Strategies and Tactics for Women by Dr. Shannon Reece

Welcome to the Weekly Wrap Up!

I really enjoy reading about people who bravely choose to just be who they are, finally deciding that they are self-worthy. In my searches for posts on the subject of authenticity, I had fun traveling down several rabbit holes. I find some of the best blogs, when I just allow my searches to take me on an adventure. This week was particularly fruitful, and I am very excited to share with you those who I discovered along the way.

This weekly wrap up is designed to share the blogs, websites and/or businesswomen that I found particularly helpful this week. Being true to your core can be challenging for those who spend too much time and energy listening to the dictates of the world around them. My top blog picks this week center around the importance of just being YOU.

You might find it strange, but I love to pick theme songs that motivate and personally inspire me. Sometimes it’s the lyrics, or just the tune, but music moves me. Today, I want to start this post off with one of my current theme songs — Why? Because you’re amazing! Enjoy!

Click on this link and take a listen – Just the Way You Are

Top Picks

This Is The Year to Be Who You Know You Are

I love the call to action in this beautiful post from Abby Kerr Ink (@abbykerr).  Since you already know better than anyone who you really are, wholeheartedly embrace her, and stop waiting for confirmation that you are okay. See how you can get on with being your “bad self” in a big way.

The Subtle Difference Between Authentic and Real

Are people trying to manufacture authenticity? Is that even possible? Ivan Walsh (@IvanWalsh) clearly establishes the difference between what one might try to pass off as “authentic” and being real. See why authentic matters so much in business.

My Theme For 2011, Plus Bonus Rant

It was important to share this particularly relevant rant from the amazingly creative, Tori Deaux (@ToriDeaux) because she writes about the importance of ignoring the naysayer types, who could, intentionally or unintentionally steer you right off a perfectly good course. It’s all about the importance of listening to your own voice. If your voice is anything like mine, it provides enough to attend to, without allowing the rest of the planet to chime in.

Featured Site
I recently compiled a post of responses from a large group of professionals on the topic of writer’s block. We all get stale thoughts or lose the joy for written expression on occasion, but there are so many ways to find your mojo. I was working my way through my inbox of newsletters to which I subscribe and discovered a new product from Chris Brogan, called Blog Topics for You, that you might find interesting. Essentially, for a small monthly fee, Chris supplies you with blog topics and writing advice every week. You can even see a sample of a post, and it looks pretty great. Just another way to never be at a loss for idea stimulating fodder.


Woman of Excellence
Congratulations to Natalie Peluso, our Woman of Excellence Award winner this week! I wasn’t kidding when I said I stumbled across some amazing people when I ventured down a few rabbit holes this week, and Natalie is one of them. Natalie’s not so humble beginning was on the international opera stage in her early 20’s. She has since added mother, entrepreneur and speaker to her list of accomplishments. Natalie brings her vast performance experience to entrepreneurs seeking assistance with “fearless self-expression,” balance, and presentation — plus, she still gets on stage to sing.

I really enjoyed her vlog, Dressing Room Musings, in which she talks about the repertoire of experiences that prepare you for new and sometimes nerve-wracking situations, by helping you build trust in yourself. It’s important to gather valuable take-aways from every situation, so that you can draw from in the future.

Find out more about Natalie by following her on Twitter @NataliePeluso, or by visiting her site – NataliePeluso.com


That wraps up this post. I hope you enjoyed my picks for the week.
In case you were wondering, I have no affiliate relationship with anyone I call to your attention on this blog. This is simply my way of spreading the news about information and individuals I have found particularly helpful.

Until next week, keep reading, keep learning, keep growing!