Movement Initiatives

Ok, everybody get out and move. Yes, I mean it. The sun is out, or it may not be, but there is always somewhere to move your body. I am inspired by the initiatives by organisations, networks, couples and friends to challenge each other to move. Yes, as simple as that, move. Get a pedometer to measure your steps and get moving. We all could use more fresh air and movement. That doesn't mean that this is license do the type-A's to tap their feet under the conference room table racking up extra mileage. This is true movement. It feels good, it is good for you and you will be more effective in your work and your life. At least 20 minutes a day, walk the stairs, run the errand on foot, go for a walk to think a decision through with a clear head. Whatever it takes, just move.

Girlfriends, Forwarded

This great message about girlfriends was sent to me as an email to forward. Not a believer in chain-mail, I will share it here instead. Enjoy!...

Time passes.
Life happens.
Distance separates.
Children grow up.
Jobs come and go.
Love waxes and wanes.
Men don't do what they're supposed to do.
Hearts break.
Parents die.
Colleagues forget favors.
Careers end.
BUT.........
Sisters are there,
No matter how much time and how
Many miles are between you.
A girl friend is never farther away
Than needing her can reach.
When you have to walk that lonesome valley and
you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your
life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on,
Praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on
Your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the Valley's' end.
Sometimes, they will even break the rules and
walk beside you...Or come in and carry you out.
Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters,
Daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law,
Mothers, Grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins, and
extended Family, all bless our life!

The world wouldn't be the same without women, and
Neither would I. When we began this adventure
called Womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible
joys or Sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how
much we Would need each other.
Every day, we need each other still.
Pass this on To all the women who help make your
life meaningful. I just did.
Short and very sweet:
There are more than twenty angels in this world.
Ten are peacefully sleeping on clouds.
Nine are playing.
And one is reading this blog at this moment.

Why Women Mean Business

WHY WOMEN MEAN BUSINESS
by AVIVAHWITTENBERGCOX

Thank you Avivah for another insightful contribution to research and knowledge on the importance of taking on gender initiatives for growth and sustainability of organisations as a business issue not a women's issue. Nice work.

Patronising Women in Advertising

Is it that much of a mystery that smart women wish to be treated as is they have they have more to offer than their charm and looks? I certainly hope not. Recently I have been disappointed by mainstream sites that dumb-down their advertising that is positioned towards women. Have they not read the latest research or listened to the their audience? So why is that when I do a Google search on "smart women" I get pictures of scantily clad teenage girls. Is this smart? BlogHer has a great post on antiquated Paper Towel adverts. I guess it is simply a reaction, and we all need a break from intense thought now and again, purely for entertainment's sake. But communicate and entertain us with humour that gives cause for thought and action, not disgust or pity.

Women's Health Focus

What a pleasure to see women out and about talking about health, laughing about age, and celebrating their femininity. Last night I attended my first 1,6 Miljonerklubben event in Malmö. (1,6 Million refers to the number of women 45+ in Sweden.) I figured it was time for me to get connected locally after having focused so heavily on the global aspect of my work. "Walk the talk," as they say.

The event followed my meeting with the founder, Alexandra Charles, a delightful woman with an interesting history in Sweden as a woman of cultural influence, particularly on the balance side of things. It is always a pleasure to connect with women who share my passion for connecting women to knowledge and balance.

I was encouraged by the events focus on issues often not discussed, rise in lung cancer in women, holistic health beginning with the mouth, and defining for ourselves who we wish to be. To top it all off, there was a fabulous performance by Mikael Wiehe. Being a naturalised Swede, I was not familiar with him. But I was delighted with his music, his natural story telling and his general presence. Thank you Alexandra and congratulations to 1,6 Miljonerklubben on celebrating your first 10 years!

Women Getting Tee'd Off

The sun is now coming out again in Sweden with a vengeance. The days are longer and we are all finding ways to maximise the exposure to the sun to replenish that missing Vitamin D from the long Swedish Winter. What better way to do this than golf. As I dig through my storage space, past the piles of ski gear, sleds and roller blades, I see my golf bag waiting for me. No tee time booked yet, but my mind is set on improving my golf game now that I am in the land of golf. As an entrepreneur, I find I often have to justify my efforts that lean toward the decadent (not in the office or with my family). But wait, I can still work while I do this wonderful sport.

Something is driving me to think about golf at work, after all this is about "Balance". And then, lo and behold, I receive not one, but three links from friends about women professionals golfing and networking. So, something is indeed driving me to the range (pardon the pun). I will share them with you and encourage you to do the same. Get out on the range, enjoy the walk, the company and the opportunity to expand your horizons (and even your business).

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