Empowering Women

Speaking about my passions ~image tools, harnessing the power of color in your wardrobe and your life, proper care of skin, makeup artistry, systemizing life, empowering oneself, self esteem, believing in oneself, celebrating life and anything that will enhance and improve lives~ excites me. 

 

In the past few weeks I have been honored to speak to women and girls about tools that will strengthen their lives and empower them to reach their potential. Recently I was honored to speak to moms and their daughters. Today I spoke to a high school fashion and textiles class. Next week it will be an event with girls and their parents. 

 

I absolutely love sharing life altering tools that enhance lives. While discussing that someone was asked to write an introduction about me, I asked my husband what he would have written. His response precisely reflects my deepest passion. He said he would have written that I value each person’s uniqueness and have dedicated my adult life to creating customized tools to enhance and empower each woman with tools that address that uniqueness.

Senior Miss

Associating with women is on the top of the list of my favorite things to do. I welcome opportunities to speak to women and involve myself in worthwhile events and projects. Recently I served as a judge for the Ms. Idaho Senior America Pageant. Until a few months ago I was not aware that there was such a thing as a National Ms. Senior America Pageant connected to the Miss America and Mrs. America circuits. For many years I assisted with the Miss America pageant on a local level. In fact, I traveled with our committee to meet the then reigning Miss America several years ago. And now as a favor to the director of the Ms. Idaho Senior America Pageant, I found myself on the judge’s panel of a pageant created for women in an entirely new age category.



Women must be 60 years old and beyond to participate in the Ms. Idaho Senior Pageant. As I interviewed these women and enjoyed their talents as well as listening to them share their life mission on stage, I was inspired. I was impressed as I watched two of the older women women, each 78 years young, tap dance and sing. Various talents were displayed by the others. Each exuded confidence as they performed and participated in the various events. As a participant, they qualified themselves to become a member of the honored Cameo Club, a service organization, blessing the lives of others. What a worthy cause.



The women in this age category of the pageant were referred to as the Age of Elegance. And who wouldn’t like to be classified as “elegant”? I determined that I would share their message with the world that there is still plenty of life to live in the years of elegance. I admire the courage it takes for women to reach their dreams and live life to the fullest, no matter their age. My all time favorite message to the world is Celebrate Life and these women were doing just that.

F.E.A.R.

 

 

Photo provided by Photos by MJ

 

F.E.A.R. can either stand for:

1. Forget Everything and Run or
2. Face Everything and Rise.

Fear can be crippling, impeding our progress and clouding our otherwise happy life. I recently discovered system that counteracts negative, fear based thoughts.

Once I became acutely aware of this new life enhancing system, I was shocked at how many times fear based thoughts entered my mind. I am on guard for thoughts that distract me from my life’s path.

 Get a little notebook and keep it handy. Whenever you experience doubt, a fear based thought or worry, jot it down.

I label that page UNTRUTHS.

 Then write two positive thoughts to counteract that negative thought.

Example:

UNTRUTH:
I will never be able to ______.

 TRUTH:
I can achieve that goal (whatever you listed above).

I can am grateful that I have mastered _________ that now blesses my life.

 I challenge you to put this system into action and discover how to eliminate negative, fear based thinking and living.

Faith and fear cannot co-exist. Mastering your thoughts will propel you into constant positive thinking which control our actions, which in turn creates the quality of our lives.

Zing

Surrounded by excited grandchildren who invited me to share a movie with them, I enjoyed the lesson about Zing in the lives of the movie characters! In this instance, Zing was a romantic feeling.


I have created my own definition for Zing which I define as fun, filled with enthusiasm and excitement for life and a feeling of being loved and acknowledged! I determined that I want to be the kind of wife, mother, grandmother, friend and neighbor who adds ZING to the lives of everyone I meet!


Hope you will enjoy Zinging in your own way!

Gratitude

 

Photo from Photos by MJ

What if tomorrow we really did wake up to have only what we thanked God for yesterday?



For many years I have enjoyed keeping a Celebration Gratitude Journal. It is very revealing to read the posts of the 5 things that I am thankful for that day.

I operate my Gratitude Journal to my own standards.
No guilt if I don’t make daily entries.
No full sentences allowed. Single words or phrases accepted.
Entries limited to 5 expressions of gratitude.



To learn more about creating your own Celebration Gratitude Journal, visit www.CelebrateWithJoy.com.

Karma

Logo of Book from Wikipedia.org

Once again I have made a concentrated effort to serve at least one person daily, if even only for 17 seconds as I mentioned in the blog post Kindness Math. But what I didn’t think about is the abundance of kindness that would come back to us. We know this as Karma.

My husband is a perfectionist in his construction business. Over the last several decades I have heard comments from others about the great work he does. Recently someone in a resort village said they observed his consistent efficiency and was impressed that he didn’t waste one step in his operation throughout the day. That is my husband! Once in a while there is a kind phone message thanking him for doing such a great job. And sometimes there have been notes accompanying a payment. But recently a young couple had him do some work for them. He knew they were on a tight budget and helped them out with the costs the best he could. When they sent the check, they not only wrote a note of thanks for the great job he did in a timely manner, but said they were rounding up the bill because of the incredible results! Bless them for their kindness!

Recently I was shopping to replace my microwave oven. I had specific measurements for the new appliance in order for it to fit into shelf where our now- worn- out- microwave once was positioned. Most of the boxes of new microwaves had dimensions written on the box, but one I was most interested in did not. I asked the clerk at Customer Service if they had a tape measure I could use. He was scrambling to figure out where they could find a tape measure when a very kind customer, hearing the request, pulled a small tape measure from her purse and in passing, handed it to me, telling me to keep it. In a matter of seconds, she exited the store as I called out to thank her. Kind acts don’t talk long. Even though that happened a few weeks ago, I am still smiling at the kindness of this stranger.

Do you receive compliments well? Do you receive unexpected gifts easily? Do you accept help when it is offered? Do you accept your meal being paid for by a friend?
These are little things, but they will help you know if you are open to receiving. Remember, the Universe is moving through everyone and every circumstance to give to you. From The Secret Daily Teachings by Rhonda Byrne from The Secret

It is a lot easier to be the giver of kindness than the receiver, but these experiences stopped me in my tracks and made me realize that handing is a two way street. Kindness, like a boomerang will most certainly come back to us!

Self Esteem

Photo from Photos by MJ

As a family we have taken time to play a few kickball games together in recent months. Bonding is easy when cousins, aunts and uncles along with us, the grandma and grandpa, join in a shared activity. Cheering each other on, we enjoyed the game and our time together. Although no one was rigid in our game structure, allowing a few lenient calls. As I stood outfield, I thought it should be illegal for the younger kids to ever be called “OUT”. Of course, I realize that each of us needs to learn to play by the rules and be good sports. But in the overall scheme of life, I do not ever want any of my grandchildren to feel that they are “OUT” in the game of life.


My overall belief and underlying purpose as a parent has always been to help my children build strong self esteem. Early on as a mother, I determined that if my children had good self esteem, they could handle any thing else life may hand them. School would be manageable and relationships would be strong if they first had healthy self esteem. And that is my deepest desire for my grandchildren and future posterity.

 

Death is Part of Our Living

Photos from Photos by MJ

 Death is part of our living. When we lose someone who has played an important role in our lives, we are reminded of the precious gift of life, friendship and how others enhance our own life’s journey. 

We can learn empowering lessons from the good in the lives of others. Such is the case with a friend who just completed his life’s journey and left us with a wealth of lessons that will enhance our lives if we embrace these characteristics.

Let us love a little more, hug a little longer and say more kind things to those in our circle of influence.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is National Breast Cancer awareness month

 

Today I am the proud owner of a beautiful pink rose.

It had been too long since I took time to have a mammogram and determined I needed to schedule the procedure. When I called to make an appointment, they informed me that had an opening just an hour and a half from that time. Why not? I could have that marked off my list and wouldn’t have to think about doing it for days or weeks to come. So within ninety minutes I was in the office ready for the scan.

I shared some humor with the tech, sharing the joke about to prepare for a mammogram, all one needed to do it lie down on their side on the hard, cold cement floor of the garage and ask someone to back the car over a certain part of you then pull forward. Then repeat that same process, this time lying on your other side. Probably considered very sick humor, it got me through the appointment with a smile on my face.

One long stem pink rose and two pink nail files later, I walked out of the office with the satisfaction of caring for myself with preventative measures.

I encourage you to be smart about your health care.

 

 

I'm a Survivor

Choking back emotions as I watched scores of other cancer survivors at a recent Relay for Life sponsored by the American Cancer Society, I marveled at how many people at some point in their life experienced the shock of a cancer diagnosis. Each of these participants had their own story and I was certain that they must have experienced similar emotions as I did on that“day of all days” when a potentially life threatening diagnosis passes from the lips of a medical professional.

My heart connected to each of them in a the unspoken way only a ‘survivor’ can understand. It is as if you know to some extent what they have experienced and appreciate with them the precious gift of life on perhaps a higher level than ever before.

Blessed beyond measure, I am grateful to be among throngs of survivors, celebrating life and chalking up the years!

Water

Photo credit- Photos by MJ

There is something about water that allows me to meditate deeply. With a background in Feng Shui, I understand that the water element is deep, peaceful and invokes mediation and introspection. Jet skiing is my all-time favorite leisure time activity. Flying across the water or just lazily floating along on my personal watercraft, I strategize, ponder and plan. My mind is filled with dreams of the future, solutions for the present and memories of the past. I enjoy nature from a lake point view, imagining all sorts of images engraved in the cliffs and mountainside. Whether it is the aquamarine blue water in Bear Lake or the deep navy blue water of Blacktail, my spirit soars when I am on the water.

Photo credit-Photos by MJ

Where do you find solace?

Photo credit-Photos by MJ

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I am on Pinterest!

Come follow me through life, color, and everything beauty! 

     

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Financial Freedom

Photo credit-Photos by MJ

Create your own business with our Color Connection image tools and services and generate the income of your dreams!

Tired of working 9-5 for someone else?
Need extra income to supplement your main income?
Would you like to use your creativity to bless others’ lives?

If you answered yes to any of these questions call us to determine which of our programs would best suit you and begin your journey to financial freedom today!

 Susan@ImageDesignbyColorConnection.com

 www.ImageDesignbyColorConnection.com

Our Future is as bright as our Faith

Photo credit- Photos by MJ

In the predawn hours, our flight passed over cities and freeways connecting cities.  Appearing as small as ants, cars were already making their morning commute. Even though we were thousands of feet in the air,  I noticed the headlights shining brightly from each car, some expanding to the car ahead and some shining what seemed barely in front of these miniature looking automobiles.

I thought of faith and how although we can never see far into the future, we must keep moving forward.  We must exude confidence and be certain of our course with faith in the future, in our hopes and our dreams.  An inpsired man recently stated, “Our future is as bright as our faith.”  What a comforting thought.  Although the “headlights” in our lives only shine a short distance in front of us each day, they can shine.  Fear negates the light, bringing with it doubt and worry.  Faith and fear cannot co-exist.  Our lights can shine as brightly as we set them to shine.  We must operate with faith and confidence to squeeze the most joy out of each day.  Shine forth, lights of our life.  Shine forth brightly!

Happy Leap Day

LEAP DAY only comes along once every four years. Wouldn’t this be a great day to assess the direction you are going and make some plans to direct your life the way you want it to go?

LEAP into success by making your life plan, reviewing your goals and determining that you will achieve your goals.

LEAP into action! Celebrate your successes!

IT TAKES GUTS TO LEAVE THE RUTS!

Feeling stuck with old problems? 
Feeling like a “wandering generality” rather than a “meaningful specific”?

Would you like to describe yourself as a “wife with a life” rather than a “drudge with a grudge”?

No one can make changes in your life but you. No matter how we long for things to improve, for relationships to change, for prosperity to arrive, for happiness to embrace us, unless we make some changes, nothing will happen. We will remain stuck.

If you always do the things you have always done, you will always get the things you have always had. If where you are in your life now is where you want to continue to be, don’t change anything. But if you are ready to enjoy a more full life, make a change today. What things would you like to change this year, this month, this week? Begin with one small step in changing the way you have done things in the past to get the results you desire in the future. It does take guts to leave the ruts.

It's a New Year!

A new year is always a great time to reflect on what has served us in the past and fashion plans and goals for the upcoming year. I am a planner and goal setter but I really like the system a friend of mine has used for the past several years. Rather than create goals that easily are forgotten soon after January 1st, she chooses a word for the year. One year she chose the word “reach” as her theme for the year. She determined to “reach” out to better serve her family, her friends and as a nurse, her patients. She resolved to “reach” out to increase her knowledge and become more educated. Her word encompassed all facets of her life. She made a necklace with that word engraved as a constant reminder of her “word”.


I really like her plan. I am contemplating the word I will adopt as my mantra in 2012. Once I choose the perfect word, I will create wall décor with that word and find ways to post it in front of me.

What word will you choose?

How Do You "Pay it Forward"?

In photo from left to right: Liz, Susan, and Rhonda 

The concept of paying it forward basically means that when you are the recipient of a kind act, instead of paying back the person who helped you, (by helping them in their time of need) you extend an act of kindness to someone else in their time of need, thus paying it forward. So it's like you become indebted and you have to find someone else to help in order to be whole again. This concept came from a book that was published in 2000, followed by a movie that dealt with this topic in detail and made the saying famous.

I am a believer in “paying it forward”. I have been very blessed so after some serious contemplation a couple of years ago I created a way to “pay it forward” by creating a local Extreme Image Design Makeover sponsored by myself and Color Connection. We recently culminated our second annual event with the two winners of our makeovers. The two women, Liz and Rhonda, began their year long experience here at Color Connection with their personalized image designs complete with color analysis, makeup artistry with their harmonious cosmetics and facials with our toxic free skin care. But the adventure didn’t stop there.

Confident with their new images, we linked with area businesses who offered these two lucky women body massage, scalp massage, hydro massage, 90 days of a fitness program, hair care, extensive dental work, spray tans, poise consulting, emotional release therapy, and a self improvement program, among other services. Local clothing stores donated undergarments and discounts on other clothing. Armed with their Signature ColorPrints™, Liz and Rhonda were able to find several pieces of clothing from which their stunning outfits were created.

Although arranging these services took a big chunk of time, the end result was well worth the efforts. It was a tearful experience as they were presented on stage at the recent What Today’s Women Want Expo. 

We at Color Connection will continue to offer this gift to area women and will share tidbits with you throughout the year. We would like for you to feel part of this heartwarming experience. 

Please share your “pay it forward” experiences.

Get rid of everything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.  Live a life of joy.  Share that joy with everyone you meet~

1 woman = 1 woman
 4 women= the energy of 4 to the power of 4 women