When it all comes together...

Do you ever have nights when you can't sleep because so many things are rolling around in your head? Maybe even some things or people you haven't thought about in a while? They just kind of "show up" in your mind? That happened to me last night.

And here's the thing. About 4 people today showed up in emails or conversations that were connected or actually WERE the same people who were on my mind when I should have been sleeping.

It's that energy out there...One of my favorite quotes is "where the thoughts go the energy flows" I believe it.

So my thoughts from me to you- listen to those energies and act on them. Something could be coming your way you don't even realize!

Women Like Us Rocks

We've had fabulous things happening this week with the Women Like Us Foundation. Look for President Sally Bassett's post on Twitter. And this is exactly why the second in our Women Like Us Book Series is on women changing the world. We can do it. We make it happen one woman at a time.

Our new Hollywood Chapter is already rocking with plans for projects to help at risk inner city kids in Los Angeles.

The Women Like Us Event in October has lots of sponsors on board who "get" our mission.

A great week in all.

What have YOU done this week to make a difference??? If you need some ideas, we've got plenty!

Need help with your stories

Still working on the book. I'm kind of stuck and need your help. Do you ever get stuck when you know you want to move forward? But something holds you back? How do you persevere when you feel like quitting? If you have a passion for creating a better life, you get on track, then you're off track, what do you do to keep going?

Feminine Power changing the world

I've always understood the power of the feminine. For years I apologized to people (ok, men in my life) for being emotional. But there was an undercurrent in my brain that understood that I am a "feeler" because I am female. After years of apologizing, I finally realized that I should celebrate my brand of femaleness... I am glad I am not vanilla.

In our book, we'll be talking about the power of female characteristics. A value of relationships, caring and compassion and our need for collaboration. I'm starting a class this week on the Power of the Feminine. Excited to get going. I'll share what I'm learning...

Thanks for coming to my blog.

Education is the Key

I am loving reading Half the Sky for my research on our book. Has anyone read it? So full of fantastic information. Yes, education is the key for the changing the world. AND, the key particularly for women. They state that educating a man in a developing country changes an individual, educating a woman changes a village.

I am so thrilled I have a foundation so I feel like I can do something. But it doesn't take a foundation. We can all make a difference just by stepping forward. Little bits add up to so much.
Women Like Us Foundation

Am I off track?

Feeling a little off track. What's the most important thing to convey in this book? What do women want to know so that they can put purpose to their passions? Finding the time? Understanding where to begin? Clarifying their true passions?
And what kinds of stories can motivate we women to take those steps to create change in the world no matter how small? Each step is huge. Each step counts. Know what I mean?

I'm waiting for ideas. I'll keep reading, writing and following my gut.
www.womenlikeusfoundation.org

How do you persevere with your passion?

Are you contributing to making our world a better place? One person at a time? What are you doing? How do you stay motivated?

Sally and I started the Women Like Us Foundation and adopted a school in Costa Rica...we can use your help through donations, joining us on our annual trip there and volunteering and more. We are also supporting projects all over the globe.
The next in the Women Like Us Book Series needs your story of putting purpose to your passion for changing the world. AND your advice for those trying to find it. Go to the Business Women Connect website to post your replies and give us your story if you will. We want to share women's stories with other women around the world.

Single moms at poverty level

35% of single moms live below the poverty level...wow. Is it an equal wage problem, lack of education due to environment and upbringing? What are your thoughts? Who has a passion for making a difference for poverty level single moms??? I DO! I've been a single mom most of my life! Where do we get started! Women Like Us Foundation?

Women Stories on Changing the World

Just an update on my research. I ordered Linda Tarr-Whelan's book on Amazon. It's called Women Lead the Way. Your Guide to Stepping Up to Leadership and Changing the World. Great stuff. This book is so well-researched and Linda Tarr-Whelan is so smart. She talks about a 30% solution, meaning the at least 30% of all of the leadership roles need to be held by women. This is the only way we will be able to create change in the world.

I am only into the book where she speaks about this mostly in reference to the corporate world. But I know that women's leadership in the areas of philanthropy are certainly just as needed. I think with our innate characteristics of nurture, relationship, collaboration and insight, our gifts are in this arena.

I'm starting an online course on feminine power...I think it will be about that same type of thing. Being true to who we are and no longer letting society dictate how we should react to the world. Using our own gifts.

Jim and I went on a hike today and we ran into an older gentleman. Struck up a conversation. He asked Jim what he did for a living.. They had a lovely conversation. He didn't ask me what I do. Well, not until way way into a long walk. I was getting ticked off to tell you the truth. But then he came through and we talked about what I do. I was glad. I hate to be so sensitive. Is that stuff still going on where what the man does is important but we girls, not so much? Tell me it's not true.

Questionaire for Women's Stories of Passion and Purpose

Ok, I have created a questionaire for those who will share their stories with me. The stories should be about how you found your passion and how you have put purpose to it. And then perhaps your story could get in the next book. It focuses on women creating change in the world. Here it is. Let me know what you think, ok?

Questionaire for Women Like Us Book

Searching for women's stories

Me again. Well, it is a daunting task to write a book. Putting words on paper that make sense and encourage the reader to keep reading is both inspiring and exhausting. But it's a passion and I keep on going.

I am looking for stories of women who have a passion and either are looking how to put a purpose to her passion or have already done so. An example is my writing partner, Dr Sally Brown Bassett who has a passion for traveling the world. She put purpose to her passion when she founded Ambassadors for Children. It's a non profit that travels to third world countries and helps children.

The stories I am looking for can be about simple helping others in ones community to make a difference in the world.
The book title: Women Like Us: Real Storeis and Strategies for Creating Change in the World.

How have women made a difference? Have they put purpose to their passion?

Hello

Hello anyone who happens to stumble upon this blog.
My name is Linda Rendleman. I have spent the majority of my life with a passion for empowering, motivating and supporting women to be the best that they can be. I have raised 3 children mostly as a single mom. I had a lot of help with my third child, AJ, from his father. But I pretty much raised my first two children, from a first marriage, completely on my own. They are Jane and Catt.

Anyway, I have a pretty public profile through my company of 10 years, Business Women Connect, and I have started fulfilling my life dream by writing my books and editorials on stories that empower women. It is my legacy to connect with women and share what I have learned over the years through my work, my reading and my writing.

I have decided to start this blog as a personal project, not connected with my other endeavors. And I am in hopes that I may find friends along the way that will share their thoughts with me, help guide me and hopefully I can offer contributions to them, as well.

This can be difficult for me as I have usually been in the position of giving advice and offering mentoring rather than vice versa.

You see, I am beginning my second book with my partner. She and I together have started the Women Like Us Foundation. Women Like Us is a book series that I have started. Not knowing where it all will lead, it is my gift to the world. However humble.

The first book is Women Like Us: Real Stories and Strategies for Living Your Best Life and the second book is Women Like Us Real Stories and Strategies for Creating Change in the World. I am in the middle of writing and research. The point of this blog is to post my progress on the book and I hope to find some helpful ideas, stories and resources along the way.

Thank you in advance for reading and thank you in advance for any ideas you may have to make this book a good, informative and empowering one for women.