I recently interviewed four women for an article I’m composing on the topic of female confidence. Each of the participants had thought-provoking insights about their assertiveness and outside factors that affect it. I’m not done writing it yet but the words of these empowering ladies are already burned into my mind. They are amazing and I can’t wait to …
Today I attended the University of West Florida Women in Leadership Conference. This inspiring event was put on by the College of Business. The theme was “Designing Your Future” and it indeed conveyed the message that we female leaders can create our own path to success. The conference included three main guest speakers. Two panels of female …
I gave this speech (below) in my Toastmasters group. Actually it was credited as two speeches from the Competent Communicator Manual – with emphasis on vocal variety and visual aids. The total time it took me to deliver this speech was almost fourteen minutes. I received such great feedback from the presentation and I had such …
I enjoyed a lunch meeting with three other ladies on Friday. We met for work purposes but the conversation later turned to personal endeavors and lastly, one of my favorite topics: creativity. I referenced how I recently read the book Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert (author of Eat, Pray, Love) to the group. That’s when I …
Today is Valentine’s day so I decided to write about love. I know, I know, what a cliche’. Maybe I should apply to work for Hallmark. (FYI, I applied there in my early twenties when I thought I wanted to be a greeting card writer…) Don’t vomit yet though. Most of what love means to …
The best compliment I ever remember receiving is when a roommate (or suite-mate like we called it) in college told me I was resourceful. Yes, resourceful. Not words like beautiful or sexy or kind or generous. But resourceful. Why was (and is) this such huge flattery? Well for one thing, this praise came sometime between …
Yesterday I served as a judge for the University of West Florida Marks Invitational which is a speech and debate (forensics) competition where students compete in a variety of categories. I volunteered to judge one or two panels. They placed me in the dramatic interpretation contest. Other events like impromptu, humorous, and other topics were taking …
Our family spent the entire Christmas holidays/winter break from school and work at home dealing with illness. From December 18 to 31, 2015. one or two people were sick in my household. For two weeks I stayed inside nursing fevers, chills, aches and pains, in addition to an itchy, red eye infection of my own. …
Two weeks ago I was interviewed by a colleague. This was a change for me. As a writer, I’m typically the one questioning others. As I answered each question about a program or group I’m involved with, her face lit up with astonishment. “I cannot believe you’ve accomplished all that in a year’s time,” she …
Ask and ye shall receive. Is that how the ancient saying goes? As I look back upon 2015, I realize this past year has been remarkable. For once my laundry list of achievements is more than simply folding and putting away loads of towels, light, and dark clothing. My portfolio has pages of listings worth …