Leading By Example

We are always asking the girls to look within to find their true heart and best self. We are always trying to lead by example and show the girls that reaching out to others is a way to also make our own hearts happy. 

This past week I was given an honor. I had a young lady name me as her hero for an assignment for English class. In front of her peers she gave a presentation where she said things like...

...compassionate

...leader

...focused

What an honor! Now, these are things I am always striving to do. I never quite feel like I'm there. I still never quite feel like it's enough. But, I will keep fighting the good fight. And leading by example. 

This is what we need to do. Lead by example. If you don't want people to talk behind your back, stop doing it to others. Want friends? Be a friend. Tired of talking about weight? Be the first to stop and make the point to others around you. 

In the Lotus Project we're trying to develop a culture of sisterhood. We need to lead the movement by setting the example and telling our story. We need to encourage the same in our friends, sisters, brothers, fathers and mothers. 

Be the change, LP

Check your mirror...

.We look in the mirror and too often critique what we see. It's hard not to. Today, I asked my LP girls to describe the women they know that are beautiful. We talked about how the beautiful women were compassionate, strong, gracious, funny, confident, and smart. The way they carried themselves and treated others was what made them beautiful. Then, I asked them to look in a mirror and describe how they were important and beautiful. (And yes, I did it, too. One must lead by example even when it's hard.)

Looking in a mirror and telling yourself good things is HARD. And important. Not to do in a "Look at me! I'm so hot! Let's take too many selfies" way, but in a genuine way. Not just what you like about your appearance, but what you like about your humanity and character. A positive, genuine reflection on all you contribute to the world is so important. It reminds of our value to ourselves and the people around us. 

Part of being compassionate needs to start within. If we are kind to ourselves we'll be kinder to the people around us. My senior quote (20 years ago! Yikes!) was, "the beauty in our hearts transforms the world around us." It may sound cliche but it is timeless and holds true. Our inner beauty is what makes us beautiful and does transform the lives of those around us. Start it up again by looking in the mirror and reminding yourself how much you matter and of all of the things that make you special, strong and wonderful.

LP

The picture below is of some of my beautiful lovelies. We were describing the beautiful women that we are, that we know, and what we will continue to strive to become.

Healthy Relationships

How we interact with each other is so important to our growth.  Here's a view of last year's presentation.  Healthy Relationships Prezi

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!