A rebirth, of sorts

This has been the longest winter I can remember. Up here in the northern part of the US, it has been cold and snowy since October. And, as usual, I have put on a few pounds of “winter fat” that hides nicely under sweaters and other winter clothing. But I’ve really had it with this winter and I’m ready for Spring.

Well, yesterday I had my first glimpse of seasonal change. The robins had returned! The temperature was in the 50s! The snow was nearly gone, leaving a muddy yard instead. All welcome signs!

So, what did I do this morning? Put on spring clothing, of course! Crop pants and a polo shirt to be exact. I guess I’m hoping this change in wardrobe will push Spring along (if only it was that easy!). I also headed to a local store to check out the gardening tools, yard decorations, etc — a great jumpstart for my creativity. My mind is now reeling with thoughts of what new flowers and gardens I’ll plant around the yard.  And, I’ve started checking out what diet I’ll jump on to lose those extra pounds.

Ah, Spring… a time of rebirth!

Enjolie: The ad that inspired a young woman

I told you I was completely blog illiterate, so I’m not sure how to link to other blogs. Therefore, I’m giving you the URL of a great group project that is being sponsored by the RandyClayDesign blog. The project is to write about an ad slogan. Here is the URL… http://randaclay.com/blogging/group-writing-project-ad-lib/

Okay, that being said, the advertising slogan that most affected my life is from an ad from the 70s for Enjolie perfume. The wording went like this: “I can bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan, and never let you forgot you’re a man. Cuz I’m a woman. Enjolie.”

Young woman today may read this slogan and think, “so what’s the big deal with that?” However, if you were like me, a teenager listening to this in the 1970s, this was a novel idea. Women “having it all”… career AND family!

Women during that time were just on the cusp of equality. Women like Gloria Steinem were leading the “women’s liberation movement” (as it was known then), demanding equal rights, equal opportunities, and equal pay. Before that time, there were very few women who had “careers”. Jobs maybe, careers rarely.

Most young women today don’t understand how lucky they are to have had these women fighting for their rights. Young women today grow up knowing they can choose any career path they desire. That was not the case in the 70s (and prior to that time). But the 70s changed all that. It was a glorious time for young women who suddenly had the door to life opened for them. The world was their oyster, filled with opportunities never before seen for women.

This ad slogan for Enjolie was a sign of the times. It was a statement that women could do anything they desired. They could have it all.

I was lucky enough to be a teenager during that time. By the time I graduated from high school, I knew I could choose any career I wanted. My older sister, just 7 years my senior, did not have that opportunity. Most girls her age graduated, got married, and had children. Now, there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with that… I have complete admiration for my sister and all she has achieved… but college was not the norm. A “career” was not the norm. By the time I came of age, I had so many more doors open to me… so many paths I could choose.

This catchy little Enjolie jingle most certainly played a major part in who I am today. I went to college and became a copywriter and then marketing communications manager. Today I own 2 businesses: a marcom consulting firm and a home remodeling company, plus I am a novice real estate investor with 6 properties to my name as of today. I have raised two wonderful sons who are the light of my life, I married a man whom I adore, and I have a family rich in love.

Today, 30 years later, there are many days when I still sing that little jingle! “I can bring home the bacon, fry it up in the pan, and never let you forget you’re a man. Cuz I’m a woman. Enjolie.” It usually pops into my head on days when I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the responsibilities in life, and it instantly gives me a feeling of strength and empowerment. “I can do this. I am strong. I am woman.”

The perfume Enjolie is long gone, but the affect that it had on a young teenage woman in the 70s still remains strong. I wonder if the copywriter who created that slogan has any idea of how powerful and life-altering it was for so many women like me. Whoever you are, if you’re out there… thank you!

Reality Check

Like everyone, there are days when I throw a pity party for myself. Poor me… I do all the cooking,  cleaning, shopping, pet care, child care, and work full time too… blah, blah, blah. I’m sure that it is healthy to have days like that, occasionally.  They force us to look at our lives, take inventory, make changes, and grow.

When you’re having a day like that, however, don’t get too caught up in yourself. In fact, if you need to snap out of it, just look around and you’re sure to find someone who is a great deal worse off than you. The other day when I was at the grocery store (and throwing a grand “I wish my husband would do the shopping once in a while” pity party), I ran into a woman in the checkout line. She had no legs and was in a wheelchair. Her young son appeared severely mentally handicapped, and her teenage daughter was trying to help both of them out the best she could. The cashier scanned the items and told the woman the total of the order after each item, so that she would know if she had enough food stamps to pay for her groceries. Upon finishing, she apologized for taking so long and wheeled away with her children.

Wow, was that a reality check! I snapped out of my self-pity and reflected on the many blessings in my life… starting with my legs! This woman wasn’t famous, rich, beautiful… or any of the tags that we place on inspirational people. Yet this woman was a true inspiration.

Next time you’re throwing a pity party, just look around. You’re sure to meet someone whose life will offer you a reality check.

Family time at the dinner table

Growing up we didn’t have a lot of money, but my mother always made sure we had dinner on the table… and that we sat together at the table to eat it. That’s the way I was brought up and so I thought that was the way everyone experienced dinner.

Today, I meet more and more families that don’t experience this wonderful family time. Many families with busy schedules are eating fast foods on the run. But, even if they are home, many families either take their food and wander off to various rooms, or “fend for themselves” and are responsible for finding/making their own dinners (even children). These families are missing the opportunity for some very important bonding time.

Sitting together at the dinner table brings the family together… even if only for a few minutes. During those few minutes, parents have the opportunity to catch up with their children and see what’s happening in their lives. Discussions about school, friends, sports activities, current news events and more are sure to arise… and you just may find out some things you didn’t know otherwise.

I know that everyone is busy today. Parents are working late, kids are involved with extracurricular activities… who has the time?! But making time to eat dinner together at the table at least several times a week will truly enhance your family’s relationships with one another.

More to come on this topic…

Welcome to Inspired Woman!

There are so many issues that women address everyday. Their children, spouses, ex-spouses, boyfriends, ex-boyfriends, parents, family, friends, jobs, health, money, and more. We are often overworked, under-appreciated, and can’t find enough time, motivation or self-love to take care of ourselves — both physically and emotionally.

I’m starting this blog because, in my quest to find a decent website that truly addressed these issues, I found mostly garbage. Advertising portals, links to other links… ugh, completely useless! I’m the least computer-savvy person I know, so I’m starting out slowly with this blog. Hopefully as I learn more about the technical nature of the internet, I can turn this into a very informative website where women of all ages can come, learn, and be inspired.

Come back and visit often. Bookmark this blog so you’ll find it easily. I will be addressing many issues, however, if there is a topic I haven’t yet covered or any advice you need, please feel free to send me a comment. This site is for you, so I’d love your input on the topics that are most important to you.