::5 Ways to Help Empower Women::

Empowerment has nothing to do with jealously or competition and everything to do with genuine support and encouragement. 

It's what I was left with after an amazing event Wednesday morning. Yes. It's been months since I post on this blog, you can find me regularly on Momma of Dos. And, coincidentally enough the last post on this blog was a guest blogger by the name of Angelica Gonzalez of Latina Entrepreneur Empowerment Circle or LEEC. Today's post is about Angelica's group and the great community she is building. 

The group that morning was a small intimate size but the power and empowerment was far too big for the room we were in! Imagine Communication Coaches, Authors, Leaders, Innovators, Creators, and Women who are taking charge of their lives and redefining not only who they are but their direction. 

Women who don't take NO for an answer. Women who are waking up everyday and literally punching fear in the throat. Women who have decided that enough is enough, or that TODAY is the day. Women who may feel doubt but proceed none-the-less. 

Do you feel a tingle in your soul and a tug in your gut? 

Are you curious to know more about this group of women and how you can join them? 

Well you should! 

The ladies attending the LEEC empowerment and networking sessions are real women, Latinas and non-Latinas alike, from our community. We all live here in Houston and we want to create not only a sense of empowerment for the women we meet but a place of growth for all women in our community! 

I believe that Angelica the creator and Mastermind behind LEEC is doing just that, one session at a time, one Latina Entrepreneur at each session! 

Now 5 Ways that I feel we help Empower other Women in our community:

1. Encourage- Provide words of encouragement to those women around you and in your community. Words are so important and can mean so much. Something as simple as "You can do this!" May go a long way.... 

2. Support- As a Blogger the best support you can give me is by sharing my posts on your social media channels- sharing is caring. In the same way find out what the women around you need and support them in any way possible. 

3. Share- Share our known resources and/or information about events/workshops that other women can use to learn and grow. Like the LEEC meetings. Below is a flyer for their upcoming events!! 

4. Feedback- Provide positive, good feedback that they can use to help them improve and define what they want to do and the goals they want to reach. 

5. Network- Finally, help build their network. Invite them to events or workshops that will allow them to obtain new resources and contacts. Networking events help connect people and their talents. 

How will you help empower the women in your community? 

::Self-Love:: Guest Blogger

I rarely meet people by accident, I have never thought that people come into my life by accident. I always meet these people with purpose. I place myself in places and groups or social events that I know will allow me not only to meet the type of people who I want  in my life but to reach more people with my words both spoken and written. 

A couple of months ago Angelica reached out to me about talking business. I naturally said yes! We have connected and I know her and I have something big to come not sure what it is just yet. We did though discuss self-love. Since the month of February is not over and I have claimed it to be the LOVE month, here is a little of her thoughts on self-love and her commitment to it. 

She will also be hosting a launch event next week, really hope you can join her! You can also request to join her Facebook group so you too can connect and be involved: Latina Entrepreneurs Empowerment Circle 

Here is my interview with her on the topic of the ::Commitment of Self-love::

Her focus and drive really inspire me... She is most definitely a woman on a mission... 

Tell us a little about yourself~
I’m a mother of two wonderful children, an entrepreneur, a coach and most of all a Lover of Life. I am passionate about serving Women especially within the Latina Community.

What do you do for a living?
I am an Empowerment Coach where my mission is to Empower the Latina Community with personal growth, entrepreneurship, and Financial education. I do all of this through various platforms – workshops, 1 on 1 coaching, classes.

What is your definition of self-love?
Self-Love is the empowering feeling to love oneself without guilt, shame, embarrassment, limitations and allowing to freely nurture your mind, body, soul and soul.

How have you committed to self-love? 
I love to read so I read every day. My fifth pillar to Self-love is Education. Education = Empowerment. Knowledge is the one thing that no one can take away from you. This is my commitment to self-love. I educate myself to better serve my community plus I enrich my soul and spirit with knowledge so it becomes a win-win situation.

What plan of action do you have in 2015 that will help you establish or maintain your “self-love” commitment? 
This year my projects have increased so Self-love is more important than ever. Just knowing that I need to keep my energy up motivates me to Self-love. In fact, the projects that I am working on are aligned with my mission in life. Anything else I kindly say no. This way nothing is draining my energy.

What motivates you to keep a positive self-image and self-love when times become difficult and you feel like you can't do this anymore?
My Faith in God and the Belief in myself keeps me going when time become difficult.

What advice do you have for others to remain positive about self-love? 
Be easy on yourself! Self-love should never be a stressful activity. Start off with something small like meditating for ten minutes a day or exercise for 15 minutes and then increase your activity as days go by. Sooner or later you find that Self-love becomes a way of life not just a habit.

We all struggle daily with so many issues of self-esteem, depression, etc; what has been your favorite quote, book, movie, item, or website that has helped you keep strong and move forward?
My favorite quote is from Marianne Williamson -

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” ~from A Return to Love, by Marianne Williamson. (excerpted from http://www.marianne.com/) 

You can reach Angelica for more information on her projects at links below:

You can find me on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/powerofloveinstitute 
My website is http://www.powerofloveinstitute.com/
or email me at angelica@powerofloveinstitute.com.

::Vision of Love:: RECAP

::Momma Disclosure:: { This is a compensated post in collaboration with Empire Marketing & Consulting. All opinions and statements expressed below are my own and true and honest. }

I have attended several events over the past year or so, and they all create a different impact on me as an individual and on my writing.  This past week I attended the Vision of Love/Vision Board party. Arrived to a swanky location in River Oaks' West Ave complex into a room filled with people waiting to hear what they need to do to bring their "A" game to relationships. And, let me tell you, the panelist did not disappoint. The conversations became so open and real. It was so much fun. 

Each panelist had a unique perspective and as Momma I of course identified best with Crystal Wall, wife to famous Houston Rapper Paul Wall and fellow Momma of Dos {2}!  

::Vision of Love Expert Panelist included::

::Jaime Rose:: a realist, a matchmaker, and very eager woman of great success. She was very assertive and positive but very realistic.  I loved her insight as to what is needed to date these days. She stated that we need to find the male or female version of  ourselves; to some extent couples have to be similar but at the same time different. I thought this was right on! 

My Husband and I are very, very similar yet so different. We have been together for almost 15 years, married for 8 years. She also stated that we should allow a balance between the male and female roles in a relationship; as well as allow a man to be a man! Agreed, my Husband is our provider and the leader of our home but he also gives me respect and space to make the same decisions as him and I work to help provide for our family. 

::Mike Garofola:: a very eligible Bachelor here in Houston who spoke on the challenges of dating and trying to figure what women really want? He stated that love should make you feel secure and comfortable. But, we sometimes create a "vision of love" from Hollywood that just is not real! 

Which I completely agree with, true love is never perfect. 

The conversation about love turned to fitness and self-love. Mike provided some great tips to help motivate yourself on days when you really don't feel like working out or moving! 

He suggested that after you workout you should write yourself an email or a hand written note {possibly a sticky note} with what you feel like right after you work out! Usually you feel amazing and are on a high of energy and endorphin's. Writing something like "you look amazing and can totally run 5 miles!" can motivate you on days when things are not going so great and you don't feel like working out. He also said that little things such as leaving your workout clothes at a door where you will have to see them as you walk in, can also help stimulate your senses and help motivate you! 

:: Crystal Wall:: married for 10 years to Paul Wall  her advice was about growing together as a couple and as individuals. As well as being able to work together to make it all fall into place! She stated how some of her single girlfriends will tell her she is "Blessed to be married" and while it is a blessing they don't know all of the "behind the scenes" and how much work it has been to have a lasting marriage that does works!  When asked about hwo to gain self-esteem and self-love, when we have a million things to do as women, wives and mommas. Crystal replied "Let go of the million things and make yourself number 1!" She said we should "Break the cycle, get fit and be healthy!" 

No questions asked this is great advice for any busy hard working Momma. We often let go of who we are to care for our families but should really make ourselves a priority, it's not only for ourselves but for the full benefit and well-being of our families!  

Another question asked to our panelist was; "Why are women thriving more on power instead of focusing on love?" Crystal's response stood out to me; "Women are more independent these days and taking care of themselves it's easier to thrive in your career than trying to find love...because it's easier for us." As a Momma who has a career and a degree I identify with this. We have now learned to work, work, work, if I was single I don't think finding love would be a priority since I can provide for myself. But I also believe it is good to find a healthy, supportive & loving relationship. 

Then came the networking which it's always an amazing experience to meet people from all walks of life and learn about their passions and goals! This night I met several authors, which taps into my interest of writing a book and getting motivated in that direction! 

Finally, we started our Vision Boards and let me tell you it was serious business people were really putting a lot of thought into their boards and thinking about what they would put on it. I started mine as well but I need to add some things to complete it. 

It was a great event with many inspirational new connections, I can't wait for the next time we all meet! I would love to know how everyone's visions come along. The hostess and panel mediators were smart and organized it made the event so enjoyable. 

::Vision of Love:: 2015 #VisionBoard

::Latina Momma Disclosure:: { This is a compensated post. I received a complimentary pass for myself & a special discount for my readers in collaboration with  Empire Marketing & Consulting . All opinions and statements expressed below are my own and true and honest. }

We all have a passion in life. Something that really moves us and propels us towards our purpose and yes towards our goals. But sometimes our vision dies, not because we don't want it but because we can't see it. Imagine how much greater your vision could come to life if you had a perfect visual of what you wanted to do. That's where the vision board is born. 

When you have certain dreams for your life and set goals, then you place it out into the universe so that others can help you be accountable it makes for an easy method to attain those dreams! 

A Vision Board gives you:

Direction- If you give yourself a well planned out vision, you will have a great sense of direction. Most plans fail because we don't have a clear direction of what we want to do to reach our goals. We need to write it down, give ourselves goals to reach,a time frame and be able to visualize what we want. 

Focus- When you create your goals and write them down, it will help you focus on those ideas. You will not be easily distracted if you have a visual that you can go by to help you know how far you have come and how much more you have to accomplish to reach those goals. 

Visual to Reach your Goals- Sometimes writing those goals are not enough, we need a real map or "vision board" to help us see what our goals are. A clear and focused reminder of what we want to obtain in the year to come. 

This year, I want to create the perfect vision for my life, career, family, and especially my Marriage. 

Will you join me on this years adventures and journey?

I invite you and your friends to come to the Vision of Love ::Vision Board Party:: This event will focus on relationships and love. Whether you are in a relationship or still seeking the right person you will want to join us! We have a special partnership with the event and if you buy your tickets now you will receive a extra Momma of Dos discount on your early bird ticket, TODAY only {01/31/2015} and regular tickets until they run out! ::use the promo-code--MOD2015:: http://VBP2015.EVENTBRITE.COM It will be a gratifying event that will help you gain new perspective into what is to come to you in 2015.

The Vision of Love will focus on Love, Relationships providing an amazing group of expert panelist and famous guest speakers such as Jamie Rose Millionaire Matchmaker, Michael Garofola of The Bachelorette, and Crystal Wall of the American Heart Association:

JOIN US!!! 

CAN'T WAIT TO SEE EVERYONE THERE & CREATE THE VISION OF LOVE THAT MY MARRIAGE DESERVES..... 

::Meet the Hostesses::

Sarni J. & Arnaecia A.

Your event hostesses are Sarni J and Arnaecia A. Sarni is a PR/Branding specialist who helps clients brand themselves and share that brand to the world through powerful media strategy and connections. Arnaecia A, in leadership at Empire Marketing & Consulting, helps clients boost their businesses to new heights through innovative ideas specializing in events, partnerships and distribution. Both are joined by the knowledge that anything is possible with the powerful combination of vision, belief and action!

::30 Days:: 2015

Last year, I started a challenge. 30 days of Affirmation on Instagram. This year I want to kick off a new challenge to help us begin the year with purpose and strength. 

I will post on Instagram and Facebook; follow us! 

::As women we should be reminded to be strong and brave, because we are and we endure so much. To be courageous and bold, because we can obtain much more and reach all of our goals. This year reach your goals with strength and courage.::

Best Resources to find Job Leads

Image via Google search 

The month of January is usually one of change for most us. New Year, new possibilities. This month’s focus will be on Career. Either obtaining a new job, maintaining sanity at your current job or just building up/creating where you think you want to be.

As a seasoned employee I can tell you that it's a job in itself to get a new job, maintain and still have dreams of a future. My passion has not quite yet aligned with what I do in my 8 to 5 job. Like most I am hopeful that 2015 will be that year for me. I too will be on a journey of growth as I share on this blog about how I have managed to obtain good jobs and keep up with life all at once.

When seeking a new job or your first job, you want to be organized and keep a list of places that you want to apply or have applied. Make sure to do some research on those companies you are interested in and the position you are looking to obtain Focus on a specific type of job lead and look for jobs with those titles, for example: Medical Assistant or Administrative professional. Depending on your background and what jobs you are interested in. 

Here are some of the top resources for finding good job leads:

Online

1. LinkedIn- I currently use LinkedIn. I have received so many calls from this site alone. The jobs are easy to apply to and usually if the connection is directly with the employer or it allows you to "apply now" your chances of a call back are almost always guaranteed. I love LinkedIn and I am a true advocate for it. Make sure your profile is complete with good information about your work history and list of all your skills, as well as a good professional picture. No "selfies" from your recent outings with friends.  I can assure you results will come from this site.

2. Indeed- This site has a lot of good leads, you will have to do your own company research and apply on most of the company websites. The website usually posts links to the direct job posting from the company. Sometimes they provide good contact information for the recruiter or manager who is hiring or posting the position; this is always helpful. You can then contact them directly and establish that connection. A direct connection will more give you a better chance of obtaining at least an interview. 

3. Facebook- (kind of) I rarely like to post about work or ask for work on Facebook but recently I decided to start posting jobs within one of my groups; I post different jobs and it's a good resource. I only add people that I know well and in return if they have any good job leads they share with us in this space. Also, in the past I have posted "Looking for a new job,is anyone hiring?" kind of  statuses and obtained my current position. I try not to post now that I have job about my current job but I have been known to post a status every once in a while that "I need a new job". It can be a bit tricky, I think if you are positive and optimistic about your post you will receive more responses than not. 

Word of Mouth

1. Build a Network- I decided a long time ago that being shy, is not the best characteristic. I quickly lost all habits of standing in a corner at events and not meeting new people. I decided that I would speak up and that goes for social media as well. I have added people on LinkedIn that I do not know, who I see are "legit" and would be helpful one day to my network. Of course I make sure we are like minded; either non-profit or marketing fit best for both my personal career and my blog/writing business. Most the time these connections are very responsive and the more I interact with them the more likely they are to view my profile and will notice that I am seeking new career opportunities. At some point they end up reaching out to me. In return if I see that certain people need help I try to find resources helpful to them and will message them directly.  

2. Ask people you know- I will often ask my close friends who I know work for good companies if they are hiring. Only if I know that I really want to work for that company or if I know their positions will be relevant to what I am seeking. While many companies might have positions that fit my background I might not really want to work at a certain company.   Of course this is always difficult, because you may not end up liking the position you obtain and you definitely don't want to make your friend referring you look bad. Think about it and choose wisely. 

3. Attend Events & Mixers-I have signed up for several local professional organizations that host monthly events or mixers. I try to attend them periodically and again don't be shy. Talk to people and let them know what you do, and that you are open to new opportunities. Sometimes people will automatically think of opportunities or will ask for your contact information to email or call you at a later time when they come across something relevant. I always ask for the person’s business card as well and email them soon after the event to remind them of our conversation.   Trust in yourself and your confidence will lead to making connections that lead to good opportunities. 

4. Volunteer- Ever since I can remember, I have volunteered. It not only makes me feel as if I am active within my community but because of my passions and who I am, I simply love the sense of being able to help others. It not only serves for deep personal reasons it also helps provide a large network of others who are like-minded and can also be a source of, yes, job leads. I don't go into my volunteer jobs thinking I will obtain a new job lead much less a job but I keep in touch with those people who I volunteer with and somehow other great opportunities arise.  Volunteer work is a huge commitment and should only be done if you truly have the time and heart to serve in your community without expecting compensation. You do though gain personal reward and a sense of true accomplishment. 

At the end of the day I like to have a good well rounded network where I can not only have support for future endeavors but also am able to ask questions as to how others have reached their goals. To this day I have not had a negative or ill response. I am very open and up front about my ideas and the type of job I want to obtain and I think that being honest pays off. 

These are all resources that have worked for me and I recommend them. If ever you need to contact me please feel free to reach out to me on Facebook or via email mommaofdos@gmail.com 

Working Outside the Home ::How to remain Calm and Work Hard::

So, you're going to be a Working Outside the Home Momma?

Let me start by saying, being a Stay-at-Home Momma is a lot of work and is not for everyone. And, in return Working Outside the Home is a lot of work and is not for everyone. Not saying one job is more difficult or better than the other. Trust me. I know.

Sometimes we go back to work because we have to, money wise. Because, we want to for personal fulfillment reasons. Or, because we just want to see what happens when we do. Some of us seek that adult interaction; you know the one where you won't end up with cheerios in your hair or play-doh on your butt or a full-fledged tantrum in aisle 2 of Target after you've denied the millionth toy from coming home with you. Well. I might have just described a regular day at the office but I digress.

One situation is not better than the other and we all have our own very personal reasons for staying home or working outside the home. Me, I have been a work all the time Momma, a Stay-at-Home Momma, and a going back to work Momma. Recently a good friend has gone from being a SAHM, to a back to Working Outside the Home Momma and she inspired me to write this.

Advice on how to remain calm & work hard outside the home and oh yeah maybe retain some sanity:

1. Ignore the Naysayers- There will be negativity around you, no matter who you are and where you go. Who knows why. Maybe others' own insecurities. Maybe they don't believe Momma's should work, who knows. But, trust in yourself and what is best for you and your family. This is your journey and only you can decide if it's for you. You can do this!

2. Your house will be a mess- When I stayed Home I had so much to do but I managed to get it all done and my house was almost always clean, so much so I got bored. Yes, it happened. These days, never. Yes, I clean the bathrooms, sweep and maybe mop but on a regular day; piles of clothes, scattered toys and tons of dishes. On rare occasions I catch up and even have down time but not really. Ever. I usually take it one day at a time, and one pile to-do a day. Don't get me wrong, it's doable to keep and maintain a tidy home, it's just not always going to be possible. And, honestly, most days it's OK.

3. Stay Organized/Have a schedule- I know you are probably thinking duh, I am a Momma I know about this. But, you really have to manage your time because you now have to cut out 8 to 10 hours (depending on your commute) of daily activities, chores or errands. Me, I wake up early and try to get as much done by 7 am as possible; like put a load of laundry in the washer or pick up toys and prep for dinner, before I head out to take the kids to daycare and then work. While at work, I sometimes take my lunch break to run my errands; like drop off clothes at the cleaners, go to the post office or pay my bills because most places are closed by 5 pm. My extra activities usually involve my blog either before work or right after, if not very late at night.

4. Take "Me" time- Whether it means scheduling a happy-hour with your new co-workers or heading out to a Zumba class after work. Some days you need to have alone time in between work and home. Anything to help you unwind from the daily stresses of a job. I used to go run and exercise after work, before I picked my kids up from daycare. If that will be an option for you then take full advantage. Some days I call my Husband and ask him to take over "pick-up duty" so I can run home and clean or blog. And, some days even nap! It helps me unwind and not feel so overwhelmed.

5. Embrace the Learning Experience- Work provides you with an opportunity to learn so many new skills as well as to meet many new people which you should take full advantage of. In a good way. Even if at the end of the day you decided that working outside the home is not for you, take in everything being taught to you and make new connections, they may help you one day outside of work. Working gives you a new sense of pride and accomplishment; when you learn new skills that you didn't think you would be capable of learning or reach your daily work goals and complete tasks. I have gained so much in my experience as an employee and supervisor. Working with a variety of people allows you to gain new levels of patience and understanding for the world around you.

6. Enjoy your kids and family- Enjoying your family time is set at a whole new level. You will actually miss them and want to spend all your extra time with them. I love just sitting on the couch cuddled up with my kids doing nothing; when they are not attacking one another or annoying me, because that will still happen. But, I enjoy it so differently. I look forward to it, I know crazy! But, it really becomes about enjoying the small and simple things and you really develop a strong appreciation for that time being spent with your family.

7. Don't Blog about your job- As a blogger; I have learned that people will find you online. You don’t ever want to post any direct work information or blog about your job. I may mention my job and call it my 8-5 but, many people have no clue where I work or what I do outside of my writing. This for me is perfect. And, vice versa unless you want your co-workers in your business you shouldn't mention that you blog, unless it’s directly related to your job. My co-workers have NO clue that I blog. I have been at my job almost 2 years and I have no need to tell them my outside life and really don’t think they would get it. It’s totally unrelated.

8. Ask for help- If needed, ask for the extra help. I will sometimes recruit younger cousins and my Sister-in-Law to help pick up the kids from daycare or help me watch them while I get home from work or get dinner ready. Inviting people over for dinner that can help watch the kids while you cook is always a plus. Or in our case, we have at some point asked for help with the housekeeping, usually my Aunt. We've also asked my In-laws to watch the kids to get things like the groceries and some Hubby/Wife time in. It’s so good and helpful!

9. Be Patient- Be patient with your new journey, your new schedule and yourself. Learning new skills after some time away can be frustrating but you will get there. Give yourself some time. Time will do wonders, you won’t be perfect day one, and if you are, well then you deserve a major raise! Take notes and know that starting anything new is challenging but once you get over the initial part of getting used to it all; I am sure you will be great at your job and succeed in your new adventure.

10. Leave work at work-I cannot stress this enough. Your kids and Hubby might want to hear all the great new stories and about all your awesome new co-workers but after a while these may become more of a stressor. I often found myself nagging about work when we had a million and one things to worry about at home. You really don’t want to bring "work" home with you and in return, leave your home life and problems at home. Trust me its best.

11. Don't be discouraged- Working outside the home is not for everyone. It takes a lot of sacrifices and time lost with your family, children and other Stay-at-Home Momma's but for me it's been a rewarding experience of learning and new friendships. At the end of the day, it may not be for you, and you know what, THAT'S OK! You will not know this until you give it a good chance. You will at the end of the day know what is best for you and your family.

12. Be reminded of why you decided to start working- For me it was sense of freedom from my house and the same routine, a sense of self and accomplishment to help provide for my family and because I decided that being at home was not for me. You will have your own reasons and that should be motivation enough to keep you going. Your reasons are your own personal feelings, not why everyone else thinks you should work.

13. Do not be intimidated- Everyone started somewhere, you cannot allow others to intimidate you. Work is like every other new thing you try in life; trial and error. No one started out at your job on top. Everyone has to have been where you are now and if you do encounter work place bullies, well you need to stand up for yourself from day one, if not it will turn into a not so nice work environment. I tell you this from experience. Life is too short to be miserable at work. Trust me; life is too short to be miserable at work.

14. Do not overwhelm yourself - You will NOT learn it all in one day, you might not learn it all in one week. Time, patience and perseverance. Don’t give up but, don’t feel like you have to learn it all in one day. Take it one day at a time, one lesson at a time and remain organized at work. Taking notes and paying attention pays off. If you overwhelm yourself you might have a brain shutdown which at times causes you to learn less. Or even become frustrated and feel as if you can’t learn it. But, I assure you, you can and you will.

15. Do not be overly critical of yourself- I know that I tend to be extra hard on myself, especially when I feel that I am not learning something fast enough. But relax, take a deep breath and keep calm, you will learn it all and you will be awesome at your new job. Don’t doubt your skills, don’t doubt yourself. Nothing comes without struggle and some sacrifices, those victories are much sweeter!

At the end of the day, the same rules apply whether you are working outside the home or staying at home, if something doesn't get done today; then it can just get done tomorrow! Unless it's really important than it should be done today. Just saying...

If you are seeking further motivation please visit our Facebook Page for resources, events and networking:  https://www.facebook.com/latinamommainhouston