Category: Events

RSVP For the Fierce Love Telejam

posted 23rd April 2012 Written by: Stratejoy CATEGORY: All Posts, Events, Stratejoy the Biz

What are you doing this Thursday night, gorgeous?

If you’re going to be around, I’m hosting a live Video Telejam and would love if you could join in!

I’m going to be jamming about all things Fierce Love, and even sharing some extra bonus tips on being confident, daily practices, and how to make time for yourself. I’m also going to be interviewing a few of the bold ladies who have taken the Fierce Love course to get a little inside look at how it worked for them. This is your chance to hear the real scoop from women who’ve made the investment in themselves. They’ve promised the ups and the downs!

What you need to know:

I’ll be hosting the Telejam on Vokle, which you will have to register for, but you can do it with Facebook or Twitter, so it’s only a few clicks. Just click here to RSVP and get the registering process underway! (Scroll down a little way to the red star that says “RSVP HERE”)

The Telejam will be held live at 6PM PST / 9 PM EST on Thursday, April 26th.

There will be a live Q&A session, so bring any questions you might have. You can ask questions either through chat or through video – either way I want to answer them! (And yes, you can ask me anything under the sun, but priority will be given to those Q’s that have something to do with self-love or confidence or Stratejoy…)

What you need to bring:

-Your lovely self (via the computer)

-Any questions you might have about Fierce Love for the live Q&A!

-A drink of your choice to make the Telejam even more fun.

I’m excited to hang out with you and share some bits of inspiration and Fierce Love with you. I hope to (virtually) see ya there!

Remember to RSVP so I know you’ll be there and can get excited.

p.s. I think this sweet technology will record the event, and I’ll be happy to send it out. That said, it’s my first time on Vokle, so I’m not making any promises about the recording!

p.p.s. Yes, there will be a special announcement for the VIPs on the call, but it’s not a sales call. It’s a chance for me to share more Fierce Love tips with you, to get the real scoop from women who’ve taken (or are taking the course), and your time to ask me questions LIVE!

So World, Are You Ready to Conspire With Me?

posted 30th March 2012 Written by: Camila CATEGORY: All Posts, Camila, Creativity, Events, Job/Career/Work, Money, Season 6

Clarity, goals, life planning, money, organization, writing

The most riveting and terrifying aspect of my life is that I never know what to expect next.

Six months ago my job with AmeriCorps ended and I transitioned to working with the organization I was with part-time; I began working as a barista at a coffee shop I respected for their sustainable business practices; and I was teaching a class at UCONN on Creative Democracy and Community Building.

Three months ago I become engaged; found out I lost my part-time non-profit job; and finished my super awesome teaching gig at UCONN.

Now, I’m working full time in the coffee business and sitting in limbo-land awaiting my next step.

Apparently I can’t figure out how to manage my time effectively. I tend to have this problem. The time I did best in college was when I was taking seven classes, reading a book for entertainment each week, and working to pay rent. Everything I did fell right into an appropriate time frame because it had to not because I had ample time to accomplish everything. Right now, I’m at the point where I’m paralyzed with all the crap I have to do and I don’t even know where to begin.

In fact, there’s a little recorder that plays over and over in my head each day:

Dear Camila just so you know you have to plan your wedding, take the GREs, start working on your blog, keep in touch with friends, clean your apartment, cook dinner, pay the bills, call your brother, hand wash some clothes…

and the list goes on.

This my friends is where you come in. I’ve found in the past that when I have folks checking in on my progress and holding me accountable then I’m waaaaayyyyy more likely to follow through with my intentions. Or, put in a more eloquent way in the words of my favorite author, Paulo Coelho,

“…when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it.”

If I pronounce wholeheartedly what I aspire to achieve in these next five months, work just as fervently to accomplish them, and have the support of other lovely ladies, then I’m confident that they will become tangible and not just meandering thoughts.

That being said, here’s what I’m pronouncing as my foci for the next five months:

1) Writing

I have always loved twisting words together to create poetry and stories. The first poem I ever wrote was about an owl. I have it somewhere, the little words typed up on a typewriter and cut out into a bizarre shape. Being that the only time I had frequent access to typewriters was when I was at the American School for the Deaf, I probably wrote the poem in Kindergarten. At age nine I wrote songs with my brother and friend Mia. Some of them were ridiculous “Lanza lanza in your panza, footsie wootsie in your tootsie” while others were a little better “I must go away from my land, go and march with that awful band. They’re mean and cruel and awful here, please oh please help me dear.” As of late though, I have not been that great about keeping up with my writing. No, I’ve been neglecting a craft I love. Writing on Stratejoy will certainly help me, but in the next five months I would also like to

a) start writing on my blog again at least once a week

and

b) draft poems for a poetry book. The theme of “loteria” a.k.a. Mexican Bingo has always fascinated me and I find the images that are a part of the game intriguing and beautiful. This would be the premise for the book I would like to create.

2) Organization

People make two frequent assumptions about me. One is that I’m quiet (this assumption is true until I get to know you), the other is that I am an organized neat-freak. Ha, HAHAHAH, Ha ha. Lies. I’m incredibly messy which drives my family and fiance mad. I leave remnants of my existence wherever I go (don’t worry, I’m not like this in the homes of strangers). I am however somewhat organized in my chaos. I have lists of books I want to read on a Google Doc. I have specific notebooks for specific purposes. I like to wash dishes. However, I still suck at paying bills. I don’t always know where I keep my keys, and I often “wing it” without knowing the details of how I’m going to get things done. This has resulted in spending the night at Starbucks/Union Station; having nightmares that my wedding is next week and I’ve done barely any planning; and having my internet and phone disconnected. As such, here’s what I’ve got in mind:

a) create a financial plan. I would like to know when I need to pay what bills, how much I’m making and figure out how I’m going to make it through the summer with a limited budget.

b) create an educational plan. In 2013 I yearn to go back to graduate school as well as become trained as a doula/midwife. I’ve been out of school way too long for my liking. I want to look up graduate schools in the Northwest, programs for doulas/midwives, and prepare to take the GREs..

c) plan and execute a phenomenal wedding: I need the nightmares to cease. I need to get a handle on this wedding since it is in less than five months and I don’t even have a wedding dress yet. Ahhhhhhhhhhh. Even thinking about it makes me nervous. I love planning and I’m incredibly excited for Geoffrey and I to marry, I just feel like I’m so far behind.

There you have it, just small components of my infinite dreams that never cease to expand and fluctuate. I set them forth into the world and ask for you to conspire with me to fulfill these little puzzle pieces of life that I have trouble fitting together and bringing into reality. Now it’s time to let the progress begin.

Some Lovely Things to Shift Your Perspective

posted 17th January 2012 Written by: Molly Mahar CATEGORY: Events, Inspiration, Molly

As most of you know, I keep my list of favorite courses, resources, and books on the Store page — but sometimes I can’t keep up with the lovely things being produced by my colleagues. And by colleagues I mean amazing women I know personally, who are truly living life on their own terms and helping others shift or grow in some way…

Transform. Play Bigger. Cultivate Gifts. See the World through Fresh Lenses. Make Huge Decisions. Celebrate Joy.

If you’ve been looking for some inspiration in the form of a course or retreat (or are just looking for some new beauties to follow online!) please wander through this round up of things I’m digging right now.

Playing Big with Tara Sophia Mohr

I had the honor to teach with Tara Sophia in Seattle at our Brilliant Women Salon last April. She is wise, tiny sparkplug of inspiration: uber-smart, truly kind, and grounded in a way that I can only admire from afar as I buzz around, flapping my hands as I speak too quickly and laugh too frequently. Her own Playing Big journey has been amazing to watch — from launching a major program last year (this one!) , to writing for the Huff Post, to some major TV appearances to spread her message — she has truly walks her talk and has major skills and knowledge to share.

In Tara’s words…

What is Playing Big?

Your playing big isn’t defined on the world’s terms. It isn’t necessarily owning an empire or making millions. You know what playing big means for you. It’s following that inspiration that is in your heart. Seeing it through. It is getting out there – visible – like the women you so admire. It is your voice, your vision, your unique contribution flowing forth, no longer shrunken down, stopped up inside you, or compromised.

Here’s the good news: if you have been playing small, it’s okay. Most of us don’t play big naturally, on our own, without any support. We need tools, support, training – a process – to help us play bigger.

The six-month Playing Big journey gives women the inner foundation and the practical skills that they need to play bigger. We could call it a “program” or a “course” but it’s a revolution. It’s a movement. Women playing big is going to change the world.

And guess what? We’re hosting a FREE WEBINAR this Thursday night! It will be 45-60 minute video conversation about how we “Play Big” in our own lives, full of inspiration, big truths and laughter, I’m sure.

All you need to do? Join us at 6 pm PST/ 7 pm MST/ 8 pm CST/ 9 pm EST this Thursday the 19th!

If you want to register so you get reminders and the call recording CLICK HERE.
If you just want access to the call on the 19th CLICK HERE.

The Photo Essay Project with Bindu Wiles

This just started yesterday, but it’s definitely not to late to join in! I’m taking it and really looking forward to having a chance to express myself creativity that has nothing to do with my business! Let it be noted that I’m also a bit nervous — what if I don’t have time to shoot everyday (although since it’s done on iPhones, I don’t really have any excuses…), what if everyone else is totally awesome and I suck, what if [insert fear that's yet to be identified]?

But I’ve had the chance to meet Bindu a few different times and have been reading her blog for quite awhile and this is definitely not that type of course. No real need for nerves or comparison.

Bindu is a gentle spirit who’s been through a lot, and still truly believes in the goodness of humankind. My kind of woman! She’s also quirky (see her penchant for bow ties) and an amazing street photographer, armed with nothing up her iPhone and some sweet apps. I’m truly excited to learn from her during this Photo Essay Project.

In her words…

What amazes me time and time again is the endless range of emotion that can be held in a face

and how much I see my own feelings on someone else’s face, and how my heart extends to that person.

The practice of iPhone photography has increased my sensitivity and my ability to see deeper into the world all around me and be deeply moved by it, and therefore, able to transcend my own pain and suffering.

In this 5-week online course, I will be teaching a black and white portrait class in the tradition of the street photography period that was roughly between 1890 and 1975.

The iPhone and the incredible photo processing apps that are available, are bringing a resurgence to the street photography of yesteryear and which is now referred to as mobile photography.

The Well-Fed Woman Retreatshops with Rachel W Cole

I love Rachel Cole. Last spring she was my lighthouse in some stormy waters — serving beautifully as my personal coach when all I knew was that I was feeling “off”. I told her I felt disconnected from what I really loved and wanted to jam on creativity, spirituality, and sexuality. Um… Talk about some broad topics!

I adored getting on the phone with her every week and even more, I loved meeting her in Portland for a lovely dinner at the Ace Hotel. She’s a breath of fresh air, a courageous soul, and one of my personal heroines for her ruthless (yet gorgeous) commitment to asking and answering for herself and her clients, “What are you truly hungry for?”

And this is the best part. She’s traveling around the country leading Well-Fed Woman Mini Retreatshops for lucky women in Petaluma, Berkely, Fort Collins, New York, Providence, Northampton, Alexandria, San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, Chicago, Minneapolis and Los Angeles. If you live in one of these cities, you need to get your booty into a Retreatshop. I know it make a difference in your world.

In her words…

Who are the retreatshops for?

Women who want to say yes to themselves instead of no.
Women who sense that they have more greatness to birth.
Women who desire to know and trust their own hungers.
Women who want to trust their desires.
Women who crave the courage to step more deeply into their lives.
Women who want to explore their relationship to themselves.
Women who know the power of women sitting with other women.

You’ll meet all types of women — young and old, dread-locked and bow-tied, at war and at peace with food, religious and agnostic. There is no one type of woman for whom this experience is designed. If you want to know and feed your truest hungers, at and away from the table, The Retreatshop is for you. Each session will bring together just 15 women.

For me, the word hunger has several meanings. In general, however, food hungers are simply doorways into the disconnection so many women have with their deeper hungers in life – in their careers, relationships, creativity, self-care, and spirituality.

We will explore food-related hungers, and how understanding them can help us understand the broader hungers we each experience. You’ll gain important insights into your personal hungers from The Retreatshop whether you are at war or at peace with food.

______________________________________________________________________

Those are the woman making me sparkle right now! What have you seen online that you’re digging? I’d love to hear your recommendations, sugar pop. See you Thursday for the Webinar I hope!

Table for One

posted 13th January 2012 Written by: Kristen CATEGORY: All Posts, Events, Kristen, Life Lesson, Season 5, What I've Learned

On the last Friday of 2011, I went on my first ever date with myself. I have eaten alone before, but always in a coffee shop or while traveling, and never, never on a Friday night.

After a particularly low time at the end of October, I had a personal coaching call with Molly at the beginning of November and she gave me the action item to go out for a solo glass of wine before the end of the year. It was not just my busy schedule through the months of November and December that delayed this self-date, but also my own personal fears of doing it. I know it sounds silly to say, but the thought of going to a bar or restaurant and sitting alone for longer than a meal seemed incredibly daunting to me.

What was I afraid of? People eat alone all the time; it is not that big of a deal. I do other things alone like errands, but that time spent alone is task oriented. The frugal aspect of me I think comes into play too- why go out for a glass of wine and dinner when I can do the same thing in my house in my pajamas for much cheaper? To me, going out to eat as a single seems so vulnerable. I am ashamed to say that in the past I made judgments of people who were out eating alone, though as I think about it now, perhaps it was a longing and jealously of them that they were that self-aware and comfortable to be eating at a table for one- something I thought I would never be.

I realized the second week of December that I promised Molly that I would go on my date before the end of the year. I wrote my date for myself in big inked letters in my planner and told my family and friends about my self-date. I needed people to know it was going to happen because I needed accountability. I know myself well and that when it comes to pushing myself to do new things, that I can and have talked myself out of many activities or nights out in the past. This is due to the strong inner critic who I listened to more than the positive Jiminy Cricket. I did not want this very important date and goal for myself to be one of those things that I kicked myself for not doing.

Even as I drove home from work that Friday, my interior monologue went back and forth at least five times about whether to go or not. I had chosen a restaurant in Providence that is quiet and laidback, yet chic- I debated changing the venue a few times, not going at all, waiting to go until after the new year, or just getting take out from a local Thai spot, etc. As soon as I got into my driveway, I ran into the house and changed out of my work clothes, put on a cute top, jeans, and heels, fixed my makeup, and rushed out of the house. If I was going to do this, I needed to do it right away- if I lingered too long in my warm, cozy house, the inner critic would have won. And if I was going to do this, I had to feel great and confident about myself- wearing my tired work attire was not going to cut it.

One of the things I thought I would struggle with was saying “just one for dinner” to the hostess. The inner critic was telling me how sad and pathetic this sounded, but when I got to the restaurant and said it, the waiter smiled and seated me in a posh room with a comfy chair by a fireplace. The only awkward moment came when my waitress came over and asked me if I wanted a drink while I waited for my guest; when I said it was just me, she apologized. That was it- most awkward moment was not even that awkward. After those two moments I dreaded were over, I said to myself- “You’re here and everything is OK.” And I realized how long overdue this night was.

The night was DIVINE. So relaxing, so self-assuring, and all me. I armed myself only with a journal and pen to document any introspective thoughts I had. I twittered a few times to document and share the experience with the world. I drank the most delicious glass of malbec, dined on a goat cheese, sundried tomato, and spinach crepe, and had a scrumptious red velvet cupcake with cream cheese frosting for dessert (this spot is known for their crepes, tea, and cupcakes).

But the personal gratification and happiness that came out of that night far surpassed any aspect of the delicious meal. It was an important step for me to go out and spend the time and money on myself because I deserve a night out every now and again (as budget allows) and that I don’t need another person with me to do it. I treated myself and gave myself the gift of time. Time to think, to process, to savor, to enjoy, and to love myself. I ended the tumultuous year of 2011 on my terms. And I showed myself I can do it- I can put myself out there on a Friday night alone in a restaurant and be confident in my skin. If I can do that, overcome my inner critic and do something that always scared me, I can do absolutely anything.

[Photo credit: Delicious cupcake & wine!]

New Years Expectations

posted 7th January 2012 Written by: Elyse CATEGORY: All Posts, Elyse, Events, Season 5, What I've Learned

“I’m looking forward to looking back,
Looking forward to looking back on this day.”
-Over the Rhine

New Years Eve always comes with a lot of expectations for me. It is kind of like the reset button; I get a chance to start over yet again if I feel the previous year didn’t go my way. I usually succeed at making the evening epic with exciting parties and close friends. I set a bunch of resolutions, attempt to stick to them, and ultimately fall flat and get disappointed by January 31^st. Commercials encourage me to get more organized, lose more weight, start a new diet, improve my day to day life, but usually they just get make me feel like being lazier.

So, I’m trying a new approach this year. I have no expectations for 2012. No resolutions. No big plans. I just want to see what happens and what unfolds. I rarely am ever a true participant in my own life because I’m too busy worrying about what is happening rather than stepping back and really looking at what I’m experiencing. I spent a lot of 2011 changing bad habits, and I’ll keep moving forward but not because it is 2012, but because I should continue to change and grow no matter what day or season this is.

Usually I hate looking back on the year prior and am so ready to move forward, but I was actually thrilled with 2011. I started the year at a 1920’s Speakeasy party with good friends. My mom finished her chemotherapy and was declared cancer free. I turned 25 and went on an epic road trip to Florida. I celebrated the un-Rapture and attended or participated in several weddings of good friends. I moved to an epic location in Cincinnati. I ran the Warrior Dash (using the word “run” loosely here) and had an epic weekend at a cabin in the woods. Went to Chicago and started Americorps at the Cincinnati Zoo. I met Over the Rhine, Hulk Hogan and got into a Twitter fight with Adam Richman. I helped write and stage manage a show for the Emery Theater. I celebrated the epic end to the Harry Potter movie series. I learned Taylor Lautner looks suspiciously like a llama.

So, I shrug and move into 2012 with the same momentum I left 2011 with. I sign my checks with a new year, but I’m not pretending some epic turnover just occurred, and I have to immediately change all the things right now. I’ll settle for what has already changed.

{Photo Credit: Summerbl4ck}

Psst! Hey, you! Gorgeous girl! Down here!

The Create Your Magical Year program is available right now! Looking for a great way to take a hard look at your 2011 (good and bad) and get clear on what you want for 2012? This joyful, all-about-you program is packed with awesome goodies, inspirational interviews, a soul-searching, colorful workbook, guided recordings, and other little surprises. 2012 is your year, woman. I can feel it. Wanna feel it too? Let’s do this!

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