My friend Joan Rudder-Ward owns a company called the Image Maker. Anyone who meets Joan knows that she's special and not just because she's a natural leader who cares about everyone she meets. It's the way she carries herself and the torch for the causes that are closest to her heart -- especially the plight of young girls today. Last year, Joan was recognized nationally as the 2006 Community Service award winner for the National Association of Female Executives. One of her other ventures besides the Image Maker is Girl Nurture, which she started as a resource to help fund scholarships for her self-esteem workshops for adolescent girls and young women.

The vision for Girl Nurture is to offer products that will nurture girls and women - body, soul, and spirit. Her products are meant to nurture fun and creativity So when you purchase her products, you are helping to make a positive difference in the lives of the girls and young woman they serve.

Visit her at www.girl-nurture.com and tell her I said "hi"!

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I'm often heard talking about the importance of creating strategic partnerships. Having individuals who understand your vision and values for your business and personal life can be as powerful as having your own personal genie who utters the words, "Your wish is my command" daily . The old saying, "Two heads are better than one" refers the reality that challenges are often solved more easily by two people working together than by one working alone.

The same can be said for living out your passion. (Of course, it's important that these partners are also authentic connectors.....something I won't get into in detail, as you'll have to wait for the book Ursula C. Mentjes and I are writing to be released in the Spring.) There is power in numbers. If two or more people understand a concept, the forward motion of that idea has a greater chance to move ahead than if it were coming from only one person. Additionally, that forward motion can build momentum if there are even more individuals supporting that vision.

So, then, what is an upside impact partner? You already know that living on the upside is about finding the unlimited possibilities in your life and impact can be defined as "the power of making a strong, immediate connection". Most businesses look to make an impact on their customers and it is often done through the creation of a relationship using some form of emotional attachment. Upside impact partners aren't passive, they have a noticeable effect on the meeting of your mission in life. They are your cheerleader and confidate wrapped up into one. An upside impact partner or UIP is someone who understands your purpose and passion, your vision and values and carries your relationship with them in order to help you achieve all that you've envisioned for your life. UIP's are the people who not only believe in your amazing success but can be found standing in the bleachers, yelling, "You can do it!" even when you're not feeling like forward-thinking today.

I challenge you to make a list from 1 - 10 of all of the people who have made an impact in your life. How many of the people are still in your life? How many of them are fully aware of what you want from your life today? Do you have any UIP's currently helping you live out your vision? If you're having trouble thinking of someone, make a list of the 5 people who you'd like to recruit to be UIP's to help you achieve your dreams and the dates of when you will contact them. Remember, action, not goals, creates results. Best of luck on your upside journey!

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Last night I attended the For You Network Holiday Extravaganza. The spirit of Christmas could be felt through the room -- not because of the beautiful Christmas lights and decorations but because of the wonderful women in attendance. The For You Network is known as the network with heart and the organization prides itself on encouraging connections from the inside out. I have witnessed these women coming together not only in times of joy but also in great sorrow. Even during this holliday event the women paused for a few moments of silence to honor and remember the women who served in the network and had passed away.

While I enjoy being part of For You, I love being the director of the Moreno Valley chapter. If anyone at the event last night demonstrated the ability to make a heart connection, it was those women. They ooze with kindness, compasssion and know how to have fun. The silent auction provided entertainment throughout the night as I fought for my prize....amongst with my friends in Moreno Valley!

There is power when women come together, heck, just when people come together, to support a common cause. The extravaganza was different this year but it wasn't because the format changed. Rather, it was different because of the the dynamic women who were there to celebrate each other and demonstrate the power of Moreno Valley!

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Calling All Ladies in Southern California! Swap 'Til You Drop is a way to exchange those great clothes that you don’t wear for something new, reinvent your style, clean out your closet and help those in need. Join me at the Holiday Inn Express, 24630 Sunnymead Blvd (Hwy 60 & Perris Exit), Moreno Valley, CA on Tuesday, November 28th from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Bring your gently used holiday and winter business attire to swap and trade for new ones. All unclaimed clothing will be donated to The Alternative to Domestic Violence and Women Helping Women.

For only $20 advance registration, you'll recieve snacks, refreshments, a large shopping bag for all of your goodies and a chance to connect with other fabulous women! Register on-line at www.circleofstrength.com or show up at the door and pay $25! I look forward to seeing you there!

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"Vacation all I ever wanted, vacation had to get away...." ( Yes -- I am a product of the 80's and every time I hear the word "vacation", I can't help it, I start singing.) After a heck of a week, Jim and I journeyed to the central coast in California for some much needed rest and relaxation. I requested no cell phones, no computer/email access and no PDA's. My husband reluctantly complied and I had a harder time than he did being without my many devices. Because I never quite turn off my leadership spidey senses, I connected with some incredible business owners and met a few upside thinkers along the way. During our time in Cayucos and Cambria, we explored the countryside and were in awe with its beauty. We laughed, ate fabulous food and laughed some more. One of the parts of the Go-Go's song that I disagree with is the next line which proclaims, "Vacation meant to be spent alone." I couldn't imagine "riding the upside" without Jim. Which brings me to one of the most exciting parts of our trip....the decision to launch a product line of Upside Thinking for all of the upside thinkers out there! Yeah for my supportive husband! I had to Go-Go it up and get away so I could get the creative juices flowing again. Be on the lookout for the Upside Living line in 2007!

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