Amongst the hodgepodges of clichés we’re told growing up on holds true for our P3 Jewel; “If you can do what you love for a living; it will never feel like working.” Julie Prim, a native of Dallas, TX, spent the first part of her collegiate career working on a degree in Government and Politics. She had the intent to become a politician, but had a change of heart and began to look for a new college and major. Her search landed her in North Carolina at NC State, “I packed up my stuff, put my dog in the car, and came to North Carolina.” Her genuine interest in helping others and her natural ability to be an objective listener prompted her shift from politics to psychology.

While pursuing her degree in psychology, Julie decided to start her own business. After a friend’s toddler recanted her Disney World trip and the joy of having breakfast with the Disney Princess she came up with the idea of, “A Fairy Tale Experience;” a princess party for girls of all ages. “I didn’t have birthday parties growing up,” Julie tells me, “I believe every child should experience something special.” Without wasting anytime she put together her website, placed ads to find princesses, and ordered everything needed to create memorable birthday party experiences. “It was a small risk, but I felt that it was worth it.” May 2010 she launched, A Fairy Tale Experience, and it’s been a big hit since then! Clients get to choose a princess for their child’s party and enjoy up to 2 hours of fun and games!

“Of course I had to find the balance between living in the moment; doing what I’m passionate about and doing what I have to do. So I work a part-time job in commercial real-estate, attend school, and run my company.” Julie is a busy woman, but when you’re able to do what you love, it’s easier to achieve that balance. As I talked with Julie I could sense how eager she is to help others and bring happiness into the lives of other people. Balancing her job, school, and business has been a task, “Until parties are done I can’t relax!” Between all of Julie’s princesses there can be up to nine parties booked for one day. At start she was only servicing the Raleigh-Durham area, but now has expanded to Roxboro, Ft. Bragg, and Burlington.

With the expansion of A Fairy Tale Experience, Julie has been open to the requests of planning other types of parties aside from birthdays, “I like the leadership role and having an input on projects; being creative. People come to me with their ideas and I’m able to make something tangible out of their ideas. I have a positive impact on important moments in their lives.” She pays close attention to detail and has a warm personality that puts clients at ease; allowing them to express all their ideas! The parties that Julie and her princess have created for clients have been amazing, “The children are always excited to see a real princess at their birthday parties!”

Julie is just beginning her journey to building a company that brings the dreams of children and sometimes adults to life!  As young women it is important to begin the search now for what we are passionate about and finding a way to incorporate that into our lives and if possible our careers. Even if what we are passionate about doesn’t fit the status quo of what we’ve been taught to believe, we must take the risk and stand in our authentic truth.

Drug addiction was one of many addictions.  My first addiction was love.  No matter what the cost, if my attention fixated on one particular man, I would do anything to make him love me.  I look back now, and can’t believe the crap I accepted from the men in my life, thinking, hoping, praying, wishing that they loved me.  More importantly, I have compassion for myself with the understanding that at that time, I didn’t love me, or think that I was worthy of love.  The men in my life mirrored back to me exactly the way I felt about myself.  They showed up as my angels clothed in the form of my deepest wounds.

Excerpt from soon to be released “She Lives” This wasn’t the first time Mark put his hands on me in a violent way.  I’ll never forget when he spent the night at my house verbally and physically abusing me.  He tried to ram my head into a concrete wall.  I was able to escape his grasp and run down the street to the telephone booth to call the police.  I ran past a few guys coming outside of a store, and I said to them “please help me, my boyfriend is beating me up”, and one of the guys looked at me and said, “a man has a right to do what he wants with is woman”.  Even then, I couldn’t believe it.   I made it to the telephone booth and dialed 911, but Mark came up behind me and slammed the phone down before I could talk to the dispatcher.  I fought him off and picked up the phone and dialed again.  He slammed the phone down again.  So, I gave up.  He took me by the hand to lead me back to my apartment, but before we got there, five police cars surrounded us.  They had traced the call I had tried to make.  They jumped out of their cars and asked if I was the one who made the call.  I told them yes, and that I was having a problem with my boyfriend.  This one police woman looked me straight in the eye and said “did he hit you”?  Mark looked like a deer in headlights.  He was scared shitless.  I averted my eyes from the policewoman, and said, “No, he did not hit me”. So, I would go and get high, blow all my money and then sleep with a stranger for drugs.  I would tell myself it served him right for being such a jerk, but of course, the real reason was, it paid for my drugs when I was out of money.  But I was also trying to make myself feel better about being so powerless and out of control.  I was hurting so badly, and felt so rejected and abandoned, I thought if I slept with someone else, even though drugs was one of the payoffs, it would somehow hurt this man that held my distorted attention in every waking moment, and who one minute gave me his heart, and the next, would leave me, abandoned, beaten and broken again.

Domestic violence was a huge part of my life growing up.  The way things were handled in my family, in particular with my siblings, were with violence.  I saw family members with black eyes and bloody noses one day, and cuddled up with the spouse that did it the next. I thought this was love.  I thought this was how it was done in relationships.  I thought the way you responded to a disagreement was with rage, screaming and hitting.  So, I lived that pattern out in my own life.  I attracted men in my life, where we were perfect mirrors for each other’s sorrow, rage and ignorance.

Healing is possible.  It’s a long road from such a depth of low self-worth to self-love, and there are days when you might feel like you can never have anything better, because the scars are so deep, and the patterns are so etched in your consciousness.  You might feel like giving up, but don’t. Keep on growing, keep going, you’ll make it.  In quoting another amazing woman, Hillary Clinton in her 2008 democratic speech, she says “By following the example of a brave New Yorker , a woman who risked her life to shepherd slaves along the Underground Railroad.   And on that path to freedom, Harriett Tubman had one piece of advice.  If you hear the dogs, keep going.  If you see the torches in the woods, keep going.  If they’re shouting after you, keep going.  Don’t ever stop. Keep going. If you want a taste of freedom, keep going.”

So, I say to you, no matter what anyone tries to tell you, or what your own habitual negative thinking is telling you, you are worthy, you are deserving of an amazing, loving, healthy life.  The road will seem dark and endless, but your life is right down that road.  Don’t give up on yourself before the miracle happens.  You’re worth it. I’ll be your testimony, until you can be your own.

Peace to you beloved,

Ester

Within that cycle, of course, variations exist—a dry winter or a mild fall—but we always can rely on the rhythm. One season follows the other. It’s a comfortable predictability in a world that often seems to be wildly unpredictable.

Luckily, it is possible to tap into that natural cycle, to bring into both our personal and professional lives a greater sense of flow and order.

It’s time for one of my favorite seasons. Is spring one of yours? In spring, everything is glistening, green and new. There is a feeling of expansion and a sense of renewal and reawakening. Seeds start to grow. People get outside more, becoming reacquainted with their gardens. We take on spring-cleaning projects and clear out clutter.

Have you considered how this season of new beginnings will impact you? Are you ready to reap what you sow? Here are some ideas to consider for both your personal and professional growth.

A few personal activities that align with spring:

What have you always longed to do? Perhaps you want to write a book or teach a class or foster a child. Let this be the year you take action on your dream! Find out what is keeping you from moving forward. Allow the rebirth of spring to inspire you to achieve your dreams and passions!

Is this the time to start developing a healthier lifestyle? We see our neighbors out walking dogs, jogging down the sidewalk or even playing an adult softball game. Challenge yourself to move from inspiration to action! Best of all, you’ll be able to leverage your new, invigorated burst of energy as you work toward meeting your other goals.

Notice, as well, if the seeds you’ve already planted are starting to sprout. Tend to them carefully, giving them ample time to grow. Perhaps this is a personal relationship. Have you noticed a positive change? Remember, it doesn’t have to be the BIG one. Are you curious about where this could lead? Take a risk and see where it takes you!

As a parent we are always looking for those sprouts of change. Celebrate the opportunity to cultivate the crops of our future! Recently I attended a Broadway History Class with my dramatic daughter and a Bible study class with my very intuitive daughter. You can imagine the conversation that followed each session! However, you can have unexpected quality time during a ride home from a practice, at the dinner table or even when you are planting a garden together. Spring is a perfect season for exploring these opportunities.

A few professional activities that align with spring:

Plant your own seeds by designing one or two new products or services for your organization. It’s a gift to allow you to dream. Always imagine how your success will look and feel. We often miss our own successes. What may seem crazy in the beginning could be the start of a really positive idea. So, give yourself lots of time for brainstorming and collaboration before honing your ideas. Sometimes it even helps to conceive the idea, walk away from it, and then edit your creation. Fine-tuning is the key!

When you’re ready, create a detailed launch plan with action steps and a timeline. Have you ever seen a brilliant idea die because the implementation seemed overwhelming? As we coaches suggest, break it down into manageable parts. Maybe even “storyboard” the process using simple post-its to organize (and re-organize) your tasks and timelines. However, as a special mentor of mine always reminded me, you eventually you have to “shoot.” You simply can’t wait for the ultimate perfection.

By tailoring some of what you do to the natural rhythms that allow, sustain and renew all life on earth, you might just find that your life and work are likewise supported, as they deepen, grow and prosper.

Ask yourself what other seeds you would like to sow—and what others already are starting to sprout. I encourage you to post your stories on the P3 Power Blast blog. You may be the one to plant the right seed and harvest an opportunity for another powerful, passionate and purposeful woman!

Jeannette Rudy Fitzwater, CEO and Founder of JR Fitzwater and Associates, is a Registered Corporate Coach who assists individuals and organizations transition through key changes. For additional information we invite you to visit www.jrfitzwater.com.

Maybe, you didn’t catch on to it, but I have a problem with comparing myself to other people.  Recently, I was questioned about my greatness.  No,  really someone asked me, “What makes you so great?”  It was thrown in my face that my bank account wasn’t plentiful and that i didn’t have some impressive career.   If this had been a year or even a few months ago I would’ve been in tears.  All I could think was, ‘Is this person seriously asking me this?’  I was also deemed an “wannabe” writer.

You know something?  I laughed.  I can perform a Google search on my blog and it shows up.  If you type in my name you’ll find articles.   I have the privilege of sharing my life lessons and experiences with you all every month with open arms from the editorial staff.  No, I’m not at some major nationally circulated print publication.  I’m perfectly happy where I am with my writing.  I can do exactly what and when I want.  If I feel the urge to pitch stories around the city then I do it.  Don’t get me wrong it’s great to be connected with fellow writers in “higher” places.  Right now, if someone cannot connect me to a publisher owner chances are I won’t land a job.   It’s a game of nepotism and more than who you know, it’s what’s their rank?  I’m not in college anymore hoping to get to talk to an editor who usually gave me advice and never spoke to them again.  Then I needed it and to this day I truly appreciated it because I’ve learned that I must make my own way.

As for my bank account?  Money never has or never will make me.

My professional career?  I do a variety of jobs to make it and works.  Writing is something that I do that makes me feel good, but it isn’t who I am.

So what is it that makes Lauren Wilder aka Wilder in Real Life so great?   I could sit here and market myself to you, but if you have to ask go ahead and shoot me an email.  No, seriously.

It’s taken me a long time to get to the point where I can say, “I love you, Lauren, with all my heart.”  Since I’ve gotten here I can let things roll off more of course I get upset and disappointed.  Then I have to remind myself others don’t define me, I do.  I’m sharing this with you all as not a tangent, an epiphany, or some ego trip.  I’m sharing this because if you’re not to the point where you don’t let the material things, career, and aesthetics define you…then something is coming to shake everything.

There’s a poem called “Ego Tripping (there may be a reason why” by Nikki Giovanni;  I try to remain humble, but man does this poem make me smile.
I was born in the congo
I walked to the fertile crescent and built
the sphinx
I designed a pyramid so tough that a star
that only glows every one hundred years falls
into the center giving divine perfect light
I am bad

I sat on the throne
drinking nectar with allah
I got hot and sent an ice age to europe
to cool my thirst
My oldest daughter is nefertiti
the tears from my birth pains
created the nile
I am a beautiful woman

I gazed on the forest and burned
out the sahara desert
with a packet of goat’s meat
and a change of clothes
I crossed it in two hours
I am a gazelle so swift
so swift you can’t catch me

For a birthday present when he was three
I gave my son hannibal an elephant
He gave me rome for mother’s day
My strength flows ever on

My son noah built new/ark and
I stood proudly at the helm
as we sailed on a soft summer day
I turned myself into myself and was
jesus
men intone my loving name
All praises All praises
I am the one who would save

I sowed diamonds in my back yard
My bowels deliver uranium
the filings from my fingernails are
semi-precious jewels
On a trip north
I caught a cold and blew
My nose giving oil to the arab world
I am so hip even my errors are correct
I sailed west to reach east and had to round off
the earth as I went
The hair from my head thinned and gold was laid
across three continents

I am so perfect so divine so ethereal so surreal
I cannot be comprehended except by my permission

I mean…I…can fly
like a bird in the sky…

What’s Wilder up to?

By Lisa Thomas,

Hurry up already, What’s taking so long?!?

When I’m standing in a room full of professional  and business women speaking on this subject, I often say, ” you know….. “patience” …..my fellow leaders,      really is a virtue!!!”

Read on!

I’d gotten a live pot of tulips for mother’s day last year and they were absolutely gorgeous.  Because I love plants and seeing their growth, I was excited that I would have a chance to experience tulips for a bit longer than just this one time.  So I watched them grow taller and taller week by week.

One day I decided it was time to re- pot their beauty so they could grow even larger. Soon after being transferred the tulips slowly wilted and died…no more beautiful tulips!

But for me there was hope.

Having a green thumb, I thought no problem, I’ll just see what happens if I water the soil for a while. Surely tulips will reappear again. Now, I knew nothing about tulips, but I did know that if I water a soiled seed; in this case a bulb, something would soon grow.

So I began watering the soil as I did my other plants, watching every month or so to see if something would reappear. I’d longed to see the multicolored tulips like before, but after several months I saw nothing.  In fact, one day it looked like the dirt was turning a moldy gray color.

Would I ever see the tulips?

I began to worry after about 7 months. Had I killed it by moving and disturbing the soil too soon? Had I over watered it? I was plagued with thoughts of how I must’ve done something wrong!

I should’ve seen something by now.  My other plants had grown so much since this one entered the family.  But in spite of my worries, I chalked it all up and still watered the soil.

Another month passed and nothing.  Frustration had now begun to set in. I mean all this work and no plant, just moldy dirt. I couldn’t take it anymore so I finally went to the store and bought a small tiny plant that I admired and place it on top of the soil. I had to have something to deal with my mind about this watered soil not producing my beautiful flowers when“I” had expected.

Sometimes we’re like that about other things in life, right?  We get impatient with ourselves and others because we don’t see the results we’ve been longing for “when” we want them.  In fact, in some cases we stop dead in our tracks, because we’re working real hard or so we think and there’s no harvest that we can physically see.  It doesn’t come fast enough so we quit. Little do we know the harvest is about to take shape. It is germinating, finding it’s way to the universe; the physical world for all to see.  Rather than wait, we “kill it” right there at that critical point when things are about to break through.

I deliberately put the small plant on top of the soil I’d been watering to trick and train my mind into thinking my works were not in vain.

After a month of training my brain,  I removed the small plant and there I saw something peek through the soil. It was the beginning of life; it had forced it’s way to the surface.  It took 9 months of constant watering, nurturing and caring for the soil to see something come through – 9 months!!!!…Sort of like birth. It takes 9 months to birth a child. The baby is conceived which we cannot physically see but the process and system of creating life is happening. It’s happening  “inside the mother” so that life can emerge fully equipped for the world after the 9 month period has passed.

How many times have you started to venture into something new and just before things pop, you get mad and quit?

Many of my clients who are successful business women and executives find themselves in this predicament time and time again. There’s something they want to achieve but have never done, and they want it so bad they can taste it. The problem lies in wanting it right now or on their time line. But sometimes a big harvest doesn’t come right away.

The system and time line for growth is an unknown factor, yet they operate like they know how long it takes.

Most of the time, we under estimate the manifestation time line and we lose faith in our abilities to produce. Small milestones are necessary to trick the brain into “knowing” you can and will produce.  Les Brown once said, “we don’t truly know our potential because we aim too low and make it rather than aim too high and miss”. I believe you should and can aim high, however set milestones that help you see the results.  Let’s face it the world wants results and so do you. Set yourself up to win.

I didn’t know a lot about tulips, but I knew that a watered seed in the right soil that’s cared for in a systematic way would produce a harvest. I also knew that depending on the plant, the time line could be a month or several months to fully come into physical existence.

If you ever find yourself wanting to give up and give in, wait a while and stay the course. Nurture your soul as I did by training your brain that there are results being produced.  Give yourself a break and acknowledge things are just delayed by your time line but not by the time line of growth.  After all, with a big goal, you aren’t always certain how long it really takes anyway, but you do know consistency produces. Enjoy the journey and watch the riches of life manifest!!!

Lisa Thomas provides Life Coaching for Women. Her mission is empowering women worldwide. She is a Expert Success and Leadership Coach, host of The P3 Power Boost Radio Show and Visionary for Women. Lisa has been featured on NBC, Fox 8 News and various radio shows around the country.

Contact her directly for your Private P3 Power Session where you will begin the journey of discovery. It will be the best 60 minutes of your life. Remember, power, passion and purpose begins with the spirit of who you are.

For a private P3 Power Session, media inquiries, speaking engagements and free life changing videos, visit http://www.theP3Group.com

“When we are born we come into the world fully equipped with nothing lacking, nothing missing; it is only our thoughts, our feelings and our emotions that drive us into thinking that we are inadequate”…..Lisa Thomas

Prepare Me

Prayer For Today…

By Rev. Diannia Baty

Prepare me to use my words with intention today.
Prepare me to be a divine messenger of Peace.
Prepare me to release,
The bonds of the past.

Prepare me with guidance throughout the day.
Prepare me to release any thoughts that do not lift me up.
Prepare me to allow the filling of my cup.
Prepare me to remember the way.

Nudge me as I need, desire and want your presence.
I want to remember what I was born to be.
Prepare me to know and see the unseen.

Prepare me, Oh God…Prepare me!
www.makeachoicenow.com

By: Angela Harper

When I approached Lisa Thomas with the idea of creating, “The P3 Jewels,” I was not fully sure what I was asking, but knew it needed to be done. The P3 Power Boost has grown tremendously and our number of young readers has increased. We’ve all felt the generational gap in some magnitude and it’s my intent to help close that gap. I wanted to create a section of The P3 Power Boost that would highlight younger women who are living a life of Power, Purpose, and Passion! Lisa is a visionary and pushed me to get this section started. I am excited and honored to bring our readers a P3 Jewel each month to accompany our P3 Pearl!

I’ve heard countless times from various people that it is wise to surround yourself with positive, honest, and like minded people. The concept of doing this may not immediately make sense; however, once it’s applied to your daily routine, everything falls into place. Throughout my dialogue with young entrepreneur, Ashley Lambert, I received more confirmation on the importance of surrounding yourself with dynamic individuals. At 26 years of age, Ashley Lambert has made amazing accomplishments and gained knowledge that others may take years to acquire. As the CEO of Ashley Lambert Realty, she has met her share of obstacles, but has defeated them with style, grace, and an energetic personality that will captivate your attention for hours!

The spirit of entrepreneurship has always been a part of her and she’s had the chance to assist others with their business ventures and take a try at her own. She earned her undergraduate degree in education and biology at Salem College and studied accounting at Guilford College and Guilford Technical Community College. Ashley has found success as an independent business owner in Amway and Pre-Paid Legal. Not having a glass ceiling on her possible income and able to get rewarded for her hard work has been a driving force in her business ventures, but more importantly a connection with her clients has been most significant. “I had a team of 270 people when I did Pre-Paid Legal,” she says, “but I didn’t know my team. I believe it’s imperative to build a strong relationship with your teammates and clients; this was something I was unable to do.”

We chatted more about her journey into real estate and how she moved from being an assistant to a realtor to owning her own company. With excitement she explained to me that while working as an assistant she became interested in the teaching aspect of real estate. “I began training to be a Buyer’s Agent and loved it,” she explained, “I want people to make a sound decision when buying a home; buy from facts and not emotions.” She worked diligently for the company until she felt it was time to “fly the coop.” Ashley may be petite in stature, but is a giant in confidence! She took her leap of faith, started her own real estate agency, and has yet to look back!

Even the most adventurous and fearless person has that moment when they reconsider what they’re doing or about to do. When asked what were her biggest challenges starting Ashley Lambert Realty, “Having the courage to put my name on it, setting myself apart from others, and creating a genuine open door policy for my clients to ask questions. It was a big responsibility and I did have my doubts, but I continued to work for what I wanted.” Through her hard work and perseverance she achieved this goal.

Setting her company apart from other companies came when she put her personal morals into her company, “I educate my clients. I want to make sure they are making the best decision for them; not the best decision for me. I have to be able to sleep at night!” Her education for clients is not limited to those who are in the process of buying a home. Ashley has started a series of video blogs (vlogs) teaching the general public about home buying and renting. I’ve taken a liking to watching the vlogs and have gained information that I was completely clueless about! The human connection between businesses and clients has dwindled throughout the years, but Ashley works hard to maintain that connection. Her open door policy is real and her Southern charm is an added bonus!

Being her own boss has given her the freedom to expand on her philanthropy work also! She frequently supports The Susan G. Komen Foundation and charities focused on Multiple Sclerosis. “My mom is a huge part of my support system. She has Multiple Sclerosis and is still active; even through the pain she is smiling and positive!” Ashley’s support system not only consists of her mom; she has a business mentor William Wilson of William Wilson Clothing. William has given her the advice, “Dream big, but have the steps to reach that dream!” Ashley says he gives tough love and is straight forward, “He’s the one who told me to Google myself often and be aware of how I represent myself at all times.” She has tapped into the power of social networking with the guidance of Justin Rascoe, CEO of Grassroots Design. Another person continuing to educate Ashley and of course deliver some tough love is Wells Fargo lender, Tia Timmons.

“It is important to surround yourself with educated people who know what they are doing and who are successful in their field.” Ashley shared with me. This statement made me think of the quote that sarcastically says a person shouldn’t call the electrician to fix their plumbing. Ashley has certainly called upon the right people to support her on this journey. She understands the need for this also, “We see things through our own eyes. I thought my website was great until William Wilson looked at it and told me that a consumer wouldn’t like it and why. Your support system will tell you who to work with, critique your work, and encourage you. You must trust your support system.”

Paying it forward is in Ashley’s nature. Through her vlogs, educational seminars, and open door policy, she is paving the way not only for future realtors, but for anyone who is interested in starting their own business. Her quick tip for young women eager to become entrepreneurs, “Education is key! Stay on top of what’s going on in your industry. Surround yourself with educated people and people who believe in what you’re doing.” Her willingness to serve others has contributed to her success in life and in real estate. In life it is not enough to do for ourselves; we must reach out to others and help them. Ashley is proof that we truly never stand alone and no matter your age when you feel the need to take the leap of faith…take it and don’t look back!

I didn’t make it home for the 2010 holiday season. Naturally, I was pretty bummed then I had a pretty sweet Christmas and peaceful New Year’s Eve.

I’m glad it’s 2011 because I’ve looked back on previous posts, diary entries, and revisited (entirely too often) past feelings of hurt and frustration, I was getting a little pathetic. I intend to leave everything good and bad in last year. I really did take away a lot and realized that I need to just let go, I deserve it. With that said, I’m taking this year to move forward and focus on things that make me happy.

My life isn’t about entertaining people even though I’m glad you do read my sometimes “Debbie Downer” life lessons. If I have issues with something it’s up to me to change it.

I’ll be home for Valentine’s Day weekend. The husband of one of my closest friends is throwing a huge birthday party for her. It’ll be wonderful to come home for a celebration of a person who radiates so much joy. Not too mention it’s the perfect holiday to go home in a cheesy sort of way. I’m not big on Valentine’s Day not because of my singledom, but the commercialization of love. This year it has a bit of depth (just the coincidence of it all) because I’ll get to see my family and be amongst friends who know me well.

I’m glad to say that I’ve gotten over this lonely streak; it’s simply a part of life. If I continue to do things that I enjoy and pull the reins for my happiness then everything else will fall into place. No one ever told me I would be alone, but I was always told to find my happiness and love. All of the wonderful things in life start within.

The month of February seems to bring most people into the presence of love because Valentine’s day is around the corner. I’ve often wondered why it is such a big deal now rather than just a natural part of our lives. I’m sure there is some historical monumental moment that has generated such buzz for a holiday and there was a decision made to have it be celebrated yearly. However love is such an emotion that deserves full recognition throughout the year, don’t you think?

Imagine simply showing love on February 14th and not fully engaging or being present any other time of year – wouldn’t those you love miss the depth of meaning they are to you?

My husband, Jonn and I have been married now for 16 years. This year we embark on 17 and it has been an amazing journey being with such a caring, thoughtful individual. I think I grow fonder of him as the years go by. In the early years, I’d say being in love was certainly an experience we both felt, however amazingly over the years our relationship has grown beyond being in love. There’s a deep profound kind of friendship that has been born as well. I truly can’t think of a better friend than him. His commitment to me and my work/vision is unwavering and mine to his the same.

We’ve worked very diligently at having our relationship be one of loyalty, support, commitment and kindness. I’m shocked when I hear couples say they don’t talk or they talk at each other. I sit and wonder exactly  how that works. I couldn’t imagine being in a relationship where we had unresolved issues, felt afraid to broach a subject or skipping around to ensure no one’s feathers were ruffled, but unfortunately some people do. It’s like hoping issues will resolve themselves without your input.

Most end in divorce because they are fairly positional about who’s right and who’s wrong.  No war was ever resolved with both parties on a position unwilling to be open for a discussion.

In light of our heart beating month of love, I’d like to offer our power, passion and purpose for staying together and keeping love alive throughout the year.

First, we have purpose:  We both know who we are individually and who we are as a couple. Jonn has a vision that everyone has what they need to be who they are. My personal vision is “every woman lives a life of power, passion and dreams come true”. Collectively we are a “beacon for spiritual and financial prosperity creating wealth for generations to come.”  Purpose drives us to be great to each other and for each other. Purpose drives our relationship to be great. Greatness exemplifies our collective vision.

Next, we have passion:  Individually and collectively we have a passion for making a difference in the lives of others.  Our desire and passion drives us to make the difference for others and also for ourselves. Each conversation we have is filled with passionate desire to be better than we were when we entered the dialogue. Passion drives successful communication leaving no stone unturned.

Finally, we have power: Personal power lies in choice. We choose life as it is presented. We choose to love each other in moments when it seems impossible. We choose to live life powerfully through the challenges. We choose each other and all that comes with the choice. We accept each other for who we are and who we’re not. The power of having an extraordinary juicy and incredible relationship lies in choice. Love exists in the moment you create it to be there. And we create it as a practice.

Give it a try yourself. Power, Passion and Purpose in every relationship is worth having. It brings more love to you when you choose to create it. Let’s celebrate this heart beating month of love with choice, shall we?

Lisa Thomas provides Life Coaching For Women. Her mission is empowering women worldwide.

Lisa  is the President and CEO of The P3 Group, Inc, Vision and Leadership Support Coach and Visionary for Women. Featured on NBC’s My Carolina Today, Charlotte Today, World Puja Network, Dr. Pat Show and Conscious Talk Radio. For more information about this segment or a 60 min Power Session, contact Lisa at 910 221 9294 or 704 909 7663. Visit the website at http://www.TheP3Group.com.

For media inquiries or speaking engagements, contact Annika Murray at 678 807 9486.

Eleanor LeCain is a dynamic speaker who gives people hope and inspiration, helping them understand what is happening now, and what we can do to improve our lives and build a new world.  With over 20 years experience in finding and communicating breakthrough solutions in a variety of fields, Ms. LeCain is an expert in social innovation. Understanding that women are vital for needed changes, she draws on her expertise in women’s leadership to offer seminars and retreats for women. She speaks about leadership and social innovation to emerging and established leaders around the world from Harvard University to Kyoto, Japan, Oslo, Norway, and Penang, Malaysia among others.

Ms. LeCain’s articles have been published widely from the New York Times to the Boston Business Journal to Le Monde in Paris, France. She profiles breakthrough solutions – in green jobs, education, parenting, crime, marriage, conflict transformation, health, philanthropy, and ending poverty – in her new book, Breakthrough Solutions: How to Improve Your Life and Change the World by Building on What Works. The Introduction is written by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. She has been a guest commentator on numerous radio and television networks.

As a consultant, Ms. LeCain shows organizational and government leaders the transformational programs, people and principles that can improve results, save money, and strengthen communities. Drawing on her expertise in social innovation, Ms. LeCain expands the capacity of organizations and communities to see new possibilities and increase effectiveness by understanding the opportunities in this historic moment and by learning from breakthrough solutions.

Ms. LeCain is currently President of NewWayUSA, dedicated to improving lives by identifying and building on breakthrough solutions. She brings fresh perspectives that enable people and organizations to see new opportunities, improve relationships, strengthen leadership and generate new streams of revenue.  She draws on her twenty years of research and experience in social innovation, and her wide network of colleagues with expertise in the best of what’s working in their fields.

As Executive Director of Blueprint 2000, Ms. LeCain was hired by the Massachusetts state government to create a strategic plan for the future of the Commonwealth that addressed every area of public policy. She also served as the Massachusetts Assistant Secretary of State.  Ms. LeCain served as an adviser to the Kyoto Businessman’s Association in Japan on opportunities in environmental business.  The National Committee on Responsive Philanthropy hired her as a strategic planner for their organization addressing the field of philanthropy and strategic giving. In 2003, Ms. LeCain designed and led a leadership seminar for women in Afghanistan, sponsored by Eve Ensler and the V-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women and Girls. She is the founding President of Women of Vision and Action, an international network of spiritually aware women taking action for a better world.

Ms. LeCain earned a degree in Economics from Yale University, and a degree in Law and Social Policy from the University of California Boalt Law School.  She lives in Washington, DC with her husband and daughter. To enroll Ms. LeCain as a speaker or consultant for your organization, email Team@newwayusa.com.