Smart Women Celebrate Their Independence

A few days each week I exercise with a few Smart Women in a park near my home that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. It's a beautiful setting that lends itself to taking your mind off the muscle pain and exhaustion from the workout! We are surrounded by magnificent sycamore and oak trees that stand strong and tall. The trees were planted and spaced apart in a very methodical way; however over time, they grew into their own independent and unique natural form with branches and limbs flowing in many different directions. This got me thinking about how Smart Women have the opportunity to stand tall and strong. You are independently unique from every other living thing on the planet; but are you making decisions and choices that reflect the independent you?

We are "reminded" on a daily basis about who we "should" be. The covers of various magazines remind us that we should look thin and trim at all times. Our family, friends, and colleagues have their ideas of who we "should" be as well.

There have been times in my life when I wanted to be more of someone else and less of who I was. In my 20's, I was really into fashion and fitness. I wanted to look and dress like many of the women I saw on the cover of the most popular magazines. In my 30's, when I would meet a successful person in the business world, I wanted to emulate a lot of who they were being as I had a strong desire to be a successful entrepreneur. In my 40's, I'm still interested in discovering effective ways of living in the world and being successful as an entrepreneur. The difference for me today in my late 40's is that I know it's essential to take what works for me and weave that into who I am at my core--my authentic self.

Unfortunately today, there are women and young girls in many parts of the world that do not have any freedom. There are women who are not allowed any independent actions whatsoever. Likewise, there may be a woman on your street or in your office who does not feel she has the opportunity to exercise her independence. Her personal circumstances or limiting beliefs may leave her feeling "trapped" and unable to move forward with her dreams and desires.

It's up to you and me to lead the way. In a few days, our country will celebrate its "independence". We are fortunate to live in a country where we can say, wear, do, or be whatever we choose.

Let me ask you a few questions:

* Are you living into your Big Ideas, dreams and goals?

* Are you taking advantage of the fact that you have the opportunity to be exactly who you are?

* Are you walking and talking your independent thoughts?

As you move into the weekend, I invite you to reflect on who you are being now in your life and who you would like to become. The oak and sycamore trees in the park were planted to grow in a straight line along the street. Once planted, they began to take on their own independent shape and size. They are living into their uniqueness, their individual beauty, their independent growth. You are a beautiful, Smart Woman. You have your special gifts to bring to the world. Let your own brand of independence and uniqueness shine through. Take advantage of your "Independence Day" and celebrate who you are because there will never be another You.

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.

*****