When one of us wins, we all win

The thing I love most about my coaching business is the connections I've made with incredible women around the world.

Whether I've coached them, mentored them, learned from them, or grew spiritually because of them, I wouldn't be where I am today without them.

They've all contributed to helping me live my purpose, and I couldn't be more grateful for them.

A few of these women have had some incredible success recently, and I'm taking this opportunity to brag about them :)

Because when one woman wins, we all win.

Feminine leadership is about building on connections to empower each other, lift each other up, and grow together.

After all, we rise by lifting others.

So today, I want you to share in their success.

I hope you'll join me in celebrating some incredible women I'm lucky enough to call my friends.

Here are four women boldly living their purpose and proving that when one of us wins, we all win:

Zelda Jane Curry

Zelda is one of my former-clients-turned-friends who just published her first book! She's using a pen name for privacy, and I think it's fantastic.

When I worked with Zelda, she was struggling to find a job where she fit in. She's an INTJ, and there aren't many women INTJs in the world, so she often felt misunderstood and struggled with communication.

Through our time working together, she found a job that was a better fit with managers that respect her unique style and acknowledge her strengths (I think we can all agree that is a huge accomplishment in itself).

A few months later, we met up (pre-COVID) for coffee, and she told me she was thinking about writing a plant-based cookbook because she was tired of recipes that lacked flavor or left her feeling unsatisfied.

Even though writing a cookbook may not necessarily be Zelda's purpose, it's certainly a passion of hers, which is so evident as you read the book.

What I really love about the book is that it's not a recipe book; it's a strategy book. Zelda introduces the concept of a "menu palette," which is a collection of food options from which you can create a variety of meals - genius!

Although she ran into several snags in her book writing and publishing journey, she never gave up.

Her passion of helping more people acclimate to a plant-based diet was more powerful than any thought of quitting.

What an amazing lesson for all of us who question whether we should keep going when we make a mistake or hit a roadblock.

If you're thinking about making the switch to a plant-based lifestyle, or you just want to incorporate more plant-based meals into your routine (hello, Green Citrus Smoothie), please support this Black woman author by purchasing Everyday Plant-Based Meals You'll Just Love!

Laura Smothers-Chu

Laura is a friend I met in 2018 when we both enrolled in Marie Forleo's B-School. Since then, we've kept in touch and have always shown up to support each other.

Laura is a Certified Senior Advisor, a Certified Dementia Practitioner, and the Founder of Befriended Heart, where she helps long-distance daughters navigate their parents' dementia.

As an only child living a 4-hour drive from her parents, Laura struggled to find the critical information she needed to help care for her dad, who was diagnosed with dementia when Laura was 28.

She felt helpless, overwhelmed, and afraid. Healthcare providers could tell her about dementia, but they couldn't tell her how it would impact her life, nor did they provide the support she needed.

So Laura took matters into her own hands, stepped boldly into her purpose, and launched Befriended Heart to show up and serve as that support system for long-distance daughters like her.

I've loved watching her business journey, cheering her on as she got important certifications and was featured in AARP!

And now? She's a Caregiving Influencer.

Yep, that's right. My friend is an influencer.

She's a leader in the dementia and eldercare space and has compiled YEARS of research, experience, and expertise to provide support and peace of mind to exhausted and overwhelmed daughters of dementia.

When I think of someone unapologetically living their purpose and serving others in a big way, Laura is the first person I think of. She's just incredible.

And this week, her article on senior safety tech was published in Parade Magazine!

In her article, Laura shares 9 safety devices to help keep elderly parents safe.

But who are we kidding - I'd like to have all of these tech gadgets, too! :)

If you're still working on your holiday shopping list, check out the 9 Best Safety Devices for Seniors!

And if you're a daughter struggling to navigate your parent's dementia diagnosis, please check out Befriended Heart and sign up for Laura's email list.

Her supportive tips and advice are exactly what I wish I had when my dad was diagnosed with lung cancer, and I know they can help you, too.

Desiree Paulhamus

I've known Desiree for a long time! She's one of my sorority sisters, and she was my roommate for one of my first National conferences!

Desiree is the kind of friend everyone wishes they had. She's thoughtful, warm, funny, and genuine.

She serves our sorority's Foundation as the Director of Communications, and she runs the very fun Tri Sigma Alumnae Book Club Facebook group!

Desiree is someone who is deeply, wholeheartedly committed to empowering women, so when COVID-19 put a wrench in many of her plans for personal and professional growth, she turned to one of her passions and launched her business, Dazzle with Desiree.

As she puts it, her business has become so much more than selling $5 jewelry.

It's an opportunity for her to grow her marketing skills, connect with others, and learn something new every day.

It's also an opportunity for her to remain steadfast in her purpose to empowering women.

Any business is an investment, but when you have a team of women behind you, supporting you and encouraging you to be your best, that's where the magic happens.

Desiree shows up every day, committed to inspiring others with her message of empowerment and beautiful example of investing in herself.

Plus, she has an amazingly positive and optimistic personality you can't help but love!

Here's another link to add to your holiday shopping list (and don't forget to get something for yourself!): Dazzle with Desiree

Neeta Jain

You may remember Neeta from a few weeks ago, where she wrote a guest blog for my website, And Then She Realized, She is Fierce.

Neeta is my business bestie, and even though we've never met in person, she continues to be an amazing support in my life.

This month, she celebrated the one year anniversary of her business, Her Shakti!

That's a pretty big deal, since many small businesses don't make it to their one-year anniversary.

Neeta is another inspiration for you if you're on a journey to finding and living your purpose.

When I worked with Neeta, she was a new mom in an intense tech job that didn't align with her soul's purpose.

She did the deep inner work to find her ikigai, then she took the leap, quit her job, and enrolled in a health coaching program.

Her journey inspires me so deeply, and I'm humbled to be part of it.

Join me in congratulating Neeta on an incredible first year, and learn more about Her Shakti here!

The Takeaway

One thing each of these women have in common is that they never gave up in the face of adversity or fear or self-doubt or mistakes.

They're boldly pursuing their purpose.

They're showing up every day for something bigger than themselves.

They're ready to serve the world in a big way.

Take action now: Grab your journal and consider the following questions:

• How can you use these lessons to take a step toward your bigger purpose?

• How will you show up to serve and make the impact you’re meant to make in this world?

• What is one thing holding you back from boldly living your purpose?

You already have everything you need to find and live your purpose. I hope this article of powerful women living their purpose inspires you to continue on your journey.

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If you’re ready to fully live your life purpose, sign up for the free 30-Day Life Purpose Challenge. Here, you’ll receive daily journal prompts and guided emails to help you get clear on what you love, what you’re good at, what you can be paid for, and what the world needs from you. There’s never been a better time to change the world with your unique and authentic gifts. Sign up for free today!