Be the Exception
Be Honest
Be Open
Be Healthy
Be Flexible
Be Gentle
Be Courageous
Be Authentic
Please don’t judge anyone…You don’t know their story!
Exotic Dancer…Please don’t judge anyone…You don’t know their story!
Why do people always think it’s okay to make fun of this profession by joking about and belittling it? I’m not certain why it bothers me so much, but it does. It seems whether on TV or in real life the mention of “stripper” turns into the butt of a bad joke with lots of laughs. From what I’ve observed, it’s usually someone who believes they are above those who work in that profession thus they can mock them to feel even better about themselves.
In the past, I met a woman in passing who described herself as an exotic dancer. Then, she elaborated on the judgement she feels from so many when she tells others her profession. It broke my heart to hear how people have treated her, especially when they just met her, and though a recent incident bothered me too, this encounter with her bothered me the most.
During my last round of book edits, someone reviewing my book told me I should remove the full story about meeting this exotic dancer in case a teenager read my book one day. I found that suggestion unnecessary and uninformed as teens are more exposed to and less judgmental than most adults on this topic. If we as a collective take our judgements and continue to tell a single, sanitized story, it leaves no room to question or see the other side of the fence. However, if we take our judgements, misunderstandings, and questions, and turn them into wonder by being curious about how they found themselves on this path, we can create opportunities to realize the similarities between one another rather than driving a wedge between ourselves by focusing on what’s different.
In my life, I’ve known many exotic dancers. Some have gone into that profession to put themselves through school, to raise their kids after the father walked away, and some simply because their dream was to become a professional dancer, and this was as close as they could get. Why do we feel it’s okay to judge, make fun of, and stereotype these women without knowing their stories?
This week, I encourage you to speak up and be the voice for those who are being mocked, ignored, or taken advantage of. If you hear yourself or someone else make a negative remark, or crack a joke about someone’s profession, stop, question why this is happening, and make a conscious decision to make a positive remark instead – everyone should be respected regardless of their profession.
What does living your exceptional life look like to you?
Have you made fun of this profession or another you disagree with? Why?
When was the last time you spoke up for someone who was being put down for their work, choices, or the place they’re at in life?
Do you make snap judgments about others or wait until you learn their story before deciding?
Paths, Detours & Possibilities
Do you need to write a book? What is your story? What are the lessons you have learned along the way? Have you ever been on a detour? My first book is an Inspirational Journal to share your stories, your lessons and create better conversations. Today I encourage you to dream, create and share with another. Writing a book gives your credibility and content. This book is only 15 on my website but as expensive as 60 on Amazon. Are you ready to write and share your story? #WriteYourBook #ShareYourStories #MotivationalSpeaker #InspirationalSpeaker #betheException #PathsDetoursandPossiblities
Being a Hero, Are you someones Hero?
Being the Hero
I love going to conferences, especially when I’m the opening keynote speaker. I get great joy from presenting and inspiring, but there are many other things I love about conferences, too. One of my favorite parts is people watching, especially when I’m watching people pretend to know how to use the technology and projector hook-ups for laptops.
For instance, a couple of weeks ago I was at a conference and witnessed six men at the front of the room looking very serious while trying to hook everything up for a game show they were going to play. They were directing one another on what they thought the others should be doing and appeared to be working well together, even though nothing was happening. When I asked the meeting planner, “Which one is the tech guy?” She smiled politely and said, “None of them.” This made me smile, too. Don’t we all want the chance to be a hero?
After about forty minutes, a man from their IT department came and within five minutes, had it set-up and ready to go; but it still got me thinking about the lengths we’ll go to while trying to save the day. Even if you don’t know much about the problem or a workable solution, why not jump in and give it a try? However, we should also be brave enough to ask for help when we need it. That’s also part of being a hero, knowing when the obstacle is too large for us to take on by ourselves.
I admire the heart of those who want to be a hero because they risk their own ego to try to help others without worrying about it working out perfectly. Those who raise their hands and say, “Let me give it a try,” are inspiring. This week, I encourage you to keep an eye out for those trying to be heroes and offer a hand – you might just be the hero they need after all! What does living your exceptional life look like to you?
When was the last time you were someone’s hero? What did you do to save the day?
When was the last time someone was your hero? Did you tell them they saved the day?
What part of being the hero makes you feel the best?
What is a Motivational Speaker? Who is the best Female Motivational Speaker?
Motivation
Activation
Inspiration
Perspiration
Preparation
Determination
Creates an Experiences of Success and Fulfillment
Motivation alone might not be enough but with a step by step plan, the willingness work hard, while you stay Motivated you will find Success!
Interviewing is a life skill that needs to be practiced regularly
An Interview a Day Keeps the Doctor Away
Some say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but is that true? Instead, I love to believe that sharing a Dove Love a day keeps the doctor away. Those dark chocolates with a sweet message inside are good for the soul. However, lately I’ve been thinking, “Maybe it’s an interview a day that could keep the doctor away.”
This isn’t to say there’s anything wrong with doctors, but I feel there’s something so powerful about being kind to ourselves to enhance our good health. I love to practice interviewing with people I know, and I also know it’s not everyone’s thing, but I strongly believe if you don’t love to be interviewed, a little mind shift could do the trick.
You see, instead of thinking things like, “I hope they like me, pick me, want me,” when practicing, I encourage you to shift your thinking to statements such as, “I hope I like them, I want to work with them, I love their energy.” When we remain mindful of the power of our thoughts, and strive to keep them positive, we enjoy experiences more.
A practice interview is a place to share strengths, accomplishments, how far we’ve come, and our goals for the future. It’s also a great place to remind ourselves of all we are and all we have done. Some of you may be thinking, “But Annie, I’m not even looking for a job.” While you may not be, it’s still a great idea to practice, not only as an important reminder of the good stuff you’re made of, but in preparation for something just around the corner that you don’t know is coming yet.
I strive to always think about remembering to put a smile on, remind myself that my own positive thoughts have power, and that even if I’m not using the skills yet, I’ll be ready when I need to be. This week, I encourage you to find a friend and complete a practice interview. Then, discuss the strengths you saw in one another to continue adding to your positive thought power and the extraordinary person you know you are.
What does living your exceptional life look like to you?
When was the last time you completed an interview? What did you love about it?
What part of interviewing are you afraid of? Why?
Have you ever done a mock interview before? How did it help you feel prepared?
