MARCH 30, 2018
GROWING INTO GREATNESS
LOVE. PEACE. KINDNESS
WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH SPECIAL ISSUE
INSPIRATION TO GROW INTO YOUR GREATNESS
HER STORY: TARANA BURKE AND THE RISE OF #METOO.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF MICHELLE OBAMA’S PORTRAIT
GREAT NEWS
FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND: ON THE PATH WITH MARJORIE BELTON SETTLES
FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND EXPLORES THE JOURNEY OF WOMEN
!1
MARCH 30, 2018
GROWING INTO GREATNESS
LOVE. PEACE. KINDNESS
This month’s issue of GREAT NEWS celebrates women. In honor of Women’s History Month, we shine the spotlight on a few of the women that are inspiring us, including Serena Williams. We discuss women’s health, pay tribute to mothers, and tell the stories of amazing women, such as Marjorie Belton Settles that are making us proud each day.
We all love Serena Williams! Our favorite quote this month is from our champion.
!2
MARCH 30, 2018
GROWING INTO GREATNESS
LOVE. PEACE. KINDNESS
“Over time, I became much more conscious of the impact I had, and I became more conscious of what I had to do to make a difference. I embrace being a leader and continuing to pave the way for the next generation…I want my daughter to be truthful and honest, strong and powerful; to realize that she can impact those around her. I want her to grow up knowing a woman’s voice is extremely powerful. As females, we need to continue to be loud and make sure we are heard.” Serena Williams
She sent a powerful message to all women in her “Until We All Win” campaign for Nike. Watch her incredible video and be inspired. Her message lends a powerful voice to the discussion of gender equality that we all need to have in our homes and our workplaces.
Tarana Burke: Voice of a movement. Voice of a generation. #METOO. We are eternally grateful to you. Read her story in BIOGRAPHY
and as an instrumental part of the silencebreakers in
TIME.
!3
MARCH 30, 2018
GROWING INTO GREATNESS
LOVE. PEACE. KINDNESS
FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND: ON THE PATH WITH MARJORIE BELTON SETTLES Footprints in the Sand is an interview series that explores the journey of the stars and rising stars in our community who are growing into their greatness by claiming their purpose, living a purpose-driven life and leaving impactful footprints in the sand for others to follow. Interviewed by @JanetAutherine. I am thrilled to introduce our audience to, Marjorie Belton Settles.
!4
MARCH 30, 2018
GROWING INTO GREATNESS
LOVE. PEACE. KINDNESS
Marjorie walks into a room with confidence, poise and a beautiful smile. She greets everyone like she has known you forever and leaves you feeling seen and heard. I first met her at a Jack and Jill of America event and as we chatted, I mentioned that I was writing a book and she immediately offered to support my efforts. I had a lot of doubts about my ability to become a successful author but when I walked away from her, I thought, “I can do this!” This is what it means to leave Footprints in the Sand. The little things that we say and do every single day can have a lasting impact on the lives of the people that we encounter. Is there any advice or life lesson that you would like to offer young women who are struggling to find their purpose and live a meaningful life? Never ever define who you are or who you can be by your gender. Every young woman should have an epiphany that from the time she was a very little girl, so much of what went on in her life was directly related to her gender. The sooner she figures this out, the sooner she will stand in her truth and become the dynamic woman that she is destined to be. How do you create a positive life balance so that you are engaging in the things that bring you joy, attending to your work and family responsibilities while actively pursuing your goals and dreams? I create a positive life balance by being very clear on my priorities, focusing and engaging in only the things that really matter and learning to say “no” without explanation. That is being “Fully Grown”. READ MORE
!5
MARCH 30, 2018
GROWING INTO GREATNESS
LOVE. PEACE. KINDNESS
FROM THE EDITOR: PRACTICING SELF-CARE A great way to honor the history of women is to care for yourself and care for your sisters. Taking time to practice self-care is necessary to do the hard work that is required of us on a daily basis. I learned that lesson many years ago during my struggle with both fibroids and thyroid issues. The cause was unclear but stress played a large role. When you are faced with an issue that is seemingly out of your control (health, business, relationship, family), you just focus on what you can influence in a positive way. As such, the struggle with Fibroids was the catalyst for my heightened self-care. Letting go of stress, negative energy, speaking from the heart, walking in my truth were the lessons that I learned on my journey. Everyone's journey is different. This poem is inspired by lessons learned from my journey but I hope that it helps someone along the path to spiritual wellness.
!6
MARCH 30, 2018
GROWING INTO GREATNESS
LOVE. PEACE. KINDNESS
My sisters, speak your truth. Embrace and love your whole being. Fiercely guard your heart. Be weary of anyone controlling your life in the name of God, the devil and everything in between. Clothed yourself in optimism and banish all forms of negative energy. Take time for mental and physical healthcare. Self-care is Life-care. Proudly recognize that you are the President, CEO and Keynote speaker of your life. Nothing important to you works without a healthy you. You are worthy of love, worthy of abundance and worthy of a healthy life. Always. READ MORE !7
MARCH 30, 2018
GROWING INTO GREATNESS
LOVE. PEACE. KINDNESS
WE LOVE AND CELEBRATE ALL MOTHERS Women’s history month would not be complete without a tribute to the amazing mothers who are juggling work and family while trying to find time to care for herself so that she has the strength to care for everyone
!8
MARCH 30, 2018
GROWING INTO GREATNESS
LOVE. PEACE. KINDNESS
else in her life. Many of us were raised by single mothers, so this month, we pay them a special tribute.
SINGLE MOTHERS
Your shoulders are heavy but you stand tall and raise your head high knowing that you are raising kings and queens, future leaders of the world You are pounding the pavement kicking butt, making it look easy but we know better; we know the struggle we understand the pain
You are sometimes joyful sometimes fearful saying quiet prayers crying silent tears working miracles with limited resources We see you We respect you We are proud of you We have your back The road feels lonely but you are not alone.
READ MORE
Thanks to our readers for joining us on this journey. We all love to get GREAT NEWS, so please share this E-Magazine with everyone in your circle. Also, we would love a follow on INSTAGRAM and FACEBOOK. Next month’s issue is all about inspiration. Until then, continue to shine brightly and grow into your greatness.
Attribution: Serena Williams photo and video by Nike and quote from the Washington Post. Michelle Obama portrait (National Portrait Gallery) via CNN. Tarana Burke’s story points to her profile on biography.com and Time.com. Interview and poetry from @JanetAutherine.
!9