.  

I just got off a conference call where the parties were talking about transforming a building that is run down and will be used by children after school or potentially on weekends to go to where  you can play sports, music, computers, etc.  Some might consider these children “less fortunate” or in need of. I say we are all human and all equal and deserve to have inspiring and good things in our lives.

I put forward the idea of including the children who will use this center and benefit from it – to empower them to be part of the change process – empower them to add to this project – draw something on a wall, paint, clearing, whatever it is they can offer. Maybe have a contest and name the project and then take pictures of the project from beginning to end. This way the children will see how they were part of this transformation – creating an incredible and inviting center – one they are proud of! This feeling can be carried throughout their lives to remind them THEY CAN DO IT.

This project is something I am looking forward to being involved with even if only from a concept part.  

This is what I mean by co-creating. I am looking forward to more of this.

All my best,

Sandra

I was in New York on business for the first day of Spring and it was snowing! I am sure that there were a few unhappy people who look forward to Spring and the warmer weather.  I also look at Spring as a time to “clean stuff” out physically, emotionally and spiritually.

As a cancer sign I am definitely ruled by the moon. Well there was the finish of one moon cycle around March 20th or so and the beginning of a new one somewhere around March 24th-26th.  In this time I find that I tend to find “things” emerging that I need to face, honour, release and clear.  I am releasing my old ways, thoughts, habits, core beliefs and feelings that do not serve me AND replacing it with and creating that which I do want, beginning with speaking and following my truth and honouring myself.  Sometimes I can do this by free-flow writing and just get things off my chest (then I burn the sheet and NEVER re-read what I have written), other times I meditate or find yoga and pilate empower me, and then there is the plain ‘ol yelling and screaming into my pillow – just release the human emotion. 

I know that I am not the only one shedding these things for I talk to so many of my friends, read articles and hear interviews as well as just take a look at our society as a whole: systems breaking down, some completely —  they are being re-built on the idea and feeling of authenticity, integrity, collaboration, sharing, win-win, unconditional love and more.  I LOVE IT.  I feel that the people and experiences I am drawing into my life now are leading me on my path – one I cannot say 100% where it is going however I do know that I am manifesting many of visions and dreams, beginning with this site.

Here is a link to an article written by Karen Bishop http://www.emergingearthangels.com/2009/wings3.25.2009.html . She talks on a more enlightened level what is going on energetically in the universe. I love her articles – very informative – and she is talking about this clearing and the new moon and then in June anchoring into place what we are creating.

I talk about baby steps — I encourage you to begin this process for Spring is a great time for “clearing out the junk and cobwebs” and bringing in and creating what you want.

I am putting together with another woman, Brenda Simpson (life and business coach) a 4 series workshop – this being one of the topics. I will keep you posted on that.  Please join my email list and you will get this information sent to you!

I do want to hear more of your stories – please share how this Spring Cleaning process is going for you.

Just a reminder that this Saturday, March 28th at 8:30pm is Earth Day and we are asking that everyone turn off their lights for at least 1 hour. Let’s see what we can create  together- a healthier planet.

All my love,

Sandra

I am opening up the lines of communication — I have started a Facebook Group – Voices of Youth (2bempowered) as well as a Twitter account – 2bempowered. I am also looking to follow those conversations on the topics of social, political and economic awareness.

I will be posting questions and asking you to share your thoughts. 

I am in New York this week on business – making those aware of 2bempowered connecting with people who currently are working with schools and youth.

Until next week – when I can link you up to my accounts.

Sandra

I received an email from Sandy Santucci, a friend and client of Tom Martin, my PR Guy.  We had just completed my first teleclass to introduce my Empowerment work – body energy and healing work and “our” site.  The email highlighted something that is so important to me and a large impetus for this site — SOMETIMES WE FEEL ALONE in our personal life and in our business life – especially the sole proprietors who are building their businesses.  By sharing my personal story I hit a chord with Sandy that she is NOT ALONE and that many, if not all at some point in our lives, have felt alone/do feel alone.  

I am so grateful to Sandy for sharing her thoughts and  I really hope that others out there going through their own journeys know that they are not alone. I encourage others, like Sandy to share their thoughts, feelings and awareness. 

I have asked Sandy to contribute an article about her work, owner of Spa Tucci. Below you will see her contact information. Please check out her site.   As this is a time for stress for many it is important to keep ourselves healthy – physically, emotionally and spiritually.  This cost is well worth it and will help you to release the stress you are carrying.

Below is her email:

Great hearing from you, also looking forward to talking to you. Tom lent me a cd taping of you speaking. I started listening to it in my car and was amazed, now I understand what you do. Have you ever wondered how things come to us at certain times in our lives? It came at a time I feel I needed, sometimes I feel so alone in my life with business and it was just lifting for me knowing someone else felt that, did that and such and to even hear Saskia on there was inspiring. I look forward to just listening to it over and over again. Love to do an article for your site, what would you suggest? Colonics? Sincerely Sandy-

 Comment written by Sandy Santucci, owner of the Spa Tucci. Visit her site at www.spatucci.com and you can reach her at  cybexsandy@optonline.net. 914-528-1140.

My friend, this young woman, who signed her name as “C”  – that ’s what we’ll call her — has written a follow up to her first article which I just posted recently. I just received this in the last few days.  ”C” and I have so much in common, we are both twin to boys and it seems as though our journey mirror one another in many ways, except that I am 17 years older than her.  What I love about my friend is that she is experiencing, learning and have awareness about subjects and things that took until my late 30s! She is a client and I love watching her grow and empower herself.  I know when she returns we will discuss ways her and I can collaborate on different projects.

Here is her newest experiences and awareness:

Hey Sandra,

Here is article #2

Update

Today is the first day of the second semester; it also marks the halfway point for me on this island- six months.  A lot has happened since I wrote last, in fact, too much to describe in a short article, so I wish to focus on the dominant theme of this experience.  It is love- a very powerful force.  As it happens, Jeju Island is referred to as the island of Love. This is because it used to be the popular honeymoon destination for Koreans living on the mainland.  In fact, there is a Love museum and a sex and health museum on the island.  For foreign English teachers, it used to be the quiet and laid back destination for couples, but it now attracts anyone who wants to be closer to nature, outdoor activities and a more relaxed lifestyle.

I began questioning the idea of love on a deeper level before heading to Korea, but it has transformed into a quest while on this island. As I am on my own in a foreign culture, an outsider at my workplace, live on my own and only answer to myself here, I am exploring what love really means. This may sound silly, but I feel like a child discovering and questioning this term –love: Unlearning all that I have been taught and experiencing it in a new form.  What speaks to me in volumes is the wonderful feeling of the energy of love to the extreme contrast of feeling no love- just disgust and rejection.  I use music, writing, drawing and reiki to explore the differences and it is quite something! 

For the first time, I am beginning to understand how experiences through a lens of love, feels very different to one of rejecting love.  My students have been my biggest teachers and mirrors to how I accept and reject this great force.  As children are so honest with their feelings, there is no holding back. I experience this on a daily basis with my students.  I found myself overwhelmed by the amount of love my students were sharing with me at the beginning and felt very hurt by the rejection from some of my very difficult students. It became clear to me that children are definitely vulnerable and loving beings and that they will respond and open up when they trust you, however, sometimes this requires being tested, which can be a painful road.  And I am no different to a child when it relates to love.

I was also touched by the generosity and spirit of love by many of my Korean co-workers here, in particular three women who I carpool with every day to school. I remember feeling shocked by this in my heart, sometimes observing myself questioning the authenticity of their generosity, but it was real, and continues to be very real.

New friendships and a brief love encounter, have expanded my heart, and made it feel alive in every sense- at least I know now that I have a heart and it is working ha!

I am now at the stage on this journey of love questioning society’s rules, it’s power (non-judgment and acceptance of what is), and the giving and receiving of this force in general.  It is very clear to me that Truth and Love are the most important components of life, and experiences continually reveal something new to me.

I am eternally grateful, and continue along this path.  Thanks. C

March break is fast approaching and I am feeling tired and drained. So are my kids. We need a break – no school, no work, no structure.  I am taking my kids up north and just CHILLAXING (combination of chilling and relaxing)!  

Below is a great article and guide on FILLING YOUR WELL by Christy Goldfeder.
———–

Filling the Well
Why self care is essential and 5 ways to get started

As women, many of us are naturally nurturing toward others. We are the caregivers as mothers, daughters, sisters and friends. We are empathic and tend to be more willing to give out than take back.

While giving can feel virtuous, it’s important to allow yourself to receive, too. When you put forth too much of your energies without receiving energy in exchange, you drain yourself physically, mentally and emotionally. Physically, you become run down and catch colds, the flu, or other illnesses. Mentally, you feel clouded, have excessive worry and unrest. Emotionally, you feel scattered, anxious or depressed. If you ignore the warning signals our body sends out, you fall out of balance and get ill – and then must slow down and take care of yourself.

But when you take care of yourself on a regular basis, you’re less likely to feel out of sorts or come down with illnesses. When you practice self care, you replenish your well – you feed yourself on all levels. It’s an expression of self love that helps you give more. Think about it – if you’re always running on empty, how can you have the energy to do everything you want and love to do? And how can you have anything to give to others if you can’t find the time to nourish yourself?

Here are five simple steps you can take to make sure that you’re feeling great every day:

Eat regularly and healthfully - If you regularly skip meals because you feel like you don’t have time to eat, change that habit and make sure that you get something nutritious to eat when you need it. Put it in your schedule if you have to. Going for too long without eating causes your blood sugar to drop and can put you off balance. Eating nourishing meals at regular times will ensure that your body can keep running throughout the day without energy slumps, sugar crashes, or urgent desires to grab an unhealthy quick fix. If you’re on the go, make sure you bring healthy snacks with you.

Choose foods that replenish you and give you energy. When you choose foods that are whole and unprocessed, you give your body the elements it needs to stay healthy and running energetically. Include variety – a rainbow of vegetables and fruits, various legumes, grains and spices, and lean, naturally-raised animal proteins if you eat them. Variety not only pleases the taste buds but also gives you a greater range of nutrients that you need to sustain all of your systems. Choose quality over quantity.

Tune in – When you’re craving foods, slow down and listen to your body. Pause, close your eyes, and put one hand on your heart and the other on your belly. What is your body really saying to you? Do you really crave sweets, or is it a craving for something else – love, affection, or security?

If you habitually eat certain foods, look into the reasons why you do so. Do they represent a certain period of time in your life? Do they evoke fond memories? By tuning into your body, you may be able to satisfy your cravings more effectively. Instead of turning to certain foods, you may be more nourished by spending time with a dear, old friend or spending time on a hobby that you love. The more you practice tuning in to your own body, the easier it will be for you to read its signals. You’ll know when you’re worn out and need to recharge because you’ll receive the signals your body sends out.

Enjoy self-care treats – Relax with a soothing cup of tea on a cold day. Make time to read a book for fun – make sure it’s purely for leisure, whether for you that means romance, fantasy, thriller or sci-fi. Dance to your favorite music in your living room. Massage your feet in the evening before bed for better sleep. Take a soothing bath with your favorite bath salts or a bath bomb. For everything that you do in your life, you definitely deserve a special treat that nourishes your spirit. Don’t forget to give these to yourself on a regular basis.

Create a joy journal – Love every day you have by writing about everything that’s good in your life. You can journal in the morning, the evening or both. Morning journaling sets you up for a successful day, while evening journaling can help you appreciate your day and everything you accomplished. Whatever time you decide to write, be sure to include things that make you feel grateful, positive affirmations, and appreciation for yourself. Don’t forget that you are an amazing being, and you do amazing things each day. Celebrate all of your wins.

De-stress and let go – You can’t relax when you have a troubled mind. Articulating your thoughts helps get them out of your head and can allow you to examine them in a more rational and less circular way. If something is bothering you, it helps to talk it through with a good friend. Journaling it out can also help you release conflicting feelings and examine your thoughts. If you feel plagued with negative thoughts and feelings, it can help to talk to a professional who can help you sort them out – a counselor, psychologist, or spiritual advisor can help.

Remember, being self-centered by practicing self care is an expression of generosity – it’s you being generous to yourself. Loving yourself by practicing self care on a regular basis allows you to love more, give more, and be more in this world.

 

Christy Goldfeder is a certified health counselor and professional writer based in Brooklyn, New York. She empowers women to live their best lives by teaching them to eat healthfully and live happily. To learn more about her one-on-one and group coaching, teleclasses and free resources can help you create your own delicious life, visit her at http:// liveadeliciouslife.com.

 

Recently, I have had conversations with two different people, one young man in his late teens and the other one close if not the same.  Both are telling me that you get it: we must be more environmentally friendly to save the planet, we need to learn from our parents’ generation: stop living off credit, every one is equal and so on.

Knowing something at the theoretical level and being aware and wanting to make a difference by acting — being part of the change– are two different things.  We are called HUMAN BEINGS for a reason – Human = doing part, what we do, how we act, the decisions we make and BEING = the essence of WHO we are: nurturing, unconditionally loving, generous, loving spirits who look at the world as one and connected – we are all equal and one and deserve to be treated this way.

My site for youth only opens up and starts the conversation — it is then what we do with this information: your thoughts and opinions about what concrete changes you want to see, how we can implement “green” ideas into our homes, schools, businesses, etc., ways to combat poverty and begin to empower others.  I am looking to co-create these types of programs to go after funding, looking for mentors in the business world and begin to build these relationships and even more important begin to empower you, the youth, to unleash your greatness from within – create your own programs. It takes trust, time and communication and then it will take commitment, action, perseverance, a belief in ourselves and the universe and YES, guidance from many.

Don’t just think about it — act on it NOW.

Take a look at this YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42E2fAWM6rA  it has been viewed by millions of people – mostly kids from around the world . It’s called the Lost Generation and it was produced by a young girl who won acclaim for it. Hear her message – LISTEN TO THE WHOLE THING!

Sandra

I was introduced to Daylle Deanna Schwartz through Tom Martin, my media person.  We communicated through email and from this we decided to exchange articles. I wrote one for Daylle and she wrote one for me. I am thrilled as she is an acclaimed author and motivational speaker (see her contact info below) and I am so happy to share her experiences, wisdom and awareness with you.

She reminds us to have fun and laugh. There are times during my journey, especially with my children that if I didn’t laugh I will cry. I chose laughter for many reasons — one I don’t even remember today what got me out of sorts, it reduced the tension of the situation and from a physical, mental and spiritual level, it shifted my energy!  

Enjoy this article:

Girls SHOULD Wanna Have Fun

I was running in Central park the other morning and saw a large group of kids. They were out with a teacher in a summer program. As I ran by, I noticed something I’ve seen many times. The boys were running around having a blast. Playing ball, Frisbee, chasing each other, falling down. The girls were sitting quietly in small groups. Doing pretty much nothing!

 I wish Cyndi Lauper’s song, “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” was true. Because they don’t!

 Okay, maybe they do, deep down. But many won’t allow themselves to have it. When I ran a summer day camp, the boys ran around and played ball all day. The girls over 9 or 10 never wanted to do anything but sit around watching the boys, combing each other’s hair and gossiping. There were a few I could motivate to get up and do an activity. But most followed one or two leaders who called all the shots and led the rest like the Pied Piper.

 And then guys wonder why their girlfriend or wife wants to be with him all the time! Many chicks haven’t learned how to have fun, beyond having a guy.

 One of the biggest complaints I hear from guys is that when they want a night out with the boys, their partners act like they feel lost. I used to do that when I was a DoorMat. I’d ask, “What will I do?” in response to his wanting to spend time with friends. My life revolved around whatever guy I was dating. If he was busy, I didn’t know what to do with myself.

 Why do so many of us have no life when our world isn’t revolving around a man?

 One reason is because when we’re girls, we often don’t learn to have fun the way boys did. We didn’t have activities that encouraged us to bond with other girls. Boys played more team sports and had less boundaries. They didn’t have to stay clean and quiet, so they had more fun together.

 Though we have closer intimate friendships than men, they have a male bonding for which there’s little female equivalent. Men’s camaraderie often has a stronger and healthier foundation.

 I was once asked to speak on a live TV news show to talk about a “girl’s night out.” The producer planned to interview women on the street about what they do when they go out with friends. Then I’d comment on their activities. She was excited, thinking she’d get some great responses. I warned her it would probably be a boring segment. It was.

 Most women said they went out for dinner with friends. Some went to the theater, a lecture, or concert; some had drinks. What did they talk about? Many discussed work. A big topic was men – their current partner – where to find one – anger towards them – frustration without one. Women often get together to commiserate about men on some level. They spend nights out talking about men and general problems. Talking out our problems with friends is fine. It can be good for us.

 But when do we just have fun? When do we carouse, get silly, or totally let our hair down? We often don’t.

 On the other hand, guys have lots of fun. As boys, they share more sports and activities while girls play with dolls. So as boys have mindless fun, girls practice being mothers. Guys continue bonding through sports, drinking, doing crazy stunts together, etc., as we spend time with friends trying to look good and find a boyfriend. Men still have fun with their friends as adults. We don’t necessarily have a foundation for having a great time. Our upbringing may not have taught us appropriate or acceptable avenues for fun with other females. Many of us never learned to have a “girl’s night out” that’s nearly as much fun as being with a man, or to have interests beyond HIM.

 Women often complain that friends disappear when they have a man. When we’re happily in a relationship, we may not need friends, except as a sounding board. But that’s mainly because we’re taught we need a guy to complete us. And if we’re complete with only him, we want to stay put with him!

 When guys are in a relationship, they often don’t want to give up going out with friends. They like being able to let their hair down and go back to childhood. Guys still share activities for which there’s no female equivalent. We get judged for behavior they enjoy. Men get drunk together. If we do we may be seen as loose, or unladylike, so there’s a stigma attached. Men carouse and get stupid. That’s also not considered lady-like. Men play sports. Some of us play too, but not with the same intensity as men. We don’t have our Sunday football games in the park where we can make fools of ourselves and love it. Men watch sports together at home, live, or in bars. They play cards, hear live music in a bar, and other things they find fun.

 Many men are so into bonding when they’re out together, they don’t care about meeting women on some nights out with friends.

 I have friends who won’t go out anywhere unless there’s potential to meet a guy. I get impatient with them now. I love my life and spending quality time having fun with friends. I’m not on the prowl when I’m out since I’m complete on my own now. Some women are almost programmed to try to find the missing piece in a man so they feel whole. But that never works. And many never learn it doesn’t. I didn’t back in DoorMatville. I always thought it was my fault that I could find the man to complete me.

 Completing yourself allows you to have more pleasure in life’s blessings instead of always being on edge, waiting for Prince Charming to whisk you off.

 We meet with friends for dinner or drinks to talk about men. We go to various functions looking for men. We shop for clothes to attract one. Boring! Many of us don’t share interests with friends which we truly enjoy. It’s not our fault. Girls aren’t encouraged to enjoy each other’s company as guys are. Men may go back to being frolicky little boys for a few hours with their friends. When we’re with ours, it’s not enthralling to simulate being good little girls who sat quietly doing a task or raising our dolls.

 I wasn’t taught to have a life. Many of us haven’t. but we can change that. We can develop interests that can consume us with pleasure. We can put the thought of men aside as we explore adding interesting facets to our life. We CAN learn to have fun without a man. BIG smiling fun! I’ve learned that the only way to be happy is to get a life. Cultivate interests. Stoke your passions for things that don’t involve a romantic partner.

 Get out from under the tree and go play. Get dirty. Get silly! Let your inner child come out and play. I’m still a little girl at times—a very happy one! Go out and play. Come on! You can have some fun, whether you’re in a relationship or not. Love yourself enough to allow yourself to have a fun life!

—————

Daylle Deanna Schwartz is a speaker, self-empowerment counselor, and best-selling author of 10 books, including Nice Girls Can Finish First (McGraw-Hill), All Men Are Jerks Until Proven Otherwise (Adams Media) and Start & Run Your Own Record Label (Billboard/Random House). She’s been quoted in dozens of publications including the New York Times, Cosmo and Men’s Health, and been a guest on over 300 TV and radio shows, including Oprah and Good Morning America. She also writes the popular blog, Lessons from a Recovering DoorMat. <http://www.lessonsfromarecoveringdoormat.com> <http://www.daylle.com>