Keeping up with the Janes

There are so many empowering ladies sharing their skills and stories online right now that it's hard not to be inspired. So many challenges and so many triumphs, it's amazing to watch each one of these bombshells reach another milestone or goal. As a sociologist, I asked myself........what do all of these inspiring women who are crushing the internet and supporting women have in common? The answer: they have a ton of support from their online community and friends, they are super organized, and they are the first ones to call themselves out when they start making excuses for why they did or did not follow through with something. They bare all, are comfortable in their own vulnerable skin, and make other women feel empowered just by being near them. They share their stories to help motivate their actions and help themselves and others work towards becoming the healthiest version of themselves they can be. When they are in positions of power, they are honest, kind, prudent, and fair, and they lead by example. These women are critical thinkers who find ways to make things happen, even if they have nothing to gain. They are magical, strong, and empowering and are making the world a better place, one act at a time.

When I think about Redwood Women's Foundation, empowerment, and how to get more ladies involved, I remember my time as a Girl Scout and think about what Juliette Gordon Low was striving for when she organized the first Girl Scout troop meeting on March 12, 1912, in Savannah, Georgia. She was a forward thinker and established an organization that teaches girls to treat others with respect, empathy, and understanding, and to harness their own individual leadership skills in cooperation with others to make the world a better place. I love this empowerment model and believe incorporating these same core values in our every day lives can help change the way women are viewed and treated in our society and around the world. When we are looking for role models to empower us and guide us, we need to surround ourselves with women who set good examples for us and take on their elder leadership roles with integrity and respect. Not everyone has been taught these core values, so it is crucial that we have positive and uplifting elders in our lives to learn from, to cheer us on when we need help finding our way, and to care for, honor, and visit when they grow old.

So, How are your friendships doing? Do the women you associate with empower you with positive talk and behavior? Do they make empowering choices? Are you able to talk to them? Do they help you come up with positive solutions when you are struggling to make a difficult decision? Do they make time for you and include you in their lives? These are the questions we have to ask ourselves when we invest our time into friendships or romantic relationships. Many people use new connections to further their careers and really only care about the benefits they receive from the connections, so they don't reciprocate. Friendships are cultivated and maintained by feeding and nurturing them, so it's important for us to learn how to distinguish between friends and acquaintances. In doing so, we eliminate frenemy type patterns and focus on relationships that are reciprocal and perpetuate empowerment and growth.

Here are some life tips I've been researching for the New Year to maximize self healing results and eliminate self sabotaging behaviors.

- Invest in people who are dependable and value your time

- Don't wear yourself out chasing after people

- Don't take things personally

- Stay in your own lane

- Know what you are spending and bringing to the table

- Don't sacrifice your financial security and good credit for material objects

- Be responsible with your time and money

- Create an organizing plan for your life

- Don't spend money that you don't have to spend

- Find creative places to travel that are affordable

- Hang out with people who are empowering themselves and especially others

- Just like dating, never chase after a man...... or a bestie

- Use the same discretion when dating as you do when cultivating new friendships

Being empowered happens when we are free and content to make our own life choices and when we take responsibility for how those decisions impact our lives and the lives of others.

If you are interested in participating in empowerment based networking opportunities,

Redwood Women's Foundation provides a great space for women to network in a safe, loving, and fun atmosphere. If you like great content, eating delicious food, sipping on champagne, participating in raffles, and meeting a diverse group of friends, come to our first workshop of the year!

Be our Guest @

Awaken: Soul Reboot Playshop with Monica Ballard

January 17, 2018 from 6-9pm

@ Humboldt Herbals Classroom

219 D Street Eureka, California

Please Register@www.redwoodwomensfoundation.com/workshops to reserve your space.

If you have any questions email administrator@redwoodwomensfoundation.com