Recently I came across this book and I know it was the title that drew it to me. On this journey to authenticity, I am being open to serendipitous messages and events that are timely delivered when I need it (such as this book). I originally started this blog when I turned 40 so I could truly become authentic, find my voice, and live a life that is purposeful and truthful. I am finding that in the past year and a half, (can it really be that long??), I have found books, people, places, and events that bring me closer to that inner peace and knowing.
This book, I Am A Woman Finding My Voice- Celebrating the Extraordinary Blessings of Being a Woman by Janet F Quinn, is such a gift. It is a gift I gave to myself and one that I turn to when I just need that little extra something to get me to that quiet place to listen deeply to myself.
The book is small, but packed with wonderful affirmations for women who are really working on finding their way in life. The author has personal stories and often just short messages about how to nurture yourself, honor your voice, and create a meaningful life in the midst of the craziness of everyday life.
I often read this book in passing… I have it in my bedroom and can turn to it when I need a pick me up. I have read it chronologically although it certainly does not need to be read cover to cover. Sometimes I like to just ask the Universe to deliver me a message that I need and randomly flip to a page. This has often been a wonderful, unexpected event…. letting me read some poignant words speaking right to my issues, problems, or concerns at the moment.
Sometimes it’s an obvious message, other times I just read it, absorb it, and let it simmer.
Today I asked for some guidance for moving forward with all I have going on in my life and for a message to ground me. Here is what I received:
I am a woman respecting myself (pg. 120)
Respect–re-spect–means to look again. I am a woman looking again at myself and liking what I see. I am doing the very best I can with the resources and gifts I have been given. I am staying on my path, fulfilling my responsibilities. I deserve respect, not for anything I’ve done, but for the simple reason that I am a human being. Whether my work in the world is cleaning the executive bathroom or being the sole owner of its key has no bearing here–I deserve no more or no less respect because of my work. Respect is my birthright. But respect begins with me. For too long I have allowed others to determine my opinion of myself. Somewhere I heard the phrase, your opinion of me is none of my business. It’s true., but I haven’t always acted that way. I have allowed others’ ideas about my ideas and bout women to make me feel embarrassed, humiliated, and foolish, losing respect for myself. That was then, and this is now. Now I am a woman respecting myself.
Ok, message received! I’m going to keep this close to me today and this week and really focus on respecting myself, my voice, and others.
