Seven Steps to Help You Succeed

Image by aloshbennett via Flickr

Winning is a state of mind. It is a habit that must be cultivated by practice and discipline with the attitude that you never give up or give in. Challenges and obstacles come at us with certainty, it can not be avoided, however, how we face and overcome them separates the winners from the mediocre.

Winners create an image inside their minds that keeps them focused and allows them to break through barriers that would otherwise seem impossible. A winner digs deep within and sorts out the negative words and thoughts that have kept her from achieving what she knows she can accomplish and be.

Here are 7 Simple Steps to help you succeed at winning your goal;

1. Have a purpose; what is it that you want to be a winner at? Make sure your reasons are realistic, not to prove something to someone else, it must be because you want it with passion and are driven to go for it!

2. Write it down; your dream, purpose, goal, whatever you want to call it becomes more real to you when you see it in front of you. Written on a piece of paper that you can place somewhere where you see it constantly and reminds you to keep pressing forward when things get tough.

3. Make a plan; how are you going to accomplish your vision? What are the steps or disciplines that are needed to get to the goal you are pursuing? Break them down into daily, weekly,or monthly goals. Make is simple to implement and give yourself realistic time lines.

4. Get support from someone you can trust. Find a mentor, a professional person, someone who will encourage and keep you accountable and on track. Don't share with people you know will only want to discourage you, find those who will cheer you on!

5. Project your goal as already accomplished. Think about the fact that you are a winning woman, you have what it takes to do anything you want to do, and be whatever you want to be. You are winning each day you take a step that brings you closer to the finish line of your goal. Self talk is good sometimes speaking it out loud so you can hear what you are thinking can help as well. Keep seeing the goal as yours and attainable by making sure you have realistic goals and measures you know you can get to. Break it up into achievable milestones that work with your schedule and lifestyle.

6. Review and adjust. Sometimes a little adjustment is all you need to get you to the next part or help you get to your goal quicker and finish stronger. It is always wise to re-examine your goal, and make sure you are able to continue based on what is going on in your life. Emergencies, illness, and other setbacks can be discouraging, however, it doesn't mean you stop, you just readjust and keep going.

7. Reward or treat yourself. Each time you meet a milestone or accomplish another step toward your goal, celebrate by treating yourself to a small something that makes you feel good. Accept compliments graciously and appreciate the investment others have made in helping you achieve your goals.

Winning is part dreaming, part planning, part doing. It takes all three parts to be the winner you already are. Make it happen and be that Winning Woman!

8-year-old Saudi girl divorces 50-year-old husband

Image by h de c via Flickr

By HADEEL AL-SHALCHI, Associated Press Writer Hadeel Al-shalchi, Associated Press Writer

CAIRO – An 8-year-old Saudi girl has divorced her middle-aged husband after her father forced her to marry him last year in exchange for about $13,000, her lawyer said Thursday.

Saudi Arabia has come under increasing criticism at home and abroad for permitting child marriages. The United States, a close ally of the conservative Muslim kingdom, has called child marriage a "clear and unacceptable" violation of human rights.

The girl was allowed to divorce the 50-year-old man who she married in August after an out-of-court settlement had been reached in the case, said her lawyer, Abdulla al-Jeteli. The exact date of the divorce was not immediately known.

A court in the central Oneiza region previously rejected a request by the girl's mother for a divorce and ruled that the girl would have to wait until she reached puberty to file a petition then.

There are no laws in Saudi Arabia defining the minimum age for marriage. Though a woman's consent is legally required, some marriage officials don't seek it.

But there has been a push by Saudi human rights groups to define the age of marriage and put an end to the phenomenon.

One Saudi human rights activist Sohaila Zain al-Abdeen was optimistic that the girl's divorce would help efforts to get a law passed enforcing a minimum marriage age of 18.

"Unfortunately, some fathers trade their daughters," she told The Associated Press. "They are weak people who are sometimes in need of money and forget their roles as parents."

It was not clear if the man received money for the divorce settlement. The man had given the girl's father 50,000 riyals, or about $13,350, as a marriage gift in return for his daughter, the lawyer said.

The 8-year-old girl's marriage was not the only one in the kingdom to receive attention in recent months. Saudi newspapers have highlighted several cases in which young girls were married off to much older men or young boys including a 15-year-old girl whose father, a death-row inmate, married her off to a cell mate.

Saudi Arabia's conservative Muslim clergy have opposed the drive to end child marriages. In January, the kingdom's most senior cleric said it was permissible for 10-year-old girls to marry and those who believe they are too young are doing the girls an injustice.

But some in the government appear to support the movement to set a minimum age for marriage. The kingdom's new justice minister was quoted in mid-April as saying the government was doing a study on underage marriage that would include regulations.

There are no statistics to show how many marriages involving children are performed in Saudi Arabia every year. Activists say the girls are given away in return for hefty marriage gifts or as a result of long-standing custom in which a father promises his infant daughters and sons to cousins out of a belief that marriage will protect them from illicit relationships.

Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

A Winning Woman Takes Time to Savor Life

Image via Wikipedia

When was the last time you you walked out your front door without a cellphone, a child on your hip or a backpack hanging off your shoulder?

When was the last time you just sat in a comfy chair next to an open window and watched spring begin to unfold before your eyes?

When was the last time you took a walk, by yourself, down the street, around the corner and just said hi to whomever was outside doing whatever?

When was the last time you played your favorite music without kids screaming in the back seats of your car, or using headphones so you could actually hear the music?

When was the last time you went to a garden center and just walked around delighting in the blooming of fresh flowers and the smell of the water mist over the evergreens and newly bundled trees?

When was the last time you did not look at your watch, stayed away from the computer, and took time to savor that moment in your life?

Well, Winning Woman friend, pick a time and make it yours! It doesn't have to be long, just enough to enjoy and savor that precious moment when it's just God and you. In silence, in a whisper, in a song...yes YOU!

Wonderful, Fabulous YOU! You are HIS Miracle! You are a One-of-a-Kind!

You, His Unique Creation, His Masterpiece, His exceptional and incomparable YOU!

He chose You and gave you a song in your heart that no one else knows except you, no one hears it the way you do, and no one can sing it like you can.

He chose to give you gifts unique to your personality, to grow up, stretch you, equip you and esteem you. And for you to share with others.

That is what a Winning Woman does - gives of herself so others are made better from what she has poured into their life.

You are lovely, you are precious, you are smart, you are intelligent, you are a Winning Woman. God does not care if you are rich, poor, or in-between. He doesn't care if you are a democrat or republican - to Him, you are HIS because of Jesus.

BTW, have you two met yet? You and Jesus? Has He knocked on your door, when you were taking time to savor life or did you miss Him? I'm sure He'll be back when you are not so busy.

Near of far, He loves you and is waiting for your invitation to join you in your quiet moments when it's just the two of you. He won't ever abandon you, leave you , divorce you, ignore you, but He will always love you, cherish you and be there by your side. NO matter what.

So, again I ask, when was the last time you took time to savor life? Don't wait till it's too late and you say those awful words,"If only.."

You are worth taking the time to be refreshed, renewed, recharged, re-filled with the energy, power, wisdom, love, compassion, confidence, faith, and winning attitude.

Rest well Winning Woman!

WinningWomanWednesday Recommendations

For the third week in a row, listed below are some duplicates, and new ladies with whom I have had the pleasure of getting to know and recommend to you. Please introduce me to any favorites you have, I would appreciate very much.

Also, Please consider being a follower to receive updates and help us grow!

To all of you wonderful ladies, A WinningWomanWednesday Shout out to you!

@jansimpson
@rockingjude
@righwingchick
@edsacademyworks
@twinelm
@centxrealtor
@KimSherrell
@asumer
@seasidsoul
@joeyfortman
@KatyinIndy
@evliving
@PatticakeGirl
@247moms
@kathyjodrey
@MaryMeye
@NewzViewz
@NDReps
@LovelyLu
@pjm6
@NinaGraceArt
@cbarbb
@TonyTamura
@ocgirlsue
@Romie
@annschilling
@deborahdunn
@bettyswann - ministry in Africa
@Courtney_182
@mauritienne – English, Nederlands, French
@hostingdeal – Emma finds deals on hosting
@AshleyMahaffey – Graceful woman of God
@Homeschool_Mom
@ZnaTrainer
@SilversSummit
@brightandclear
@autismfamily
@ginadhartley
@biblepromises
@TimeOutMom
@theSTARforum – save the American Republic
@WorkDemocracy
@Winniel_TLH
@cbeckby
@MargaretBecker -singer,songwriter
@SheilaWalsch - singer, writer
@YouRenew
@cahomeschoolmom
@CmpConservative
@ColorMeRed
@KatieSkimmer
@MandyVavrinak
@olivetiger
@PoliticalBelle
@hgeisler
@employeefaxtor
@shellykramer
@calvarygirl
@hetty4christ
@carolelarkin
@strategicsence
@Jjonesbr
@workingMomNews
@simpletechguru
@jeanettejoy
@shelleehale
@metamelanomaNew
@mixedbunny
@purehealthy
@eleesha
@TonyaTamura
@RebeccaHawkins
@BLangerfeldt
@ExecCoachCathy
@LisaAdolphe
@Prayersonline
@thegourmetgirl
@emilyrileysutton
@LeadershipInst
@KathyIreland
@thewinningwoman
@ladyexec
@livingrand

Autism Awareness Month

Image via Wikipedia

Autism - just the word scares you, especially when you don't know anything about it, or maybe just enough to make you wonder about your family, your children.

Fortunately, the awareness factor for this disease is increasing with April being Autism Awareness Month!

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them. It is a spectrum condition, which means that, while all people with autism share certain difficulties, their condition will affect them in different ways.
Some people with autism are able to live relatively independent lives but others may have accompanying learning disabilities and need a lifetime of specialist support. People with autism may also experience over- or under-sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colors.

Asperger syndrome is a form of autism. People with Asperger syndrome are often of average or above average intelligence. They have fewer problems with speech but may still have difficulties with understanding and processing language.

What is Autism?

It is described as a lifelong developmental disability. If, knowing the symptoms, you were to observe people around you, you may find some answers as to why people in your life behave the way they do. There are three main characteristics that can be clearly identified according to medical studies on Autism;

• Difficulty with social communication

People with autism have difficulties with both verbal and non-verbal language. Many have a very literal understanding of language, and think people always mean exactly what they say.

• Difficulty with social interaction

People with autism often have difficulty recognizing or understanding other people's emotions and feelings, and expressing their own, which can make it more difficult for them to fit in socially. We tend to cast them as introverts, or acting strange, and we cannot understand why they have hardly any emotional response to a positive or negative situation we share with them

• Difficulty with social imagination

Social imagination allows us to understand and predict other people's behavior, make sense of abstract ideas, and to imagine situations outside our immediate daily routine. Difficulties with social imagination mean that people with autism find it hard to understand and interpret other people's thoughts, feelings and actions, and predict what will happen next. Not being able to anticipate or sequentially figure out the next thought or step, they get frustrated and say nothing, waiting for us to continue leading the thoughts and communication.

Interventions and therapies

There is currently no 'cure' for autism, but there are a range of interventions which may help some people with this complex condition.

Autism affects everyone differently, so what works for one person may not work for another.

The nature of interventions for autism vary greatly - they range from communication based approaches that build on the strengths of the person with autism, to more traditional behavioral techniques designed to teach basic learning skills.

Autism is one of the fastest growing developmental disorders, when in 1992 it was 1 in every 10,000 children, now it is 1 in every 150 children. This has reached epidemic proportions, when you think also about the fact that every 20 minutes another child is diagnosed with Autism. Based on current research, children as yound as one year or younger can show indicators of autism.

As a parent or caregiver, it is good to know that there are support groups available and information you have access to via the web. Additionally, make sure to surround yourself with family and friends and teach them what you know to help make life as normal as possible for you and your family.

You can be a Winning Woman by the attitude you take and fill yourself with with God's Word of comfort and support. People will come along side and be there to help.

It is important to learn the signs and watch for them. Know what regular developmental milestones are and if your child is having difficulty reaching them, be sure to contact your doctor about screening your child for this spectrum disorder.
More information can be found at

Jenny McCarthy has a book about her son who has Autism.

I have included a link to a website that can also be of assistance;
http://www.autismspectrumdisorders.bellaonline.com

Winning Personalities Weaving a Life Pattern

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You find yourself enjoying the attention from people and love to make new friends. Or find yourself digging into a mess to look for a solution to what seems to others as an impossible task. Someone comes to you with a negative attitude or you just want to be left alone – why do you feel this way?

Have you ever wondered what makes up your personality?

After studying personality types – I thought it would be a valuable tool to share and give some basic information about what our own makeup is like.

Categorically there are four basic styles recognized by professionals – but will also add that they can overlap so although you may have many in one category, you can also have some in another.

Have fun figuring out where you fit and where you see others in your life fitting. It may help you understand them better, know them better and perhaps help find a way to improve relationships with those who you may not find anything in common with.

 

1. Popular Sanguine; always want to do it the fun way
   

Strengths        Weaknesses        Emotional Needs
loves people        hates schedules    needs lots of attention
makes friends easy    Can't say NO        Touchy, feely, affectionate
Always Active        Gets bored easy    Needs affirmation, approval
Exciting            Loses track of time    Accepts – As Is
Good humor        Lacks focus        needs friends    

1. Powerful Choleric; wants to have it done my way
   

Strengths        Weaknesses        Emotional Needs
Problem solver        Overconfident        Needs to control
Loves a challenge    Workaholic        Needs loyalty from others
Born Leader        Arrogant        Appreciation for serving
Shows Confidence    Too bossy        Wants credit for good works
Work Oriented        Can't Apologize    Limited friendships

1. Perfect Melancholy; wants to do it the right way
   

Strengths        Weaknesses        Emotional Needs
Analytical        Perfectionist        Sensitive to others feelings
Planner        Inflexible        Needs support when down
Organized        Poor Self-Image    Loves silence
Loves Charts/grafts    Naively idealistic    Hard to please
Works well alone    Negative attitude    Space to be alone

1. Peaceful Phlegmatic; wants to do it the easy way
   

Strengths        Weaknesses        Emotional Needs
Low-Key        Uninvolved        Lack of Stress
Good Listener        Procrastinator        Peaceful
Few Enemies        Gives in easily        Quiet
Considerate        Stubborn        Feeling of Worth
Steady & Reliable    Hates change        Respectful

Ultimately remember, God gave us our personality traits. How we use these gifts will determine the kind of Winning Woman each of us are. We aren't all the same, but we need all kinds to bring balance in our lives. Together we are like a beautifully crafted quilt covering each others' weaknesses and showing our strengths. Otherwise we are merely independent parts; (sanguine, choleric, melancholy, phlegmatic) looking for where we belong. I would love to meet you and include you in my circle of Life.

May I invite you to be a Winning Woman friend?

 

 

From a Survivor to a Winner! (by Nava Writz, edited by Monika Shaw)

I use to call myself cancer survivor; no more! Now I call myself cancer winner thank you Monika~

I was 32 at the time, when my sister set up for me a check up after I told her I was bleeding internally. The office visit which should have been routine turned into a life-changing moment which I recall so vividly as my emotions were running wild wondering what could have caused such an urgency on the part of the doctor. You see, I was trying to have a baby via In-vitro fertilization and was particularly interested in the making sure I was doing everything I could to be healthy and have success.
As the door was left slightly open to his office, I was able to hear the doctor asking my other doctor questions; “I am really upset I don’t like what I see. Didn’t you notice something wrong with her?” When he returned to the room I was in, he insisted that I must have a biopsy, right away, not even suspecting that my life was about to turned upside down.
My other doctor which was an Invitro pregnancy specialist, and was visibly shaken as he proceeded to have the biopsy taken, saying he would contact me in two days. Friday, I received the call inviting me and my significant other to meet with him in his office. As he began to explain all the medical terminology the only thing that registered with Cancer, and the rest was a blur. My mind was racing and the only thing I could think of I blurted out the obvious questions as to whether I could die from this. His answer was no comfort, but realistic as he replied with a “yes, you may”. I cried the entire weekend.

As this happened in 1989, I did not have access to a computer to conveniently type in queries related to cancer, cervical cancer, etc.
So we started various tests including cat-scans, MRI-s, and blood work. Soon it became quite clear that there was no other choice for me than to have a radical hysterectomy with a Stage C3 cancer, best to take it all out. And so it was that on April 6, 1989 I went into the operation fearing that I lost all hope of my dreams to become a mother.
8.5 hours of surgery, with 36 lymph nodes sampled 6 were cancerous. The day I left the hospital I said life can be so great if I will not need to go to radiation No such luck ~
Six weeks of radiation and one chemo implant, I recall going into the radiation therapy room and begin to vomit. Yet, in spite of all the discomfort, it was finally over and will never forget when the doctor said “you are cancer free”.

I celebrated, and my life has never been the same knowing that once you face the fact that your life is at risk.
The darkest day of my life was soon being filled with light as I adopted my first child, a boy. Shortly thereafter I was able to give him a brother. And so with much gratitude and love I celebrate these two dates October 8th and April 15th the birth of my boys as the most wonderful gifts I ever received from God.
In life I have learned that we can have a plan but what God has for us is the best plan.
I find it so interesting that God worked out bringing me these two wonderful and precious gifts through two young women who would have considered abortion, but instead were able to bless me to be a mom. Personally, I recommend women to reconsider their position in life regarding abortion and ask God who this child can be a blessing to; there are so many women with empty arms, waiting for their child to arrive.
I used to think of myself as a survivor, but after reading Monika’s description of The Winning Woman – I too now declare that I am a Winning Woman!
(Editor: Monika Shaw)

She Dances with Angels by Cathrine Feehely(edited by Monika Shaw)

How does one describe the life of one who has left an indelible mark upon their life carved upon the pages of the heart? Perhaps a song written by the hand of God?

A family of six siblings we became best friends and remain lovingly and closely involved in each others' lives, always available when another was in need.
And so it was no surprise, on July 4th, 1985 when my sister gave birth to a beautiful girl named Stacey that I would come to love her as the daughter I never had.
From the moment she found her ability to speak, we knew that this determined, outgoing little girl had a mission. One could not help but to be taken aback by her matter-of-fact statements; in awe at the wisdom that was well beyond her years.
A personality that earned her the nick name of Stella Bella she commanded the attention of all. A bit bossy in nature, she was relentless in her efforts to obtain what she deemed necessary, going so far as to lie on the floor wailing that she was about to die due to a broken heart after being scolded by her mother. Or in sheer frustration exclaiming that there was no dealing with her mother at certain times of the month.

Stacey appeared to behave as a healthy little girl with the normal childhood ailments, periodically complaining about a pain in her leg which her doctor diagnosed as “growing pains”. However, much to our dismay and shock, that would not to be the case.
It was a cold day in January, when I received the call that changed our lives from that point on. My sister was at the hospital with Stacey explaining that the evening before my niece had begun to vomit blood. Alone with her daughter, she faced the news no parent want to hear; Stacey was in the late stages of cancer which had spread to her lungs. She had at most but a few months to live.

During the next several months, we experienced an emotional roller coaster of laughter, joy, happiness, appreciating the blessings, savoring the moments, feeling the anger, exhaustion, guilt and fear that came with the demands of caring for terminally ill child. We witnessed the wisdom of a child who wished only to share her time and limited strength with those who had earned the right to be near, and would cleverly think of ways to avoid some visitors with grace.

A few days before passing requested the privacy to speak with individual
loved ones. Two days later, she felt the need to not allow anyone else to visit, so she could spend time alone with her mom. As she was held her in the arms of her loving mother, she said that we she was tired. And in an act of the purest kind of love, my sister told her not to worry, she would be alright was free to go if she believed it was time. She closed her eyes and the spirit that had touched our lives was released.
One might think that this was far too great a demand made by an uncaring Creator, but I have chosen to believe that the greater loss would have been found in not being chosen to participate in her life as she fulfilled a purpose that would not be restrained within our dreams and goals.
If one is to believe that we are not human beings seeking a spiritual experience but spiritual beings living the human experience, then we may be able to find our way to understand even when unable to willingly accept the time appointed journey of a loved one to go home.

For those who have suffered the loss of a child, it is not ours to know the depth of your pain. It is a place of calling not choice that freezes the bystander in fear with the thought. There are no platitudes or words of condolence worthy of this sacred place. There is only the hope that from these ashes you will find the strength to rise up and make known the legacy left behind by one for whom you love.

That in time, you will be able to sense the memory of their presence prompting within you the grace to move ahead in the fulfillment of your divine purpose. I bend my knees, bow my head in respect honoring those who have been given the highest of callings and given the greatest of sacrifices.

For me, I have come to the place to choose not to allow the dark clouds of pain to
overshadow the presence of a life that gave me the greatest cause for celebration. I know that Stacey’s spirit dances in places only for the chosen, she dances with Angels.

WinningWomanWednesday Ladies to Follow

In addition to the list from last week, here are my recommendations in no particular order for Winning Women to follow;
@WeezieT
@JanSimpson
@rockingjude
@JaneAllison
@ByDezin
@evliving
@TheGourmetGirl
@EmmaRileySutton
@patriotgams123
@HeshieSegal
@prosperitygal
@AmericanWomannn
@flicka47
@only2degrees
@reimagin
@debrah6
@Olalah
@Suzy_Lee
@becs09
@yourcrystalball
@seasidesoul
@consultpro05
@BelieversPress
@happylaura
@EdWorksAcademy
@chriswoodward
@VickieSiebert
@roverradar
@vanessacobb
@lynnmosher
@colormered
@rightwingchick
@readmylipstick
@stopdemsspendin
@michelleflores
@joycecherrier
@constitutiongrl
@DeniseMM
@rowdygrandma
@aceconcierge
@lauraduhaime
@navawritz
@thefairypond
@EricaWitts
@LadyExec
@TheWinningWoman

So many #winningwoman friends to find and the list will continue to grow.
If we haven't met yet, please tweet me and include #winningwoman at the end of your tweet pls.

Have a wonderful #WinningWomanWednesday !

Watch for new list next week, hope you will be on it.

Too Blessed

I'm too blessed to be stressed and too anointed to be disappointed.
I refuse to be discouraged to be sad or to cry.
I refuse to be down hearted and here's the reason why:
I have a God who is almighty; who is sovereign and supreme.
I have a God who loves me -- and I am on His team.
He is all wise and powerful; Jesus is His name.
Though everything else is changeable, my God remains the same.
I refuse to be beaten or defeated.
My eyes are on my God.
He has promised to be with me, through this life I trod.
I am looking past my circumstances, to heaven's throne above.
My prayers have reached the heart of God and I am resting in His love.
I give thanks to Him in everything.
My eyes are on His face.
The battle is His; the victory is mine; He will help me win the race.
I repeat!
I'm too blessed to be stressed!
(Author unknown)

It's Winning Woman Wednesday Lady Tweeps

It's #WinningWomanWednesday!

Every Wednesday I will be recommending Winning Woman who are worth adding to your contacts for their expertise, contributions, insight, and make Winning Woman a statement they live. Are you on this list?

Twitter WinningWoman Recommendations;(in no particular order)
@jansimpson ( making a difference politically)
@rockingjude (strong leader, see site)
@mariaschriver
@kathyireland (congrats on new book!)
@tkells
@colormered
@rightwingchick
@policygal
@shellykramer
@tracygardner
@lynnmosher
@marybeth66
@Divacat60
@consultpro05
@barefoot_exec (congrats on vid!)
@alphawomen
@stylishexec
@coachdeb (congrats on book!)
@jpamerica (great radio show!)
@jillme
@juliarosien(congrats on new site)
@eliving
@cathywebsavvypr
@louise_philp
@inspiremetoday

If you are not listed, we have next Wednesday coming, and every Wednesday after that. Please note that we need to tweet and get to know you so that I may recommend you and help you grow your community.
If you have not yet, please join/follow this blog for updates and new articles.

Have a great WinningWomanWednesday ladies!
http://www.winningwoman.blogspot.com

The Little Red Hen USA Version (Allegory)

The Little Red Hen USA version

The little red hen called all of her neighbors together and said:
"If we plant this wheat, we shall have bread to eat.
Who will help me plant it?"

"Not I," said the cow.
"Not I," said the duck.
"Not I," said the pig.
"Not I," said the goose.

"Then I will do it by myself," said the little red hen, and so she did.

The wheat grew very tall and ripened into golden grain.

"Who will help me reap my wheat?" asked the little red hen.

"Not I," said the duck..
"Out of my classification," said the pig.
"I'd lose my seniority," said the cow.
"I'd lose my unemployment compensation," said the goose.

"Then I will do it by myself," said the little red hen, and so she did.

At last it came time to bake the bread.

"Who will help me bake the bread?" asked the little red hen.
"That would be overtime for me," said the cow.
"I'd lose my welfare benefits," said the duck.
"I'm a dropout and never learned how," said the pig.
"If I'm to be the only helper, that's discrimination," said the goose.

"Then I will do it by myself," said the little red hen.

She baked five loaves and held them up for all of her neighbors to see. They wanted some and, in fact, demanded a share. But the little red hen said, "No, I shall eat all five loaves."

"Excess profits!" cried the cow. (Nancy Pelosi)

"Capitalist leech!" screamed the duck. (Barbara Boxer)
"I demand equal rights!" yelled the goose. (Jesse Jackson)

The pig just grunted in disdain. (Ted Kennedy)

And they and ACORN all painted "Unfair!" picket signs and marched around and around the little red hen, shouting obscenities.

Then the farmer (Obama) came. He said to the little red hen, "You must not be so greedy."

"But I earned the bread," said the little red hen.

"Exactly," said Barack the farmer. "That is what makes our free enterprise system so wonderful. Anyone in the barnyard can earn as much as he wants. But under our modern government regulations, the productive workers must divide the fruits of their labor with those who are lazy and idle."

And they all lived happily ever after, including the little red hen, who smiled and clucked, "I am grateful, for now I truly understand."

But her neighbors became quite disappointed in her. She never again baked bread because she joined the 'party' and got her bread free. And all smiled 'Fairness' had been established.

Individual initiative had died, but nobody noticed; perhaps no one cared...so long as there was free bread that 'the rich' were paying for.

EPILOGUE

Bill Clinton is getting $12 million for his memoirs.

Hillary Clinton got $8 million for hers.

That's $20 million for the memories from two people, who for eight years, repeatedly testified, under oath, that they couldn't remember anything.

IS THIS A GREAT BARNYARD OR WHAT?

Winning the Time & Stress Battle; with a little help from a Friend

Time it's the most precious commodity we have, yet we never seem to have enough. A ledger balance sheet which divided with two columns that on one side says TIME, the other side says STRESS, and we find our balance sheet is out-of-balance almost daily.

STRESS = Shifting To Extreme Super Strength

I say extreme, because it seems that we just adjust to the tension and stress by shifting into this hyper-mode to get everything done; which can wreak havoc to our minds and body.

Stress has invaded and become a prevalent part of our lives. Time seems to just slip out of our hands,almost like someone has taken the steering wheel from us and we have lost control.

When stress attacks, it snowballs and we become a slave to it. Because it consumes our thoughts, we panic and try to play catch-up only to find ourselves exhausted from the perpetual list of things that still have to get done. Our efforts seem to yield little more than a headache, more worry, and more stress. We can become depressed and feel defeated that we just can't seem to gain control over it all.
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Regardless of how much we meditate, push things aside for quiet time, re-organize our schedules, do yoga, exercise, have finances in order...stress still hits us square between the eyes. The mind like a magnet absorbs everything that can trigger a stress response and sticks to us.

If you are not sure about whether stress lives in your life, take a look at this list of the top 10 stress triggers/events in women's lives;
Marriage
Pregnancy
Marital separation
Divorce
Death of spouse
Death of close family member
Personal injury or illness
Loss of job due to termination
Marital reconciliation or retirement
Change in financial state

It is by no means definitive, and are the most common that most of us are aware of and/or have happened in our lives at one time or another.

I believe that balancing home and career is one of the most difficult challenges women face today. In order to avoid falling into the "SuperWoman" syndrome,(which can plunge us deep into the stress territory), there needs to be a paradigm shift in the way we approach and handle things in life.

If you have worked outside the home, you know that there are rules and timetables set in place for you to accomplish your work. Similarly, these types of rules can be applied to our life and home. Managing time and routines in a succinct and orderly manner requires thought and planning, but when finished, you have gained control over the stress monster. A deep breath and sigh of relief comes over you knowing that this area is not pressing against you uncomfortably like a tight waistband.

One of the main keys to accomplish this is having yourself duplicated so you can do all these things and not run out of energy, yet still achieve your goals.
Duplicate myself - how?

As a Winning Woman, you want to be effective and efficient in all areas of your life. Get some help, a Virtual Assistant; having a VA is like having a personal Valet, Concierge, Administrator for your life. If you are a business executive, you have an Executive Administrator or Executive Assistant. You know and understand the value of this service. If you run a home, and a home-based business, this service will help you to be most effective with what you are trying to accomplish - growing your business and maintaining a well-functioning household.

Wondering how to get started and if you can afford it? I have listed several VA professionals around the country, so you should be able to find one close to you. Discuss your needs your need and see if she can be of help to you. She can get you organized and set things into motion until you decide to take it over yourself. Quite frankly, after a while, you won't want to give her up, she is like another you but far enough away to not be distracted and stays on target to accomplish the list of things you need to get done.

Save time, be efficient, be effective and concentrate on what you do best. You will be amazed at all you can accomplish.