Monday, March 7, 2016

Girl Power: Find Your Strengths and Excel


 

Girl Power: Find Your Strengths and Excel

Physical appearance is often a source of anxiety and stress, for both females and males. People are so much more than their outward physical appearance.  This is a reminder to individuals of all ages to develop your personal strengths and inner beauty by forming positive relationships. Work diligently to achieve your dreams and goals.   Many young girls, tweens, and teens face relentless verbal harassment and bullying related to their appearance.   Increasingly and at a younger and younger age, girls begin to fret over their appearance, weight or other physical attributes.  Instead of worrying about appearances, I would challenge all youth struggling to find their calling to (carpe diem) or seize the day.  Perhaps a teacher, parent, or mentor will make a suggestion or give you the nod that helps you move forward toward success.
March is designated as Women’s History Month.  This observance provides a great opportunity to look at some of the outstanding accomplishments of successful females.  Since 2016 is a year of political debates and potential appointments, it is only fitting to recognize a very exclusive group of accomplished female leaders. Although a woman has not served as president of our country, there have been three extremely qualified females appointed to serve as Secretary of State. Madeleine Korbel Albright, Condoleezza Rice, and Hillary Rodham Clinton epitomize intelligent women of strength and determination who have been appointed as Secretary of State.  Coincidentally, Dr. Albright’s father was a teacher and important mentor to Dr. Rice.  These women understood their potential and worked hard to fulfill goals and dreams.   Even these gifted individuals faced challenges and struggles, as is inevitable in life.  They persevered to find their academic and professional talents, which ultimately allowed them to excel in a variety of situations.

It is also a good time to reflect on the challenges that girls and boys face from bullying, name-calling and physical or verbal harassment.   Surprisingly, popular celebrities have become outspoken advocates for individuals who face bullying.   Many celebrities have talked about their memory of unpleasant school experiences due to bullying.  Wildly funny and successful TV host Ellen DeGeneres admits that she was bullied as a child.  Ellen has also become a huge supporter of bullied victims and made online resources available to support them.  The list of stars who report being the victims of bullying is surprisingly lengthy and includes such celebrities as Justin Timberlake, Tyra Banks, Rihanna, Michael Phelps, and Miley Cyrus.

 There will be times when each of us feels like the odd man out. Many instances of female bullying involve social isolation or exclusion.   Everyone wants to be accepted and included in social groups.  Celebrate the power of girls with the inclusion and acceptance of different people and circumstances.   Chart your own course in history by discovering your special talents.  Find your strengths and excel!

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