Women’s empowerment has been a topic of discussion for decades, and in the millennial era, the importance of empowering women has become more crucial than ever before. Women are still facing gender inequality in various spheres of life, including education, employment, and leadership positions. However, the millennial generation is actively working towards changing this narrative by promoting women’s empowerment in various ways.

Firstly, the millennial generation is breaking stereotypes by challenging the traditional gender roles assigned to women. Women are no longer bound to just being homemakers; instead, they are choosing to pursue their careers and are actively contributing to the workforce. They are becoming entrepreneurs, CEOs, and leaders in various industries, which has not only empowered them but also paved the way for other women to follow their dreams.

Moreover, the millennial generation is using technology to promote women’s empowerment. Social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter have become powerful tools to spread awareness and inspire change. Women are using these platforms to showcase their talents, promote their businesses, and advocate for women’s rights. They are creating safe spaces for women to share their experiences and connect with each other.

Furthermore, the millennial generation is promoting diversity and inclusivity. Women from different backgrounds are being represented in various industries and platforms, challenging the notion that success is only for a particular group of people. This has not only empowered women but has also created a more inclusive society where everyone has an equal chance to succeed.

Education is also a crucial aspect of women’s empowerment, and the millennial generation is actively advocating for equal access to education for women. Women are breaking the barriers of gender-based discrimination and are enrolling in schools and universities, pursuing their dreams of becoming doctors, engineers, and scientists. They are using education to gain knowledge, skills, and confidence to become leaders and change-makers in their communities.

Monidipa Dutta through her blog believes that women’s empowerment is a crucial aspect of creating a more equal and inclusive society. By breaking stereotypes, using technology, promoting diversity and inclusivity, and advocating for equal access to education, she believes that women are becoming more empowered than ever before. As a result, we are creating a world where women have an equal chance to succeed and make a positive impact on their communities.

Monidipa, please tell my audience something unique about you.

This might sound awful to you but I believe I am the most boring person on earth. I just wake up, work, eat, write, read, and sleep. That’s almost my daily routine. Yes, I do travel a lot due to work and family requirements. I am an ambivert.

Talk to me about embracing diversity in womanhood.

Embracing diversity in womanhood involves recognizing and valuing the broad range of experiences, identities, and cultural backgrounds that women possess. This means actively listening to and amplifying the voices of women from diverse backgrounds, challenging societal norms and biases, and promoting intersectional feminism that acknowledges the ways in which gender intersects with other identities such as race, class, sexuality, and ability. By embracing diversity in womanhood, we can create a more equitable and inclusive society that values and celebrates the experiences and contributions of all women.

One of the most important aspects of womanhood is self-acceptance. I want to know more.

Self-acceptance is a critical aspect of womanhood that involves embracing and valuing oneself for who we are, without judgment or criticism. It means recognizing and accepting our strengths, weaknesses, and imperfections, as well as our unique qualities and identities. Self-acceptance is essential to promoting mental and emotional well-being, and it can also be a powerful tool for creating positive change in our lives. By accepting and valuing ourselves, we can build confidence, resilience, and a greater sense of self-worth, which can empower us to pursue our goals and aspirations with greater clarity and purpose. Ultimately, self-acceptance is a process that requires ongoing reflection, self-awareness, and self-compassion, and it is a lifelong journey toward greater self-love and self-fulfillment.

Talk to me about what women empowerment means to you and what it is not.

To me, women’s empowerment means creating a society where women are given equal opportunities, rights, and resources to live their lives to their fullest potential. It means breaking down the societal and cultural barriers that limit women’s freedom and choices, including gender-based discrimination, violence, and systemic inequalities. Women’s empowerment is about building a world where women have the power and agency to make decisions about their bodies, careers, and relationships, and where they are recognized and valued for their unique experiences, perspectives, and contributions.

However, it’s important to note that women’s empowerment is not about seeking power or dominance over men. Rather, it is about recognizing and challenging the power imbalances that have historically disadvantaged women and perpetuated gender-based oppression. Women’s empowerment is not a zero-sum game, but rather a collaborative effort to create a more just and equitable world for all. It is also not a one-time achievement, but rather an ongoing process of growth and progress that requires sustained effort, dedication, and collaboration.

Happiness and joy. Is there a path to happiness?

Happiness and joy are two important components of our overall well-being, but they differ in their duration and intensity. While joy is often a fleeting experience, happiness is a more enduring sense of contentment and fulfillment that arises from living a life that is aligned with our values and aspirations. While happiness can be influenced by factors such as genetics and external circumstances, research has shown that we can also actively cultivate happiness through practices such as gratitude, mindfulness, and social connection. Ultimately, the path to happiness may look different for each person, but it often involves a combination of personal growth, meaningful relationships, and a sense of purpose or contribution to the world.

I find writing cathartic and relaxing. What does it do for you?

For me, writing is a therapeutic and enjoyable activity. Writing helps me to organize my thoughts, process emotions, and reduce stress. However, I’ve seen that for many people, writing can also be a way to connect with others, they share their experiences and perspectives and contribute to a larger conversation. Ultimately, the benefits of writing will depend on the individual and their goals and motivations for engaging in this activity.

Talk to me about the city you live in and the food scene.

I live in Mumbai India, which is also known as the Financial Capital of our country. We have Bollywood here, haha…

Mumbai, also known as Bombay, is a bustling city in India with a vibrant food scene that reflects the region’s diverse cultural influences. From traditional street food like vada pav and pav bhaji to high-end dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, Mumbai offers a range of culinary experiences that cater to all tastes and budgets. The city is also known for its seafood specialties, including fresh crab, prawns, and pomfret, as well as its vegetarian cuisine, which includes a variety of flavorful curries and bread. Mumbai’s food scene is also influenced by the city’s history as a former British colony, with many restaurants offering fusion dishes that blend Indian and Western flavors. Whether you’re a foodie or simply looking for a delicious meal, Mumbai has something to offer for everyone.

How is your generation different from your mom’s and your grandma’s in terms of expectations, freedom, liberty, and a voice?

I am a millennial and we are a generation that has grown up in a rapidly changing world and has unique expectations, experiences, and perspectives compared to our moms and grandmoms. One of the key differences is the greater emphasis on individualism, self-expression, and social justice issues. We have grown up with greater access to information and technology, which has allowed for more open and diverse conversations and activism around issues such as gender equality, racial justice, and environmentalism. Additionally, we tend to prioritize experiences, work-life balance, and mental health in a way that differs from previous generations. They are also more likely to embrace non-traditional forms of work and entrepreneurship and to prioritize flexibility and autonomy in their careers.

Our generation places a greater emphasis on intersectional feminism, which recognizes that women’s experiences are shaped by multiple factors such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. We are also more likely to speak out about gender-based violence and discrimination and to prioritize issues such as equal pay and reproductive rights. One thing I might add is that social media has provided a platform for us women to share our experiences, connect with others, and organize for change. However, despite these gains, many challenges remain for women, and it is important to continue working toward true gender equality for all women.

The post Women’s empowerment through a millennial lens appeared first on Four Columns of a Balanced Life.

Peggy Bodde believes the workplace is an important area where Christians can demonstrate their faith through their actions and attitudes. Christians can be a positive influence on their colleagues and contribute to the company’s overall success.

Peggy Bodde believes that, rather than professing their faith, one of the key principles that Christians can follow in the workplace is to demonstrate integrity in all their actions. This means being honest, trustworthy, and reliable in their work. They should not compromise their beliefs or values for personal gain and should always strive to do what is right, even if it is unpopular or difficult.

Christians can also exhibit respect for their colleagues and superiors by treating everyone with dignity and kindness. This means avoiding gossip, rudeness, or any other negative behavior that can undermine teamwork and productivity. They should also be open-minded and willing to listen to different perspectives and ideas.

Another important principle for Christians in the workplace is to prioritize the well-being of others over personal gain. This means being generous with their time, resources, and talents, and showing compassion and empathy to those who are struggling or in need.

Finally, Christians can demonstrate a strong work ethic by being diligent, dependable, and proactive in their work. They should be willing to go the extra mile to ensure that their work is of the highest quality and meets the expectations of their colleagues and superiors.

In conclusion, Christians can set an example in the workplace by exhibiting integrity, respect, compassion, and diligence in their work. These principles can help them build positive relationships with their colleagues and contribute to the overall success of the company.

Peggy Bodde transitioned from senior vice president at Petzl America to a full-time writer and small business owner. Peggy Bodde runs a foundation called Sacred Work that provides women with free career and leadership coaching. She loves using words to encourage and empower women.

Peggy gets real about her life, her career, and challenges and has some great advice on networking and asking for a raise.

Peggy Bodde, I want to know something unique about you.

I think my origin story is a little different from most. I was out on my own at thirteen after a failed adoption, but the foster system was never involved. My adoptive parents were avid churchgoers, involved in the community, and kept an immaculate home. They adopted me when I was less than a year old. Despite outer appearances, they were unstable, and home was a dangerous place. When I left their house, I bounced around to various families until I landed with the Browns. They had five children already but welcomed me with no questions asked. I stayed there until I left for college.

My adoptive parents adamantly refused to give me any information about my birth mom or even my nationality. As a kid, I always thought of myself as a mutt. My adoptive parents were American and Japanese, but I had no idea what I was. I searched for my birth parents my entire life, and I finally found my birth mom seven years ago! She’s half-Italian and half-Polish, and my birth father is Chinese. She never told him she was pregnant, and he moved to a different state not long after she found out. My birth mom and aunts have become the family I never had. They love and accept me, and we make up for lost time every chance we get. God has redeemed my childhood years, and I am grateful.

Walk me through your transition from a vice president to a full-time writer and small business owner. What were the challenges?

I have to say that fear was my first biggest challenge. God had been prompting me to make this career change for several years. My degree is in English, and I’ve always loved writing. Throughout my business career, I was the resident scribe in addition to whatever formal title I held. I wrote everything from ad copy to job descriptions to policies and procedures. But—that’s very different from relying on writing as an income. I was afraid of the unknown and afraid of losing my corporate salary. I had a million excuses, which all came down to trusting God.

God knew that, so He gave me the push I needed when I was passed over for a big promotion. I was scheduled to interview for a C-suite position and ended up having emergency surgery on my spine. While I was in the hospital, my boss awarded the position to the other candidate. He wasn’t straightforward about what had happened. I found out from someone at our company headquarters.

This was a humbling, painful time, but God used it to show me that I had put my career on the throne. He had blessed me with my job to provide for me and my daughter, and I had allowed it to become an idol. Being passed over was a gift because it took me to a new level of surrender in my faith and propelled me into the career change God was calling me to make.

From that point, I mapped out a career transition plan with milestones, goals, a business plan, and a budget. In my last year at corporate, I started freelance writing on the side to make sure I could generate income. I researched all the necessary details and set up the framework for my business. After I resigned, I faced the next big challenge: chasing work. Because I wasn’t established as a writer, I aggressively pursued leads to maintain a steady income. I had saved a large chunk of money but chasing after work is stressful! Another challenge was trying to find my niche. I was writing and editing everything from fly-fishing articles to memoirs and web content. Finally, I settled into the educational publishing industry, and that is where I’ve stayed. I write textbooks remotely as my 9-5 job, and I write about the intersection between faith and work as my passion.

I love your tweets. You love using words to encourage and empower women. Talk to me about the power of words and how you are encouraging and empowering women.

Throughout my corporate career, I was passionate about mentoring others, especially women. I worked in a male-dominated industry for a male-dominated company, and I didn’t have access to female mentors. Early on, I made up my mind to fill that need for other women. I used my voice and words to encourage them, teach them, motivate them, and advocate for them. I spoke up on their behalf in the way I wished someone would have spoken up for me. I also equipped women to speak up for themselves: to negotiate, promote themselves, and deal with conflict.

When I left corporate, I knew God wouldn’t want me to shelve decades of business experience, so I founded a ministry called Sacred Work. Here, I provide free leadership and career coaching for women. I also help men, but most of my clients are women. I also just signed a contract with Moody Publishers for my first book: Sacred Work: A Christian Womans Guide to Leadership in the Marketplace. My hope is that this book can function as a pocket-sized mentor to women who need help with specific leadership challenges.

I find writing cathartic. What does writing do for you?

That’s interesting, Jerry because that’s the same reason I started writing! When I was a little girl, someone gave me a Strawberry Shortcake diary with a lock and key. I scribbled down everything that was happening in the home life that I didn’t understand. It was a way for me to process the world around me. I’ve continued journaling to this day. I also love that my journals are a written record of how big and how often God has shown up for me!

Who we are as followers of Christ informs what we do as leaders of people. I want to know more.

Too often, I think the faith community gets caught up in a scripted demonstration of what it means to be a Christian leader in the workplace. For example, always mentioning church when someone asks about the weekend or quoting the Bible to a coworker. Sometimes we put more effort into professing our faith than living it.

Leaders have to recognize that how we lead has the potential to make the biggest impact on God’s Kingdom. We demonstrate what it means to follow Christ with every decision we make, the words we speak, and how we treat our employees. Our relationship with Christ should prompt us to show excellence, broker hope, and love fully—this is how we embody Him at work.

Help me understand the Christian ethos of loving your neighbor at work.

Researchers say that over the course of a lifetime, we will have spent one-third of our lives at work. Whether we work remotely, in an office, or a combination of both—we spend big chunks of days and weeks engaging with our coworkers: over 2,000 hours a year. How we treat them is a much truer reflection of our faith than church attendance or going to a Bible study with friends.

There are simple actions we can take to love our neighbor at work:

Look for opportunities to encourage and support people: Ask God to open your eyes to those around you who may need help or a kind word. Then reach out. Send a message or an email. Make a call. Write a note. Buy the person coffee or lunch. Be present and listen.

Express gratitude: Thank people specifically and often. Is there someone who helped you meet an objective? Do you work with someone whose positive attitude is contagious? Did someone go out of her way to make your job easier? Be generous in giving recognition. Praise someone’s achievements in a meeting, to the person’s boss, or one-on-one.

Call out potential: If you notice employees with an aptitude or skill that may not be recognized or even official, let them know what you see. Encourage them to use their gifts, even if they work for someone else.

Invest time: Whether you’re a leader in your organization or not, choose to invest in the people around you. People who are new to the organization need to understand how the workplace culture works and could benefit from your experience. Informally mentor them to help them succeed.

A 25-year-old woman has been working very hard and wants to ask for a raise. Explain the process of how to go about it.

This is a great question. When I coach women through my foundation, they often ask for tips in this area. The negotiation process can feel overwhelming and intimidating, but it doesn’t have to. Here are the steps I recommend:

Have a macro understanding of what’s going on in the labor market, economy, and industry. Make sure you’re clear on how those factors are impacting your company.

Research and document salary ranges. I love spreadsheets! Document figures and sources. Be as detailed as possible. For example, you can’t just look for a marketing director; Drill down into marketing directors in companies your size and in your industry. Know how experience and education impact the range and where you fall.

Understand your company & total benefits package and how it compares to other companies. This will give you a well-rounded perspective as you enter into the negotiation process.

Document tangible accomplishments you’ve made for the company. Data needs to drive these accomplishments. What have you done to increase profitability, efficiency, or sales? How have you decreased turnover or increased engagement? What new responsibilities have you taken on? What were the measurable results? Quantify everything.

Identify your ask and what you’re willing to accept. Now that you have the documentation to back it up, name your number or a range. Then, make a list of three asks in priority order. Decide where you’ll draw a hard line. Remember, there are asks that fall outside of compensation (flexible schedules, education or training, title changes). Your list may include a mix.

Create a brief presentation to guide you through the negotiation process with your boss.

Schedule a separate meeting to present your request. Setting a meeting that’s outside of a standing one-to-one shows your boss that this is important: it’s a standalone topic.

If your boss needs time to think about your request, get a follow-up meeting on the calendar right then.

Networking is a big part of being in business. What are the dos and don’ts of networking for women?

This is an area I wish I would have paid more attention to when I was in corporate. I didn’t fully understand the value of networking. Many people are put off by the idea because it can feel fake and uncomfortable, but there are practical ways to do it.

Dos:

Reframe how you view networking. Every person has unique gifts and abilities, and no single person has every skill, talent, or depth of experience. We’re all better equipped to be our best and do our best when we’re connected to other people.
Identify your goal. Are you trying to find a job? Looking for a group of like-minded professionals? Selling a product or service? Searching for a mentor? Promoting a book? If you don’t set a goal, networking will never happen.
Create a plan. How will you spend the time you’ve set aside? This may change from week to week. You might use it to find in-person events, Facebook groups, or to make connections on LinkedIn. You can also use the time to follow up with contacts you already have. Before each week starts, create an outline of what you’re going to do based on your priorities and needs for that week.

Don’ts:

Be a taker and never give! You don’t want to be the person who only consumes content and asks for help or referrals. Engage with and support others. Proactively connect people who can help each other.
Fail to set up a system. Organize and document your connections. Some people use the Contacts app on their phones and others use a simple word document. Note the person’s contact information and other details such as where you met, or who introduced you. Jot down the date and something personal or helpful they shared with you or even a need they have.
Try to do it on your own. Find, join, or build groups with similar interests. One easy way to start is to look for groups that share the same goals. Choose keywords for an online search based on your goal. If you’re networking to find a job or meet professionals in your industry, search for groups on LinkedIn or Facebook.

I am fascinated by some of your posts and sayings. So in 50 words, I want to know what you mean by:

When our “sometimes” moments discourage us: We’re all human! We make mistakes and missteps. We get discouraged and sometimes fail, but these instances don’t define who we are. I believe God gives us a new identity when we trust Him, and that identity is secure and unchangeable.

God is not limited by our limitations: Because we can’t understand the vastness of who God is, we tend to limit what He can and will do. We hold back on asking His help because we think there may be a quota, yet His ability is endless and so is His willingness.

God is good, but is He safe? In Scripture, God allows Satan to torture Job. John the Baptist was beheaded. Jesus was crucified. Do I believe God is good and sovereign? Absolutely. But the Bible makes it clear that suffering is expected. As a childhood trauma survivor, I accept God’s sovereignty, but the only safety guarantee is the eternal one.

Finally, what is your message for my readers for 2023?

All good things start with one step. Your dream job, a promotion, the book you want to write, the blog you want to start, the career change you want to make—all these big dreams are possible. You simply have to start!

The post Peggy Bodde: Using words to encourage and empower women appeared first on Four Columns of a Balanced Life.

Kylie is a personal trainer, fitness nutritionist specialist, and mother. She is a firm believer in women empowering themselves and to practice intentional living. This intentional living is a blessing that gives you the power to nourish your body and soul and to thrive with self-love, self-worth, and confidence. It will make you radiant in every area of life.

Kylie, tell me something unique and different about you?

I love journaling! I once heard someone say, “Wisdom lies in the questions, not the answers.” It is through journaling that I truly understood how powerful questions are. The prompts in journals always set me off into deep thoughts and reflections, uncovering so many insights and clarity. Journaling has expanded my views and guided me to give thoughts on critical issues and aspects of life that I normally wouldn’t have given much attention to. So, I am constantly on a lookout for good journals!

I love the word empowering and intentional living. Talk to me about how you use it in your practice?

To bring health and nutrition effortlessly into your life, it’s crucial that we look at your life in its entirety rather than just solely nutrition. You are a real person with a career to excel in, family to raise, and passions to pursue. Your life doesn’t revolve just around nutrition. It’s not realistic to focus only on nutrition and neglect other aspects of your life. Merging intentional living with nutrition will allow these two components to sync and flow seamlessly; rather than trying to fit things in haphazardly. Intentional living is integrated through journaling components in the Nutrition Blueprint that my clients will be crafting.

Talking about empowerment, there are many ways to empower oneself. There are also many ways people give up their power unknowingly. In the case of nutrition, some of us change and compromise our lifestyle to adhere to meal plans or diets. We are giving up our rights to live life the way we desire and often end up feeling miserable. Education is one way of empowering yourself to take your power back but there’s a catch.

Knowledge is important but the ability to apply this knowledge safely, effectively and consistently is critical. True empowerment through education is achieved when you combine knowledge with skillsets to implement them. Information alone seldom leads to results. You can buy as many meal plans, fitness plans or courses as you like. If you don’t work on them consistently or if you don’t apply them appropriately, nothing will work.

It’s not my practice to give my clients a meal plan or diet and ask them to “Follow this and don’t deviate.” I equip my clients with essential nutrition knowledge, so they know the reason why they are doing something. They will know the purpose of every step and action plan. It will never be a case of “doing it for the sake of doing” without understanding. I also develop their skillsets to implement nutrition principles so that nutrition flow into their life and is sustainable. These skillsets will also work for other aspects of their life, be it picking up a new hobby or a new habit. Combining knowledge, skills, and clarity, my clients will truly be empowered. They can confidently make adjustments and be flexible about how they integrate nutrition principles into their life.

What kind of a coach are you? I like that you say if someone is looking for a quick fix then you are not the right fit.

I’m a firm believer that it’s not what you do that matters, it’s whether you can do it consistently. No matter how small the action is, if you can do it consistently, you will see results. Most importantly, it will last. Never undermine the power of small, consistent actions. Quick fixes may give you great results, but if it’s not a lifestyle that you can keep up in the long run, the results won’t last. You will go back to where you began and start over again and again. It becomes a vicious cycle that repeats indefinitely. You will be deflated and feel like a total failure even when it’s not exactly your fault. It’s just a fact that quick fixes are not meant to yield long-term sustainable results.

I know life is busy and can be messy, which may be the reason why quick fixes seem so attractive. No matter which stage you are in your health journey, I will meet you where you are. Together we will work with your lifestyle, your schedule, your level of ability, your resources, your environment, your preferences, etc. It’s about integrating things in a harmonious manner rather than forcing nutrition into their life.

Walk me through your struggles with motherhood, what changed and how are you a different person?

I have had several health issues that I needed to deal with postpartum. Juggling motherhood and health issues were tough. I constantly felt guilty when I needed to take some time off for myself. I also felt like a failure when I couldn’t manage the daily responsibilities of taking care of a newborn, housework, etc. I crumbled under the stress. I knew I had to work through those struggles but there was no clear solution.

On a random day when I was observing my child fumbling with her toys and trying to figure out how the toy works, I had a sudden realization. I felt so much joy seeing her explore. Even when she made a mistake, I would still cheer her on. We are so forgiving towards babies who are learning and yet we are so harsh on ourselves when falling short on our own expectations and mistakes. That moment, I knew how I can work things out. That is to act from a place of love.

I stopped picking on my shortcomings. I reminded myself that I am still learning as a first-time mother and patient. I focused on my strengths and what I can do best for my child and my health. I cheered myself on, just like how I cheered my child on. With this approach, my blind spots slowly surfaced. It’s like I’m learning about myself all over again. I’ve re-learned so many values and mind-sets together with my child.

Since then, I see myself as a student of life, always learning and growing. Challenges are lessons that life uses to nurture and teach us. It’s ok to stumble and fall, just like a baby falls while learning to walk. It’s also important to have some form of a self-care routine to help you rest and rejuvenate. It’s only when you are in a great space mentally and physically will you be able to give your 100%. It’s true to say, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”

We are living fast lives and never slowing down at the expense of our health and nutrition. Give me a more realistic way as to how we can approach this?

In this hectic world, we are constantly multitasking and even operating on auto-pilot mode. It’s no wonder so many of us are burned-out and stopped noticing the little things in life. It may even sound daunting to allocate time for health and nutrition.

Truth is, we don’t need big and extreme actions to improve our health and nutrition.

Remember we discussed small consistent actions earlier on? Here’s how you can approach it:

1. Decide on an area you would like to improve on or a goal you would like to achieve.
2. List down actions that you think will help you in reaching that goal.
3. Pick one action you are confident in implementing successfully.
4. Ask yourself if the action is small enough to be acted on consistently on a daily basis.
   1. If yes, decide how exactly you are going to do it and then do it!
   2. If no, think about how you can break that action down into smaller steps that can be acted on consistently every day.
5. Once you feel comfortable and are able to act on this action consistently, you can repeat the process to select another action.

The key is to make that step small, easy and quick to do. It may be as simple as drinking one extra glass of water every day or doing a 5 minutes’ stretch every morning. As long as you can do it consistently, you are doing great! You can download the cheat sheet here for quick reference.

If I hire you as a coach, can I go to Mcdonalds, have a coke, and eat ice cream?

Yes, you can! In fact, McDonald’s’ is my favorite fast-food chain. I love their Fillet-O-Fish burger, French fries, and Hot Fudge Sundae! Adhering to any particular diet or cutting out any food category is not necessary unless it is due to a medical condition or required by your medical doctor. There’s no “bad” or “good” food. It’s how we eat and how much we eat that matters. In excessive quantity, even beneficial nutrients like Vitamin A can become toxic.

Talk to me about the city you live in. I want to know the food scene and the amazing restaurants and why should we visit?

I’m from the sunny island of Singapore! It’s summer all year round over here. If you love the sun and beach, our island is the perfect travel destination.

Food Centres are where the locals usually go for our daily meals. There’s a wide range of tasty food selection, all at affordable prices. The best part is you can enjoy Michelin Starred food at the Food Centres without breaking the bank! Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice is possibly the most famous chicken rice in Singapore. Its flagship stall is at Maxwell Food Centre. American celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain once commented that the rice from Tian Tian is exceptionally fragrant, flavorsome, and is delicious on its own. There was an exciting “Hawker Heroes Challenge” in 2013 which Gordon Ramsay took part in and lost out to Tian Tian. So be sure to try Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice when you visit Singapore!

The post Practice Intentional Living appeared first on Four Columns of a Balanced Life.

What is the meaning of life?

I have known Mayple Dorrington since I started my career at Scotia Bank. Mayple was Director, Communications and Change Management at Scotia Bank.  Mayple recently wrote a book called Finding: The Oasis in my Soul. It is a journal, an encouraging journey through the spectrum of real-life experiences of trials and triumphs. As you read her book, you can relate to it. You will see a reflection of your own experiences. The book asks some relevant questions about having an empty void within us, do we have doubts about our gifts, weaknesses,  our purpose, and our identity?

I am a big fan of gratitude, and this book challenges my thinking to transform my mind and to get a deeper conviction of love and purpose in my life. If you are struggling with insecurity, fear, uncertainty, or anxiety, get the book, become empowered, lead an authentic life, and transform yourself into what you are intended to be.  This is the first of a two-part interview.

Mayple, a true honor to have you talk to four columns. Tell my audience a little bit about you?

Jerry, firstly I want to thank you for the opportunity to participate in your blog. I’m deeply honored to be having this dialogue with you and your audience.

Born on the beautiful island of Jamaica I grew up in a happy, loving family cushioned in a viable business environment.   The business became a casualty following the aftermath of the 1970s economic downturn in my country and the outcome later triggered my family’s immigration to another beautiful country, Canada. With a business mindset, I later pursued that area of study and embarked on an amazing career in the financial industry that spanned 3 continents with direct access to over 27 countries.  Alongside my banking occupation of choice, I am an author and a motivational speaker.  My professional designations include an economist, chartered banker, high school teacher and a personal financial planner.

I am a devout Christian who anchored my beliefs, decisions, and hope in the power of the risen Jesus Christ.  With my teaching discipline, I constantly volunteer my skills for mentoring and coaching and by my mentees’ own admission, I have the knack to identify, develop and empower countless persons in reaching their personal goals.

Having said that, my passion is primarily centered around the relationships I forged working with people drawn from across the globe and living in the most multicultural city in the world. Through these experiences, I learned how to coexist with people, understand their behaviors, outlook, and preferences, and dispense greater tolerance, acceptance, and compassion in helping others. An area that keeps me growing is to intentionally embrace the power of mindfulness. This awareness constantly provokes and inspires me to challenge my mind, peel away layers of obscurity, to look deeper and wider for insights toward the path in finding truths.

Finding: The oasis in my soul. It is an intense name for a book. How did the book come about? What is the main message? Who is the audience? What is unique and different about the message?  

Jerry, there’s lots to unpack here… yes,  the name is indeed intense. You may notice I deliberately said “Finding” and not “Find” or “Found” because it’s a journey, not a destination. My book chronicles an inspiring journey through the lens of my real-life experiences of trials and triumphs and using what I have been through to come to a place of what I now know for sure.

Strangely the genesis of my book was drawn from my wanderlust nature.  Traveling to many countries, living amongst diverse nationalities, and conversing with numerous people from different walks of life, age, and outlook; hearing their stories, the many dreams realized, the hardships overcame, and bouncing back from mistakes, I realized how much we all have in common.

I wrote the book to expose our human commonality and to express how I cultivate the power to confront and stare down the debilitating state of uncertainty, worry, and fear.  How like myself, we can overcome our shortcomings and elevate our talents and self-worth to be the best.

During my speaking engagements, after sharing my story, which is often intertwined with slices from the lives of many others, seeing the visceral reaction of agreement from my diverse audience, I validated how we all want to feel valued, loved, and accepted. The main point is to have a positive self-image of not who I am, but who God intended me to be.  How I claim truth and confidence from the backdrop of biblical examples of trust, faith, and obedience.  Each chapter illustrates a meaningful life experience, which is brutally frank about what I learned, the impact of the practical application, and my spiritual transformation. Each reader will walk away with valuable nuggets to build their confidence and self-worth.

My core objective and the key message are to challenge the readers’ thinking and arouse a sense of gratitude, wonder, and introspection, allowing us to draw from an ever-renewing Oasis where we can replace worry, fear, and doubt with the joyful assurance of God’s promises and faithfulness.

The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive that this is exactly the response it evokes. I painted a graphic picture of my experiences, whether illness, a hero to zero career moves, friendship betrayal, family choices, to be transformed, to come to a place of rest, not a place of stop, but resting on the dependence and assurance of God’s love while seeking new adventures to spread my wings.  The overarching message may not be unique or different, but it’s worth reinforcing to keep us building self-awareness on how we can draw inspiration and hope from seemingly common encounters and events in our lives. It about seeing and acknowledging God’s love and handiwork in all aspects of our lives.

Explain to me what does women’s empowerment means to you?    

Empowerment is about acting on my own volition, having options, having the autonomy to make choices.  Really, Jerry, it’s to emancipate me from the sense of powerlessness, to become self-determined, being able to take charge of my life by owning my decisions, circumstances, hopes, and dreams, growing stronger, wiser, and more confident.

Having said that, for me, I do not believe women’s empowerment is independent of the influence of men. I strongly believe men and women were created with different, but complementary traits. When working in unity, we unleash the freedom to both look outward, naturally curious in opening ourselves to the universe, feeling supported to take risks, and to reimagine possibilities based on the imagery of how to think, rather than the limitation of what to think.

I have countless examples of gender neutrality during brainstorming, problem-solving, and trouble-shooting that delivered the optimum results, mainly because women are allowed the latitude, civility, and respect to explore and articulate their thoughts without judgment or fear. This type of liberation allows me to embrace and benefit from a diversity of thoughts; to see ideas from various points of view, despite differences reaching common ground, by filtering everything through what is pleasing to God. Why, because like all good things, true and authentic empowerment comes from honoring the will of God.

I am a big fan of being authentic and leading a transparent life. Help me understand what you mean by living an authentic life?    

Yes, Jerry, authentic and transparent are two buzz words presently tossed around a lot! Irrespective of the scholarly definition, at the core, this is about living one’s truth, what we know for sure, which can be shaped by our many experiences.

For me, it is when my values and beliefs are compatible with the integrity of my doctrine, actions, and words. It’s about self-awareness, knowing myself at a deep level, accepting my multi-faceted traits, my strengths, and imperfections; having the desire to continuously grow as I reconcile my good, bad and ugly qualities, which are common to all of us. I find that oftentimes, with increasing societal pressure, we lean into what the world prescribed as a success.  Whether to gain wealth, fame, alter our appearance or job aspiration, we can compromise who we are created to be which often leads to self-loathing, and unhappiness.

To justify my point, let’s take a look at the billions in revenue generated from cosmetic industries, fake content, scamming, Ponzi schemes, and the like. You see, in our humanness, our hearts are deceitful, full of pride, and can easily trap us in a state of denial and falseness to elevate ourselves. I am not immune to this pretense, but growing in spiritual maturity and wisdom, I try to be deliberate in not allowing this malignant state to frighten or paralyze me, but to be powered by my dependence on the spirit God graciously places within us.  As I summon the courage to live from a place of acceptance, growth, humility, and inner peace, only then, I can be the best expression of myself, which will be evident to impact others as I attract, influence, and sustain meaningful relationships.

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