Happy Martin Luther King Day! One of the greatest experiences in my life as a Governor’s press secretary was meeting Coretta Scott King.
For some odd reason, I was sitting on the floor when she walked into the room, earlier than we had expected her to arrive. Her towering figure over me, I awkwardly scrambled to stand up and shake her hand.
She was a true Woman on Fire and the impact of her powerful presence remains with me to this day.
I so regret that I can’t remember even one word of our brief conversation.
What I clearly remember though was the strength and power she exuded by her kindness, clarity, elegance and confidence. Not to mention her dedication to serving others and changing the world, as her husband had.
I think of her often when I see those traits in you, the women in this amazing community we call Women on Fire.
So, today, I want to share with you a few of the many, many Women on Fire who are embracing their own powerful presences and making a difference in this world, in their communties, and in their families.
Just this week alone, we cheered on these exciting launches, honors and happenings:
Here I am with Jenifer Madson, on the right, celebrating her success (Rob Berkley Photo)
Jenifer Madson of Erie, Colorado is off and running after the publication of her new book Living The Promises.
News this week is that Choices Book & Gift Store, New York City’s most comprehensive store for self-help books, will carry her book, which provides encouragement, inspiration and support for people in addiction recovery.
Jen will be appearing at Choices at 1PM on Saturday, January 21 and you are invited to stop in and meet her! Check out her site for other locations on her book tour.
It’s more than luck that landed Master Certified Life Coach Susan Hyatt of Evansville, Indiana, in Evansville Living Magazine as the 2012 Best Voice of Inspiration! Effervescent Susan is also the author of the exciting, new book Create Your Own Luck.
Kira Karmazin of Atlanta has launched a phenomenal new online business offering quality yoga clothes and items called KiraGrace. I just ordered the yoga jacket and can’t wait to receive and wear it in honor of this fabulous, hard-working, thoughtful mom and Woman on Fire!
Because children who learn to meditate and do yoga are less stressed than kids who don’t, Kira also launched the Grace Yoga Project to help local children learn the valuable benefits of yoga, mindfulness and compassion.
Be sure to read Kira’s blogposts of how she was inspired her to go for her dream. This not the last time we’ll be hearing about Kira!
Creator of Thrive Theory Jewelry to help connect women and girls, Jenn Bajec (in blue) shares a laugh at Women on Fire Day in Columbus! (Nancy Lambert Photo)
Women on Fire Book Co-Author Pat Wynn Brown of Columbus, Ohio nominated Jenn Bajec, creator of Thrive Theory Jewelry – and Jenn was selected as one of SUNNY 95 Radio Station’s 2012 Outstanding Women You Should Know. Congratulations, Jenn! (And gratitude to Woman on Fire Andrea Dowding who called to share this exciting news.)
My good fortune — Meeting Beth Kloesener, on the right, at a Women on Fire Tea hosted by M.E. Jones in Alpena, Michigan (Jamie Eslinger Photo)
When I first met Beth Kloesener of Saginaw, Michigan last year, I was struck by her determination and commitment to improving the lives of women and girls.
Beth is the president and founder of Girls2Women Coaching.
Last week Beth used her talents to exchange being the keynote speaker at the Women in Leadership Mid-Michigan lunch for a donation to her program Girls on the Run of Saginaw County. She started the not-for-profit prevention program to help preteen girls develop self-respect and healthy lifestyles through running. Go, Beth!
Holding one of her many books, Sophfronia and I pose with my long-time friend and motivational speaker Stedman Graham. (Heather Stone Photo)
The talented author and writing coach Sophfronia Scott of Newtown, Connecticut completed her first 10-day residency at Vermont College of Fine Arts toward her MFA in writing. (Sophfronia will be helping me this year to launch our second Women on Fire book!)
Michele Woodward of Arlington, Virginia, received news that O, The Oprah Magazine has bought two pieces of writing from her for the March issue of the South Africa edition of O Magazine. Nice going, Michele!
When I think about the courage and persistence of all the women highlighted above, I remember Dr. King’s inspiring words: “faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”
Please feel free to keep me posted on the progress of your own dreams and goals and the difference you are making in your world.
I love shining a light on you!
Have an absolutely dazzling week ahead ~
