I talked recently of my concerns about the direction of my blog and what niche I am in. Since then, I have thought a lot about this and have decided that SHE-POWER is about Celebrating Life and the Best of Humanity.

I believe everyone has unique gifts to share. I believe people, despite their diversity, are more connected at their core than many of us would like to admit. I believe other people can be the mirror for all that we need to know about ourselves.

Life is unpredictable, fraught with sorrow and fear. But it is lightened by friendship, untempered joy, hope and love. I want you to find some of that light and inspiration here and that is why I am launching SHE-POWER Women, an interview series which will profile ordinary women living their lives in extraordinary, yet simple ways.

I thought long and hard about who to choose as my first SHE-POWER Woman. I knew I wanted a fellow blogger and I had a few choices in mind, but it didn’t take long for Jemi from In My Heels to stand out.

If you have ever read In My Heels, you will know that Jemi is all heart. When she writes, it is with wit and charm, honesty and courage. This is a young woman who has already experienced a devastating loss, yet she has chosen to push through and embrace life, while sharing her journey of hope and healing with others.

Jemi displays an optimism and zest for life that I find both intoxicating and inspirational. And that’s why I am honoured to have her here today answering some questions, letting us in, sharing her spirit with us all.

Please join me in welcoming

JEMI, our first SHE-POWER Woman.

My idea of the perfect weekend is… hanging out at the Barnes and Noble bookstore(really), a long drive accompanied by an awesome new playlist on my iPod, getting in touch with my two best friends

My mother always told me…that I was special and that I was going to do something very significant in this life for people

Love is…an emotion I hold on to for dear life whenever it comes my way

I am inspired by… unexpected kindness from all types of people, my readers, songs that are *just right*, love, and cute shoes

Tell us if and how you have experienced the “kindness of strangers”

– oh absolutely and it always stuns me in the most pleasant of ways. My husband passed away and April 17^th would have been our 2^nd wedding anniversary…so I am in a whole lot of pain. I don’t really know many people on campus yet and one of the students in a class of mine came up to me rather randomly as I walked around..and though I don’t know him very well, he reached out and told me he sensed something was very wrong. I don’t know how he knew since everyone I come upon would comment on my cheerful attitude. After standing there with me and talking to me for a while, he gave me a huge hug and reminded me to give myself the break I (clearly) need. Losing someone you love places you in a solitude that often times, you don’t ask for. It’s the most amazing feeling when someone takes the time out to remind you that you are not alone.

My most defining moment was… deciding to live alone after I moved back to the East Coast. I learned a whole lot about myself thus far.

What song always gets you on the dance floor?

What an unfair question! No really, I have no limits…

Where do you hope to be in 10 years time?

Working as a spanking new doctor, bright eyed and all.

What do you do to lift your mood when you’re down?

I get in touch with my best friends; I play the piano until my mind is off of my problem; call mom; workout; go for a long drive

What three words best describe you?

Positive, creative, empathetic

What makes you angry?

People who have no qualms with hurting others – especially those who set out to do it

If you won $1 mil, what would you change about your life?

There’s an excellent chance I would invest some of that in my private practice/business. I’d be the coolest doc on the block.

Thanks

JEMi *cheesy grin*

Photo1 by angela7dreams

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure… We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? Your playing small does not serve the world…We are all meant to shine, as children do…. And as we let our own light shine,we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of a Curse in Miracles

I started SHE-POWER to provide inspiration and life tips for women.

In today’s world, there are many messages telling us who we are and how we should live. Experts seem to pop up daily with the secret to lasting health, happiness and success. I don’t want to join that list. I don’t claim to have all the answers, because I believe you already have an inner wisdom that knows what is right for you.

Somewhere deep inside you is a voice and an intuition that speaks the truth of who you are and what you need. This voice is the only guide you need ever follow, but often the challenge is in learning to trust this voice.

At SHE-POWER, I want to help you tune into that inner voice, push through the inevitable fears and reach out for the life you deserve. This is not about being rich or famous or even necessarily achieving anything spectacular. I am talking about being authentic, about being happy with your choices, and proud of who you are.

I want you to feel excited about your life and its possibilities. To know that you are on the right path and have something unique to offer the world, something only you can give. There is nothing better than knowing we are flowing with life. We are open; free to love and be loved; at peace with our heart and filled with the satisfaction that comes from making the most of the life we were given.

SHE-POWER’s sole purpose is to provide writing and inspiration that speaks to the all-knowing wisdom inside you. The YOU who knows everything. I hope SHE-POWER will encourage you to dare to be different. Dare to be YOU. To challenge your fears and push through the rules and harsh expectations that you put upon yourself. To truly step up and claim the kind of amazing life I believe we were all sent here to enjoy.

I hope you will join the SHE-POWER community and together we can cross this great earth in unison. Looking for inspiration. Laughing at our follies. Sharing our strengths and supporting each other the whole way.

Photo by neloqua