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Time to Shine Your Light!

December 30, 2020 By Mary E. Knippel

Have you ever had the experience where something was not right with a situation, but you just couldn’t put your finger on what exactly was wrong?

I remember a time where I was driving home after an evening networking meeting. My mind was filled with conversations I’d had, the plans I’d made to follow-up with new colleagues, and the points the speaker had made in her talk. I knew the road home very well, but I had a nagging feeling something was wrong.

Maybe I had a burnt-out headlight? Shouldn’t I have a warning on my dash somewhere? This car tells me if I need to change the oil, or if I don’t have my seatbelt fastened, and if a door is ajar; certainly, it should tell me if I have a burned-out headlight. Nothing is lit up.

As I pulled into my garage, I realized what “something” was wrong. I was shocked to discover that I’d driven home at 9 p.m. without having my headlights ON.

Earlier in the week, I took my car in for an oil change and ended up having some other maintenance performed. Somewhere during the course of that maintenance, they must have changed my settings for my headlights from AUTO to OFF. It never occurred to me to switch on my headlights when I got into the car because I had chosen the AUTO setting when I took possession of the car and never thought about it again. I expected the lights to automatically come on when I was driving my car and needed lights.

Now that I’ve had a little time to think about it, I’m aware of the other areas in my life where I’ve gotten used to the automatic choices I’ve made. Areas where I’ve stopped paying attention and took for granted.

I managed to find my way home that night because of lights on other vehicles and along the roadway. What if I hadn’t known what to expect along the route I took home? How much more difficult it would have been for me to feel my way in the dark.

Consider how challenging it is to find our way in life when we do not shine our light out into the world. Yes, I realize that it is comfortable and less scary staying in the shadows and doing things on Auto-Pilot. What if you shining your light, sharing your gifts, unleashing your story…you being ON…is exactly what someone else is looking for? They have had so many lights turned OFF and now are counting on your light to help them find their way.

Something that has helped me step out of my comfort zone is to be part of a community that fosters and encourages members to shine their light out into the world. No, not just another women’s group. Yes, it is a “women’s group.” Yes, it is a powerful and supportive community of female leaders. Not just another networking group, this is a connection company on a mission to foster personal relationships ahead of any other professional agenda.

When gatherings were suspended recently and stay at home, orders were put in place, in-person networking became impossible. Which meant not only that we couldn’t see family and friends, many of us couldn’t do business because we weren’t out there meeting new people and share our expertise. We lost the in-person opportunities to facilitate the KNOW, LIKE, and TRUST factor in our business.

I’m so grateful I didn’t have to go in search of a community when everything was closing down this past year. Yes, our method of connecting has been redefined. But the level of inclusion and deep commitment to belonging remains intact.

I belong to Polka Dot Powerhouse Connection Company. I have been for over four years when I stumbled upon it, registering for another networking event. I’ve grown in so many ways since jumping into membership at my first meeting. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many, many amazing women, developed lasting friendships, and been able to hone my skills as a speaker and writing mentor.

When other venues were not available to gather (spiritually, personally, and professionally), I still had a strong foundation to lean into for support. At the same time, we figured out what to do next not only as individuals but also as a group of friends, colleagues, business associates, and compassionate Dot Sisters.

Polka Dot Powerhouse welcomes the participation of women of all ages, races, abilities, backgrounds, religions, and sexual orientations. We seek and value a diverse and inclusive membership, and all women are encouraged to join.

Membership is open to women in both professional and traditional roles, and you do not need to own a business to join.

Many of the meetings are being held virtually right now, so members can register to attend ANY chapter meeting, at ANY location worldwide, at no additional cost.

Act NOW! Here’s your chance to build new relationships and opportunities to shine your light, even in the face of this new pandemic world we are living in. This may be the ticket to help you pivot your business so that you can easily meet new people!

Hurry! This special end of the year $75 off membership opportunity ends Dec. 31, 2020.  (Coupon Code:  POWERHOUSE)

Questions? I’m happy to talk to you about why I love Polka Dot Powerhouse.

From hiding to hallelujah!

December 28, 2020 By Mary E. Knippel Leave a Comment

We are in a beautiful time of spiritual reflection and heaven knows this year has been a challenge in body, mind and spirit. Are you experiencing a personal resurrection during this season? I feel I’m coming out of a long season of learning life’s lessons into a new time bursting with electricity, charged with enthusiasm and boundless energy. 

What does hiding have to do with rebirth and new beginnings? Well, this is what I’ve observed.

No matter what era you were born, women have expectations drummed into them from the time they are in the womb. Growing up in the ’50s, I assumed I’d work until I got married, have babies, and spend the rest of my life taking care of my husband, house, and grandchildren. It didn’t quite work that way for me, nor has it turned out that way for many women…

 

http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photography-curious-housewife-cleaning-home-window-love-image29455477 http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photo-businesswoman-asking-expression-image13614360

Single or Married, Women are Mothers or not, Women are ultimately  Caregivers (yes, you are because you take care of yourself don’t you?)…

Small Business Owner, Professional Women, Solo-Entrepreneurs…

Have you been hiding in the background and spending your whole life making sure that everyone else in your life basks in the glow of being the center of attention?  Have you been hiding by holding back for fear of rejection, ridicule or repercussions?
Have you been taking a backseat in your own life to allow others in your life to shine, while you defer to them…wait for your turn…acquiesce to what everyone else wants to do? Have you been hiding your true hopes, dreams and desires while encouraging others to pursue their passions?
Have you been hiding by telling yourself it doesn’t matter if you don’t get what you want as long as everyone else is happy (fill in the blank of who everyone else is: ______)? Have you been hiding your longing to break from the routine and assumptions?

 

Well, it does matter! And it’s time to stop hiding. It’s time to take center stage in your life, shine and be seen, unleash your voice, share your story, and lavish yourself with all the nurturing you have generously bestowed on others.

I am no longer hiding!

After years of being afraid to show up as me, for fear of rejection, or that I wasn’t good enough, hiding took its toll on my body, mind, and spirit. Our dreams and desires may be out of sight, but they do not stay hidden. They manifest in ways as small as an uneasy feeling, to the stress that leads to a cancer diagnosis.

I have weathered my dark night. I am an amazing human being because of those challenges and determined to claim my place in the world.

Hallelujah! Here I am!

Hop over to my Facebook page to let me know what you think about this hiding thing…is it serving you?

Photo credit:  Dreamstime.com

 

Merry Christmas

December 25, 2020 By Mary E. Knippel Leave a Comment

Magic happens at this time of year—be ready

Enjoy the tremendous potential of each moment

Release old hurts and disappointments

Receive wonder

Your loving spirit accomplishes great things 

 

Create new beginnings full of beauty and grace

Have fun

Reflect on dreams

In harmony there is balance and order

Simplicity is the path to serenity

Time is a precious gift

May you always express gratitude

All you have is all you need

Share the magic–

Tis the Season for Comfort and Joy

December 21, 2020 By Mary E. Knippel Leave a Comment

comfort & joyTis the Season of comfort and joy!

The words link together seemingly effortlessly…comfort and joy.

What brings you comfort?

What gives you joy?

Do you think of favorite things? Milk and cookies…popcorn and movies…sun and sand…bubble baths and sweet dreams…butterflies and babies giggles…passion and purpose…peace and tranquility…where two concepts are intertwined in your life?

Or, are they two different ideas?

 Is comfort a common term that doesn’t gain much attention?

 Is joy only an occasional emotional visitor in your life?

It is my belief that you can have both comfort and joy in your life. The challenge may be in that gaining your comfort and joy could take some effort on your part. The effort you must exert in rising out of your comfortable status quo and stepping into the light of recognition. The “light” of being recognized as a person of influence. The comfort and confidence of knowing you can make a difference to make life better for others and yourself. The joy and satisfaction of knowing you have made an impact on your well-being and the well-being of others.

 Writing brings me comfort and joy.

My journals are my companion, champion, confessor and the source of my success both personally and professionally.

I believe writing can also bring you comfort and joy.

If you are in business, whether you want to admit it or not, you are a writer who must find the right words to communicate with your clients and customers to convey who you are and what you do. This time of year you may want to reach out with an end-of-the-year letter, or special keep-in-touch greeting.

You don’t have to struggle to figure out what to say.

 You don’t have to do it alone. I’d love to help you. 

Sign up for an Unleash Your Story Activation Session today! Let’s discuss how to create your unique message together.

Let your light shine brightly and end the year with a spectacular flourish. 

Photo Credit:  Dreamstime.com

 

[Friday Five-Minute Writing Prompt] When I was a little girl…

December 18, 2020 By Mary E. Knippel Leave a Comment

When I was a little girl…

Take out a fresh sheet of paper. Natalie Goldberg uses a “fast-writing” pen. I suggest using your favorite writing instrument and an unlined piece of colored paper for fun. I use a fountain pen with purple ink. Some folks opt to use a computer. Please remember that typing puts you in another part of your brain. I believe you have greater access to messages from your soul with the pen to paper. However, if you are not physically able to write, then just open a new word document on your computer and go for it. The point is to keep your fingers moving for five minutes and not stop. I want you to experience how much writing can be accomplished in a short period.

If you get stuck, just repeat the writing prompt – When I was a little girl... or any other phrase that is comfortable for you. Do not stop to edit, correct spelling, look up a better word, or rearrange a sentence. Do not question what comes up in the five minutes: this doesn’t make sense, where did that come from, or what a crazy notion. This is a timed writing exercise so be sure to set the timer on your watch, phone, microwave, computer, or kitchen stove. Whether you use an egg timer, a No. 2 pencil and a spiral notebook, your iPad, or even your iPhone, the theory is the same. Keep your hand and fingers moving and have fun taking dictation from your unconscious self. Make a list, hum a tune, write a poem, or create a short, short story. This is your time to explore and experiment.

Photo credit: jamienease.com

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