*All articles were featured in monthly PWG Connection Newsletters distributed in St. Charles, St. Louis, and East St. Louis Areas through Connections to Success Midwest*

Inspirations from an Everyday Woman    by Jana Gamble    Copyright © 2007

(August Issue)

Alright Ladies, do you even remember your New Year’s resolutions?
Okay, even if you can recall what your goal was I can bet that most of us stopped working toward them long before March.
Well let’s get ready for Fall-
Faithfully Acknowledge Life Lessons.

Get ready to flourish more than you have yet in 2007!
As the trees slowly turn into a beautiful sight so shall you as you begin accomplishing your goals.
It’s easy to point out our flaws, but this month celebrate all of your successes and the journey you took to earn each one.
Remind yourself as you see the leaves falling one by one that this is how you will move toward your dreams.
You will attain your goals taking one step at a time and by:

Inspirations from an Everyday Woman    by Jana Gamble    Copyright © 2008

(January Issue)

Ladies when was the last time that you scheduled some “ME Time?”
Wait! Do you even know what “ME Time” is?
You can easily remember “ME Time” as Meaningful Enjoyment for yourself.
Have you pampered yourself lately? Well the time is NOW! Ladies, if we don’t take care of ourselves on a regular basis we may start to fall apart. Now others may not see it from the outside- but inside mentally, emotionally, and/or spiritually you may be withering away. Let’s all start today. If it’s 10 minutes a day or a couple of hours a week, it doesn’t matter how long you take or even what you do. The key is to purposefully schedule some “ME Time” to take care of yourself or else you won’t do it.
Women tend to put their own needs behind those of their family and friends. It is very fulfilling to be a giver, but simply don’t forget to give unto yourself. Your “ME Time” doesn’t even have to cost you any money, it may just give you some peace and relaxation. Get a manicure, go for a walk, read a book, meditate, even take a bubble bath, or start moving toward that dream that you put aside. So don’t wait another minute- grab your calendar and claim your “ME Time.” now!

(March Issue)

No matter how old we are it must be acknowledged that we should be constantly growing in a positive direction. Today begin consciously becoming aware of the way you behave toward those around you and in the environments you find yourself. One can often observe, not only from their own instances but others as well,that many people treat those closest to them with the least amount of respect, patience and appreciation compared to those we may be working with or for.
It says in Luke 6:31 to "do unto others as you want done unto you." And my message to you is to "Treat others great in 08!"

Grab a pen and paper girls. Answer using the following scale:
4-Excellent, 3-Good, 2-Fair, 1-Poor

Fill in the blank with each of the following (a-e) for each of the four question endings:

a. greet, b. react, c. encourage, d. assist, e. thank

How do I ____ the people at work?    a._ b._c._d._e._
                        church/meetings?    a._ b._c._d._e._
                             closest friend?    a._ b._c._d._e._
                                 my family?     a._ b._c._d._e._

Use this excercise to consciously strengthen yourself by reminding you to "Treat everyone great in 08"- especially those you have been disregarding.

(April Issue)

You are “Powerful BEYOND Measure!” Ladies you may ask yourself sometimes, “how can I become more powerful?” The first step you have already taken because you are reading these very words- trying to stay inspired. Powerful people are always learning and reading about new things. It is not only important to learn about things in our society and in others, but more importantly to study ourselves. Just like in any subject that you may examine, within yourself you will find positive and negative components. Depending on how you feel about yourself on any particular day it may be easier for you to see one of these areas greater than the other.
Pause for a moment. Take a relaxing breath in and slowly exhale.
Now, for about ten seconds think about everything positive that you find in yourself. Next, out loud speak the positive words that others say about your character.
What is the one word that stands out to you the most? Write it here:__________
Pause again and think about how that makes you feel. Once again take a relaxing breath in and slowly exhale repeating 1-2 times. Now, for about five seconds think about what you would like to improve about yourself.
How do others perceive these weaknesses in you character?
In one word what would you like to improve on the most? Write it here:__________
Think about the feeling that word gives you.
Finally, take a deep relaxing breath in and slowly exhale.
Now look at the second answer written down. Think about how changing that one area will in turn make all of the already great things about your character that much more powerful. Finally, stretch yourself by making a list of 7 questions that you will ask yourself daily to help you prove that you're “Powerful BEYOND Measure!” 

(August Issue)

Recently I attended the 2008 Success Summit in Los Angeles, California. As the PWG Delegate for Midwest I was able to fully understand the vision and mission that the CEO on down have for Dress for Success. I attended several informative and inspirational sessions lead by speakers in the top of their industries.
Ladies, we must reach out to all the other women that can benefit from Dress for Success and all of the other programs that Connections to Success has to offer. We also need to refresh our memories and stay informed of all of these opportunities available for us to freely take advantage of which will help us grow professionally, personally and spiritually.
As your leader for the 2009 Community Action Project (CAP), I promise to lead you and our communities in a positive direction. Yes, we will include East St. Louis, St. Louis, and St. Charles in our CAP. As one of your speakers this month, I look forward to seeing all of you at the August PWG meetings in your area. Please come prepared to share your ideas for the 2009 CAP which we will be voting on.
“May each of you realize your role as a leader in your everyday life and maximize your opportunity to lead those around you to greatness!”- Jana M. Gamble