See Jane Do...

Kathryn Davis: A Passion to Heal

Kathryn Davis shares her Passion Into Action experience and the great work she is doing now to heal women who have breast cancer.

Passion became action for me after attending the Passion Into Action event.  I had relocated to the Grass Valley Area three years ago and had become pretty restless. Prior to moving I had been working in hospitals and cancer clinics in the Bay Area doing Healing Touch, an energy based healing art.   While I continued to work with folks in this area after my move, I was feeling at loose ends and that I could be doing a lot more, but I was having trouble getting something going up here.

The Passion Into Action event speakers, ALL OF THEM, had something important to say to me.  I was reminded of my talents, gifts and skills.  I was encouraged to take some risks and step out of my comfort zone, and I was blessed to get the gift of knowing that presence is at the core of anything we might aspire to do.

At the end of the conference I allowed myself to set my intention for getting back to work that gives back and is rewarding.  It was only a few weeks before I got the call, and I never hesitated knowing that it was what I had asked for.  I'm now managing a non-profit Healing Partners program for Women's Health at Stanford.  The program matches volunteer Healing Touch Practitioners with Breast Cancer Patients, who receive free weekly sessions of Healing Touch for a minimum of three months.  It is a great program, six years old and more than 250 matched pairs of partners.  I'm working in the beautiful foothills and visiting the happening Bay Area once a month.

What a gift.  It all came about because of the "openings" and "bridges" that Passion Into Action created.  All of my milestones and growth have come with the support of circles of women.

In gratitude

Love, Light & Blessings.
Kathryn

5 Things You Can Do Today to Protect the Wild!

“There is an emotion and visual story that needs to be told. If we have a healthy cheetah population we have a healthy eco-system.” ~Marcy Mendelson

As a young girl Marcy Mendelson would spend hours plopped in front of the TV watching National Geographic.  She especially loved the cheetah and dreamed of being a photographer on the savannah.  While it’s taken her over 30 years to actualize that dream, Marcy is now one of the few photojournalist covering the cheetah and yes, in October 2011 she is going on safari and she wants you to come along.

I caught up with Marcy following a photo shoot she was doing in Reno, Nevada at the Animal Ark, a sanctuary for non-releasable wildlife.  She had photographed their cheetah at a speed of 70 miles per hour.  Upon meeting Marcy my ideas of a wildlife photojournalist, sun drenched, natural and rugged, were quickly abandoned.  Her long dark hair, petite frame, fair complexion and urban fashion sense were surprising and intriguing.  Her enthusiasm and passion for the cheetah was contagious and I immediately liked her and for a moment I even contemplated hopping on a plane to join her safari. 

As a social media guru and art major Marcy has done a 360 over the last two years and is now coupling her passion with photojournalism and social media to help the cheetah and raise awareness of wildlife conservation.  She is hoping through her work that she will promote the co-existence of the cheetah, the most fragile of the largest cats. 

Marcy had forgotten her dream to document the wildlife in Africa up until a recent job with The Sierra Club where she was managing the company’s social media platform.  It was the incredible visual images and stories at The Sierra Club that re-ignited her passion for photography coupled with her love for animals.  Within the year Marcy identified a funder, met with cheetah experts and started laying her path to lead a safari to Africa. 

Marcy claims that the Cheetah’s story is often overlooked.  While many people love the fastest land mammal on earth many farmers view this cat as a threat to their livestock.  The human population has infringed on the cheetah’s land and the battle has become land vs. predator.  The Cheetah population has decreased by 90% over the last 100 years with only 10,000-12,000 Cheetahs remaining.  It is now the most endangered cat in Africa.  “The primary threat to the survival of cheetahs has been its loss of habitat due to agricultural expansion, poaching and game hunting for hides and trophies,” says Mendelson.  Marcy believes that “if we don’t have our top predators we don’t have a healthy eco system.” She and other conservationists think co-existence is possible and they have been somewhat successful in creating solutions to prevent the depletion of this beautiful animal.  Another important aspect of conservation is building awareness and creating a connection to the animal through story.  Marcy hopes to accomplish just that through her visual images and bringing others to the cheetah’s homeland to build an appreciation for this animal.

Fulfilling the second part of her dream, this fall Marcy is co-leading a safari in Africa with Peter Allison author of “Whatever You Do, Don’t Run” to photograph the cheetah in the wild, and document the conservation efforts of organizations as they work with the local farmers (ranchers) and communities. The goal is to raise awareness and affect change via the visual story across country borders of how conservation methods benefit humans to live in harmony with cheetahs.

 “We’re at a crucial point and we are all part of our world.  Even if the cheetah seems 1,000 miles away it’s an integrated part of our ecosystem and it’s important to do what we can,” states Mendelson.  She’ll be traveling to the Cheetah hot spots including South Africa, Botswana and Namibia.  In addition, she’ll be meeting with a couple of the leading cheetah advocates, many of whom are women.  She is bringing along a dozen conservation enthusiasts to join her on this journey and give back to cheetah conservation. She only has a couple of spots left and encourages others to join her for the adventure of a life time.  Updates from her adventure will be posted on National Geographic News Watch and National Geographic News Watch and Cheetah-Watch.com.

Whether your passion is driven by the cheetah, nature or wildlife Marcy encourages all of us to be persistent and passionate.  “Keep your eye focused on what you want,” insists Mendelson.  “If your goal means something to you, keep strong and go for it!”

Marcy recently launched a fundraising campaign on Kickstarter and could still use your help.  To contribute to her project go to:  http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cheetah/to-save-the-cheetah-a-documentary

If you’ve always had a dream to travel on the Savannah join Marcy on her expedition to protect the cheetah.  For more information go to: http://cheetah-watch.com/safari.   The safari is Oct. 5-16^th, 2011. Follow Marcy on Twitter @MendelsonImages.

Tune in to See Jane Do to hear Marcy’s inspiring story!

5 things you can do today to protect the wild!

1.  Come on safari!  Learn about the animals and habitat in their 'hood.  Seeing the animals in action is an experience like no other.  Go on trips with tours that give back... Cheetah Safari http://cheetah-watch.com/safari or volunteer!: Cheetah Conservation Botswana: http://www.cheetahbotswana.com/volunteers.php and Cheetah Conservation Fund in Namibia http://www.cheetah.org/?nd=volunteer both have volunteer programs.

2.  Purchase items that donate to wildlife conservation: http://www.wildlifefriendly.org/products By helping local economies, people will not have to rely on illegal poaching, and orgs can supply predator safe guard animals to help livestock farmers protect their goats and sheep.

1. (Example: Irbis Enterprises sells wool items from the Himalaya through Snow LeopardTrus including toy mice for cats:   http://www.snowleopard.org/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=6    

3.  Outdoorsy?  See a wild cat in your travels or on your regional hike?  Contact the conservation alliance associated with that animal.  Sightings are very important for their statistical reports and just ONE sighting can help preserve land for that cat to roam!

1. (Example: Bay Area Puma Project: http://bapp.org/, International: Tsavo Cheetah Project in Kenya: http://tsavocheetahproject.blogspot.com/ & Andean Cat Alliance in South America: http://www.gatoandino.org/en/default.asp)

4.  Give Give Give... the work on the ground is long term and they need your help!  You can help out with donations through organization such as Wildlife Conservation Network: http://www.wildnet.org/, Cheetah.org, Action for Cheetahs in Kenya http://www.cheetah.org/?nd=ccf_kenya, and many more.  

5.  All cat owners should be aware of the danger of flushing cat litter down the toilet.  (In the Monterey Bay, it's suspected to be a major carrier of toxoplasmosis - killing seals, sea otters, sea lions, etc.)

BONUS #6:  Talk Talk Talk... awareness is key.  We love nature programs but their stories don't stop when the credits roll... Share information with your friends, go see the new movies through Nat Geographic and Disney and tell the next generation.  

 

 

Global Girl Media: Their World, Their Voice

"Little girls with dreams become women with vision."
 
Who is telling your story?  What are the stories being told in the media that reflect your perspective as a girl or a woman?  It's surprising to learn that 93% of the content we see in film is directed by men or that 84% of the coverage heard on radio is told by men?  While See Jane Do primarily aims to cover important issues through a women's perspective, Global Girl Media covers news by girls for girls.

We recently connected with Amie Williams the co-founder and executive director of Global Girl Media and were immediately taken by her passion and vision to empower high school age girls from under-served communities through media, leadership and journalistic training to have a voice in global media. 

Amie has joined several other broadcasters and journalists including award winning filmmaker and co-founder Meena Nanji, to focus on the everyday experience of voices that typically go under the radar, young women.  Global Girl Media launched the Global Girl Media Academy, a 10-day workshop followed by the Global Girl Media News Bureau where teams of girls produce content in the form of videos, blogs, new media and print.  Recently they've organized trainings in Soweto, South Africa and Los Angeles.

Two participants from these communities recently covered the International Women's Media Conference.  Rocio Ortega, who recently won a Congressional Award and Teboga Tsotetsi of South Africa interviewed renowned female journalists at the event and discovered the the key elements that are both missing in mainstream media (a.k.a women) and how women can succeed in this field.  Many of the journalists stressed the importance of passion, courage and the importance of connecting with or developing networks. Watch their insightful video below.

Global Girl Media is an incredible organization and we hope to showcase more of their powerful work in the future.   Click here to learn more about Global Girl Media and how you can get involved.

*photos courtesy of Global Girl Media

 

 

WOMEN MAKING NEWS, RAISING THE BAR GLOBALLY from GlobalGirl Media on Vimeo.

Sexuality and Social Media: 5 Tips to Empower Girls

"What mothers need to know is that teens are testing the impact of their sexuality during these years. It is very possible that they are unaware of how powerful it is." ~Dr. Barbara Greenberg

Considering recent scandals around sexuality and social media and being the mother of two young girls I can't help but think, what are the parameters and guidelines I should create for my children when it comes to using sites like Facebook or Twitter?  And why are supposedly smart, intelligent young women posting cleavage shots and photos of themselves in bathing suits online? 

We recently connected with Dr. Barbara Greenberg and Jennifer Powell-Lunder of "Talking Teenage" and authors of "Teenage as a Second Language" and asked her "what is going on with girls, sexuality and social media these days and what can we do about it?"  Dr. Greenberg said it's really about girls understanding the power of their sexuality? 

We invited them to write a guest blog for See Jane Do and share several suggestions to empower girls to be savvy and safe social media users.

Sexuality and Social Media by Barbara Greenberg, Ph.D. and Jennifer Powell-Lunder, PsyD

YOU ARE NOT LEAVING THE HOUSE WEARING THAT! If you are the mother of a teenage daughter then you most likely have heard yourself saying these words. Your teens are trying to fit in and look trendy. They may be imitating celebrities who dress in skimpy styles.

Think back to your own teen years. I remember when my older brother's "cute" friends were coming over. I would race to the closet in search of flattering and enticing clothing. Looking back - I don't know if I was successful with what I thought was my lovely appearance. The boys certainly didn't give me feedback but I was nonetheless pleased with myself. Go figure!

What mothers need to know is that teens are testing the impact of their sexuality during these years. It is very possible that they are unaware of how powerful it is. It is probably not until a woman is older that she realizes the power of her sexuality. So what we have these days is the coupling of teenage girls testing their sexuality and the pervasive use of social media . This combination can be a recipe for trouble. What we have seen is teens sending provocative photos of themselves via social networking and new media. Just one click can send a single photo to hundreds if not thousands of unintended viewers. We know that we all feel more anonymous when sending messages that are not delivered in person. When teens feel anonymous they take greater risks. Hence, provocative messages and photos of teens are swarming around all forms of social media.

With these factors in mind, we have several suggestions for moms of teenage girls. 

1. We suggest that before you criticize their attire  you talk to them about the message that their appearance may be sending. Saying "that is probably a little too sexy" will likely go over better than "you'll leave the house wearing that over my dead body."

2. Explain to the girls that their male peers are more easily aroused than they are. This will be invaluable information for them to have throughout the course of their lives. 

3. Make sure that that they are aware of the speed and far reach of messages sent electonically. They may not be aware that a single posting of a photo can end up on the facebook pages of everyone in their high school in a matter of moments.

4. Learn about technology and social media yourself so that you can be in the know. Set parameters around the use of technology. 

5. Finally, ask your daughter how she would feel if her photo or message appeared on the cover of the local newspaper. YIKES!

Good luck. We have nothing but the greatest admiration for mothers of teens. It is probably the most tricky role there is. On the other hand, you have a wonderful opportunity to teach and be positive role models. Although it may not seem like it, these girls are both listening to you and watching you.

For more information about Talking Teenage visit their site at www.talkingteenage.com

Barbara R. Greenberg, Ph.D. is currently a professional consultant on teen issues at Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan, CT. She also maintains a private practice in Fairfield County, CT. She served as a clinical administrator on an adolescent inpatient unit at a private psychiatric hospital for 21 years before dedicating herself to private outpatient practice and consultation work. Barbara is a voracious reader and an avid seashell collector.

Jennifer A. Powell-Lunder, Psy.D. is currently a clinical administrator on an adolescent inpatient unit in a private psychiatric hospital. She is an adjunct Professor of Psychology at Pace University and maintains a private outpatient practice. Jennifer enjoys interior design, reading, baking and playing with her 95lb black Labrador Retriever.

Kathy LeMay: Raising Change for Women

"Revolutionaries come in all different types of packages" ~ Kathy LeMay

Kathy LeMay is one of those women whom you instantly feel connected to.  She has the ability to bring out the authentic nature of "you" and models the essence of what a true sister should be.  She is humble, sharp and hilarious. We were fortunate to connect with Kathy last April at our 2nd Annual Passion Into Action Women's Conference.  We read about her inspiring story in Nina Simons' new book "Moonrise" and both agreed that we should to invite Kathy to speak at our conference."  I had never met her or spoken to her, I just had a feeling that she should come. 

Kathy is an extraordinary woman who at the young age of 41 years old is a true trailblazer for creating substantial social change.  Not only is she redefining philanthropy, recognizing that all of us have the ability to give and serve without millions, but she also established the organization Raising Change to help find funding for organizations and individuals who want to make a difference.  She has since raised 150 million dollars and has traveled across the world to help provide a platform for the voices of thousands of women. 

During her Passion Into Action keynote presentation she shared the inspiration behind her purpose, words of wisdom from two of her favorite women, her mother and grandmother and the lessons learned from her journey to Bosnia and the philanthropists she has partnered with.  Kathy's story enables us to look outside the box when it comes to people and fundraising.  She says that "what I learned in how to fundraise is that if I show up as me, I open up the possibility for the woman I'm sitting across from.  If I show up and want a check from her I am no different than any multinational corporation who has no regard for another person.  Either I see her humanity or I don't.  That is all on me.  Once upon a time people did not see my humanity because I had nothing and I was doing the same thing to people of wealth that had been done to me."

Join us on KVMR on See Jane Do Wednesday June 1st, 2011 at 1:00 PM PST to hear Kathy's life-changing speech. We'll also feature special guests who will share their Passion Into Action follow up including Alice Halford who will debut her new song, Permission to Proceed (inspired by the conference).

Kathy is the founder of Raising Change and the author of The Generosity Plan.

Connecting Passion With Action: Skyler Myers

Skyler Myers is an everyday woman living in North San Juan, CA .  She is striving to provide a healing space for women who have suffered sexual assault or domestic violence in her community.  Having overcome her own personal challenges including being raped when she was 14 years old Skyler finally said, enough is enough. 

Upon moving to the San Juan Ridge in 2008 she realized that her rural community lacked  the resources and support for women (there are roughly 10 domestic violence calls per day in Nevada County).  As a certified Hatha Yoga instructor (she opened the first green yoga studio in San Diego) and student of Ayurveda, Skyler had a vision of coupling the two healing modalities to help women. 

For many years her dream was on hold but everything changed after she attended the See Jane Do Passion Into Action Conference last April.  Skyler was so inspired and moved by the event that she decided to put her passion into action and launch Women Savy (Serving Abuse Victims through Yoga).  

She is also co-organizing a fundraiser to support the San Juan Ridge Family Resource Center this Saturday May 28th.  She says "our hope is that this fundraiser will plant the seeds to start a network which will provide continued women’s support services on the Ridge."

Skyler contacted See Jane Do following the conference and encouraged us to share her story with you.   

Dear Elisa and Jesse,

My name is Skyler Myers.  I was in attendance at the Passion into Action conference in Grass Valley and have been riding the waves since.   I have been so inspired by the conference, as well as by Moonrise and Urgent Message from Mother that I decided now is the time to begin the project I have been dreaming of for years. 

I just launched a project (womensavy.com) to bring yoga and Ayurveda (natural diet, liefstyle, and herbal sister science to yoga) to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault through DVSAC, Women of Worth and the San Juan Ridge Family Resource Center as a way to help them get comfortable back in their bodies after violence, as a doorway to self confidence and love, as a doorway for all of us women to create a culture of peace collectively.  We all, male and female, will be loved and respected in proportion to the love and respect we have for ourselves.  We cannot respect or love ourselves if we are disconnected from our bodies.  I feel in my bones that embodiment precedes empowerment, and necessitates inclusion of all women.  When all women, not just women with privilege, become stronger and reclaim our bodies and spirits, there is hope for peace. 

Yoga is a somatic therapy.  Practiced in a supportive way, it has a unique ability to help people tune in to their breath, which is what connects our mind to our bodies.  It might seem overly simple, but just like your Mom may have said to you, “take a deep breath,” and you feel your body relax.  As sensitivity returns, healing begins.  When held in a supportive space to breathe and feel safe, emotions are experienced with compassion, and anything seen to not serve our highest truth falls away.  When grounded in gentleness, yoga can be learned and practiced anywhere to cultivate awareness, savvy, balance, and peace. 

I have been helping organize an event on Memorial Weekend, Saturday, May 28 at Willow Springs for a fundraiser for the San Juan Ridge Family Resource Center, for being a place where people can come to do laundry or get online, as a safe place, a place to have fun and connect, to reduce isolation. I will offer a gentle yoga class at 10am for a minimum $5 donation.  Then at 11, you can enjoy homemade soup and the first 50 people can take home your handmade bowl for a minimum $5 donation.  Two local massage therapists will be offering short chair massages 11am- 2pm for $1/minute.  We’ll have a raffle & silent auction.  All proceeds will provide support for ongoing programs and services at the Family Resource Center.  Our hope is that this fundraiser will plant the seeds to start a network which will provide continued women’s support services on the Ridge.  And I can bring awareness to the work I am beginning through Women SAVY (Serving Abuse Victims through Yoga).

Thank you so much for your time and consideration.  Blessings to you in all the work you do. 

Skyler Myers

Founder, Women Serving Abuse Victims through Yoga

Tonight! Nina Simons and Jean Shinoda Bolen's Talks from Passion Into Action

Did you miss Passion Into Action?  Join us for an encore video presentation of keynote speakers activist, author, and psychiatrist, Dr. Jean Shinoda Bolen and Nina Simons, Co-Founder and President of Bioneers.  Plus we'll feature special guests and discussions around passion, leadership, and recognizing your "assignment".

This Monday, May 23rd, we'll feature Nina Simon's keynote presentation that kicked off this year's Passion Into Action Conference on igniting your passion and redefining what it means to be a leader.
 
Plus, we'll show Dr. Jean Shinoda Bolen's talk on recognizing your "assignment" when it presents itself, the power of circles and how women, trees and tree people will save the planet.
 
Marilyn Nyborg of Gather the Woman will be the special guest for this program.
 
This is your chance to find out what all the buzz is about Passion Into Action plus see and hear two remarkable speakers.

 

 

Who:  Nina Simons & Jean Shinoda Bolen
 
When:  Monday, May 23 730-930pm - For more info on Jean go to http://www.jeanshinodabolen.com/ and for more info on Nina go to http://www.bioneers.org/
 
Where:  The Magic Theater, 107 Argall Way, Nevada City, CA
 
Tickets - $12 at the door. Seating limited to 60. Please rsvp to [email protected]
 
For more information email [email protected] or call 916-548-7716.
 
 
All the best,
 
Elisa and Jesse

See Jane Do at the Green Life Eco Fest!

 
We are thrilled that the first annual Green Life Eco Fest is taking place in our home town!  Nevada County continues the pioneering spirit by showcasing trailblazers who are creating a healthier and greener community.  Whether it's green building, energy and transportation, farming and gardening, green living and business or health and wellness this festival aims to bring the key elements necessary to living a more sustainable life for the entire family.

The Green Life Eco Fest is striving to educate Northern Californians on living a more sustainable and self-sufficient lifestyle. Through hands-on workshops, demos and inspiring speakers the organizers hope to give people a basic understanding of the tools that are out there to help them do so and hope to inspire them to create change in their homes and communities.

The speaker line-up includes environmental action heroes like Ari Derfel, Director of Slow Money Alliance, Temra Costa author of "Farmer Jane", Dimitry Orlov author of "Reinventing Collapse" and Michael C. Ruppert author of "Crossing the Rubicon".  Plus dozens of workshops, music, and family activities.

See Jane Do is honored to participate in this homegrown event and lead the workshop, "How to Start a Grassroots Revolution From Your Laptop," Sunday May 22nd at 4:45 PM. We'll provide tips and tools to ignite your passion into action while helping to bring communities together and cultivating social change. 

We hope you'll join us at this extraordinary event this weekend!

AARP Launches Third Annual "Fat-to-Fit" Weight Loss Challenge with Carole Carson

Community fitness expert and former Passion Into Action presenter Carole Carson will coach one of the largest weight loss challenges yet.  Once again she will serve as the fitness coach and mentor for AARP's annual "Fat-to-Fit" weight loss challenge.

Carole says "one of the most effective ways to promote women’s leadership is to strengthen women’s self-esteem. And I think there are few actions we can take that strengthen our self-esteem...feeling good in our bodies and about our bodies."  

Carole isn't a stranger to the challenges of getting fit and losing weight.  "Like women everywhere, I often neglected my needs to care for others. That’s why I want to get the message out: Joining others in getting fit shouldn’t be seen as a selfish act—but rather a basic need for everyone (including women). The more fit we are in our bodies, the more we have to contribute to others." 

Congratulations Carole and thank you for sharing your passion to create healthier communities!

AARP LAUNCHES THIRD ANNUAL “FAT-TO-FIT” WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE

Contest will Help People Track Weight Loss and Guide their
Lifestyle Changes in an Eight-Week Program

WASHINGTON – Today marks the start of AARP’s third annual “Fat-to-Fit Summer Weight Loss Challenge,” an online program challenging and supporting people to make positive, permanent life changes to improve their health. The Fat-to-Fit challenge is a program any individual can join at www.aarp.org/fat2fit. Those participating in the challenge will receive eight weeks of guidance online from fitness expert and author, Carole Carson. A Nevada City, Calif. resident, Carson lost more than 60 pounds at age 60.

“It’s no secret our country is facing a national obesity epidemic and a host of health problems because of it. This program is designed to not only help people lose weight, but also offer them an ongoing support system along with tools, resources and advice from people facing similar challenges,” said Carole Carson, AARP Fitness Coach. “Most of us know what we need to do but we need help making lifestyle changes. The Fat-to-Fit community will help you make new friends as you learn how to incorporate exercise into your schedule, find an exercise that fits your specific needs, cut calories, and eat to live a longer, healthier life.”

Studies show people are more likely to stick to exercise plans when they have support. The Fat-to-Fit program will focus on personal interaction with both Carson and other participants through the Fat-to-Fit online community of more than 18,000 members. Challengers will be able to access free diet and fitness tips, Carson’s columns and blogs, videos, recipes and more. They are urged to post frequent updates and to exchange ideas, encouragement, recipes and moral support.

The challenge runs through July 9, 2011, and visitors to AARP’s Website (www.aarp.org) can register to join throughout the duration of the challenge. Carson will select weekly small-prize winners and, at the end of the program, she will select three overall winners. Winners will be chosen based on three criteria: serving as a role model for the entire community, facing and overcoming challenges, and demonstrating the principles of the Fat-to-Fit program. Official rules and details are available at www.aarp.org/fat2fit.

About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with a membership that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with nearly 35 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's millions of members and Americans 50+; AARP VIVA, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

 

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Connecting Passion With Action: Heidi LeVell

Heidi LeVell was one of 250 women who attended the 2nd Annual Passion Into Action Women's Conference.  Over the last several weeks we have been inspired and moved by the incredible stories women, like Heidi have shared about their experience at the event and the impact it had on them.  Heidi recently posted this article on her blog and we asked her if we might share it with you.  For a direct link to Heidi's blog please click here. 

Streamlining, Energizing & Passion

By Heidi LeVell

When things in life get hard, how do we find the inspiration to persist? Of course there is a continuum here. At one end are the day to day things that we'd like to fix: Trying to sell more on Etsy. Trying to get organized. Getting out of a rut or a funk. On the other end of the spectrum can be major life changes: handling the loss of a job, handling the loss of a loved one, making a transition from one phase of life to another.

I have experienced or vicariously experienced all of these things in the past week so have been thinking a lot about this process. It all started when I asked myself "How can I streamline & energize my work life?" The answer started an interconnected series of events.

Vintage Ladybug Brooch by SweetSugarBoutique

To get inspired myself, I went to the See Jane Do conference. It's a fantastic meeting for women with a theme of changing the world, one person at a time. I was very impressed by the keynote speakers and decided to attend a workshop. I found one that was perfect titled "How to Kick A** without Kicking Your Own" by Shawn Tuttle.

Vintage Betsy Ross Classroom Poster by vintagegoodness

It was only a one hour workshop, but I learned so much. One of the simplest was around list making. She defined the difference between a do list and a project list. Simple enough, but one I'd never considered. Buying a car (which is on my to do list) should be on my project list. Since it has so many events connected to it, it would be stuck on my to do list day after day. But when it becomes a project, I can break it out and make it it's own do list at some point.

Vintage Tulips Apricot Tablecloth by BlackRain4

The workshop was very inspiring and really focused on finding your passion. What is your passion and how can it help the world? It was fascinating learning what others were into: encouraging women to run for office, removing plastic from the environment, teaching, getting toxins out of makeup, and hundreds more. Wow. Time well spent. From that event and the people that connected there, I made several connections that led me to help inspire others as they were going through much more serious changes in their lives.

1950s Baby Blue Toy Telephone by TheFancyLamb

Seeing all these passionate women really showed me what is the vital nugget in what I do. For me it's about connections and healing for my clients. I generally get calls from elderly women. When I go to meet them, I start by building a relationship. I ask about them, I ask where the item came from and what family connection it had. I ask about their Mothers & Fathers, since that information is often vital to understanding the history of pieces. I tell them the entire process involved with selling their item. I give them the link to my Etsy shop. (Even though most of them are not online, their children are) In doing this I build trust.

Vintage Pair of Aqua Cups by Vintage Pair of Aqua Cups by beppiebags

Just this past week I have had 5 new clients, some of them coming from referrals from this conference I attended. Of them, all were women in their mid to late 80's. All of them needed inspiration and all of them needed help from someone just like me. Two were forced to sell because their husbands had died and costs were mounting. One was being foreclosed on. One had a flood and needed to salvage what she could of her remaining heirlooms. One was moving to be closer to children due to her husbands passing. They all needed some comfort, reassurance and healing.

1940s Sterling Silver Purse Brooch by alexsandra

To read the remainder of Heidi's inspiring story please click here or go to:  http://nachokitty.blogspot.com/2011/05/streamlining-energizing-passion.html

 

 Thank you Heidi for sharing your passion.  If you'd like to share your story please email us at [email protected].