Category: Women’s Empowerment

Bring Your #LoveGame16 To The Conversation

It is truly amazing how gratitude and intention have tweeked my perspective this month – on work and family, on the more simple day-to-day tasks like running errands and interacting with strangers.

 

I know how powerful intention is when we use it positively, but this month has brought me greater awareness of how meaningful it is when we consistently weave it into our lives to create a better sense of self and community.

 

Although we’re focusing on the energy we give out and the love we spread, this challenge has been intensely beneficial for me on a personal level.

 

How have your experiences with the #LoveGame16 challenge shaped your month? I would love to hear more from my positive-vibe tribe.

 

In this final week of the challenge, let’s make our LoveGame stick. I want to start the conversation with others. I want to spread my positive feelings from intention to those around me.

 

Challenge #7: Spread the Love

 

(January 25 – 28)

 

Talk to others about your LoveGame this week. Tell a new person each day about one challenge that worked for you. Reinforce the practice for yourself and spread ideas of positivity to others.

 

What was your favorite challenge? What was most meaningful to you for your personal journey? Tell us why on social using #LoveGame16. We want to share your positive vibes with our community.

 

Challenge #8: Just Ask

 

(January 29 – 31)

 

Ask the people in your life what they’re grateful for. Ask them what they love. In the next few days, tell someone about the LoveGame challenge and ask them to tell you about one thing they love about themselves or are grateful for.

 

What will they say? Let us know with the hashtag #LoveGame16.

 

I can’t thank you all enough for your commitment and support during this challenge. This isn’t just a resolution, it’s a way to rethink our energy and intention.

 

Let’s keep the positive vibes flowing. Tell me about your challenges this month. I can’t wait to hear about it and share your successes with my community.

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The Women Who Inspire Me: Part 2

Amongst the women I admire most is Maria Popova. She’s a writer, critic and intellectual whose work speaks to my whole soul.

 

Maria created Brain Pickings, a blog and curated platform that offers incredibly rich thoughts on culture and philosophy and brings forth literature, art, and people that sometimes go unnoticed. I’ve spent many an afternoon getting lost in her writing and then ordering every book she is recommending.

 

Even the art that hangs in my home has come from artists she’s exposed me to through her work! I am forever grateful that my eyes have been opened to the elegance and stunning beauty of Kerri Augenstein‘s Dumb Dots Figure Studies series.

 

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Maria reminds me to explore further what I already think I know, and open my mind to beautiful other possibilities. Her work is so in depth and clearly time intensive that I have no problem donating to Brain Pickings in order to support her wonderful work.

 

In a culture of click bait, Brain Pickings is a luxuriating indulgence in thoughtful exploration.

 

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Let Gratitude Guide Your #LoveGame16

This year we’ve made a point to refocus our energy and intention in 2016. We’re at the halfway mark of our January #LoveGame16 challenge.

 

For those of you joining us, I’m so grateful for your support and dedication to creating an environment of positivity! For those who haven’t joined in yet, it’s not too late! Get on board this week and step up your LoveGame.

 

In the third week of the challenge, we’re letting gratitude guide us.

 

Challenge #5: Practicing Gratitude

 

(January 18 – 21)

 

Who are the people who matter most to you? Take the next 4 days to think about (or write down!) 4 people you’re thankful for in your life – one for each day of this challenge. A brother? A mentor? Your best friend? Reach out to that person and let them know exactly why you appreciate them so much.

 

Who did you choose? Send us a picture of them. Tell us on Facebook and Twitter why you appreciate them using #LoveGame16. We want to share your positive vibes with our community.

 

Challenge #6: Count Your Blessings

 

(January 22 – 24)

 

What have you achieved this month that you’re grateful for? A promotion? A connection to a person you admire? Even a list of chores you finally completed?

 

Start each morning by thinking (or writing down) an accomplishment you’re proud of. And share it with us using #LoveGame16.

 

If you’re not on social media, email your updates to info@jessweiner.com!

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Spread Your #LoveGame16

Last week we talked about the power of intention and the love and energy we give back to the world around us. To help us hone in that intention and energy, I started a January challenge.

 

Last Monday, I launched #LoveGame16. Have you been joining along? Each week we’re focusing on a new way to step up our LoveGames. Last week, we created more space for self-love by using positivity and intention to counter negative thoughts.

 

This week, we’re spreading our love to others. Our challenges for this second week will help us work on the energy we put out into the world and how we make the people around us feel.

 

Challenge #3: Meaningful Compliments

 

(January 11 – 14)

 

Take time to (meaningfully) compliment 4 people in your life each day. I don’t mean, “I like your shirt,” or “Your hair looks nice.” I’m talking about something that will touch them on a deep and personal level – something that is meaningful to their own journey.

 

Why, specifically, is that person important to you? Take time to tell them. Take time to let them know how much they mean to you.

 

What was their reaction? Who did you choose and why? Share with us on social media using the hashtag #LoveGame2016.

 

Challenge #4: Small Favors

 

(January 15 – 17)

 

Small favors can make a big impact. Pay your gratitude forward with 3 acts of kindness (one each day of the challenge) – it doesn’t take much. Hold the door open for a stranger, bring an extra muffin from home for your coworker, when you get your morning coffee buy one for the person behind you in line.

 

Sometimes it’s the little things that really make a difference and renew your perspective of the world.

 

Why acts of kindness did you choose? Share with us using #LoveGame16. We want to share your experiences with our community.

 

This isn’t just a resolution; it’s a commitment to being intentional about the energy we give off and our own personal perspectives and outlooks. Good luck this week! I can’t wait to hear from you.

 

Not on social media? No worries. Send your #LoveGame16 feedback to info@jessweiner.com.

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The Women Who Inspire Me: Part 1

Meet an idol and muse of mine: Peggy Freydberg. She passed away in 2015 at the amazing age of 107. She was an author and poet who continued to inspire, love and learn until her very last breath. Her latest collection – Poems from the Pond – gave me a new perspective on the journey of life.

 

Peggy didn’t start writing poetry until she was 90. Um, 90!

 

Her work is biting and brilliant. I consumed her book of poetry in one sitting and found myself underlining, tearing up, and feeling my heart race with ideas as I turned every page.

 

I have a picture of Peggy (the one I posted here) by my desk and look at those gorgeous folds in her face everyday. She reminds me that it’s never too late to live your destiny. And in a world obsessed with youth, her story embodies the notion that life in your later years is not indicative of the sun setting, but rather of its rising.

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Conquer Negativity With #LoveGame16

I feel so blessed for the amazing people and opportunities in my life. Gratitude has become such an integral part of my own personal journey.

 

So this year I’m focusing on giving back the good energy and positivity I’m fortunate enough to be surrounded by. I want to be conscious and intentional about the love I give out and the love I give myself. So I’m working on stepping up my game. And I’m asking you to join me.

 

I’m excited to introduce our first week’s #LoveGame16 challenges! Are you ready to step up your LoveGame in January?

 

This week we’ll focus on countering negative thoughts with positivity and appreciation.

 

Sure, it sounds simple, but think about it… How many times a week do we look at our reflections in the mirror and complain about something we see? How many times do we let others influence or discourage our ideas? How often are we hard on ourselves? We’re our own worst critics.

 

Challenge #1: Retrain Your Brain

(January 4 – 7)

 

For every negative thought that creeps in, take a minute to think about (or write down) 2 positives. It isn’t just an encouraging sentiment – it’s scientifically proven to be effective!

 

How do you feel once you begin the challenge? What are the positive thoughts you chose? Share with us on social media using the hashtag #LoveGame2016.

 

Challenge #2: Positive Intention

(January 8 – 10)

 

Be proactive. Decide what direction or feeling you want to achieve and weave it into your daily routine. When you feel like you’re getting off track or you encounter negativity (whether self-inflicted or beyond your control) take 60 seconds of meditation and self-care – take deep breaths, close your eyes if that helps, remember that intention and refocus your energy.

 

What happened after you rebooted your brain? What intentions did you choose? Let us know how you’re feeling after the first week using the #LoveGame16.

 

Remember, this isn’t just a resolution, it’s a commitment to changing our energy and intentions. Good luck with the first week’s challenge! I can’t wait to hear from you along the way. I’ll be giving my own updates on social media, too!

 

Not on social media? No worries. Send your #LoveGame16 feedback to info@jessweiner.com.

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Let’s Step Up Our Love Game In 2016!

The world’s been feeling like a scary place lately. And I’ve found myself searching for what I can do to soothe my own fear and create more peace and tranquility in my heart.

 

When I feel overwhelmed, one of the things I focus on is what is true for me in the here and now. And what is true for me lately is that I feel love. Tremendous love for so many things.

 

For my husband, who simply lights up my world.

 

For my amazing friends, who fill up my life with laughter and bravery.

 

For my work and the opportunity everyday to inspire others and marry together my passion and purpose to create social change.

 

By focusing on the truth of the love in my life, I can change the quality of my thoughts and in turn the actions I take. It is often a small and subtle shift I notice, but it lifts me out of the dark moments and reminds my why I’m here.

 

I don’t believe in making resolutions. I believe we can make a change any day of the week or year. Moment to moment, we can be the change we wish to see.

 

But I do believe in creating very clear intentions each and every day. And I want to focus on upping my love game. I want to create more good energy and positivity – within myself and released out into the world.

 

I may not be able to control a lot of the crazy things happening in the world, but I can control my reaction to them. And I can do my part to create more love, feel more love, share more love and practice more love.

 

And I’m asking you to join me.

 

I’m launching #LoveGame16 on Monday: A series of challenges for the month of January to help us all focus on ways to give (and feel) more love and positivity.

 

They will be simple and easy to do. And I’d love to hear more about how you feel when you step up your love game.

 

I’ll break up the month’s challenges into four weeks. Look for the next challenge every Monday and Friday on my Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn – and check in here for a new blog post every Monday to list and explain the challenges for the week.

 

Here’s to starting 2016 with love!

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How To Stay Positive Online

Anytime we open our laptops we become susceptible to bad news. The Internet is littered with it.

 

You open your browser to check your go-to news source – where positivity is no doubt a rarity. You check your social media only to find “friends” who are doing all the things you wish you were doing, but aren’t. You see a pop up ad with women who look nothing like you, and you doubt yourself.

 

It’s overwhelming. How are we supposed to stay positive when we’re surrounded by so much negativity?

 

It IS possible. Here are a few sites I visit on a regular basis that help me stay informed and still be positive:

 

Hello Giggles – This site markets itself as a positive community for women, and it is just that. Here you’ll find newsworthy articles and lifestyle articles about women like you.

 

Brain Pickings – Maria Popova’s blog gives meaning and depth to topics of philosophy, science, design and art. I get lost in her inspiring and unique perspective.

 

Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls – A cultural community for women and girls that encourages activism, learning and volunteerism.

 

What sites bring you a positive lift?

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Women Who Lead – She Should Run’s National Conversation

Last week I had the amazing opportunity to moderate She Should Run’s National Conversation in Washington DC to help women find a way to run for office.

 

Their message: Sometimes we need to tap each other on the shoulder and ask one another to run.

 

Joining me were several brilliant women (and one amazing 12-year-old girl!) who spoke from personal experience about their paths to leadership.

 

I shared with the audience how the lack of representation of women in the media is what fueled my passion for storytelling and working to create social change.

 

But when it comes to political and public office – the time for getting women to take a step up and lead is now. We have to find a way to become better represented in our government.

 

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I was thrilled to interview Councilwoman Brianne Nadeau from DC and Representative Susan Brooks from Indiana, both of them leaders with a strong vision for making change in their communities.

 

“We need more women on the ballot. We need to do better.” – Representative Brooks

 

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“Women make sacrifices everyday … And we have to demonstrate that we’ll make those same sacrifices at work.” – Councilwoman Nadeau

 

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I then interviewed one of the most inspiring 12-year-olds I’ve ever met! Christian Herald.

 

Christian is an amazing girl. She’s smart, vibrant and full of life. She is a leader in her student council and I’m sure will be our next President one day.

 

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I also had the pleasure to interview the highest-ranking Republican woman in Congress, Cathy McMorris Rogers from the state of Washington. Congresswoman Rogers was elected 11 years ago and has served on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

 

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We ended the night interviewing two of my favorite dynamos: Reshma Saujani, CEO of Girls Who Code, and Julie Ann Crommett, Google’s Diversity Manager, to talk about the intersection of politics and technology.

 

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We talked about the need to create systemic change and how we all work from within corporate and political systems to do so. Reshma and Julie Ann agreed that technology can help disrupt the standard playing field of politics by making new and viable candidates more visible and bringing about more diverse voices.

 

Overall, it was amazing to be in the presence of women and girls who are so motivated to rewrite the narrative for women in leadership roles.

 

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I have to give incredible kudos to the leaders of She Should Run, CEO Erin Loos Cutraro and Executive Director Clare Bresnahan as well as She Should Run’s national board. The theme of the night was #FindAWay – and we did. We found a way to start an important conversation about women in leadership. Now we have to keep that conversation going!

 

All photos by Neshan H. Naltchayan

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The Gift of Giving

This year, I’ve been thinking a lot about the way we give. It is truly an exchange of energy between two people – an act of kindness and generosity from one person to another.

 

During this time of year, we often still find ourselves overwhelmed by the hyper-consumerism of the holidays. It almost makes the simple, altruistic act of giving feel a bit tainted.

 

The truth is, we can choose to spread the love and (spiritual) wealth we feel any day – not just during the holidays. Giving isn’t always about money, it’s often about time and it’s most certainly about intention and love.

 

This year, my company has decided to dedicate our corporate giving to a wonderful organization called She’s The First. STF is a nonprofit that helps hundreds of low-income students around world complete their educations and become the first of their families to graduate.

 

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This year, they are launching a new program in Sierra Leone and they are looking to get an inaugural group of scholarships set up to help the girls. We are going to sponsor a wonderful girl named Zainab.

 

After losing both her parents to the Ebola virus, Zainab moved in with her aunt. Now in her first year of secondary school, she’s been given another chance. With our help, Zainab will graduate in three years.

 

If you’re still looking for gifts for your loved ones, consider giving them the gift of knowing they’ll help a young girl graduate. You’ll double your generosity!

 

Happy holidays to you!

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