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My Spark Was Ignited – A Recap from Attendee Deanne Winterton

admin — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 05:20:36 +0000

I have a contact and an old friend, Deanne Winterton, who wrote an article on my for the Standard Examiner in February. She attended on Saturday of Ignite Your Spark and wrote about her experience. I really love this perspective of seeing what it was like from a different pair of eyes. Thanks Deanne for sharing your story.

“I woke earlier than usual on Saturday morning, driving an hour to my destination in Sandy, Utah. I had left my husband and four children sleeping behind me, hoping they could do without me for one day, hoping the home would still be standing when I returned. It had taken a little prodding to get my husband to agree to a full day of babysitting duty. But I guess how I got to the Ignite Your Spark 2010 event was not the important part. It was the fact that I got there.

After checking in and ping-ponging between buildings a bit, I found the room where Megan Sillito would be presenting. The event’s founder and Illuminated Woman CEO, Angela Johnson, highly recommended this particular presentation. Since I had 30 minutes to kill, I started reading the program guide. In it, Megan was described as a transformational facilitator. The description seemed a little ambiguous to my analytical mind, but I was up to figuring it out.

As I sat waiting, I met Tina, a friendly woman from Kansas City. All the sudden, I didn’t feel quite so all alone. She had attended the event the day before as well, and assured me we were in for a treat. She said she was getting prepared to cry, as she had found herself doing at each of the presentations the day before.

After entering the room, we made ourselves comfortable and I met Sheila, a woman from Chicago. I honestly was a little amazed to find women from across the nation at the event. We exchanged pleasantries and dug in to our chairs. But we wouldn’t be staying there for long.

**Megan Sillito

Megan Sillito: Author & Genius Coach

“This is about experience, not information,” Megan told us soon after being introduced. “To live a genius life, you have to get out of your comfort zone. If you want more, you have to go places that are not seemingly natural.”

Megan told the audience that our brains like to solve problems. With every problem our brain successfully solves, it gets and a rush and craves more. Unconsciously, we continuously create problems for our brain to solve. But why waste precious brain power on negative problems? Instead, she suggested that we feed our brain problems that we actually have control over, things we have the innate strength and ability to solve.

She calls it “play your strengths.”

“Ask yourself daily what strength you want to play that day,” Megan said. “The universe will respond.”

For example, a flower can only be a flower. A tree doesn’t know how to be anything other than a tree. If we are a “flower,” we should not spin our wheels—or petals, in this case—aspiring to be a Spruce. It just isn’t natural.

The problem is, we don’t often have a firm grasp on what it is we are designed to be. We need helping seeing the blueprint we were created from. Megan calls it our “genius” and “intelligence” that we are encoded with from conception.

“Most of our parents and teachers didn’t mirror our genius back to us,” Megan said. “We grow in intelligence by recognizing strengths in others and being recognized by others.”

In her own words, what separates Megan from the normal person is her “capacity to see people’s natural intelligence.”

I was ready to test this gift, so willingly followed Megan’s directions to form a group with three other people. Well, it was obviously Tina and Sheila. Megan told us to get out of our seats and start our own improv while answering various questions to members of our group. One person was to answer while the other two were to carefully watch in an effort to discover that person’s strengths.

“You are here to get an expanded perception of yourself,” Megan said. “You can’t integrate information until you have an experience with that information.”

Sheila acted out what she loved to do when she was a child: reading everything she could get her hands on, including facts and stories from various foreign places. Tina explained that sometimes, she just has to get away from the outside world to recharge. I demonstrated that time flies when I write, even when my toddlers constantly interrupt me with their requests for hugs and drinks of water.

Tina cried, as promised, when Sheila and I told her that her strengths were knowing her limits and refusing to offer her loved ones any less than all she had to offer. Sheila took notes as we explained her strengths of appreciation, learning, and sharing. I took Sheila’s lead and took my own notes as my group members listed my strengths.

It is a cherished list: focus, curiosity, interpretation, understanding the importance of motherhood, balance, love of children, and ability to adapt.

Megan asked us to discuss what we had learned with our groups. Tina, Sheila and I both discovered we all considered ourselves introverts. I guess even on the micro-level, birds of a feather often flock together. But we were each an introvert who was worried that we were somehow not O.K. Needing our space, craving the quietness, and multi-tasking around children are not faults. Just the opposite. They are evidence of our strengths.

Several audience members echoed our experience.

“I listened for genius,” one woman said. “It is a powerful place to stand, and helps me go to a deeper level with the compliments I give others.”

Another woman said of one of her group members, “I forgot your name, but I know your soul. We are all connected in a web, and this cracked it wide open.”

Megan warned us against holding our loved ones in the wrong place.

“Where you’re seeing your boyfriend is where you’re holding him,” Megan said. “Where are you holding yourself?”

Megan suggested mentally visiting that one moment in our life when we hit a peak.

As the audience members sat with eyes closed, taking deep breaths at Megan’s insistence, my mind went backward almost 15 years. I was reliving the moment I won an important contest, my mentor encircling me in her congratulatory embrace and the walls of my high school auditorium reverberating with applause. I realized that this was a peak because my peers were collectively pointing out one of my strengths.

“Make an agreement with yourself to live from this place,” Megan told us. “Listen to your longings just a little longer. Perfect your genius.”

She also encouraged us to share the day’s experience with those around us.

“Recognize your essential self. Recognize the package we came in and sometimes forget to open. Let someone help us open it,” Megan said. “Teachers of all ages, be it Christ or Buddha, had the capacity to see beyond where a person sees themselves. You don’t have to like other people, but where would your own expansion be if you could see the gifts in people?”

**Nicole Sherman

Nicole Sherman - Bank Executive & Motivational Speaker

I was almost sorry to see Tina and Sheila leave for their next breakout session. But their replacements quickly found seats next to me. We were ready to hear Nicole Sherman’s advice on how to “align yourself with the energy of money.”

A bank executive with decades of experience, Nicole was a refreshing ball of energy. She told the audience to let go of comparison, judgement and jealousy in order to create abundance in their lives. The problem is, money is often the common ground to compare, judge and experience jealousy from.

“We give money energy,” Nicole said. “Money is an energy exchange in tangible form.”

To keep that energy positive, Nicole suggested living by two equations.

First, divide your age in years by 2. Then add a percent sign after the figure. For me that would be 16 percent. Save that figure from your income, “or any money that flows into your space,” in your savings account, 401K, under the mattress, or just for yourself, Nicole said. The magic to the formula is that as you age, the percentage you are saving grows as well.

Secondly, give or “outflow” that same percent to others, either as tithing to your church, a contribution to charity, or some other worthy endeavor.

“Money has a flow to it,” Nicole said while constantly tracing a figure eight in the air. “It flows in and out and it serves.”

When either the inflow to ourselves or the outflow to others is stymied, the cycle stops bringing us abundance, Nicole said. It’s similar to a cough drop lodged in the windpipe, she said. Just as we need life-giving oxygen, we also need a flow of money, both in and out.

“We are so used to having it all right now, using second mortgages, home equity, and credit cards,” Nicole said. “You literally can’t have inflows and outflows because we’ve strapped ourselves to where we have stopped the flow of money.”

Nicole asked audience members to gather in groups of four to explore their fixed beliefs about money. Sitting next to a middle-aged mother, conservatively dressed wife, and loudly dressed businesswoman, I explored my fixed beliefs. And Nicole challenged each of them.

I watched as the middle-aged mother discovered she was using money as an excuse to distance herself from a strained marriage. “I would rather take on an extra shift at work than face the problems I have at home,” she said.

I marveled at the businesswoman’s tale of a childhood spent living in buses and hopping place to place, “because money is only something you get if you are meant to, if you have the right name.”

But I think all three of us were taught more by the conservatively dressed wife, who admitted through tears that she was only staying in her marriage because she did not have the means to support herself without her husband’s help.

Other audience members related their fixed ideas about money: that it is something to be feared, something they were not worthy of having, something they need to be better stewards of.

“We have attached fixed perceptions all around money,” Nicole said. “The things we spend our money on—homes, cars, clothes—only have the value YOU give it. It doesn’t matter what you pay for things unless you give it energy to matter. You’re in control of that energy.”

Nicole asked each audience member to draft their own partnership document with money, complete with a date and signature. The document addressed two questions: What “money” can count on from me, and what I ask of “money.” The partnering documents that audience members came up with were enlightening and varied.

“Whatever you give your energy to in life automatically expands,” Nicole concluded.

**Bridget Cook

Bridget Cook-- Author and Speaker

Maybe the momentum had been building, or maybe it was because I have known Bridget Cook for years. But my own breakthrough came during what was my final session. Her presentation actually drew a tangible action from me, something I could actually get my hands on and run with.

Bridget is the author of many published works, including the best seller Skinhead Confessions: From Hate to Hope. I am very familiar with her writing ability, but what I didn’t know until that day is that she is a domestic violence survivor. The fact gave impact to her message that day.

“You were created on purpose,” Bridget told the audience as more and more women filed in, some sitting on the floor. “We are not our history, or what has happened to us in the past. We are a result of the choices we make. It is our choices that make us special.”

Bridget spoke of the daughter of a serial killer who found the strength to discover her own greatness. That woman is the central figure in Bridget’s book Shattered Silence: the Untold Story of a Serial Killer’s Daughter.

Women in the audience followed Bridget’s lead, speaking of domestic and sexual abuse that they had struggled to overcome. They were extraordinary stories that called forth many tears.

Bridget wrote two words on the whiteboard, each word containing the same letters but in different order: CREATOR and REACTOR. “Which will you be?” Bridget asked the audience, begging them to put pen to paper.

My pen flew to my paper, although I believe I failed to answer the exact question Bridget asked that day. You see, I have always wanted to write a book, but not one that was just a fictional story. That is the reason I looked up to Bridget: she embodied a goal I had set for myself, or in the very least displayed that a normal person like me could obtain a lofty goal like that. Her books are about real people—real stories. For a while, I thought I would do the same: find a person with an extraordinary tale to tell and help them tell it. Being a journalist by training and trade, I was pretty confident in my writing and interview abilities. I thought I just needed to find the right person. Raising four small children, I don’t get out much or meet a lot of people with extraordinary stories to tell.

But that day, as I sat obediently taking notes, I met the person whose story I believe I was meant to tell. I met myself, while admittedly looking at myself in a very different light. Thanks, Bridget.

“You can be a catalyst for healing,” Bridget said. “Where there appears to be no life, life can be reborn. Women know more about birth and rebirth than anyone. There are no weeds in the garden of life. As women, we bring color where there is no color.”

I believed her.

Now, the words to my own story have begun flowing and are just begging to be told. It is the start of my attempt to cope with the huge hole my estranged brother has left in my family, an attempt to document all the stages of grief and mourning as they happen.

I don’t know what my story’s future holds, but I do know where I wrote the first lines: at the 2010 Ignite Your Spark event.”

Me and some powerful women…getting over it!

admin — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:32:20 +0000

This is from Dino Watt, one of our amazing speakers at Ignite Your Spark 2010. All I can say is WOW! Thank you Dino for capturing this so beautifully – truly inspiring!

Dino Watt: Marriage Expert, Author, Speaker

From Dino:

“This week I had the opportunity to work with Lisa Nichols from The Secret. It was great to hear her inspirational message again.
This time however, I was actually able to participate in and host a speaker panel with her and about a dozen amazing other women (listed below). As the only man on the panel, it was awesome being amongst them and hearing their message of hope, inspiration and motivation. As we all sat on the panel answering questions from the VIP crowd about various issues that always come when starting out on the entrepreneurial path, I realized two things that were very important about everyone on that panel.

The first thing I realized was every single person up there started from the exact same mental place…doubt. Every one of us can tell you our story of self doubt and fear that we had when first starting out in our respective field. We all said things to themselves like, “who would listen to me?”, “What if they doubt or reject my message?” or “Will they compare me to _______?” allowing their Little Voice to stop them from living in their genius. Whether that doubt lasted one minute or one year, we all had it. However, the second part I realized was actually the most important part. In every single story came the moment when they chose to ignored that voice and got over it.]

Too many people allow their Little Voice to stop them from moving forward with their dream. They get stuck in the details instead of making up the details as they go along. They refuse to step into their greatness and allow their light to shine. Now, I know that sounds cliche, yet the fact is too many people play it small and as one of the panelist said, “Your shyness is the highest form of selfishness.” just think about all of the people you are not effecting by playing small. Your message literally has the ability to change lives and if you don’t share it you could actually be the cause someone NOT reaching their full potential.

I believe we are all on this earth to do one of two things. We are either going to positively affect people or negatively infect people. All of these women, (and myself) are doing our best to positively affect people through our message. We do are able to do this not because we no longer have that self talk, we are able to do this because the message is too important to listen to it and allow it to stop it. We literally have to get over it because we know the message we have is unique to each of us and needs to be heard by all willing to listen. Just like the message you have in you is too important not to share.

If you are even thinking of starting out on a journey of entrepreneurship and yet that little voice is stopping you from doing so, do yourself and all those faceless people you are bound to help a favor by getting over it. Remember the only difference between the feeling of fear and the feeling of excitement is the emotion you put on it.
So get excited and take that leap of faith into your dream and someday soon you will be on a panel of like-minded people. Then your story will be one that will be inspiring others who have a message to share but just don’t know how to get over it.

P.S. Make sure you check out my site for the next Million Dollar Marriage Retreat in Cancun. www.milliondollarmarriageretreat.com

Speakers on the Panel:
Lisa Nichols
Angela Bussio: The Science of Attracting Joy
Jill Lublin: Free PR Strategies That Create Buzz for your Business
Angela Martindale: Overcoming Challenges to Reveal Your Greatness
Christie Mawer: Express Your Girl Power
Rene Johnson: Mastering Your Personal Power Zone
Andrea Hess: Manifesting Money Mastery
Cheryl Forester: Raw Food Journey: Find Peace & Awaken Your Cells
Deana Leighton & Marci Lock: Honor your Body and Create Lifetime Results
Megan Sillito: Play Your Strengths
Linda Hollander: 7 Business Success Secrets
Nicole Sherman: Align Yourself with the Energy of MONEY
Ann Webb: Use Clear Intention to Create Your Ideal Life
Bridget Cook: Bloomin’ Miracles: Radically Transform Your Life
Joyce O’Brien: Feel Great Now!”

Thanks Dino! And see you in Cancun in April! I can’t wait. Your two-day workshop was amazing, I can only imagine what this is going to do for me and my hubby. You are the best Dino. Thanks for sharing your genius with the world.

Business Tips: Year-End Planning

admin — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:00:06 +0000

Being a business owner is a lot of hard work (and a lot of rewards when we are in our passion). When I started my businesses officially in 2006, I was amazed at what I didn’t know that I didn’t know. I didn’t have an MBA or really know the first step to starting a business. I just had a passion and some corporate experience to start with.

I’m a self-taught entrepreneur with a passion for what I love and a commitment to learn what I don’t know. Additionally, I have a commitment to share my learned knowledge with other entrepreneurs so they don’t have to learn the hard way like I did. One area of business that has made the biggest difference is to get a great accounting and bookkeeping foundation. You have to know your numbers in order to see where you are.

A great resource I have found is Cameron & Associates, Inc. They are down-t0-earth, personable, incredibly knowledgeable and do a great job of education their clients. As an entrepreneur, when a vendor takes the time to educate me while doing a great job at what they do best, I am hooked. When I asked CEO and owner, Marvin Cameron, what tips he has for entrepreneurs as we near the end of the year, this is what he recommended:

Remember, “Tax Planning” must occur before the year ends. The opportunity for most deductions and tax saving strategies occur prior to December 31^st. Therefore, now is the time to review your income and expenses with your tax advisor.
If you are currently renting and are trying to decide whether or not buying a home is right for you, now may be the ideal time to buy for several reasons. One of those reasons, if you meet the qualifications, is that you may be able to receive $8,000.00 in cash from the government. Consult your tax advisor for details.
If you are considering or need to upgrade certain items in your home, purchasing before the year-end may be beneficial. Certain energy efficient products may be eligible for a credit on your taxes of up to $1,500.00. Consult your tax advisor for qualifying items.
If you own a business and are considering purchasing new equipment for the company, the government currently has several different tax incentives in place. Consult your tax advisor for what is right for you.

Find out more about Cameron and Associates, Inc. here.

Have business and finance tips you would like to see listed here? Contact us today.

Tips for Stress-Free Holidays Part 1

admin — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:43:38 +0000

Do the holidays leave you feeling stressed, overwhelmed or tired? Take it easy this holiday season by taking better care of yourself. Easier said than done right? Personally, I feel that the holidays are a bit overdone and somehow along the way of honoring these incredible traditions, we have lost the true meaning of the holidays.

What can we do to get back into the spirit of gratitude and giving? The first thing I recommend is to make sure you give yourself self care. One of my friends and health gurus, Amanda Moxley, offers her 5 Hot Tips for Body Confidence this Party Season:

1) Where clothes that make you feel awesome in your body. If you are wearing the same sweat pants from 1992, it’s time to get rid of them! You can find good deals on cute high quality clothes at TJ Maxx.

2) Start a simple food journal and write down what foods make you feel radiantly alive, healthy and energized. Also note, the foods that make you spacey, tired, anxious, bloated and uncomfortable.

3) Take action! Nourish your body with the radiantly alive, healthy and energizing foods!

4) Sip on water with a squeeze of fresh lemon throughout your day to hydrate your cells, cleanse your body and nourish your Soul!

5) Move your body in a way that makes you feel hot, healthy and alive. Go to a yoga class, walk, take a pole dancing class, go to the gym! Do something. You always feel better after you move!

Bonus tip: Schedule in your calendar right now how you will incorporate these body confidence tips into your day TODAY!

Find more info about Amanda here with her 21 Days to Feel Hot and Healthy this Party Season!

Exercise Lies Revealed

admin — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:10:30 +0000

Marci Loughmiller- Fitness Expert, CEO

This fascinating article comes from one of our 2010 Ignite Your Spark speakers, Marci Loughmiller. Here, she reveals the lie of “ I Need to Work Out More To Lose Weight.”

Let’s get right to the real deal and quickly overcome why this is a complete lie. The idea that you have to work out hours in the gym to lose the most weight is completely false. If you’re looking to achieve the fastest fat loss possible and maximize the time you put into your workouts then it isn’t happening with the old school long duration workouts.

This is why…

When you exercise for hours on end you are burning less calories overall compared to shorter workouts done correctly. For example, you can run 30 – 45 minutes on the treadmill and burn 300 calories if you’re lucky. When you add this up, it simply doesn’t do much for your results. Doing this you will need to spend 10+ hrs a week just to take off a pound.

Long duration workouts also keep your metabolism from increasing and from working for you when you are outside of the gym. Your metabolism returns to a normal state almost immediately after the workout session. This results in less fat loss.

The Truth is that Short duration workouts not only take less time but they amp up your fat loss like you wouldn’t believe.

Want Proof? In the studies I’ve mentioned below we learned that a short duration style of training resulted in 38 hrs of increased metabolism. That means you are burning fat and calories for 38 hrs after your workout. What does that mean for you? You could do 12 minutes of Guerrilla Cardio and research proves you continue to burn fat for up to 2 days straight. You could still be burning calories and fat all weekend from your Friday morning workout.

Other studies showed the group that added this type of training to a healthy diet burned up to 44% more fat. Another showed 9 x more fat loss in half the time. You heard right, Nine times more fat loss from this type of training verses regular long workouts. It all comes down to the after burn effect. You are burning more fat and calories for a much longer time after the workout as well as increasing your metabolic rate.

Firm believers of old school methods of working out for hours in a gym will tell you that an hour of aerobics will burn more calories then just a 12 minute workout. Yes, this is true. In the hour of aerobics you do burn more calories then the types of short duration or 12 minute cardio methods I teach. I’m not arguing that fact. But what produces the most results overall? Continuing to burn calories and fat for up to 2 days straight along with an increased metabolism that keeps you burning all the time, or an hour’s worth of calorie burn?

My time is precious so getting massive results from working out in less time makes much more sense to me. You should be able to get in, get it done and move onto experiencing the rest of your life and relationships. If you enjoy wasting a few hours a day then by all means continue the regular methods. I developed the DVDs to create a solution to show people how they can have health with ease. It isn’t a huge sacrifice or battle when you know what you are doing.

“I’ve been working out for years… ever since I was eighteen. At 30, I’ve never been able to get the results. After watching The Whole Truth about Weight Loss dvd’s & using the workout program and being educated on how my body works to correctly work out and feed my body to be a fat burning machine my body completely changed. I began by just eating to work with my body and lost 20lbs in a month. Then I decided to implement what I learned from the fitness dvd’s and use the workout program. After two short weeks of working out I gained two inches of lean body mass on my bicep’s alone. The amazing thing is how my body is transforming in such a short time. It truly is amazing how knowing how to “work with your body” really can give results fast, that’s what the DVD’s gave me. Now I have the knowledge forever thanks to The Whole Truth about Weight Loss and Everlasting Fitness. Thank You So Much!” J.D.L

If you want to Work Out LESS to burn more fat and calories and experience BREAKTHROUGH Results then let go of the idea that you have to work out hours a day. Try what actually works by working with your body. You will watch your body change before your eyes.

For more information visit www.everlastingfitness.com and see her live at Ignite Your Spark 2010!

Resources for Marci’s article:

Alwyn Cosgrove

Schuenke MD, Mikat RP, McBride JM.
Effect of an acute period of resistance exercise on excess post-exercise oxygen consumption: implications for body mass management.
Eur J Appl Physiol. 2002 Mar;86(5):411-7. Epub 2002 Jan 29.

Kramer, Volek et al.
Influence of exercise training on physiological and performance changes with weight loss in men.
Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 31, No. 9, pp. 1320-1329, 1999.

Bryner RW, Ullrich IH, Sauers J, Donley D, Hornsby G, Kolar M, Yeater R.
Effects of resistance vs. aerobic training combined with an 800 calorie liquid diet on lean body mass and resting metabolic rate.
J Am Coll Nutr. 1999 Apr;18(2):115-21.

Tremblay A, Simoneau JA, Bouchard C.
Impact of exercise intensity on body fatness and skeletal muscle metabolism.
Metabolism. 1994 Jul;43(7):814-8

One Flaw In Women

admin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:22:49 +0000

I received a great email from a friend and in it was this poem. I can relate with this. After you read this, take a moment to celebrate your successes instead of the things waiting for you on your to-do list.

Take a moment and breathe in your greatness.

Women have strengths that are amazing.

They bear hardships and they carry burdens, AND 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 ideas.

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.

Remind the women in your life just how amazing they are. Start with yourself. Start right now.

Nominations Are Now Accepted for the 2010 Spark Award

admin — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:01:07 +0000

It is with great honor and gratitude in my heart to open up nominations for the 2010 Spark Award. For you see, the Spark award warms my heart until tears form in my eyes because it is in memory of my dear friend Alison Bleak Sparks. Alison passed in April 2009 from complications from a brain tumor.

Not a day goes by that I don’t think of her and miss her. If I were to nominate someone for this award, I would nominate her. She always believed in me (and still does). She was one of my biggest cheerleaders. She, herself, was unstoppable, positive, committed and courageous.

Nominate a woman in your life who has made a difference and continue Alison’s light to shine on as we honor women for years and generations to come. Through this movement of empowered women we are creating, we will literally impact millions of lives. it starts now. It starts today. It starts with us.

Nomination details are here. Nominations will be accepted through November 30, 2009.

Thank you for supporting the greatness that resides within every single person on the planet. Thank you for being a part of Illuminated Woman. It’s an honor to meet you here.

In Gratitude,
Angela – Illuminated Woman CEO and Founder

Who is Your Hero? Or She-ro?

admin — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:31:25 +0000

At a marketing workshop presented by Biz Divas (our division of Illuminated Woman that supports women-preneurs) the icebreaker activity was to introduce yourself to five people and tell them who your hero is and why. I was so inspired by the “why’s” people had for choosing their hero. Everything from their husband, to Oprah, to Wonder Woman…

My heroes?

Grandma (left) and great aunt Kathy (right)

1. My grandmother. Why? She was one of the first on that side of the family to own her power by speaking her truth. She paved the road for her voice to be heard, for her vote to count, for her truth to be set free. She was one of the first to tell me to own my power and stand up for myself.

I will never forget the day that I was having lunch at her house as a teenager and she told me that it was time for me to stand up taller and speak up. That was a pivotal moment in my life to get me where I am today.

Thanks grandma.

Dr. Martin Luther King

2. My other hero at the top of my mind right now is Martin Luther King Jr. Why? Simply put, he believed in a possibility greater than the current circumstances. He believed in a vision that he couldn’t touch, taste or that was yet tangible. Yet, he continued on and enrolled people in a vision greater than himself. The result? Profound movement for the globe. He ultimately gave his life for a vision of peace.

On the days when I feel that my vision of an empowered and whole planet feels hard or too much to take on, I remember Dr. King and the difference that one person made.

To those who paved the road ahead, thank you.

Who is your hero and why? When you have that person in your head then consider this. My theory about why our hero is our hero is because part of why we admire them is because those same qualities reside in our core. Those qualities are within us and inspire us to let those qualities emerge even further.

Let us know who you hero is by commenting on this post.

What is Your Illumination Moment?

admin — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 06:32:35 +0000

I did an online TV interview for The Women’s Information Network and they asked me “What is an Illuminated Woman?” Awesome question and one that I get asked frequently.

My reply? An Illuminated Woman is ANYONE who believes in the possibilities more than the current circumstances. They believe so much in the possibility that they take the next step forward, possibly completely uncertain of where there foot will land. Sometimes this “illumination moment” happens when we least expect it. You know what I’m talking about.

That moment when life gives you something so big and you have no idea how you will get through it. But something in you compells you to go forward. Sometimes our eyes our closed and we are scared but we move through the fear and one day we look back and think “Wow, how did I get through that? And without that, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

It’s the moment when my mother believed in the possibility of going back to school after taking a 20+ year sabbatical and while raising a family and working full time. She believed. She stepped forward. When I graduated college, she was there with me. In her cap and gown. We graduated on the same day.

The illumination moment happens when a father who has just been laid off wonders how he will continue providng for his family. Somehow he makes it through and the universe aligns to support his commitment.

The illumination moment happens for the single mom who is juggling life, work, finances and being the best mom she can be. She puts one foot in front of the other and knows she has the strength to make it through one more day. Why, because something within her knows she is great.

What are your illumination moments? The moments when you weren’t sure how you would go forward but you did. You rose to the occasion of being your biggest fan.

I want to know your illumination moments. It is when we share the authentic parts of our journey that we unite and create a stronger world. We do it together.

Thank you to those who paved the path by stepping through the illumination moments and remembering their greatness.

Tell me your illumination moments by posting your comments below.

Am I Illuminated?

admin — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 01:19:20 +0000

One top question I get is what makes a woman illuminated? Is it a woman who “has it all together?” Someone who makes a lot of money and has an amazing career? What about someone who is the best mom in the neighborhood. Sure enough she is an illuminated woman! Right?

Are You an Illuminated Woman? from Angela Johnson on Vimeo.

An illuminated woman is ANYONE who believes in the possibilites more than the current circumstances. It’s that moment when we think we have hit rock bottom and something supports us to take the next step. Even when we don’t know where the next step leads us. Even when it’s dark and we can’t see what is next. Even when it’s hard to breathe because it seems so scary and heavy. It’s those defining moments that when we move forward despite the circumstances illumination emerges from our core. Those moments not only support ourselves personally, but it’s those moments that inspire others to keep moving forward also.

This realization is the fire under me to support empowerment for everyone. Even in the moments when it feels hard and I don’t know where or how the next solution is going to manifest. I remember my bigger purpose. I remember the possibilities that keep me awake at night with a perma-grin on my face because I’m so excited about what can happen next.

Tell me about your illumination moments? When you thought you would have to let go of a dream but you hung on. When you hit rock bottom and found your way through the fog? When you were faced with a challenge and came through it with brilliant strength and hope.

Let’s connect in authenticity and support each other in being real, honest and vulnerable. That is what is inspiring. Thanks to those who let me see their raw strength because I lean on it often and it has made me into the woman I am today.