From 2017

finding your voice

How many times has your internal dialogue told you to be more like someone else? These days it seems like “influencers” are in every direction whose voices are so loud, the smaller voices get drowned out. We hear ourselves thinking “Maybe if I was more like her/him, then I’d be more successful.” Sound familiar?

With social media at an all time high, we’re hardwired to believe that we should be more than we are. Maybe it’s just easier to copy whatever that “successful” person is doing, rather than finding your voice. I get that. But let’s  turn the tables and remind you of why your voice is one of the most powerful tools you can master in all aspects of your life.

How often have you heard the following statements?

“You shouldn’t run your business like that.”

“You’d be more beautiful if _____”

“Doing ____ won’t get you noticed.”

“You’re never going to see results that way.”

“That’s a bad idea, it’s already been done before.”

These situations are probably at the worst end of the spectrum but nevertheless, society has a way of sending us these messages in very discrete ways. Finding your voice through these kinds of situations can be really tough. Where do you even start? Whether you’re trying to find your voice in your work, in your relationship, or even within yourself, let’s first consider where our voice comes from:

Your voice comes from your heart

When you speak from the heart, what kinds of things come to mind? Use your heart to identify the emotions that describe you or what you’re passionate about. We’re conditioned to believe that we’ll be more accepted if we round out our edges but those edges are what set you apart from the rest. Don’t do away with something because it makes you different, let that part of you stand out.

Your voice comes from your values

Your values are like a moral compass that guide you between what you believe to be right or wrong. In other words, they are basically an extension of what you believe in. Let’s say your values are to be honest and compassionate. Allow your voice to lead with Honesty and Compassion and these values will most definitely be heard among the crowd. And lastly, everyones values are different so don’t be afraid to let yours shine through.

Your voice comes from authenticity

This point, in my opinion, is the most important. I’m sure you’ve heard about authenticity before but nevertheless, according to Meriam-Webster, the definition of authenticity is being “true to one’s own personality, spirit, or character is sincere and authentic with no pretensions.” I speak from experience when I say that being my authentic, true self is what made the difference between finding my voice and being a follower. Authenticity is directly tied to being in tune with your heart and your values, so allow yourself the vulnerability and freedom to embrace the beautiful, unique person that you are. Make your voice heard. 

finding your voice | femmesociety.ca

Have you experienced a time when you felt like your voice was being silenced or challenged? How did you get back in tune with yourself and your voice?

Celebrating International Women’s Day

be bold for change / Femme Society

Happy International Women’s Day!

Today is a special day for one particular reason. International Women’s Day has been observed for over 100 years, dating back to the early 1900’s when 15,000 women marched through the streets of New York City insisting on shorter work hours, better pay and the right to vote. This march spurred a movement nothing short of a revolution that is still very alive and well in 2017.

During the Women’s March on Washington on January 21, 2017, an estimated 4.8 million people marched world wide in solidarity for women’s rights. Although International Women’s Day celebrates the strides made towards gender parity, patriarch dissolve, access to education, protection against violence and gender equality, it also sparks the conversation of how to further these achievements and the work still required to rid the glass ceiling from existence entirely.

I pledge to help women and girls achieve their ambitions

Whenever people ask me what my blog is about, I tell them my blog isn’t about me; it’s about the women of the world unsure of their worth. It’s about the women who dream of being something bigger. It’s for the girls who want to create their own path rather than follow the one forced upon them. It’s for the women that want to be leaders of change for their communities. It’s for the tribe full of brave, powerful and badass female warriors that I’m so proud to be in the company of.

International Women’s Day can mean something a little different to each of us. I encourage you to visit the International Women’s Day  website and #PledgeForParity to start conversations about women’s rights and influence the future of gender equality. What will you pledge for?

What makes you feel powerful as a woman in 2017?

To celebrate diversity and strength of women in the 21st century, I asked some amazing Femme Society readers what makes them feel proud and powerful to be a woman in today’s society.

Here’s what they had to say:

 “Being able to write and follow my dreams, whatever they may be at the moment. Being an equal partner in my marriage and I am excited for the day I’ll be a mother.” -Taylor

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“Perfectly applied red lipstick or the sound of heels on hard floors. Both also give me a confidence boost. Watch out world, I’m here!” -Margaret

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“I know that there are so many women that don’t and might never get to feel this way, but I personally feel proud and powerful to be a woman in 2017 because I know that I’m free and capable of pursuing my biggest goals and dreams without limitations. And that’s a dream I have for every woman. That our only limitation in life would be ourselves.” -Nicole

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“Bold lipstick, even if I’m wearing sweatpants and haven’t shaved my legs in a week.” -Mallory

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“I feel feminine when I feel powerful. Being female is powerful! Sometimes I feel powerful while I’m kicking ass in a work out. Sometimes I’m wearing heels and spending time with my girls. Other times it’s while I’m curled up on the couch with my sweetie. I have the power to choose the life I want to live, that is powerful!” -Rae

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“I’m proud that I can be the one who has the big career and the most education in a relationship. I’m proud that I can be the bread winner and that is both accepted and encouraged.” -Kelsey

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“I always feel feminine! It’s hard to just pick one thing. I like to think of myself as a badass woman warrior – as I think we all are whether we know it or not.” -Brittany

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Letting go. Letting go of expectations of myself or the expectations others hold over me. Saying no to the weight of my burdens that I can’t bare on my own and ultimately allowing the Lord to be my sustenance in life. What freedom it is to know I can’t do it all and that the burdens I carry don’t have to be my own, there is a God who carries them for me and gives me strength when I fall.” -Rebecca

How are you celebrating #IWD17? What are you pledging to #BeBoldForChange? Are you participating in a Day Without a Woman?

3 tips for goal setting

3 tips for goal setting / femmesociety.ca

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you all had a lovely holiday and are having a great start to your new year! Although the weather can be a bit dreary this time of year, January is the month of fresh starts and clean slates. It’s the time of year where your mind is racing with new ideas, goals, and adventures. It’s the time for making “new year, new me” resolutions because why the heck not?! But if all these resolutions and goals and ideas have your head spinning, do not fret. Let’s simplify things.

Here are 3 tips for goal setting in 2017:

Get organized and buy yourself a good planner. You won’t regret it.

Having a good planner is a complete game changer when it comes to goal setting. I like writing down my goals in a different colour than the rest so they stand out and are easy to read. Writing your goals down in a planner keeps you more accountable for the things you want to achieve and you’re more committed as opposed to using a sticky note. I swear by the Simplified Planner by Emily Ley because of it’s simplified design and functionality. I’m also a fan of Rifle Paper Co., Day Designer, and of course Kate Spade New York.

Break down those big, scary goals into smaller, baby goals.

So you have a list of goals you want to achieve in the next year, but where the hell do you start? The best way is to break your goals down into smaller, simpler goals. Smaller goals are less intimidating for us to accomplish which helps boost our self-esteem and helps get us closer to the end goal. For example: if your goal is to start a blog, give yourself a list of smaller goals such as finding a niche, picking a name, choosing a platform, brainstorming topics, researching your audience, creating a marketing strategy, etc. All of these things are smaller goals that contribute in a big way to your ultimate goal.

Reach out to like-minded people and communities for support.

Some of my hardest goals were made possible simply because I reached out for support. Not to mention, Facebook is exploding with groups that you can join full to the brim of likeminded people. Whether you’re looking for cross-fitters, bloggers, knitters, business experts or photographers, you will more than likely be able to find a support group on Facebook. It’s really helpful to have a community that you can interact with, ask for feedback, and push yourself towards bigger things. Some of my favourite creative groups are Melyssa Griffin’s Blog + Biz BFF’s, Wholehearted Woman, and Allison Marshall’s Creative Superheroes.

You’re now equipped with 3 tips to help with goal crushing in 2017 and I have all the trust that you will absolutely kill it. Comment below and tell me what some of your biggest goals are for the new year, I’d love to hear them!