Women Who Lead

Speaking of Freedom

I was pondering the topic of freedom.  Thinking that for me, freedom is defined by the freedom of choice. 

I rarely watch television, but turned it on and took advantage of the digital guide.  I noticed that HBO was airing a special on free speech.  I was intrigued by the topic, and that it was produced by a woman.

Here is an excerpt from the Internet:  Liz Garbus's HBO documentary 'Shouting Fire: Stories from the Edge of Free Speech' looks at the evolution and history of free speech in America...Oscar® nominee Liz Garbus explores the social and political trends that have shaped America’s attitudes about free speech and how they can threaten the very tenets upon which the country was built.  (airs HBO week of June 30)  It was also aired at Sundance Film Festival.

You will have to watch HBO to view the special, but below is an interview with the producer.

No matter one's political position, this is a thought-provoking documentary. 

Your speech on this topic is welcome!  Please share in the comments below.  Wishing you a safe and joyful weekend.  Celebrate your freedom.

Living Your Dream - What is Your Pledge?

On the anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr. President Elect Barack Obama reminded us that service is the way to be, and strengthen our country.  As we are all one, to serve others is to serve ourselves.  And, to live your dream is be your best self.  The path to maximize your human potential.  Community and service are key elements of your personal and business success.

I asked myself, and I am asking you to ask yourself:  "How will I live my dream?"  "How will I serve myself and others?"  "What is my pledge to self and others?"

 

To get us started I will list some of my pledges. Part of the success formula of a commitment/resolution is stating it out loud.  So, here goes ... I pledge to:

• Live a passionate and authentic life
• Spend one weekend each month in hands-on service to others in my local community
• Drive less and walk more in the spirit of conservation
• Create connection in my home, my life, my community
• Trust myself and my intuition
• Seek to transform my obstacles into opportunity
• Be conscious of my words and actions, live intentionally
• Put myself at the top of my to-do list = self-care, self-love
• Be the change I am looking for - because it starts with me

Remember that each time you keep your commitment to self you say, "I am worthy!"  Change takes time, and each time you keep a commitment you are practicing the behavior or person you want to become.

 

Wishing you your best year ever!  And a life of passion, prosperity and balance.

Please use the comment section to share your pledge to serve self and others.

With Peace and joy,

Life Coach Karen, ACC

http://www.kdmcmillan.com

President-elect Obama and the Power of Possibility

The last 24 hours have been a roller coaster of emotions... all focused on the top of the ride, where the excitement peeks and the view is spectacular.  Crying and clapping with joy and reflecting on all the possibilities that have shown up on this journey.

Today is a day of gratitude, celebration, and reflection.  I am grateful for the friends I made as I partnered with my daughter and volunteers from around the country to GOTV for Senator Barack Obama.  Celebrating with the millions of Americans who had the courage to see past color, step into the the relative unknown, educate themselves on the issues and vote for change by electing Senator Barack Obama the 44th President of our United States.  Reflecting on all the possibilities that showed up along this incredible journey.

I have volunteered for each of the last three presidential elections, but this one held a promise of possibility like no other, and brought to mind many self-coaching opportunities.

• Of course there was the obvious possibility that a young African-American/biracial man could be elected President of our United States. 
• I was moved by the possibility that Senator Obama could win a political fight without actually fighting - as fighting represents a reaction, resistance to what is. 
• Visions of his style served to help me avoid confrontations with those who would communicate mean or racist messages. 
• The power of conscious living showed in Senator Obama's clarity of vision, authenticity and balanced leadership. 
• The possibility that my 14 year-young daughter could volunteer during this 2008 campaign and in four years cast her first vote to reelect President Obama.

When election day dawned I was challenged to allay doubt and stay with the power of possibility.  I consciously chose language that would help me stay present and focused - which meant I would replace the negative chatter and not utter "if" or "hope".  My conscious choice of intentions was rewarded when I checked my email and found Andy Dooley's inspiration art had arrived in my email box and served as a happy mantra - with his message. 

Don’t ever focus on your lack, Because that is what you will attract. Allow yourself to feel good right now, Just think of a happy,smiling cow! Visualize abundance for those you love, It’s everyone’s birth right, like a hand in glove. ©Copyright Andy Dooley

I remembered the power of collective energy and forwarded this email-joy to friends "hoping" for a positive outcome to the election of Obama.

To help me stay focused on the possibilities I chose to practice gratitude by giving my day over to volunteering for the campaign.  My daughter had used "the power of the sharpie" to state her intentions on her Red sneakers.  Each of us appreciated the calm, centered leadership that Senator Obama modeled on this journey.

Then at 11:00 PM EST Senator Barack Obama became President-elect of our great country and the power of possibility was realized.  The feeling was a bit surreal, as my daughter and I hugged and cried, feeling that our conscious actions had been a small part of helping to bring the power of possibility into reality.  Reminding us that the law of attraction must be coupled with actions - by each of us, all of us so the power of collective energy can bring possibility into reality.

I would love to hear what came to your heart and mind around this historic moment.  Please share in the comments below.

Life Coach Karen

www.kdmcmillan.com

Blog Action Day 2008 - Poverty

 Today, October 15 is Blog Action Day - Focus on Poverty.

What is Blog Action Day?  It is thousands of bloggers uniting to discuss a single issue - poverty. We are gathering together to raise awareness, initiate action and to shake the web!

As of this blog, 9,394 sites, 10,612,112 people have joined in this action.

I found out about Blog Action day from a web friend, Denise Wakeman of the BlogSquad on Twitter.  Reading her Blog Action Day Blog I was reminded about Kiva.org and immediately went to join her team and become a microlender.  I visited the site and searched for female farmers - because I wanted to focus on an entrepreneur who was working directly on hunger and long-term sustainability.

Now, I invite you to visit Kiva.org and for as little as $25 you can help someone avert poverty and hunger, build a home or a business and live with dignity.  It will take only minutes and a credit card or PayPal account to make a difference in someone's life.

If not Kiva.org, select the organization of your choice.  Or, simply buy a $10 on gift card from your local grocer to give to the next homeless person you see. Whatever you do, know that one person can make a big difference in the life of a fellow human Being.

With love and joy.

Living an intentional life.

Life Coach Karen

http://www.kdmcmillan.com/

Join me.