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We can change the world. It starts with me & you. Take the Seven-Day Challenge!

Together we can change the world.

This past weekend I was in Toronto as an Ambassador for the ShesConnected conference on Friday & Saturday. On Sunday I got to attend a behind the scenes excursion with Canadian Family Magazine as part of the Blissdom Canada conference I also had tickets for.

Change the world

Photo credit: Anna Epp Photography

My time with Canadian Family Magazine was incredible and I will have exciting news to share from my experience early in 2013. Although I can not share too many details at this point I do want to share something that happened just as my time there was ending.

There was a PR lady sitting in listening to the whole discussion who came up to me before I left. Some things I said really resonated with her and she asked if she could give me a book. Of course I took the book, not thinking too much of it. I stuffed it in my bag and started walking back to my hotel enjoying the beautiful sunny day in downtown Toronto.

The next day I was rushing to the Toronto Airport. I was running late and wouldn’t you believe that when I got to the luggage drop off my suitcases were overweight. I quickly grabbed an extra bag I had, threw open my suitcase and started to repack (with many spectators eyes upon me).

When I finally got on the plane and got settled, I realized that I had grabbed the book that was given to me. Empowered YOUth: A Father and Son’s Journey to Conscious Living. The people around me were already settled in with their ear buds and my in-flight television was not working.

I decided to skim the pages of the book in hand.

It did not take long before I was completely drawn in.

I felt like the theme of the book matched my passion. In the world’s eyes, I have not had an easy life. A crazy start to my life, a childhood unlike many others, yet instead of dwelling on what has not gone “right” in my life, I strive to encourage and empower others.

It took me years to get to the place I am today. I had to learn to love myself first.

Empowered YOUth: A Father and Son’s Journey to Conscious Living is about a father and son, and although their story is completely different from mine, I loved their reason for writing the book. Their Seven-Day YOU Challenge is exactly what I encourage everyone I meet to do. I get shivers just thinking about how these typed words are the the same words that come from my heart…the words I have shared with so many people in the past few years, the words I have learned to embrace myself.

Jeffrey and Michael have an interesting challenge for parents, and kids.

This book is the heartfelt story of how they rose up from a tumultuous, emotional past to come together in a loving, respectful relationship as father and son, coach and student.They each share their personal story, along with tips to help others empower themselves.

Throughout the book, Michael also shares about being bullied and how this impacted his own elementary and high school experiences. Today, Michael works with youth helping them to understand what he believes to be the cause of this behavior: low self-esteem and inability to love, respect, and value oneself.  Jeffrey and Michael believe that empowering kids to feel better about themselves will help to combat bullying.

Having this book given to me was no coincidence.

What may seem like just another book to many people, was in fact my affirmation that I need to continue doing what I am doing. I not only need to keep encouraging others, I also need to start sharing my story. I’m not exactly sure how things will play out from here, but I know things will happen.

While I mull over all the exciting ideas bouncing around in my head, I encourage YOU all to take the Seven Day YOU challenge.

Will you do it?

Do you want to find happiness and success?

Do you want to LOVE yourself?

Do you want to put an end to bullying?

I hope you will come back to this post throughout the seven days and let me know how it is going…I want to cheer you on!

We can change the world, it starts with you and me!

 

Jeffrey Eisen

Tuesday 30th of October 2012

Jody, I am so glad you so serendipitously got our book. I has a feeling it would find it's way to the right people at the right time and I see it already has. Thanks for a great blog. I can feel your passion for helping people improve their self esteem and I agree it's time for you to start telling your story. If I can be of service to you in any way I would be pleased to do so. We are suffering from an epidemic of low self esteem and self worth in our world and it's time we did something about it. I would be pleased to assist you any way I can.

Jody @ Mommy Moment

Tuesday 30th of October 2012

Thank-you so much for taking the time to leave a comment Jeffrey. I could not agree with you more that the we are facing a low self esteem epidemic. I look forward to continuing this communication with you.

Tara @momtwomonkeys

Monday 29th of October 2012

This sounds like a great book and a wonderful read for you. Both my husband and I had difficult experiences growing up and are trying to provide a different experience for our children. It is not always easy when that negative stuff comes flowing back from childhood. And raising our two special needs children can at times be challenging but we keep on going. Thanks for sharing! This would be a great exercise for my son who has self esteem issues.

Tracy

Saturday 27th of October 2012

This came at a great time Jody. I have been struggling lately and needed this. Thank you :)

Jody @ Mommy Moment

Saturday 27th of October 2012

Tracy, I'm so glad that this came at the right time for you. I hope you will take the challenge, I'm here to cheer you on all the way! Taking the challenge ourselves will not only help us, but also our children, families and it really will change the world! Big {hugs} to you!! Thanks for leaving a comment.

Lina Zussino

Saturday 27th of October 2012

With another birthday just past, the conference and my new baby this year I have a lot to be grateful for. I haven't given the thanks deserved and think this challenge hits at the right time of life. Thanks for sharing this unique message.

Kathryn

Friday 26th of October 2012

What a beautiful post, Jody! I completely agree, this book was not given to you by accident. If ever there was a woman that was born to spread a message about the importance of self-confidence and self-love, it is you. Thanks so much for sharing your experience!

Jody @ Mommy Moment

Friday 26th of October 2012

Awe, thanks so much Kathryn. Your comment means a lot to me!