They say a picture is worth a thousand words...
During a recent networking mixer Tawanda Lane (E-chixx Events) is speaking with one of the guest.
Motivation
"Halfway There!"
Whew -can you believe it is July?? The halfway point of the year! It caught me by surprise - especially when I realized that my youngest daughter will be starting high school in less than three weeks..eeeckkkk! Talk about time flying she was just a toddler yesterday! I wanted to take this week’s blog post to remind everyone that it is the perfect time for a halftime break. I invite you to take a moment to step back, evaluate your year so far and take action to get back on track if needed. Or if you are like me and have a lot going on, step off that ‘track’ and rip a few things off your plate before we get into the busy season of the fall!
Since time is flying so quickly I wanted to suggest a few quick tips to be more mindful and to be fully in the moment.
Don’t Wish It was Friday on Monday
It is so easy to wake up on Monday morning wondering where the weekend went and then start longing for it to be Friday. I am so guilty of this and just decided that instead of waiting for Friday I am going to enjoy the 24 hours that I am blessed with every day. Why should we suffer through and spend our days longing for the weekend when we have this moment to be happy and thrive?
Take a 5 minute “Do Nothing Break” Everyday
Sit in silence, become aware of your thoughts and focus on your breathing for just 5 minutes a day. It sounds so simple but our mind is constantly going a million miles a minute. It helps to just take a moment to sit in silence to take in the sounds and energy that is flowing in the moment. Take several if needed - I know I do!
Schedule Breaks and Leave Room
If your schedule is like mine - jam packed with back to back meetings, appointments, etc. it is important to plan breaks in between your laundry list of to do items. If you have a meeting or appointment scheduled leave a thirty minute or hour break in between to regroup. When you get home from work take a moment to relax and write down three things you are grateful that happened that day. I am notorious for hitting the door when I get home and going 90 miles an hour into mommy mode after a long day at work. We just need to take several chills pills (need to bring that phrase back) on a daily basis!
Make Undivided Attention a Daily Practice
We have become multi-tasking monsters doing a million things at once. Especially with cell phones it is so easy to handle multiple tasks and conversations at a time. If you are having a conversation with someone focus on the conversation, being fully present and not distracted. When you are taking care of a task be in that moment and focus on what you are doing. In Georgia they implemented a hands-free law while driving as of July 1st. You cannot hold your phone to talk or text while driving or you will be ticketed. It is crazy how much restraint I had to have on the first few days to not grab my phone and scroll while at a red light. Now I just focus on the music in the car or just my surroundings more. It is hard to believe that idle time has become something that we try to avoid.
Overall take a long deep breath in and savor EVERY wonderful and crazy aspect of your life daily. It seems like just yesterday we were ringing in the New Year and now it’s July. Now more than ever we need to be more mindful and enjoy our lives as it is a gift! I heard something the other day that said that God is not in the past or the future only in the present moment. I’m learning to spend more time there for sure - it is the best place to be!
Oh yeah, I almost forgot - Deepak Chopra and Oprah have a wonderful FREE 21-day mediation starting on July 23rd. It is a great way to develop a mediation and mindfulness practice. They will be exploring the energy of attraction and manifesting your best life. These are so good and only come around a few times a year! Sign up soon by visiting: https://chopra.com/.
Be sure to leave a comment letting us know your favorite ways to chill and slow things down!
Cheers to the halfway point of 2018 and making EVERY moment count!
By Kara Norman- Empower Her, Inc.
Kara Norman Atlanta Based Women Empowerment Thought Leader and bi-weekly blog contributor.
Kara Norman has been working with Women and Girls for a number of years. Her nonprofit organization Empower Her Inc , have led to many opportunities in the space of making social changes as it deals with women and their many roles in society. You can learn more about Kara Norman and Empower Her Inc. at http://www.empowerherinc.com/
“Leaping, Falling, Tail Tucking & Getting Back on the Horse!”
Six years ago, I walked away from my six-figure job to pursue my dreams to empower women and girls. I found this picture and I blogged about that moment when I walked into my boss’s office and boldly said “I quit!”. You can check out my original blog post here: http://empowerherinc.blogspot.com/2012/08/ps-i-quit-step-closer-to-my-dream.html. That person that took that leap seems so foreign to me now. I’m in tears just thinking about that moment and even sharing my thoughts in this week’s blog post.
I quit my job to have more flexibility for my family and to walk in my passion and gifts. I took on some contract work to supplement my income and set off to change the world. I had no plan just - a 501 (C) 3 and a dream. My oldest daughter was entering high school and I knew that I wanted to be home when more. I was very successful at work but my job was very demanding and offered little flexibility. Prior to my quitting I had helped to run a community based organization for girls for 5years. I created great programs and events for girls in our community and was ready to branch out to help women and create more events that would spark social change on a full-time-basis.
I launched my organization and hosted several events. It started out great - then life happened. A close family member got sick and passed away, we experienced unexpected financial issues and many other challenges. A year later I tucked my tail between my legs and returned to my 9-5, so ashamed that I was back where I started. I was back to being overworked, stressed and embarrassed that my plan did not work. I tried to keep things going with my dreams on the side but I got busy being a mom and wife. Empower Her, Inc. had a “Closed” sign on its virtual door. I have tons of dust covered boxes in my attic right now full of my Empower Her, Inc dreams, visions, etc.
Fast forward to June 12th, 2018. My friend sent me a screenshot of plans I made in 2013 for a leadership camp for girls. She read me the details of my proposal for this program and the requirements that I was requesting for a space to host the camp. I could not believe that it had been 5 years. The details were so specific. At the time I knew that I would get that space, register tons of girls and provide a camp that would also help my girls! The camp was a big part of my plans but it never got off the ground due to not finding a space and the resources. I had forgotten about that dream and about my plans. It’s funny how God brings things to your attention at the right time. Especially as my 14-year-old is settling into her summer routine and is too old for camps but needs some type of enrichment.
The same thoughts of wanting to put together amazing programs for girls and women has crept back into my spirit as well as fear. The thought of putting something together again and relaunching has me shaking in my boots. Just to even write again on this blog started out as a struggle. I enjoy blogging as a guest on this blog because it is under the safe covering of someone else’s dream. I have my own blog that I started over six years ago that I have not touched instead I am sharing my thoughts here where it is safe. It’s like I have “Leaping for Your Dreams PTSD”, lol.
God has been telling me over the last few months that it is time to share my journey and gifts with the world again. I want to stay hidden and quiet but He is pushing me to move forward. So,I am leaning into Him more, praying, planning and strategizing to launch some new programs/events in the fall. I am at the end of this week’s Power Hour Blog post and I realize I did not have much to share - just my journey, where I am today and where I want to be. I guess that is okay too. I would ask for prayers and support as I get the strength to get back on the horse again. For those of you that have scrapped up knees from your recent leaps I am here to provide band aids, to be scared with you and to be your biggest cheerleader when you are ready to leap again.
Feel free to share your recent leaps, falls or tail tucked between your legs moments in the comments section.
Cheers to leaping, falling and getting back up again!
By Kara Norman- Empower Her, Inc.
Kara Norman Atlanta Based Women Empowerment Thought Leader and bi-weekly blog contributor.
Kara Norman has been working with Women and Girls for a number of years. Her nonprofit organization Empower Her Inc , have led to many opportunities in the space of making social changes as it deals with women and their many roles in society. You can learn more about Kara Norman and Empower Her Inc. at http://www.empowerherinc.com/
Happy National Creativity Day – Nourish Your Creative Spirit!
May 30th is the official day to celebrate the creative spirits in your world! It’s National Creativity Day! Raising my virtual glass and throwing some confetti in honor of the musicians, hairstylist, authors, actors/actresses, artist, DJ’s, filmmakers, photographers, carpenters, designers, chefs, caterers, bloggers, engineers, stylist and tons of other creatives in the world. When you really think about it everything besides nature started with a creative thought. What a cool day to stop and take time to toast the power of the imagination!
I have always loved creating things since I was a little girl. I would write, paint, re-arrange my room almost weekly, try to make things, one time at 6 years I even tried to make shoes out of cardboard! It has carried over into my grown-up life! I LOVE everything about creating events for women and girls and gathering beautiful details and extraordinary content to make my experiences special. I love hosting family and friends in my home – and making everyday gatherings something wonderful and memorable. Why be boring!
Sometimes in life we can bury our creativity with the day to day hum drum of life. So It is important to always make time to be creative and tap into your God given talents that you were born to bring to the world.
Here are 5 great tips to help nourish your creative spirit!
1. Work when you are inspired and excited! I know there are certain ebbs and flows in my creativity and I am learning that when the spirit is flowing within it’s time to capture new ideas, design new things and take the steps to execute a plan. As a woman I have noticed my natural rhythms and at certain times of the month my energy levels are down, creativity is out the window and I need take time to rest and recharge. I am learning to not push myself during this time and mother myself if needed. Then a few weeks later I am the energizer bunny ready to roll! There are even certain times of year or seasons when I am more inspired. Take note of these times and work with your flow to make the most of your creativity.
2. Get out of your comfort zone and try something different! Set aside time to write down at least 10 things that you would like to try this summer and get out there and try them! I am normally a person that does not like to try new things. I always order the same food at restaurants but lately I have been trying new dishes and trying to cook new things. I am normally a person that always wears black or dark colors but now starting to branch out and wear different patterns and more bold colors. Making little changes in the everyday experiences helps to feed our creative spirits.
3. Find creativity in the everyday moments in life! Try and find ways to infuse your creative spirit into the boring task of life. Find innovative ways to do the laundry, cook, clean, and work to make things more fun and interesting. Changing your mindset about everyday tasks can do wonders!
4. Find and connect with other creative people on a regular basis! I was blessed to be a part of Kustom Kreations recent Portfolio and Perspectives event last month where event stylist came together to do styled shoots. The creative energy in that space was palpable and on fire! I loved seeing all the beautiful details and how they came together. Surround yourself with creative people especially when you are feeling not so inspired! Check out upcoming events on Eventbrite that interest you and get out and connect!
5. Create space and take care of your creative gifts! I am learning to spend more time in mediation/prayer to get still, quiet and connect with God. He ultimately put every talent and gift in us when we were created. He knows best how to nurture, cultivate and grow our gifts. Getting the right rest and having time to dream and be still allows things to flow more smoothly. When I am busy or tired I have no space, energy or desire to do anything but the basics. It’s important to take care of ourselves and be replenished! Also, schedule time to disconnect from social media and the busyness of life to find quiet spaces especially in nature to flow in YOUR gifts not someone else’s that you see online.
Cheers to your creative spirit - may you unleash more of your greatness into the world today and every day! Feel free to leave a comment and tell us what your creative gifts are or some of the new creative things that you would like to explore this summer!
By Kara Norman- Empower Her, Inc.
Kara Norman Atlanta Based Women Empowerment Thought Leader and bi-weekly blog contributor.
Kara Norman has been working with Women and Girls for a number of years. Her nonprofit organization Empower Her Inc , have led to many opportunities in the space of making social changes as it deals with women and their many roles in society. You can learn more about Kara Norman and Empower Her Inc. at http://www.empowerherinc.com/
Did you work on Mother's Day?
My Mother’s Day weekend was wonderful. I made a conscious decision to spend Mother’s Day eve pampering myself by getting my hair and nails done and just spending the day with myself. It was wonderful! Sunday rolled around and we went to church and then my family took me out to brunch. I received lovely gifts and beautiful flowers. We came home and I looked around the house and there were several things that needed to be done to prepare for the week. My family told me to sit down and relax because it was Mother’s Day. I knew that if I didn’t take the time to get things done and plan for the week everything would really spiral out of control. I was refreshed from my self-care day the day before and got busy taking care of things on Mother’s Day evening. I love this picture below this is totally a mother’s reality! Ha!!
I went to bed on Mother’s day feeling so refreshed and relaxed. I hit Monday morning ready for the week. Well it’s only Wednesday and my week has been CRAY – ZAY! My Zen from the weekend has totally evaporated and I am in busy mom, wife everything mode! I smile at myself knowing at least I tried to prepare before all the wheels came off. So, on this week’s blog I wanted to remind all the mothers out there to practice self-care daily, heck even hourly during those crazy times. We are the best for our families when we take diligent care of ourselves. I am always reminded of this principle when we are traveling on the plane. The flight attendant directs the passengers that in an emergency if you are traveling with small children to put the oxygen mask on yourself first and then place it on your children. We are no help if we are passed out or exhausted mentally and physically. So, Moms here’s your permission slip to make self-care your daily practice!
Happy Mother’s Day/Week/Month and year to everyone!!
By Kara Norman- Empower Her, Inc.
Kara Norman Atlanta Based Women Empowerment Thought Leader and bi-weekly blog contributor.
Kara Norman has been working with Women and Girls for a number of years. Her nonprofit organization Empower Her Inc , have led to many opportunities in the space of making social changes as it deals with women and their many roles in society. You can learn more about Kara Norman and Empower Her Inc. at http://www.empowerherinc.com/
Hello May!!!!
A brand-new month is already here – can you believe it? If your life is like mine May is always a busy month for my family and I. My schedule is filled with school plays, spring concerts, 8th grade dances, end of the school year activities packing up my college daughter to return home, graduations and birthday celebrations all on top of our regular schedule. Whew! I normally approach busy seasons flying by the seat of my pants, exhausted, stressed and doing way too much. This year I am working on being intentional and focusing on how I want to feel as I move through life. More peace, patience, enjoying the journey and joy in the middle of the storms. Self-care strategies that I have mentioned in my previous post have helped me tremendously.
One of the ways we can be more intentional about self-care is to be more aware of what our stress levels are and their long term impacts. There is a great tool called the Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale that can help you understand the way different stressors both good and bad can impact our lives on a short term and long term basis. It is good to be aware of the different levels of stress and how to better manage on a day to day, month to month and year to year basis.
Take a moment and add up your stress levels based on this quiz/point system below and assess the impacts that your stress levels can have on you. An online version can also be found here:
Once you add up your scores you can use this scale:
Total Point Score:
11-150 Points - You have only a low to moderate chance of becoming ill in the near future.
150-299 Points – You have a moderate to high chance of becoming ill in the near future.
300-600 Points - You have a high or very high risk of becoming ill in the near future.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and we will dive into this topic even further this month as well as develop better-coping strategies to be more intentional with our mental health and self-care practices!
Cheers to May!
By Kara Norman- Empower Her, Inc.
Kara Norman Atlanta Based Women Empowerment Thought Leader and bi-weekly blog contributor.
Kara Norman has been working with Women and Girls for a number of years. Her nonprofit organization Empower Her Inc , have led to many opportunities in the space of making social changes as it deals with women and their many roles in society. You can learn more about Kara Norman and Empower Her Inc. at http://www.empowerherinc.com/
How Are You Building Your Portfolio?
I am excited to be a guest speaker at Kustom Kreation Photography & Celebration Décor’s Portfolio & Perspective event this weekend! It is an opportunity for event designers and planners to come be inspired, create beautiful styled shoots and have them professionally photographed.
The host Elisha Akram is a divinely talented Atlanta based photographer who has helped hundreds of brands create stunning portfolios and branding images. She has definitely polished up my portfolio! My branding Empower Hour photo and new headshots for this blog were taken and designed by her – isn’t she fabulous!
It will be a fun day of flowing in your creative gifts, connecting with those who love the elements of a magnificent event and having your work photographed by different photographers. It is also nice to see the different perspectives that are captured through the different lenses as well as the tables that are created by the different event planners.
I’m excited to be a part of this creative day and to help empower the attendees to remember to make their self-care a priority when they are pouring into others. We are constantly evolving and changing and it is good to constantly check in with yourself and your brand. We can get caught up in social media and what others are doing or get so busy and worn down that we forget our own creative spirit and our why.
Praying for a blessed event and that God will also help me build my own portfolio to speak more and empower others with my story, journey and wisdom! I am also excited to style the Mimosa Bar at the event to remind the attendees to celebrate and to take time to toast their gifts and every aspect of their journey. I created Empower Her, Inc. to combine my love of event planning and my desire to empower women and girls through amazing events. So fun to get back into the things that I love after taking time out to take care of myself and my family.
Cheers to tapping into the creativity that flows from God and to building polished and beautiful portfolios!
By Kara Norman- Empower Her, Inc.
Nothing to give and that’s okay
So I am fighting either allergies or a cold and as if that is not enough several other areas of my life are going bonkers. I realized I missed my first deadline for this post over the weekend and have been scrambling to come up with something empowering to say. All I found were crickets and tumbleweeds! I realize that right now the sickness and obstacles are here and all I can do is rest.
So this week I’m giving you permission to take off the super hero capes and just take care of yourself in any areas that needs healing or rest. I came across this statement below and I thought it was perfect for this week!
Cheers to empty cups that need to be filled!
“When you cup is full this is the perfect poem to move forward!”
Still I Rise- Maya Angelou
You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may tread me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.
Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.
Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.
Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.
Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awful hard
'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines
Diggin' in my own back yard.
You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise.
Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?
Out of the huts of history's shame
I rise
Up from a past that's rooted in pain
I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.
by Maya Angelou
By Kara Norman- Empower Her, Inc.
My Verbal Vision Board
Hey Folks Happy Happy Friday… So I’ve decided to get it out of my head and put it out in the universe on a public platform and give my Verbal Vision Board. I’m not sure about you but I have business crushes in my industry… Ladies and men that are Crushing it and I admire from the sidelines…. With Wishes one day that I have the opportunity to work with them. And when I say work with them, I have hopes and dreams of being their clients… So with me putting it out there I know that is will be happening sooner then I think… So let me tell you about last night…. Last night I attended a meet and greet with a fellow photographer ( One that I admire) This photographer is in town to do Branding Images for clients located here in Atlanta. During her time here she wanted to do a meetup and whoever was able to attend it was open to all. So, of course, I’m all about that.. If one of my favorite photographer (one I admire and hope to one day be in front of their camera) is coming to town, I’m going to be there. So our meet up was at Two Urban Licks and what makes this sooooooooooooooooooo exciting that not only did I get to meet one business crush, I got to meet two…. So how about @Britteny Jean attended the meet up two and I was super stoked because (Just putting it out there I can’t wait to be your client one day) So my night was filled with being able to meet two people that I admire their work look forward to working with them in the future. The night was filled with other ladies that we made true connections with. I felt right at home as we introduced ourselves we conversed laughed and enjoyed one another That was a true night to remember and it brings me back to my verbal Vision Board.
This is a short list of People I look to work with…
Stacy Pierce Photography
https://www.stacypierce.com/home
Britteny Jean
https://www.britneyjeanine.com/
Dfinney Photography
Kimberly Murray
http://www.kimberlymurray.com/
Saadia Mechel
Cheers to Women!
My favorite month has arrived - Hello March! It’s not only my birthday month but also Women’s History month! I love this month so much! I celebrate women and girls everyday but love the collective energy that happens this month when we take time to honor the trailblazing women from our past and present!
Be sure to honor and celebrate the women and girls in your life!
Raising my virtual champagne glass and throwing tons of confetti your way!
Cheers to Strong Women!
May we know them.
May we be them.
May we raise them!
By: Kara Norman - Empower Her Inc.
Friday Inspiration- God's Plan!
Nice Friday Inspiration - God's Plan!
Friday Inspiration- Keep Your Head To the Sky!
Nice Friday Inspiration - Optimistic
Great Remake!
Empower Hour with Kara Norman - Celebrating Our History!
Celebrating Black History Month with Women in History!
Little Know Facts about Ann Cole Lowe
Born in Alabama in 1898 the granddaughter of a plantation seamstress.
Married at 14 to a man 10 years her senior
She soon left with her young son to make dresses for southern society women.
By 21 had her own dress shop
By 31 had $20,000saved and moved to NY.
In 1947 went Paris Fashion week Upon her return she got a job at Saks 5th Ave
Her gowns sold at Neiman Marcus, Henri Bendel and Saks. She was making up to $300,000 a year in 1950.
1953 she made Jacqueline Kennedy's wedding dress.
She passed away in 1981 Remember her Say her name
Ann Lowe
How will you leave your mark on history?
Celebrate Our Rich History Every Day.
Kara Norman - Founder of Empower Her Inc.
Empower Hour with Kara Norman -Let’s Travel in 2018!
Happy New Year Empower Hour Kings and Queens!
I was blessed to bring in the New Year on the sandy white beaches of Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. My hubby and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary in December and took the opportunity to get away. It was one of our best vacations and we loved exploring a new country together. It is so important to travel relax and get away from our everyday lives. My husband calls our trips, “investments in our marriage”. I think that trips in general are investments in our selfcare and wellbeing. Even if it’s just a day trip to a new city we should always make time to explore.
Need a little inspiration? I love following this Instagram hashtag #essencetravels! There is a whole world out there to see folks!
Is money an issue? Here is a great link I found that gives tips on how to travel on a budget! #teamnoexcuses
https://www.skyscanner.net/news/20-money-saving-travel-tips-and-secrets
Here is a photo of a picture of a beach that I put on my vision board December 3, 2016. I did not pay attention to the location just put the photo on my vision board. My husband picked this place in March of 2017 and my toes were in the sand on this very beach in Punta Cana December 2017 it works!
Cheers to amazing adventures in 2018!
Kara Norman - Founder of Empower Her Inc.
Empower Hour with Kara Norman -The Power Of Our Thoughts
The Power Of Our Thoughts- By Kara Norman
I found this book last week that I had forgotten. I also found this queen ornament for my tree that same day as well. I then came across this poem in my Facebook memory the following day. I’m on a journey of self care and healing. It’s amazing the power of our thoughts, energy, meditation and prayer what you can draw to yourself. Take some time today to use the power of your thoughts and prayers to draw more beautiful things into your life.
I found this book last week that I had forgotten. I also found this queen ornament for my tree that same day as well. I then came across this poem in my Facebook memory the following day. I’m on a journey of self care and healing. It’s amazing the power of our thoughts, energy, meditation and prayer what you can draw to yourself. Take some time today to use the power of your thoughts and prayers to draw more beautiful things into your life.
I hope this poem helps someone stand a lot taller today!
One Flaw In Women-Poem (Author Unknown)
By the time the Lord made woman,
He was into his sixth day of working overtime...
An angel appeared and said,
"Why are you spending so much time on this one?"
And the Lord answered, "Have you seen my spec sheet on her?
She has to be completely washable, but not plastic,
have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable
and able to run on diet coke and leftovers,
have a lap that can hold four children at one time,
have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart
-and she will do everything
with only two hands."
The angel was astounded at the requirements.
"Only two hands!? No way!
And that's just on the standard model?
That's too much work for one day.
Wait until tomorrow to finish."
But I won't," the Lord protested.
"I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart.
She already heals herself when she is sick
AND can work 18 hour days"
The angel moved closer and touched the woman.
"But you have made her so soft, Lord."
"She is soft," the Lord agreed,
"but I have also made her tough.
You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish."
"Will she be able to think?" asked the angel.
The Lord replied,
"Not only will she be able to think,
she will be able to reason and negotiate."
The angel then noticed something,
and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek.
"Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model.
I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one."
"That's not a leak,"
the Lord corrected,
"that's a tear!"
"What's the tear for?" the angel asked.
The Lord said, "The tear is her way of expressing her joy,
her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love,
her loneliness, her grief and her pride."
The angel was impressed.
"You are a genius, Lord.
You thought of everything!
Woman is truly amazing"
And she is!
Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness,
love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have compassion and ideals.
They give moral support to their family and friends.
Women have vital things to say and everything to give.
HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,
IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.
PLEASE pass this post along to all your women friends and relatives to remind them just how amazing they truly are.
Kara Norman
www.empowerherinc.com
Empower Hour with Kara Norman - Are you Charged Up?
in Empower Hour, Ideas, Motivation
Are You Charged Up?
I would describe myself on most days as pretty high strung and always going at least 90 miles an hour on any given day. This seemed to work well for me for most of my life but earlier this year I was stopped dead in my tracks. As I mentioned in my previous Empower Hour post my oldest daughter started college last fall and it threw me for a complete loop. Little did I know the impact the changes were also having on my younger middle school age daughter. She started having severe anxiety as well as other challenges and just was not her self. As I️ worked to help my daughter learn better coping skills I️ began to look at my own strategies to handle stress and life’s many curve balls. We often do not realize the toll that life transitions and daily stresses can take on our bodies and spirits.
I️ am the queen of putting everyone else first and running on empty. I️ heard someone the other day talking about how we put more value on our cellphone batteries than we do on our own physical and mental well being. I️ thought about how we know where all the cell phone chargers are around our homes, in our cars and how quickly we can locate outlets when we are out and about. Low cell phone battery percentages can send us into panic mode. So let’s think about self care the way we charge our phones. Unfortunately we do not come with a low battery signal that alerts us when we are almost empty. It is important to be present with ourselves and check in internally on a daily and even hourly basis to see where we are.
Here are a few practices that I have worked into my daily routine to keep me charged up:
Yoga - I️ recently started taking yoga classes and learning new meditation techniques to keep myself calm. Although I am not flexible and totally look like a goof ball on my mat it helps me to get re-centered when I️ have a busy schedule or day. It has calmed me down quite a bit and I️ find that I now fight to stay in peace and calm versus going 90 miles an hour! I have definitely learned to breath more deeply and to stay in the moment.
Make Sleep & Rest a Priority - Get rest when you need it and don’t feel guilty! Over the Thanksgiving break I️ literally stayed in pajamas for two days over the break just relaxing, sleeping and spending time with my family. I️ learned recently that when you sleep and rest your cells rejuvenate and are restored nightly. I’m working on getting those famous 8 hours of sleep every night!
Unplug - Set aside time to unplug from electronics and get out in nature, rest, exercise or spend uninterrupted time with loved one or friends.
Healthy Diet/Water – What we put in our bodies is important. A balanced and nutritious diet can help us stay charged. When we are super busy it is easy to fill ourselves up with lots of junk. I am learning to plan meals ahead of time and keep healthy snacks around at all times. It’s amazing the difference I feel when I eat well.
As we enter this busy holiday season and transition into a new year I️ hope that you will join me in creating your own self care practices, becoming more mindful and definitely slow down.
Cheers to the holiday season and running on a full charge!
Kara Norman
www.empowerherinc.com
Giving Thanks Cards- Free Download!
in Family, Holidays, Motivation
Just in time for the Thanksgiving Holiday we have these Giving Thanks Cards that would be something great to share with family and friends fellowship! Open File and Print as many as you like to share.
Download your free Giving Thanks Card Here!
Empower Hour with Kara Norman- A Woman & Her spirit!
Stay tuned for our Bi-weekly power hour of positivity with Kara Norman!
Empower Hour with Kara Norman- Drop the Ball
Halloween has come and gone and left me with a new perspective on parenthood and my journey as a woman moving through my life. See for me this was my first year not rushing home to get my daughters ready to trick or treat. I have a sophomore in college and an 8th grader in middle school. This year my youngest daughter had other plans that involved her going home with a friend and trick or treating in a neighborhood other than my own. I woke up on Halloween morning to a page full of past Facebook Halloween memories. As I scrolled through the memories filled with snaggletooth smiles and dozens of costumes between the two of them over the years, my heart sank. Where had the time gone?
I fought crazy traffic after leaving work and came home to a quiet house. My husband had picked up candy for the trick or treaters earlier that day. It was my first time being home to greet the trick or treaters as I always took the girls out and hubby stayed behind. It was so quiet and empty. I texted my youngest to see how things were going and reminded her that I needed to see a picture at least. I checked in with college girl to see what her plans were and I received a selfie of her with the caption “I am a tired college student #spooky”. This new normal is very hard at times for sure. I hugged my hubby for comfort and we settled in to welcome the trick or treaters. My dog comes around the corner and I had a light bulb moment and found a costume that I picked up a few years ago and wrestled him down to take a few pictures. He was not happy, but I felt so much better.
As the evening went along I got to see all the little neighborhood kids at the door and the proud parents. I reflected on my experiences with my girls and I realized that I tried to do too much and was often not fully present for many wonderful moments. I was that busy super mom juggling a million things. In our country, we fought hard for women’s rights over the past decades to be equal to men. I think we swung way too far over to the other side. We have this new badge of honor that we wear that is celebrated when we are slaying it as women, crushing goals and the myth that we can have it all. All the while we are more sick, tired, depressed and not living in the moment. Yesterday was a huge reminder of the importance of being in the present, taking things off our plates and slowing down as women and especially moms. I never thought of the day my girls would become more independent or the day they would leave the nest.
This past year of transition has left me feeling lost, filled with anxiety, depressed, unmotivated and just not myself. I am in the process of healing, practicing more self-care and redefining who I am as a woman now that my roles are changing. I look back and realized all the balls I had in the air are not as important as the quality time spent with my kids when I was not super stressed, worn out or distracted. Yesterday was a reminder that we are constantly evolving and change is happening all around us. On this week’s Empower Hour I want to remind everyone to drop a few balls every day that you are trying to juggle to make room to fully embrace the special moments in life!
Here are some great tools to learn to do less, be more present and drop more balls:
- Drop the Ball: Achieving More by Doing Less: by Tiffany Dufu
- Own Your Glow – A Soulful Guide to Luminous Living and Crowing the Queen Within: by Latham Thomas
- Oprah & Deepak Chopra Making Every Moment Matter 21 Day Mediation Series (https://chopracentermeditation.com)
Celebrate Life Every day!
We are so excited to welcome an empowerment segment to our blog! Our bi weekly contributor Kara Norman is no stranger to the empowerment world and has been working with Women and Girls for a number of years. Her nonprofit organization Empower Her Inc , have led to many opportunities in the space of making social changes as it deals with women and their many roles in society. You can learn more about Kara Norman and Empower Her Inc. at http://www.empowerherinc.com/
Today's Empower Hour with Kara!
Empower Hour with Kara Norman!
Reflections of Foundation of Strength!
Remembering my grandmother’s legacy today on her birthday. So important to tap into the strength of the amazing women that came before me and make me who I am today!#mylegacy #heritage
I posted this about her in 2013:
Today is my Grandmother's birthday, she passed away a few days after President Obama was elected. I remember calling her the next day after he was elected and she was so proud to have lived to see that day! On this day, I miss her terribly, but know that she is so proud of me in Heaven. She was a STRONG woman of faith and I feel her prayers carrying me through life now. I think I get some of my empowerment spirit from her. She attended Clark Atlanta University at a time when women were not going to college, she even majored in math! She told me that she remembered seeing Mary Mckeod Bethune and W.E.B Dubois on her campus teaching classes! I also remember learning that after my grandmother retired she used to teach a woman in her 70s how to read once a week! She was also an empowered mom raising 6 children in a very difficult time. My grandmother taught elementary school when schools were integrated many years ago. Could you imagine being a teacher in that classroom on that day! Thank you Grandma Lucy for leaving such a beautiful and strong legacy and thank you God for giving me such a wonderful role model and support system for so many years!
This scripture came in my spirit this morning "I can do ALL things in Christ who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13. I immediately thought about my Grandma Lucy who was a strong woman of faith and wisdom. She raised 6 children and endured many trials. She always had a open bible on her bed until the end. Today I felt her strength that no matter how hard and challenging things are you must have your faith to triumph through it all.
Thank you Grandma for passing down one of the best gifts a family can receive..FAITH!
Have a faith filled Day Everyone!
Ancestral Prayer- Taken From Own you Glow - Latham Thomas!
"Light a candle and sit in silence. Ask for guidance as you tune in to the silence. Start to speak to you ancestors silently or out loud"
I honor my unique gifts, talents and powers. I come from a strong and powerful people. I release the baggage and ancestral wounds that have been past on to me. I will turn the pain and struggle of my past into purpose. I celebrate the freedom that I have because of sacrifices made before me. I promise to honor my lineage and live out my truth. I bow to the legacy that gave rise to me. Through my thoughts and actions, I pave the path for a legacy I will leave behind"
Be Empowered!