DARE Magazine Issue #5 March 2012

dare give yourself the world ™

MARCH 2012

Meet CNN Hero of the Year

Profitable Property Investing

Events Around the World

LAUNCH OF 3RD FEMALE ASTRONAUT

TOP 10

Journey to Over 15 Countries

Challenge:

CHAOS TO CALM

Winning the Battle...

With Peace

Celebrating 101 Years of International Women's Day MARCH 2012

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dare (dâr) v. be courageous enough to try; challenge to do something requiring boldness; to venture to do or undertake; not be afraid; taking risks

n. an act of daring; challenge [Latin: be bold; Greek: to give; a gift; to offer]

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contents |

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dare featured book

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who’s behind dare dare book shelf

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Tragedy Weaves Tightly With Joy With Robin Lim

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Winning The Battle... With Peace With Josephine Thomson

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Into The Universe... and Beyond With Dr Soyeon Yi

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Profitable Property Investing With Jennie Brown

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Victim Fashion Street With Mei Hui Liu

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Our Top 10 Pick International Women’s Day Events Around the World

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Virginia Woolf Mad Happiness

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dare legacy

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dare change

Restoring Education in East Timor With Tierri Abraham 54 Stepping Up and Stepping Out in 2012 With Fabe Keily

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Transforming Chaos Into Calm With Tania Usher

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dare challenge

dare featured author

Mandy Nolan What I Would Do If I Were You

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dare give yourself the world ™

Founder and Editor-In-Chief Tania Usher Executive Editor Dana Strong Production Manager Hazel Theocharous Research Editor Jordan Taylor Online Content Editor Saskia Blum Cerneaz Social Media Editor Jess Taylor Creative Director Tristan Baliuag Financial Director Steve Vooles Director of Partnering Ashley Baker Sponsorship@DareOutLoud.com Feature Writer Dana Strong Word Master www.StrongIdeas.com.au Contributing Writers Tierri Abraham Freelance Writer tierri@onthenet.com.au Special International Women's Day Feature presented by dare and

www.DareOutLoud.com www.InspirationalWomen.tv Cover Image Robin Lim www.RobinLimSupport.org Published by

PO Box 1809 • Kingscliff NSW 2487 • Australia Email: editor@DareOutLoud.com Web: www.DareOutLoud.com Editorial Submissions

Do you have a bold business strategy, courageous story, intrepid adventure or wellbeing solution you’d like to share with dare readers?

Then we’d love to hear from you. Submissions should speak directly to our readers who are daring, heart-centred entrepreneurs challenging out-dated conventions to join a movement which ignites change in the world.

Copyright © 2011Tania Usher International

All artwork, design and content of dare are the property of Tania Usher International and must not be duplicated or copied without written permission. Submit queries to editor@DareOutLoud.com.

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dare to join us?

Become an Exclusive Sponsorship Partner

With a global distribution of 100,000 it’s an exciting time to join the dare community.

If you believe your business is a good fit for dare we would be delighted to support you with sharing your gifts with the world.

Connect with Director of Partnering, Ashley Baker at sponsorship@DareOutLoud.com for full details.

dare welcome

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lthough it’s our differences that define us, as women, we’re bound by a history of shared experiences. We’re freedom fighters triumphing over centuries of injustice. We’re lovers, who for 30,000 years resided over peaceful and egalitarian social structures. We’re healers saving millions in healthcare with kitchen cupboard medical kits. We’re mothers and daughters who journey with the tides and cycles of the earth. We’re life bearers carrying in our bones the instinct to protect and nurture.

As we celebrate 101 years of International Women’s Day, I invite you to embrace this heritage which continues to unite the collective well of womanhood.

You don’t have to go too far outside yourself to make a difference. By embracing the many layers of yourself - the compassion, fear, pain, joy, vulnerabilities while never giving up on your commitment to inner fulfillment - you create inner peace which in turn brings greater peace to the world.

In this special IWD edition, we promise to share with you the spectacular occasion of women gathering in numbers around the world, speaking from the heart and reaching wide with their message for a healing future. It’s time to speak up and have your say...

...I dare you Click the banner below to listen to my recent interview broadcast with the dynamic

Tania Ludwina Dautovic, host of Red Tent Radio.

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discover a world of limitless possibility embrace life’s daring adventures connect with entrepreneurs igniting change dare to join us SUBSCRIBE NOW www.DareOutLoud.com MARCH 2012

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dare who’s behind

OFTEN TOUTED as the “Queen of Connection”, Tania Usher is internationally renowned for her daring philosophies for uncovering an authentic success mindset.

The tenacious Tania believes the only thing stopping people from reaching the success they crave, is their own self-doubt.

“Entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful self-development journeys on which anyone can embark. When dare was born you couple a success mindset from Tania’s with powerful masterminding, insightful mentoring and taking vision to unite action…amazing things happen, heart-centred even when at times the hurdles entrepreneurs seem impossible to leap.”

around the world with bold and enterprising entrepreneurs making a difference…while having lots of fun. “Boring is out”, is Tania’s motto.

Tania understands this first hand.

After years of living and working abroad, winning numerous international awards and building a successful executive career, Tania tamed her wandering soul and returned to Australia in 1999 to start a family. Within 5 years of leaving the jet-setting corporate world, Tania buried her baby boy, gave birth to two healthy daughters, became the sole provider for her family, experienced escalating credit card debt and was served home repossession papers.

An unstinting faith in her own ability, coupled with a hefty dose of courage, propelled Tania 10

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to take a huge leap towards entrepreneurship. Her creative communication ideas have led to over $5 million in media coverage for both herself and her clients.

Featured regularly in the media, including recent appearances on the Today Show, Tania believes that nurturing relationships and making soulful connections is the key to success in all areas of life.

Thousands of people follow Tania online, and her events have touched the lives of over 100,000 people from a variety of industries and nations.

Tania’s authentic, heart-centred approach to communication and connection will continue to empower entrepreneurs around the world to take big leaps that will lead to the positive transformation in the lives of millions of people worldwide.

dare recommends

"how to have it all" without going M.A.D… Or getting sick!

This workshop is the essential guide for anyone struggling to balance the demands of career and family, or for those who are simply looking to find peace of mind and wellbeing in a world of chaos and confusion.

If you are ready to take control and live life on your own terms, take action with this empowering, life-changing 7-step program.

Workshop dates: Brisbane - Thursday March 22 Sydney - Wednesday May 23 Melbourne - Friday May 25

“how to have it all” without going M.A.D. As a two-time cancer survivor, ...or getting sickJosephine

Spaces are strictly limited. Register and find out more online at www.josephine.com.au

knows how paralysing fear can be. In dealing ONE DAY WORKSHOP with the disease and overcoming significant BRISBANE challenges,THURSDAY she has developed a new MARCH 22 workshop to show others "how to have it all Developed with insight, personal without going M.A.D… Or getting experience and empathy, this is the sick!

Come along and experience this unique 1-day workshop at the introductory price of $347 (normally $497)

essential guide for anyone struggling to balance the demands of career and or forinsight, those of us who are simply experience Developedfamily, with personal looking to find peace of mind and wellbeing and empathy,in athis is the worldworkshop of chaos and confusion.

culmination ofSoher if youwork, are tired ofpassion living a life and that feels out of control, and you areto live a determination to inspire others ready to live life on your own terms, fulfilling, purposeful life, free from dis-EASE. take action with this empowering, life-changing 7-step program.

www.josephine.com.au

dare to speak

Women from around the world speak up about International Women's Day UNITE FOR CHANGE. International Women’s Day is a global celebration of the amazing accomplishments women are achieving throughout the world. It’s a fantastic opportunities to unite and implement the necessary changes to make this world a better place for us and all future children. -Melissa Groom, Host and Producer, Toddlers to Teens TV, www.ToddlersToTeens.tv RECOGNISING CONTRIBUTION OF WOMEN. International Women’s Day is about recognising the amazing contribution women around the world give in all areas of their life including family, friends, colleagues, communities, charities and personal growth. Women inspire me because they are driven to make a difference. Today I honor you and your amazing achievements.

- Pam Brossman, CEO, SheExperts.com www.SheExperts.com COLLABORATIVE APPROACH TO BUSINESS. It’s been 101 years since we first celebrated International Women’s Day. So much has changed, yet so little! I love that we dedicate one day per year to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of women. Through leading Wonderful Web Women I’ve discovered the unique gifts women have as entrepreneurs. Our collaborative approach is a key strength as is our natural inclination to mentor. We mentor our peers and those who are starting out. We seek out mentorship from those who’ve been there before us. It’s this natural care and support we offer each other that gives each of us the courage and power to dare to take risks, knowing there will always be other women to catch us when we fall and celebrate when we fly.

-Janet Beckers, Wonderful Web Women, www.WonderfulWebWomen.com

speak up…we’re listening

dare to be in the spotlight? We’d love to hear your stories, ideas, philosophies and may be edited for clarity and design purposes. Please state if your submission is n 12

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dare to speak KEY TO SURVIVAL. Women’s rights and gender equality are the key to global survival. International Women’s Day is the moment in each year where we unite across countries and cultural, economic and political differences to celebrate all that the women’s movement has achieved and loudly declare what remains to be changed. As Executive Director at International Women’s Development Agency, I have seen how gender equality in rights, resources and voices changes our world. We know that when women’s voices and choices are equally represented in all aspects of life, it brings political stability and economic progress. It also builds more resilient families and communities. Yet the resistance continues, despite compelling evidence that investing in women and girls is right and smart. On International Women’s Day we herald women’s rights to make choices about issues that affect their lives and celebrate the voices of leadership from women who are working daily to make this a reality. - Joanna Hayter, Executive Director, International Women’s Development Agency Inc www.iwda.org.au SHOWCASING AND CELEBRATING COURAGE. Inspiration's Executive Producers Katrina Jojkity and Karen Kim met in 2010 and found they shared a similar passion for inspirational women's stories, particularly in the realms of business and the arts. INSPIRATION is a women's TV series currently in production for its second series on Foxtel/ Austar/ Optus TV networks. INSPIRATION is a magazine style show which features interviews with successful women from diverse careers who share their triumphs and challenges with viewers. ‘We believe that International Women's Day is the perfect time to showcase and celebrate the many courageous and inspirational women among us as well as reflect on the progress that has been made and that still needs to be made towards women’s rights globally’.

- Karen Kim and Katrina Jojkity, Host and Producer of Inspiration TV, www.InsirationalWomen.tv

d passions. Send your letters to us at editor@DareOutLoud.com. Printed letters not intended for publication. All letters are subject to dare copyright.

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Tragedy weaves tightly with joy

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Tania Usher speaks with Robin Lim A string of heartbreaking tragedies, including losing her sister and the baby her sister was carrying due to complications in her third pregnancy, ignited a powerful life-changing decision for 2011 CNN Hero of the Year, mother of eight, Robin Lim.

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decided not to get angry. I decided to become part of the solution. If I could help even one family prevent the loss of a mother or a child, I would dedicate my life to it.”

Relocating from Hawaii to Bali, where Robin had spent time as a child, she started providing free health services for pregnant women and children in the Ubud area. From this home based hub, the demand for Robin’s support and knowledge grew.

She became known as Ibu (Mother) Robin and her dedication has helped thousands of poor Indonesian women have a healthy pregnancy and birth.

In 2003 the Jakarta Post reported that maternal morality at birth in Indonesia was at 373 per 100,000 births, the highest among counties in the ASEAN. With the support of the local community and donations from friends around the world Robin and her team opened the first Yayasan Bumi Sehat Clinic.

When I invited Robin to feature in our International Women’s Day edition of dare, she, with open and raw honesty, shared several heart-wrenching stories with me. Having lost my firstborn child during birth on 12 January 1999, I felt a deep

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T oday on our Earth, 981 mothers

in the prime of their life will die - and tomorrow again and yesterday. And I’m asking you to help change that. We don’t even know how many babies are lost, but all of us can help change that.

personal connection to Robin’s dedication for saving mothers and babies.

A TALE OF TRAGEDY Several weeks ago a young beautiful red-headed Australian mother travelling in Bali came to our clinic 30 weeks pregnant. Her baby had

died. Here she was far from home, and we had to help her through the heartbreak of having a stillborn baby.

Because this mother was suffering from HELLP syndrome she could not just jump on the next plane home, which you can imagine would be her first choice. She was travelling with her mother, but

in the face of this heartbreak she wanted to be with her husband and small son, so that they could let go of Baby Jack together. Her BP was dangerously high and the platelet disorder that caused the baby to die was now killing her.

The entire Bumi Sehat team united to help. I was in our ambulance MARCH 2012

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T he situation in Indonesia

is bad...babies are unattended, deliveries have become commercialized and mothers die from hemorrhage after childbirth because they can’t afford proper care,� Robin explained to CNN last year.

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with her in minutes, calling on our a cremation in Bali. The Bumi Sehat amazing back-up doctor. Thank team arranged it all, the location, heaven for oxygen, and medicines the offerings, the transportation, that stop unnatural clotting of blood, everything. Imagine a grieving and others that bring down blood mother still in intensive care, a pressure. Over the next few days grieving grandmother, neither able this young mother, her mother, Dr to speak the local language. I am so Hariyasa and I became very close. proud of my team here, as they made I spent several a terrible situation days and nights at a little less painful. the hospital with It was all we could Lucy (not her real to. he moment a name) and the Sadly essential woman falls pregnant next day arranging medical care is in Indonesia, she is the cremation for beyond reach of 300% more likely her baby. So, my many members of heart is freshly in the community. At to die in the next 12 mourning for a some hospitals, months than if she Baby Boy. mothers lay was not pregnant.

Stillbirth is outside on common in mats, often all Indonesia, what day or night, Robin Lim reveals is uncommon waiting for the a tragic statistic. is handling it hospital to open in a way that so they can see gives the family their newborn time with babies. Holding their Baby. While unusual in newborns until the hospital Indonesia, our priority was to bill has been paid is common give Lucy the chance to spend practice in Indonesia. Mothers precious time with Baby Jack, are allowed in twice a day to feed and let him go in her own way. their baby. Those fortunate enough Then there was the the entire to raise the funds to pay their medical business of navigating the waters of bills take their baby home. Tragically

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“The mothers and babies have taught me that this world is worth preserving.”

“You worry, ‘Will I be able to deliver this baby safely into the world?’ But you shouldn’t have to worry, ‘How will I pay for it?’”

“Rock star or prostitute, everyone gets treated like a VIP at Bumi Sehat...with kindness and respect.”

“No one gets rich being a midwife. The riches that you experience are the deeper values.”

“Every baby’s first breath on Earth should be one of peace and love. Every mother should be healthy and strong. Every birth could be safe and loving. But our world is not there yet.”

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others unable to pay their bills often place their babies up for adoption.

JOY AMONGST THE SORROW The clinic is busy. Last night I was able to sleep. The night before I arrived home at 5:30am. We had a huge emergency, two birthing mothers were having lovely gentle births, when one of them started hemorrhaged badly. Hemorrhage is the leading cause of death on this island.

Fortunately we were able to stop the bleeding, but Ibu Ika’s BP dropped dangerously, so we had to transport her for blood transfusions. I am thankful to report she is well and breastfeeding her BIG baby boy.

This morning we received three healthy Baby Boys in to the world at our Bumi Sehat Birth Center in Bali.

“Each baby, each adult deserves a clean, healthy, loving environment...those things are basic. They are a human right.”

Click HERE to learn how you can support Ibu Robin and her phenomenal team at Bumi Sehat.

Listen to Tania Usher's entire interview with Robin Lim

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MadHappiness ADELINE VIRGINIA STEPHEN (VIRGINIA WOOLF) January 25, 1882 – March 28, 1941

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"It is the duty of the writer to describe.” irginia Wolf was one of the most significant writers of the 21st century. She was also a publisher and a prominent member of the infamous ‘Bloomsbury Group’, an informal group of Cambridge students known for their rejection of religious, artistic, social and sexual Victorian values. Both individually, and as a Bloomsbury Group member, Virginia was a powerful force in the growth of modernism.

Virginia was controversial; she rebuffed the style and structure of both life and literature of her day. She was an experimenter who revelled in redefining future possibilities.

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W riting is like sex,First

you do it for love, then you do it for your friends, and then you do it for money.

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Lessons Learned from Virginia

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Eat well and dress well.“One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”

“Vain trifles as they seem, clothes change our view of the world and the world’s view of us.”

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Believe in yourself. “They can because they THINK they can.”

Actively take hold of your life. “You cannot find peace by avoiding life.” “Arrange whatever pieces come your way.”

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Don’t give in to convention.

“Once conform, once do what other people do because they do it, and a lethargy steals over all the finer nerves and faculties of the soul.”

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Go for it! “Whenever you see a sign up that says ‘Trespassers will be prosecuted’, trespass at once.”

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She pushed the boundaries with her radical ‘stream-of-consciousness’ writing style.

If you’ve had the pleasure of delving into ‘To the Lighthouse’, ‘The Waves’, ‘Mrs. Dalloway’, ‘A Room of One’s Own’ or any of Virginia’s other lyrical novels, you’ll know the experience of being so immersed in the lives and psyche and environments of her characters that you are virtually engulfed in their worlds. Her essays and books have now been translated into over 50 languages and have been analysed to the minutest detail from feminist, theorist, modernist, intellectualist historicist, polyamourist, lesbian and other perspectives.

“Writing is like sex,” the Victorian literary rebel notoriously declared, “First you do it for love, then you do it for your friends, and then you do it for money.”

HER STORY Virginia was born into a world of literature and money. Her father, (Sir) Leslie Stephen was an author, a literary critic and the creator of the Dictionary of National Biography. Her mother, Julia Jackson Duckworth, was, by a previous marriage, a member of the prestigious Duckworth

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publishing family. and then fall back into a state of Virginia was educated at home by her mental fragility. She credited her father, given full access to his library husband, Leonard Woolf, whom she and often included in home visits by married in 1912, with providing her distinguished literary figures of the with her greatest happiness in life. She time. She grew up with three siblings wrote to him: and four step-siblings. The illusion of “You have given me the greatest an ideal life was shattered for Virginia possible happiness”; “I owe all the when she was still happiness of my life young: she suffered to you”; and, “I don’t sexual abuse by two of think two people could ou have her stepbrothers; her have been happier than given me the mother died when she we have been.” was 13; her stepsister, She and Leonard greatest possible who took over the founded the Hogarth happiness. ‘mother’ role of the Press which published I owe all the family, died shortly some of the greatest happiness of after. When her father writers of the twentieth my life to you. died in 1904, Virginia century. Despite their I don’t think and two of her siblings happiness, and as a two people moved to a house in result of feeling that could have been Bloomsbury where her mental illness happier than they became the was going to send her we have been. centre of the informal mad, on March 28, ‘Bloomsbury Group’. It 1941, Virginia filled her was here that Virginia pockets with stones and first became mentally drowned herself in the ill – to the point of being admitted to a local river. Her body was not found nursing home. until three weeks later.

Throughout the rest of her life, Virginia suffered bouts of mental HER LEGACY illness characterized by severe mood Virginia Woolf, brilliant yet swings, depression and elation. She complicated, bucked almost every would recover, sometimes for years, traditional Victorian convention

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T he man who is aware of himself

is henceforward independent; and he is never bored, and life is only too short, and he is steeped through and through with a profound yet temperate happiness.

– either in person or through her writing. She was not afraid of going against the flow; she was simply committed to expressing her own truth.

“No need to hurry. No need to sparkle. No need to be anyone but oneself.”

Ironically, considering her severe bouts of depression and eventual suicide, one of the greatest lessons we can learn from Virginia is what constitutes happiness. Pure joy and unadulterated happiness, in intimate detail and with tremendous perception, are expressed throughout 26

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her books. Her personal diaries abound with references to her own personal, genuine happiness, too.

“The man who is aware of himself is henceforward independent; and he is never bored, and life is only too short, and he is steeped through and through with a profound yet temperate happiness.”

Do you dare to be true to yourself?

Are you aware enough of your own nature and desires to let yourself feel genuine happiness... whatever the risks? Take a page from Virginia’s books, and let yourself live life to the fullest.

dare recommends

CLICK HERE for all the details.

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“If we learn to open our hearts, anyone, including the people who drive us crazy, can be our teacher.”

— Pema Chödrön

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Winning The Battle...

With Peace

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t’s time to break open my heart Stunned, and totally unprepared, and let people in. That’s my I was advised to have the tumor focus for 2012. For too long, I’ve removed. I stayed relatively calm, but been too afraid to let others close I had a premonition of what lay ahead. to my heart; I’ve been afraid of Post-surgery, my doctor counseled, losing control, getting hurt or "Unfortunately, the tumor is being manipulated. But those things malignant; we must operate again happen regardless. The more we try right away.” to protect ourselves from My husband fell apart the things we fear, the as I sat silent. With my closer they crowd us. heart racing I uttered, “If And I am talking from you don’t do it first thing he more we first-hand experience! in the morning, I will try to protect My first marriage never let you touch me ourselves from lasted just three years. again.” I had to commit the things we At age 24, two years into before I backed out. fear, the closer that marriage, I was After the operation, they crowd us. diagnosed with thyroid I drifted into and out cancer. of consciousness for a

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week. I recall conversation fragments and two out-ofbody experiences. It was peaceful. It was surreal. I felt at peace.

Recovery was slow, and my outlook fundamentally changed. Appreciation for life enriched every breath. I became acutely attuned to the energies of others; if they felt good, I felt good; if I felt anxious around them, I had to move away and so I did. I left my home in Melbourne and moved to Brisbane to take up a job offer.

My new life had begun.

I changed everything – home, eating habits, thoughts, beliefs, friends, outlook and focus. For the first time, I was living life on my own terms, learning to say ‘no’ without feeling guilty.

Previously, I would have considered that selfish. But I was discovering the importance of self-care.

Fast-forward six years. I had remarried, to a sincere man. That union produced two amazing children and lasted 10 years. Things change after you have children. No one told me how much. I loved (and love!) being a mum, but I also yearned to 30

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DAILY dare PRACTICES LOOK IN THE MIRROR AND SEE WHO IS THERE - get curious, be still, appreciate who you are. MAKE A LIST OF EVERYTHING YOU ARE GRATEFUL FOR - nonmaterial things. REVIEW THE ‘STORY’ YOU TELL PEOPLE ABOUT YOU - is it time to rewrite the story? GIVE TO SOMEONE THAT WHICH YOU MOST NEED - a smile, a hug, a ‘hello’, a phone call. MAKE TIME FOR YOU - even just 5 minutes a day. If you need an answer - look inside - it’s there if you stay still long enough to listen.

reach out to help others.

As a consequence, I made a huge leap of faith. Leaving my comfortable job, I became a full-time life coach.

I never looked back. Despite relying entirely on referrals, my business has thrived. I feel blessed to work with people ready to identify and live their true purpose.

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Our conversations are brave and In underwent treatment, and I am very, very real. I’m told I have an blessed to say that I now enjoy vibrant uncanny ability to disarm people, health. helping them discover However, I didn’t return pathways to inner to health until after I peace. In a safe and endured six months of non-judgmental setting, recovery and intensive or the first magic does happen! learning, focusing on time, I was Things were going the power of silence and living life on great. Then, in late 2009, meditation. For years, I my own terms, I began to experience had tried unsuccessfully learning to say occasional tingling down to meditate. Then, one ‘no’ without the right side of my face. morning, I awoke feeling guilty.

Cancer again; this time, a and felt compelled to brain tumor. write. The result was

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Iis inevitable, n my experience, pain but suffering

is optional. You can define yourself by your adversities, or you can take a larger perspective. a 4-minute meditation process that I eventually decided was way too good to keep to myself.

So, I recorded ‘Simple Meditation for Busy People’, an audio book describing what worked for me and explaining how to do it. In addition to great feedback from clients, my dad, who has trouble going to sleep at times, happily told me, “I listened to your CD, and it put me to sleep”.

My commitment to myself is to help others discover such happiness for themselves. I have dared myself to courageously share my intimate learnings about life, love, fear, truth, self-care, wellbeing, balance and peace.

In my experience, pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional. You can define yourself by your adversities, or you can take a larger perspective, awakening the gifts and opportunities that lay beyond your fears.

My wish is that you know what is possible and live a deeply fulfilling and happy life, with inner peace. You can be motivated to make different choices if you are hopeful of a new beginning.

Having twice survived cancer, including a brain tumour, Josephine Thomson shares her personal insights with people confronting their fears. Josephine is devoted to helping people overcome barriers as they reconnect with life and learn to express their authentic selves. www.josephine.com.au 32

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dare recommends

who are you?

3 Myths about professional profiles

1

YOU NEED ONE. You need THREE! Bios are used on marketing and promotional collateral, for speaking engagements, on social media platforms, as the ‘About Us’ page of websites, for the press, as an article byline, for networking opportunities and pitches, on registries and forms, and more. Be ready with three prepared bios: short (one sentence WHAM!) medium (100 words) long (250 words)

2

IT’S ABOUT YOU. It’s about your readers. To sell you, your bio needs to tell your readers ‘WIIFT’ (what’s in it for them). Give your readers what they want quickly and clearly with concise words, brief sentences and short paragraphs.

3

IT’S WRITTEN BY YOU. It’s written ABOUT you. Even if you do write your bio yourself, writing it in third person (he/ she) enhances the professionalism and is proven to make readers more willing to trust the information.

DANA STRONG crafts professional profiles that: improve your image position you as an expert boost your bottom line

Contact Strong Ideas to transform your bio into your most effective sales tool. www.StrongIdeas.com.au

DANA STRONG is a word master with 20+ years experience making words work for businesses and individuals around the world. She whips words into shape to craft persuasive sales copy, high ranking website copy, attention grabbing ad copy, compelling marketing copy, fascinating feature article copy, easy-to-read technical copy and captivating speeches.

International Women’s Day is the story of ordinary women as makers of history. In 1910 women gathered in Copenhagen to address issues of injustice, inequality, improved pay and working conditions, an end to child labour and an extension on the vote to women. As a result International Women’s Day was marked for the first time in 1911, where more than one million women and men attended rallies in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland.

Today coordinated gatherings continue around the globe, celebrating the magnificent spirit of women, advancing the movement of peace and justice and advocating for their central participation in political, economic, social and spiritual processes.

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INTO THE UNIVE AND BEYOND With Dr Soyeon Yi Seoul, SOUTH KOREA

On April 8, 2008 Dr Soyeon Yi was launched into space onboard Soyuz TMA-12, with two Russian cosmonauts, making her the first Korean and the second Asian woman to fly in space. Soyeon Yi makes South Korea the third country, after the United Kingdom and Iran, to have a woman as it’s first space traveller.

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enturing out into the universe beyond is no longer an unprecedented subject in 2012. Yet, women still remain marginal in this growing community of science, engineering and space. In order to encourage young girls to consider a career that is so conventionally maledominated, Dr Soyeon Yi, the first Korean female astronaut, made a special appearance at Engineers Australia in Melbourne on the January 19, 2012. Â Here she shares with us her journey on how she has made the once impossible dream possible and how it is so often the mindset that weaves the wonders.

This feature presented in partnership with dare and Inspiration TV. Watch the special Inspiration TV show on International Women's Day, Thursday 8 March at 8pm (DST) on Aurora c183 Foxtel/Austar.

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PROFITABLE PROPERTY INVESTING With Jennie Brown Brisbane, AUSTRALIA

Despite being divorced, insolvent and jobless at the age of 30, Jennie Brown has risen against all strains and is now the leading property investing and lifestyle expert in Australia. She is also an accomplished educator and mentor in helping others to be extraordinary and loves to see her clients achieve the lifestyle they have always desired with strategies that are proven to be successful.

This feature presented in partnership with dare and Inspiration TV. Watch the special Inspiration TV show on International Women's Day, Thursday 8 March at 8pm (DST) on Aurora c183 Foxtel/Austar.

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or over 20 years Jennie experimented with property as an investing tool. A tenacious belief that you could make lots of money out of being a property investor drove her to uncover strategies that are a little out of the box. Maximizing leverage to yield maximum return has equated to a life of great freedom.

Jennie’s strategies include property development, subdivision, strata titling, money partner, joint venture partners, renovations and more.  Here she shares with us her inspiring career and gives us some handy tips on how to live a lifestyle of our dreams. MARCH 2012

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This feature presented in partnership with dare and Inspiration TV. Watch the special Inspiration TV show on International Women's Day, Thursday 8 March at 8pm (DST) on Aurora c183 Foxtel/Austar.

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VICTIM FASHION STREET

With Mei Hui Liu London, UNITED KINGDOM

Taiwanese born Mei Hui has lived in London for 14 years. After attending fashion school in Paris, Mei-Hui worked her way through the London markets, from Portobello in the West End to Brick Lane in the East End before opening her store Victim Fashion Street, in 2000.

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ai Hui is best known for her recycled vintage dresses using Victorian lace, antique haberdashery and a mishmash of new and old fabrics from various eras -- all touched with the spirit of the 1980s. Mai Hui was one of the first designers to make recycling a key part of her brand identity.

This season, Mei Hui Liu is collaborating with Min Tzu Chao to exhibit textile base art installations as a part of London fashion week and each of the elaborate installations has been concocted using a veritable cauldron of sartorial ingredients. Vintage fabrics from many eras, carefully crafted scraps and shreds, antique lace, haphazard haberdashery, immaculate 3-D patchwork and specially commissioned illustrated prints have all been slashed, sewn, blended and mended around entire garments from her upcoming collection.

Here she shares with us the vision behind her creations as she takes you on a journey of fashion and art.

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OUR TOP 42

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International Women’s Day Events Around the World THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2012

Politically, economically and socially women around the world are blazing across the barriers. International Women’s Day, held annually on March 8, is a recognised celebration which highlights the diverse achievements of women; past, present and future. Across the globe, women unite to create events that are nourishing, enriching, intelligent, fun and scintillating.

At these events not only do women speak from the heart about peace, wellbeing and community interconnectedness they walk away bursting with a sense of their own true value. International Women’s Day is a commemoration of respect, appreciation and compassion towards women.

Connect with women from around the world on this auspicious day to celebrate the achievements we have made throughout history and our dedication to bringing the feminine spirit into focus.

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WOMEN AND SECURITY Brussels, Belgium

Time to draw attention to the broad spectrum of issues for women and security, locally and internationally.

At Women and Security: Leaders, Targets and Activists a panel of experts will lead a debate examining issues women face in security and how to ignite leadership as a means of overcoming these challenges. Topics being covered in this amazing and powerful IWD event include: • Participation of women in leadership of international peace and security structures • Women as targets of violence in relation to the security sphere • Women involved at initiation stages of security issues at civil society level.

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The event hopes to draw attention to the broad spectrum of issues for women and security, provide meaningful and precise information on the development of initiatives within the field of women and security.

Click here for more information

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Wellington Women Walk For Peace Wellington, New Zealand

Raising awareness of women’s interconnectedness and interdependence in the hope of working towards the attainment of peace.

Women from all spheres of life, religious backgrounds, diverse beliefs, and cultural ethnicities will join the Walk to: • protest against violence on women and children • become advocates for peace • support the empowerment of women We hear statements that the world is becoming increasingly interconnected. Women’s nurturing role is essential for creating and maintaining an environment of peace at home and their extended communities.

This Walk will be the start of each woman’s participation, advocacy, immersion and support towards a culture of peace.

Click here for more information

MARCH 2012

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JOURNEY OF WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT Chennai, India

With growing literacy and financial independence women feel more empowered today to assert their right to a life of dignity and self-worth.

The role of women down the ages has been that of a mother, daughter, wife, sister, friend, nurturer, guide and partner. She displays a wonderful range of emotions from being patient to being extremely courageous in times of crisis.

Tormented and subjugated throughout all times and ages, women have fought their way through exploitation, harassment, and have managed to secure their rights in the public domain. In spite of all the hurdles, several milestones have been achieved in terms of education, liberty of expression, equality in society, professional excellence, and performance in arenas of sports and arts and many more domains.

This symposium aims at mapping the ongoing journey of Women’s empowerment with renowned speakers from varied fields sharing their experiences.

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Click here for more information

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WOMEN’S MUSIC MARATHON Amsterdam, The Netherlands

The 20th Century Song Foundation (Stichting 20ste-eeuwse Lied) aims at fanning the flames of enthusiasm for the extensive repertory of songs written during the last century.

Many of these, especially those composed between the World Wars, have fallen into oblivion. The Foundation tries systematically to champion the ‘forgotten’ masterpieces by uniting musicians, scholars, concert halls, CD-producers and the public.

The Women’s Music Marathon presents a series of variety of concert programs which strike a different note, the music being enhanced by light effects, declamation, direction, the exposition of photographs and the projection of slides. Gone is the old-

fashioned recital during which the soprano or baritone was singing like a frozen statue while the public were ruining their eyesight trying to read, in the dim light, the lyrics in their booklets.

Click here for more information

MARCH 2012

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SOCIAL MEDIA MAGIC CONFERENCE London, United Kingdom

Learn how to start and grow your business with the “sparkle of social media�, including a keynote speech by TV star Saira Khan.

The passion of two entrepreneurial women led to the birth of this action-oriented IWD event. Monica Costa (founder of London Mums) and Mary Cummings (founder of Work Your Way Community and Magazine) are committed to equipping women with the tools to bring their business ideas to life via social media.

As social media is fast becoming an essential part of the marketing mix for brands, businesses are ramping up their social networking as a way to monitor

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conversations about their products, competitors, and industry. And most importantly engage with their customers to forge strong relationships.

Click here for more information

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STRIKE A POSE Sydney, Australia

It’s time to shake things up, challenge the norm and bring change, fun and action into your community. Event founder Suzy Jacobs shares why...

It’s time for IWD celebrations to come out of the closet and into the open. I wanted to create a very public celebration of this amazing 100 year tradition.

I’ve long dreamt of taking part in a flash mob, it seemed like such a fun and liberating experience.

When I spoke with friends and colleagues, they revealed it was also an experience on their bucket-list.

The idea came together in my sleep.

I woke one morning knowing I was going to create an event called Strike a Pose for IWD. I didn’t care if it was only me and 6 of my best colleagues

or whether it took on a life of it’s own, I was going to make it happen. And here it comes.

Click here for more information

MARCH 2012

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CONNECTING GIRLS, INSPIRING FUTURES Khartoum, Sudan

Salmmah Women’s Resource Center: Salmmah is a civil society organization, dedicated to support women, human rights, and peace. It promotes gender equality by empowering women groups and serves as a resource center on women and rights issues in Sudan.

Making connections is the theme of this IWD celebration.

An Open mic session will provide an opportunity for the youth to connect with the audience and tell their story.

Others will sing covers or their own songs about issues of women’s rights. Building real world relationships is vital and the array of art competitions, drama sketches, dance routines and poetry readings will serve to unite people throughout the event. In the evening a number of professional performers will take the stage to help bring this event to a grand finale.

Click here for more information

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THIRTEEN THREADS Panajachel, Guatemala

Panajachel’s most respected organizations will unite for International Women’s Day to celebrate the accomplishments of women from the Mayan Highland regions of Guatemala and around the world.

For three days, the mission of Oxlajuj B’atz’ will facilitate a host of events aimed at supporting Maya women artisans to bring about change, through their own efforts, that will alleviate the adverse effects of poverty and improve their quality of life. The mission is guided by the principles of harmony, democracy, and sustainability.

Festivities range from interactive vendors, such as craft and medicinal plant demonstrations, to prominent

guest speakers addressing the Leadership Assembly.

Click here for more information

MARCH 2012

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WE MOVE FORWARD 2012 Isla Mujeres, Mexico

A transformational event for women of all ages and backgrounds to come together and be inspired by the stories of women who pursued and are living their dreams.

Through interactive workshops and movement sessions participants will recognize what no longer serves them, get clarity on their potential and be inspired to move forward with a renewed sense of vigor.

This 3-day event takes place on Isla Mujeres – Spanish for Island of Women – Mexico. ‘Isla’ is home to the Temple of Ix Chel, the Mayan Goddess of women, fertility, healing, and abundance.

In 2012 the Mayan calendar ends its 5,125 year cycle and a new one begins. The Mayans believe this to be a time to evolve, to grow and move forward. We Move Forward

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2012 will supply insights and tools to facilitate forward movement in a desired direction. A portion of each registration goes toward sponsoring a local woman to attend.

Click here for more information

dare feature

GLOBAL WOMEN LEADERS SUMMIT Dubai, United Arab Emirates

In honour of IWD, Woibex pays tribute to women who translate outstanding leadership into action to forge long-term cooperation in building a globally competitive environment.

We will witness the convergence of regional and global leaders, professionals and women entrepreneurs.

This event celebrates and explores the ways women contribute to the development of business, social innovation, commercialization and culture, at home and around the world.

It aims at inspiring, empowering and connecting businesswomen, women leaders, executives, entrepreneurs, innovators, social entrepreneurs, managers, professionals and government leaders.

Our goal is to create a place for women to find their passion, define

their purpose and embrace their power, while at the same time building positive relationships through a true spirit of sisterhood, love and encouragement.

Click here for more information.

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RESTORING EDUCATION in East Timor 54

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Ask aid worker Kris Webb why she is dedicated to the complex task of restoring education in one of the world’s poorest nations, East Timor, and her answer is as straightforward as the woman herself.

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can’t think of a place more in need,” she says.

“My mantra is, if it was easy it would have been fixed by now.”

As director of independent aid organization Spend It Well, Kris Webb is helping to rebuild East Timor, which will celebrate its tenth year of independence from Indonesia in May this year.

“The more work we do in East Timor, the more I’m attached to the place and the people,” she says.

Eighty per cent of East Timor’s infrastructure and buildings were destroyed during 24 years of Indonesian military occupation. Rebuilding schools is crucial to the resurrection of the impoverished nation where a lack of skilled workers is a key constraint to the nation’s development.

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Half of the 1.1 million people living Spend just a few minutes with in East Timor cannot read or write, Kris and you begin to see why the and 41 per cent of the population East Timorese have taken her to continues to live below the poverty their hearts. Her sincerity and line at 88 cents a day. Education professional approach leave you with is vital to East Timor’s increased the impression that if this Australian prosperity. says she will build a school with your Working to provide aid in money, she bloody well will. developing nations takes enormous Kris tells a story about village perseverance, and reaction to a speech she many projects drag on made at the opening for many years. Since ceremony for a school. establishing Spend It The story underlines lobal Well three years ago, how important it is to problems are so Kris, an Australian her, as a Westerner, to overwhelming mother of three and continue to provide aid and immense a former lawyer, has in East Timor. that the overseen the rebuilding “Whenever I said the average person of four schools in villages name for the charity, feels powerless throughout East Timor.

Spend It Well, in the to do anything Her ability to see aid official East Timorese about them. delivered quickly has dialect Tetum, the locals made the organization laughed - in a nice, kind stand out. hearted way,” she says.

“Whenever people give “I asked what the their money to us, no matter how laughter was about, and they said it’s much, I need to be able to do with that because the thing Westerners don’t do money what I have said I will,” she is spend money well. They see us as says. wasteful and with no value for money, “It’s hard to achieve things in so they thought it was funny to hear East Timor, and to have such a foreigner talking about spending good relationships in place and a money well.” framework to keep doing better is “It makes the name all the more more than I would have expected.” important. The translation does get

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to the heart of the difference between them and us. It makes me determined to try and make sure we don’t do the typical Westerner wasteful thing and, instead, spend the money wisely with good impact.”

While East Timor is certainly very, very poor, the future looks brighter thanks in part to oil revenue from the nation’s Petroleum Fund which draws on reserves of oil and gas in the Timor Sea. East Timor’s ranking on the UN’s Human Development Index was up 42

places to 120 out of 169 countries in 2011 and per capita GNP increased by 228 percent between 2005 and 2010.

The Australian Government has contributed $6 million to education in East Timor between2007 and today.

But East Timor relies on the aid and grass roots level assistance provided by independent agencies like Spend It Well, which receive no government funding and run on private donations.

Under the AusAid Australia-TimorLeste Country Strategy, which began in MARCH 2012

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Ithe asked what laughter

was about, and they said it's because the thing Westerners don't do is spend money well.

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2009, the Australian Government will donate $600 million to East Timor until 2014 with allocations of around $120m a year.

That might sound like a lot, but Kris points out it costs about $800 million a year just to run a major city hospital in Australia.“That’s why we see the value in lending a hand,” she said.

Spend It Well

operates all its own administrative costs.

The charity supplies updates and photos and the opportunity for donors to visit projects. No donation is considered too small.

“People know if they donate $100 or $1000 to Spend It Well it will all be spent on the project. We’re developing

a good reputation for doing what we say we will. One family recently funded the building of a whole school,” she said.

Kris is about to select a new school for 2012, and the selection criteria is as demanding as rebuilding the schools.

“We start from the Government’s most desperate list and a community who can work with us in an ongoing capacity. We look for a school where we can solve a problem rather than just make things a little better,” she says.

To keep up to date with Spend it Well’s projects and pursuits, visit Kris’ blog.

Tierri Abraham is a freelance writer and researcher who has worked as a journalist for newspapers and magazines and is an education writer for Quadrant Productions Media and Education. She is presently studying a Bachelor of Secondary Education majoring in writing, social studies and history. She is also a mother of four.

JANUARY MARCH 2012

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dare challenge

Transforming Chaos Into Calm WithTania Usher

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Everyone has one. It’s like a naughty little secret you hope no one uncovers. Perhaps it’s hidden in the bottom draw of your bedside table? Maybe it’s disguised in the laundry. Or you’ve sequestered the unmentionables to an unvisited corner of the kitchen. No matter the hiding place, you’re always aware of a lingering presence and with it the edgy risk that at any stage, your stash will be discovered.

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t’s that cache of accumulated ‘stuff’ for misplaced items. With growing that you keep promising yourself concern around so many people being that you’ll sort through...one day. time poor, imagine what you could An array of broken ornaments, achieve with two extra years? toys requiring batteries, piles of filing, Having just moved, I’m excited bits and bobs that don’t have a place to embark on my lifestyle overhaul to live. And if you dare to be brutally and start transforming my jumble honest with yourself, there’s probably of unpacked boxes into peaceful a secret stash in every room, dare I simplicity. mention the office?

NO MORE...

Step 1: Honest this month’s dare Audit challenge is about Prior to commencing ith growing bringing order to this month’s dare chaos. Are you challenge, I invited concern around ready to escort calm Maria to spend the day so many people into your world? with me so she could being time Picture an reveal her plans for poor, imagine environment where whipping my household what you could everything has a and office into shape. achieve with two place, is used, loved I was surprised by her extra years? or needed...or it’s out! first question.

It’s time to be ruthless.

Almost quizzically Although I recognize Maria inquires “How that ruthlessness honest do you want me is far more powerful when united. to be?”

So I’ve invited self-confessed “100%,” I suggest will indisputable “toughie” Ultimate Lifestyle conviction.

Manager, Maria Harvey, owner “Ok. Be aware though, some of this of Organised Chaos to be this won’t be easy. There’s often tears month’s dare challenge expert. when I ask confronting questions.

Maria explained that most people This is more than just rearranging waste two years of their life searching furniture and getting rid of unused

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items. We’ll delve into why you may be holding onto some items. The process can stir up some very powerful emotions...be prepared,” explains Maria.

I’m ready. Throughout March I’m committed to stripping back and discarding clutter from the inside out.

Are you?

Your Action:

You don’t have to invite a professional organiser into your home to assess the chaos in your life. Schedule an hour for yourself to wander through your home and office.

Make notes of the areas that require your attention. Need some additional advice, CLICK HERE and ask Maria for her expert opinion.

Step 2: Identifying Frustrations “Grab a notepad and start jotting down all the aspects of your life that you find frustrating,” instructs Maria.

“This list is not limited to organizational frustrations. Write down everything that you find draining, challenging or is hindering your daily activities. If there’s

disharmony in one area of your life it will spill over into another. Your list will help us identify what’s really going on, it’s always so much more than a messy wardrobe.”

Before penning a word, a long list formulates in my head. A sudden rush of overwhelm engulfs me. However, recognizing that overwhelm often leads to immobility, I made the decision to surrender and honour the step-by-step process Maria’s mapping out for me.

How she intends to bridge the gap between frustration to calm, I’m unsure. Nonetheless, I’m looking forward to the adventure. Are you ready to take the steps towards tranquility?

Your Action:

Start taking note of all your life frustrations.

Perhaps it’s the pile of school notes on the dinning room table, maybe it’s the stack of CDs that are taking up precious cupboard space, or it’s constantly running out of milk. Whatever’s frustrating you right now, is draining your energy reserves which would be far better directed towards more creative pursuits.

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Step 3: Formulating Routines Implementing new habits is the key to ongoing organisational success.

Rather than charging through life on arbitrary impulses, new routines will enable you to glide through the day with ease and calm.

Being organised is more than the physical, it’s a state of mind. So the transformation must come from a mindset shift. Once routines are in place you’ll be amazed at how much more time you have for spontaneous fun and adventure.

Your Action:

While keeping a note of frustrations, also start jotting down tasks that you undertake routinely.

Include activities such as running errands, collecting groceries, attending after school sport and cleaning the bathroom. Once you’ve identified your existing routines, you’ll have a clearer picture of where you can start clustering together tasks.

I’m feeling lighter already!

So let’s get started transforming chaos to calm.

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Let’s dare together.

dare challenge

To participate in the March dare challenge, visit www.Facebook.com/DareOnlineMagazine to share your experiences of transforming life’s clutter into calm. I dare you to be brutally honest with yourself and remember it’s not just a process of culling or rearranging, organising your life starts with shifting your mindset.

Click Here for FREE Expert Advice

Are you ready to expand the length and breadth of your world in ways you never imagined?

Is it time to reconnect with the mysterious, courageous and juicy you?

The you that deserves to be nurtured, encouraged, supported and illuminated. The YOU that is ready to burst free and crack open a new world of possibilities. If so then opt in for this life-changing experience.

As a member of our dare club™ you'll discover an adventurous world of renewed promise.

You'll connect with the authentic side of yourself that craves fresh experiences.

Visit www.DareOutLoud.com/TakeOff, fill in your details and we'll let you know when the next dare club™ takes off... ...I dare you.

MARCH 2012

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dare featured author

What I Would Do If I Were You With Mandy Nolan

Mandy Nolan has performed as a stand-up comedian for 25 years, working alongside the likes of Whoopi Goldberg, Ertha Kit, Wil Anderson, Dave Hughes and Fiona O’Loughlin, to name a few. Mandy’s stand-up comedy is known and loved for its rapid fire philosophical philandering and esoteric observations that emerge from the musings of what she describes as ‘a woman whose dilemma it is to navigate the new frontiers in the suburban badlands of human relationships.’

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am a very ordinary woman.

The day I arrived at that understanding and began to see value in the mundane, I started the journey of really connecting with my audience. (I promised not to use the word ‘journey’ this year – too pretentious – but there I go. I am actually not on a journey; I am sitting in Mullumbimby at my computer!)

One day, when I was up to my armpits in washing and housework, yelling at the kids and cursing my life as a mother, I had what I call an ‘artistic epiphany’. I realised that my squalid life, and my attempts to navigate existence on my own terms, was what connected me to others - and it was where my story lay. I mean, most of us innately feel that we aren’t ‘enough’, whatever that means.

Kasey Chambers croons “Am I not pretty enough?”, but we also ask “Am I not rich enough, or smart MARCH 2012

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enough, or interesting enough?”… and they feel that I am worse than them! so on. I suddenly understood that It’s my admissions of weakness I needed to revel in my truth – not that really connect people to my squash it – to achieve success. So, I story - and to me. made a contract with myself to bare It has been incredibly liberating to all; to tell the truth! be honest and truthful and to realise I knew I’d gotten it right when the that all the comedic inspiration I most consistent feedback I received ever needed has been right here, in about my book ‘What I Would do if my frustration with having to do the I Were You’, was “Wow, you are so housework; in wondering why the fact honest!” I didn’t think that I have a vagina I had done anything means I have to do extraordinary, but so more housework than many people admitted people with penises realised that to me that they would and that I do it better, my squalid life never have been able too; in trying to squish and my attempts to be so honest! What my classic pre-diabetic to navigate does that, sadly, say apple shape into a pair existence on my about us women? That of jeans that alleges own terms was we pretend; we cover to be ‘stretch’. My where my story up; we stretch the audience can relate lies. truth so we don’t have to my stories, and I to admit when things certainly don’t have aren’t going great or to struggle to come up when we fail. with ideas. In fact, the Deep down, most of us have an ideas rain down in bucket loads; I’ll internal belief that in order to be loved never have time for them all! we must be perfect. Ironically, it’s The biggest liberation I my 27 years as a stand up comedian experienced was when I stopped that has proved quite the opposite. By caring what people think. I sharing my REAL stories of failure, broke free from the chains of regret, bitterness and defeat, my popular opinion that tell us not audience seems to feel a sense of relief to really say what we think in that they are not alone. Better yet, case we upset someone – or, if

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you do want to tell the truth, attacked by the odd drunk woman whisper it over a bottle of wine after a gig. But this is rare. I may upset to a girlfriend. some people with my Then, if you’re ever rather black and self confronted about it, deprecatory sense of deny everything! humour, but they are f people You have no control usually too drunk or too were touched or over how people will belligerent to do much amazed by my react to what you say. more than give me a honesty, what Interestingly, this dirty look. does that say is more obvious in Writing is different. about the stories writing than in stand When you upset we women tell up comedy. I have been people in writing, they each other about booed off stage (mainly become incensed. It’s by relatives), sworn at, like you’ve personally ourselves? heckled and physically affronted them.

I

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D eep down most of us have this internal belief system that in order to be loved we must be perfect.

Click here to obtain your personal copy of Mandy’s book 'What I Would Do If I Were You'.

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Alongside a truck load of positive feedback, I’ve been astounded by some of the more negative reactions I’ve received (usually from those who I describe as chronically satire challenged) and at how vehement they are!

In my book, I write about having to euthanize a guinea pig. While the story is based in fact, I’ve taken some comedic license for the sake of storytelling. Some readers became concerned that I needed to be reported to the RSPCA. In my regular column for the Byron Echo, I have incited hate mail from all around the country for saying vegans were humourless (they just proved it!) or calling my old home town a $%*& hole!

I don’t engage with negative feedback, so it doesn’t upset me. On the contrary, it thrills me that I have instigated something and caused someone to act with passion rather than passive compliance.

I write memoir style, and I tell the truth about myself. So far, the response has been (mostly) wonderful, and so many people have contacted me to tell me they connect with my shared inadequacy or tales of outrage. I was thinking recently that I am becoming the Patron Saint of the Defeated! So far, so good.

Until that vegan finds out where I live and stabs me in the back with a carrot!

dare recommends

TIME.

How precious is it to you?

Business owners deserve TIME OUT. But how easy is it to make that EXTRA TIME? Diarise Your Time – Have time set aside for each item in your business so that you no longer feel out of control.

Learn to Say No – know how much time you have spare in your business before saying ‘yes’ to more work.

Manage your Emails – set up a system which works for you but stick to the same routine every day – remember diarise a time to do this.

Create an Outsource Understanding - learn the importance of asking an expert to assist you. Maybe you will be able to say ‘yes’ to more clients.

HAZEL THEOCHAROUS is the owner of Assisting U Virtually and an Expert VA in the areas of Organisation, Time Management and Outsourcing.

She acts as the professional admin arm of businesses who want to achieve MORE TIME.

www.assistinguvirtually.com.au

dare book shelf

Click on a book image for more information.

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dare featured book

Your Millionaire Attitude

Pam Brossman dedicates this book to you...

I believe you are here on earth to achieve great things. I also believe that you too have a Millionaire Attitude and a personal success story just around the next corner.

My vision for this book is to activate that attitude and help you get started on your way to achieving your goals, dreams and aspirations so you too can have the life you were born to live.

The lessons, stories, examples and suggestions within this book can be applied to any area of your life: personal

goals, business, health, wealth, relationships or finance.

Once you have activated that inner attitude, the world really is yours for the taking. You just have to get out there and give it a try! “I have learnt, after years of studying successful people, that success is just an Attitude. So I took what people believe success to be, which for many is becoming a Millionaire, and combined it with what success really is, which is having the right Attitude.� Pam Brossman.

Click here to grab your copy.

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stepping UP and stepping OUT in 2012 If you asked the question “Who would you consider the most influential woman of the 21st Century?” the reply would undoubtedly be “Oprah Winfrey”. So what are the unique characteristics of an inspiring woman in leadership, like Oprah Winfrey, that sets her apart from all the other women in the world? What is it that Oprah has done differently to be able to create a community of adoring fans and loyal followers of all backgrounds from across the globe?

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to make a positive difference in the SHE’S COMPASSIONATE: Oprah has lives of others. the ability to empathise with people, So, why is it, that despite there being while supporting them in the midst massive opportunity for women to of their struggles. An inspiring leader step up into leadership roles, they is there to listen to your struggles, are not doing it? Recent statistics but won’t allow you to stay there. show there has not been a significant An inspiring leader is committed to change in the numbers empowering you, not of women in executive rescuing you. management positions SHE’S REAL: Oprah (including boards) over is willing to share her ecent the past 9 years. own personal struggles statistics show Forums conducted with us to show us there has not been across several sectors, she’s real and that a significant revealed the real issues she has struggles too. change in hindering women An inspiring leader the numbers ‘stepping up’ into won’t pretend that she of women executive management is perfect, but rather in executive positions wasn’t a is willing to share lack of technical her highs and lows management skill or qualification, with others. This one positions which has been the attribute has endeared (including traditional focus.

Oprah to millions of boards) over the Rather what’s getting people around the past 9 years. in the way are issues globe. such as confidence as a SHE’S GENEROUS: If woman in leadership, you’ve ever seen the understanding around Oprah Winfrey show, you know Oprah gender differences, how to work loves to be generous. One of her most effectively as a team and learning how memorable gifts was when she gave all to create balance while being a woman 300 guests a trip to Australia where at the top. she filmed two shows for her final This year will see us launch two season of Oprah. An inspiring leader major initiatives to connect, empower knows the value of ‘Paying it Forward’

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and support women in leadership. Oprah Winfrey once said “Education is Power” which is why we’re proud to be launching our 2 day Leadership Development program for women, ‘Stepping Up’, in May this year. This program will provide the opportunity for women in leadership to take some time out and to concentrate on their own personal development. The program will include 12 months of online mentoring and support to empower women on this journey we call work and life.

Secondly, we will launch PROJECT 200 Gala Awards in conjunction with International Women’s Day 2012. This event will engage 200 companies and organisations across Australia which are committed to celebrating, empowering and supporting women in management.

This will be an annual event and is being held this year in Brisbane at the Hilton Hotel on Friday, March 30.

We are pleased to announce Whitney Fitzsimmons (Host Presenter of ABC’s Business Today) as Diamond Ambassador for Project 200 and an inspirational woman in her own right.

So, in line with this year’s theme for International Women’s Day, remember “Everything is Possible”, so dare to Step Up and Step Out, believing that as you do that there are greater things in store for your future!

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Fabe Keily is CEO & Founder of What Working Women Want. Full details of the above events can be found at www.WhatWorkingWomenWant.com

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