A note to my readers: You spoke; I listened.
The response was outstanding to my end-of-year revelation that this column’s next six weeks of topics would be directed by you, the reader. These upcoming weeks indeed will be eye-openers. From empowerment to spirituality, to questions of life purpose, attitude, gratitude, health and more, I’ll be cramming quite a bit of information in the next few weeks, and I look forward to every second!
Look for your suggestion in an upcoming article (and I’ll look forward to your comments.)
Whether due to circumstances, happenstance, decisions of our own or choices affected by others, many of us sometimes feel powerless to create change – to make a difference. Empowerment however is a rare and glorified thing, and with good reason, because not only can it be given, it also can be claimed.
Here are the stories of two movements and three women who did just that. They didn’t wait for someone to give them power, they empowered themselves – in the process making the way for many of us to come into our own.
THE SECRET SOCIETY
It’s a misconception that the fairer sex always makes itself known. In fact, many men may be surprised to know that women often guard their most deeply-held dreams, emotions, fears and fantasies to themselves – that is, until now.
A new website launched by co-founders Sophia Kim and Lisa Ling strives to do just that: Allow women a safe, secure area in which they can release their most closely-held secrets in anonymity. Founded after a personal tragedy, this duo used skills as a successful digital media executive and well-known television personality to create a site that reached thousands and became viral in a matter of weeks.
“There are very few places women can go and divulge what’s inside,” said Kim. With comments like “‘I’ve never responded to anything before, but I felt compelled to respond to this,’ Women seem to just be pouring out their hearts,” added Ling.
The two are “incredibly proud” of the atmosphere cultivated on the site, in which women from all over the globe discuss myriad subjects from the frivolities of daily living, to heavy subjects including secret desire for other women, disgust of certain races, and gratitude for well-wishes during difficult times. Though the site contains deep and heavy stories that command quite a bit of commentary, it also provides levity and uplifting fare to brighten the bleakest of days. Most of all it provides the support of a community of women willing to help each other not only through the darkest days, but the most special as well.
Kim points out that surfing the site brings on a bevy of emotion, “Laughing one minute, crying the next and then thinking about how it affects yourself: ‘Wow, that impacted me in a way, it kind of gave me pause — I’m not sure how but let me think about it,'” she said. “It’s compelling in many different ways.”
My personal favorite is the Secret Society of Women blog, where guest experts can debate hot topics of the day. In a recent post, guest blogger and psychotherapist Dr. Mike Dow discussed a mainstay of 12-step programs with the quote “You’re as sick as your secrets.” Who knew Kim and Ling would be lightening our loads by providing release in the form of a website? Release your soul by exposing your anonymous secret helping support someone else in her journey to empowerment at TheSecretSocietyofWomen.com.
Doni Luckutt is a lifestyle expert who believes by enhancing interpersonal connection, we can stop simply living, and become Simply Alive! If you have a suggestion on what brings you to life, connect with her on Twitter @SimplyAlive, via email Doni@SimplyAliveWorld.com or on her blog: www.SimplyAliveWorld.com/Blog.
