You are valuable!

How often do you step back and think about your value to our world?  I really believe that we all have an import job to play in "our worlds."  We all hold value. 

Today, I'm going to encourage you to say this mantra: I have value. 

You do. The people around you, your friends, your family, the stranger you bump into at the mall, all rely upon the goodness of you.  You have value. 

Do you know anyone that might not see this in themselves? Tell them. Especially young people. Of any age. Write it on a bathroom mirror. Stick it on a post it. Write it on a Facebook wall. Tweet it. Embrace it! 

I have value. So do you. 

Be well, LP

Scars

Last week was Health Week! We had five seminars relating to our health and to healthy relationships. We were blessed to have lovely women role models in the forms of an aesthetician, an OB/GYN, a nutritionist, a RAVE (Relief Against a Violent Encounter) leader, and a behavior specialist to teach drug/alcohol resistance.

At the beginning of the week we learned about taking care of our skin. It made me think about my own scarred skin. I also felt more self conscious for a few days because it was on my mind. By the end of the week we were learning about sexual assault, staying sexually safe and dating violence. Then I was thinking about my old scars. The ones you can't see. And talking to "my girls" about their scars was even more heart breaking than thinking about my own. Because I've survived mine. Theirs are still new. And they will survive. (You will! You have people that love you and want to be your circles of protection!)

All of this got me thinking about scars. Our scars are beauty. They tell a story about our past and something that has happened to us that we have overcome. They remind us that we have gotten better because of it. Some of our scars are on the outside where people can see them and some of our scars are held in our hearts. They all matter, they are a part of us. They've taught us things and helped us grow.

I need to remember that.

Defining a Culture of Sisterhood

This round of the Lotus Project has just started and we're already getting down to it!  We're digging deep and looking within.

There were a few topics on the agenda this week, but the writing towards the end of the session was probably the biggest thing for today.  I asked the girls to write down 10 things they liked about themselves.  Have you ever done that?

Try it now.  I'll give you a few minutes.

It's hard.  Really, really hard for some of us.

But, what if I asked you to write down 10 things you didn't like about yourself? You've probably rattled off your top five in your head while reading this.

Why is that?  Why are we so critical of ourselves and each other?

I posed this question on my FB page last week:  What does the "culture of sisterhood" mean to you?  I had some beautiful answers.  The most reoccurring theme was this: building each other up instead of tearing each other down.  Makes sense.  We should start by building ourselves up personally.  Smile in the mirror.  Say nice things to yourself about your body.  Then share compliments with other people.  Even strangers! Gasp! Imagine how much more pleasant life would be if we genuinely complimented people.

The other reoccurring idea was the concept of positive action and advocacy for the rights of women globally.  Appreciating what we have and working to make it better for others is beautiful.

Empowering ourselves and each other...that's the heart of it.

The Lotus Project is a program to encourage young women to strengthen their inner selves in order to reach their full potential and to recognize the value and beauty each possess. The Lotus Project was the idea of teacher, LaRissa Paras, who continually witnessed students struggling with self image issues and feelings of desperation. When the opportunity to submit a grant proposal to the Greenville Youth Advisory Council came up in 2011, Paras jumped at the opportunity to make The Lotus Project a reality. Because of the continued success of the Lotus Project, another grant has been awarded for this school year. 

The Lotus Project is built on the principles of sisterhood, inner strength, confidence, health, relationships, gratitude, and responsibility. All of these elements put together equal true beauty. The young ladies will be participating in small group discussions (led by amazing mentors) and large group seminars following the aforementioned threads, as well as being involved in other activities including, but not limited to, taking yoga and self defense classes, professional photo shoots, visits from nutritionists and doctors, and will be encouraged to volunteer in the area. The students will also be guided through a series of challenges that involve journaling and self-portraits that encourage the young women to turn their perceived negatives into positives, and stress the uniqueness we should all celebrate!