The Journey Girl Blog: EmPOWERment for Girls & Women

You've Got SOUL-Mate!

aj@journeygirl.org (Journey Girl Atlanta) — 2012-05-12T00:15:19Z

You’ve Got SOUL -Mate!

Soul is a universal term with several meanings. This simple word consists of many aspects and angles to consider. This word has been linked to the description of music, food, and a culture. Commonly, the word soul is defined as the traditional essence of a person. It’s considered an entity without material reality that is regarded as the spiritual portion of a human being. Some religious beliefs, like Christianity, focus on humans having a soul, and living a life that pleases God for determining the soul’s eternal existence.

Let’s further explore the word soul…mate that is. The combination of the words soul and mate introduces the unique term soulmate; the “joining” of two individual spirits as one in unity. This may also be a mental or emotional connection. More specifically, it may relate to the unity of minds and spirits as a joyful connection to the physical self (soul). In this sense, there is typically an instant connectivity, “sparks”, and chemistry with another person. Many have described this as an indescribable encounter or feeling.

Here are a few frequently asked questions and some helpful tips, tools and tidbits of advice on finding your soul mate:

What describes a soul mate?
A soul mate is a person with whom one has a deep, personal connection and relationship with. Someone you can imagine having these same deep feelings for far into the future. This person is a great companion, playmate, “buddy”, and friend. They may make a superb potential spouse, or marriage partner. Your relationship with this person should always feel natural, and complement your best qualities.

How will I know when I’ve met a soul mate?
To help answer this question, ask yourself: Do we complete each other’s sentences? Are we constantly gazing lovingly into each other’s eyes? Do we share our deepest secrets and thoughts with each other? Can I imagine myself in the future without this person? If you answered “Yes” (while smiling) to most of the questions above, you may have already found your soul mate. If you currently do not have answers to questions like these, keep believing and clarity will come to you!

Should I seek out a soul mate?
Soul is also a synonym for spirit, mind or self. I would first like to encourage you to seek self-care and nurture the soul within. Since this is an area that women don’t particularly pay much attention to, the care and keeping of the soul within is of the utmost importance. Ask yourself, and truly think about what your soul needs. What brings you joy, peace, and happiness? What makes you feel loved?

In order to better yourself, and live your best life, inspirational women worldwide must learn and grow to appreciate and care for themselves from the inside out. By doing so, she places herself in a position to attract and allow the benefits of having a soul mate. She is then able to benefit another. Whether she is seeking solace in being solo or searching for answers in a soul mate, the beauty of her courageous journey should come from deep within her heart and soul in love.

This information brought to you by:
© 2012 Journey Girl

Andrieka “AJ” Austin; Speaker, Author, Editor of blog.journeygirl.org, voice of www.journeygirlatl.wordpress.com, EmPOWERment Contributer for Inspirational Women Magazine's 'Better Yourself', Founder and Facilitator of Journey Girl; specializing in female self-emPOWERment programming and resources for girls and women. See her work online at www.journeygirl.org. E-mail: bookings@journeygirl.org for bookings and speaking engagements.

Become a fan at www.facebook.com/journeygirlatlanta.
Tweet @journeygirlatl a mobile youth enrichment service for girls.

Listen to the audio-recorded version of this blog post at www.journeygirlatl.wordpress.com.

Find Ms. Austin on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/therefurbisHER.

Did you enjoy this post? Subscribe now at blog.journeygirl.org, enter your primary email address and click "Subscribe" to receive e-mails to be in-the-know when new posts and articles on topics that are important to parents, teens, and youth leaders are posted.

Image: lifewithlauren.com

All copyrights reserved Journey Girl

O. So Classy!

aj@journeygirl.org (Journey Girl Atlanta) — 2012-04-11T19:15:09Z

O. So Classy!

“The first graduates of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls take flight!” (O. Magazine, April 2012 Edition)

Congrats to each of the FABulous graduates of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa! This MAJOR achievement all began with a dream, was shared with another visionary (Nelson Mandela and the education minister to be exact) and that dream took flight! Several years (and several million $) later, this mission is THE definition of Journey Girl, LLC's goal to positively impact the lives of a generation of future female leaders!

The experience of spending time away from home (living in on-campus dorms), making new friends who speak varying languages, extensive coursework and becoming more “polished” young women had to be a drastic change in the lives of these girls whose backgrounds are said to have consisted of a life of poverty and trauma. The uniqueness of this phenomenal story is the extensive network of support that was designed for the girls to “Succeed academically and heal emotionally”. Oprah stated that the “school was founded on the principle of Ubuntu, 'I am because we are.”

And the BEST part...—all 72 graduates earned full college scholarships! We at Journey Girl, LLC wholeheartedly agree with the statement that "This spirit has allowed us to not just build a school but create a family foundation." The future looks BRIGHT for these girls!

(JG TV) Female EmPOWERment On the Move! - Journey Girl (Atlanta)

aj@journeygirl.org (Journey Girl Atlanta) — 2012-03-25T15:49:56Z

All copyrights reserved Journey Girl

Female EmPOWERment is On the Move!

aj@journeygirl.org (Journey Girl Atlanta) — 2012-02-29T09:18:37Z

Female EmPOWERment is On the Move!

Photo by: G14 for the Studio Concept

Journey Girl Founder and Ultra Role Model, Andrieka J. Austin and high school senior, Brennetta. L. Powell enjoy a laugh out loud moment during a Teen Life Consultation (TLC) presented by www.TheUltraModel.com

By Andrieka J. Austin

Journey Girl is mobile female empowerment with a mission to “encourage...emPOWER... and entertain”. Specializing in self-empowerment programming, products, services and resources, this creatively unique concept helps enhance the personal and professional development of girls and women.

Journey Girl workshop sessions are mobile, and take place at on-site at events hosted by girl groups, women organizations, community functions, and business-based seminars. Events are also hosted on-site at the new Journey Girl Headquarter office in Grant Park at 318 Cherokee Ave. Suite 104 Atlanta, at Hub Atlanta, a co-workspace for the socially conscious entrepreneur. Hours of operation are Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 3pm-6pm.

Personal Development workshop session topics for youth and young adult females cover the female-sensitive issues of communication, self-esteem, health and wellness, healthy friendships and relationships, leadership development training and more. Each session is based on the newly released book, The Journey Girl Guide to Teen Self-EmPOWERment; Girl-friendly Tips, Tools and Tidbits by Andrieka J. Austin (The Journey Girl Publishing Group). Professional Development workshops assist women small business owners with building a business brand, inspiration and encouragement, time and stress management, social media management and marketing, network-building, and business etiquette and protocol.

Since 2005, Journey Girl has been on a mission to positively impact the lives of girls and women around the world. For more information on Journey Girl products and services or to schedule a group workshop for your organization, visit www.journeygirl.org, 'Like' the Journey Girl facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/journeygirlatlanta, follow @journeygirlatl on twitter or call 770.744.GIRL [4475]. You may also e-mail booking requests to bookings@journeygirl.org.

This information brought to you by:
© 2011 Journey Girl

Andrieka “AJ” Austin; Speaker, Author, Editor of blog.journeygirl.org, voice of www.journeygirlatl.wordpress.com, Founder and Facilitator of Journey Girl; specializing in female self-emPOWERment programming and resources for girls and women. See her work online at www.journeygirl.org. E-mail: bookings@journeygirl.org for bookings and speaking engagements.

Become a fan at www.facebook.com/journeygirlatlanta.
Tweet @journeygirlatl a mobile youth enrichment service for girls.

© 2011 Journey Girl

Listen to the audio-recorded version of this blog post at www.journeygirlatl.wordpress.com.

Find Ms. Austin on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/therefurbisHER.

Did you enjoy this post? Subscribe now at blog.journeygirl.org, enter your primary email address and click "Subscribe" to receive e-mails to be in-the-know when new posts and articles on topics that are important to parents, teens, and youth leaders are posted.

All copyrights reserved Journey Girl

#Warning!...8-Warning Signs for Parents of Teens in Abusive Relationships

aj@journeygirl.org (Journey Girl Atlanta) — 2012-02-19T20:47:59Z

Do You See the Signs?

8-Warning Signs for Parents of Teens in Abusive Relationships

After recently reading a very disturbing article in Essence Magazine (A Dangerous Kind of Love, February 2012 issue) on a victim of a fatally abusive teenage relationship (15-year old Ortralla Mosley was murdered by her boyfriend), it started to make me think…How many more stories are out there that are not being told? How many more young lives are at stake for the sake of “love” (or as my mother used to call it, ‘puppy love’)? Even more, are parents even remotely aware of how severe this issue is for teen girls and parents around the world?

Teens committing suicide, dropping out of school early/before graduation, making bad grades at school, behavioral issues, problems/issues/troubles at home with parents, an increasingly high teenage pregnancy rate (and growing), fights in and out of the classroom over boys (and girls). When does the madness END???...Only when parents start to take notice and become MORE involved in the lives of their teens (even if there is a BIG emotional sign that reads ’KEEP OUT!’)

The topic of teens in abusive relationships is enough to make a parent’s skin crawl. It should also make moms and dads everywhere stop and think about their relationship with their teens and if they have noticed any of the following warning signs lately. Strange behavior in a teen can be linked to a relationship gone bad. Seeing the signs early-on, like with many severe issues, may be the difference between life and death.

The Signs:

1 – She may not be as open with you about her relationship as she may wish to be. It’s always good to ask questions.

2 – Notice any bruising. Seek outside help IMMEDIATELY. Seek a source of higher authority than your own. They are the ones with the power to make the greatest difference regarding the situation.

3 – She may no longer wish to hang out with friends. She may shut down and wish to communicate with the abuser only.

4 – She may make excuses for the abusive behavior.

5 – Journal or diary entries may speak more freely of her true feelings.

6 – She feels that her life is impossible, and cannot go on without the relationship. She may have thoughts of suicide or physically harming herself or someone else.

7 – She may make life-altering decisions (i.e – running away from home, attempting to get pregnant, moving in with the boyfriend/attempting to make life-ling plans with the boyfriend – dropping out of school, etc.)

8 – She may show signs of low self-esteem, thinking that she is of no good to anyone but her abuser.

Seek additional information from these other helpful resources:

www.loveisnotabuse.com to find information about warning signs + an app for dating abuse

www.loveisrespect.org includes a FREE help line at 1-866-331-9474 + online chat with peers

Forestville Pregnancy Center ("Empowering Women for Life")

For more information on the story of Ortralla Mosley visit www.ortrallafoundation.org

All copyrights reserved Journey Girl

#Finding #Kind

aj@journeygirl.org (Journey Girl Atlanta) — 2011-12-02T21:07:43Z

Watch the Movie Trailer Here

Find a Screening In Your Area:

http://findingkind.indieflix.com/movie/

See Us Online:

www.facebook.com/journeygirlatl

www.twitter.com/journeygirlatl

www.youtube.com/journeygirlatlanta, www.myspace.com/journeygirlatlanta

All copyrights reserved Journey Girl

Ask Journey Girl...

aj@journeygirl.org (Journey Girl Atlanta) — 2011-11-20T17:19:18Z

Situation: "Two friends that I hang out with have their periods. My best friend just started her's a few days ago, and my other friend started her's a few years ago. Now they both act like I'm "babyish", and my best friend rolled her eyes at me and laughed when I told her that I felt left out. The girls who have started their periods act like they're in a special club, and there seems to be a new bond that I don't get to share in between my best friend and the others. My mom can't help me. She actually began her's first too."

-Feeling Left Out, age: 11

Journey Girl: Dear 'Feeling Left Out'. It's a common thing for a group of friends to begin the 'journey' of starting their periods (aka menstrual cycle) at different times. Everyone's body cycle is different. This does not mean that you should feel weird, left out, or babyish. Some girls' bodies begin this process earlier than others, and this could even be linked to genetics (passed down from moms and grand moms). So, don't feel like an outsider. There is no "special club". Try to talk with your friends about what really goes on during the menstrual period (for example: acne/pimples, cramps, bloating (gas), feeling tried and sleepy, etc.) If they are honest with you, they would say that they are the one's who are missing out not having to be concerned with what to do once their 'monthly visitor' shows up unexpectedly, like during a class or on a special day. Be patient, and know that your time will come. Once your body starts this cycle, this is something that will occur each month for years to come. In the long run, this is a process that you will be glad took so long to get here.

-Journey Girl

P.S. - I recommend checking out this GREAT book on how to take care of your body as it changes! (See if it's available at your school or community library)

This information brought to you by:

Andrieka “AJ” Austin; Speaker, Author, Editor of blog.journeygirl.org, voice ofjourneygirlatl.wordpress.com, Founder and Facilitator of Journey Girl, a mobile youth enrichment service for girls. Visit us online at www.journeygirl.org for more information on our youth-based enrichment products and services. E-mail: bookings@journeygirl.org for bookings and speaking engagements.

Listen to the audio-recorded version of this blog post at www.journeygirlatl.wordpress.com.

Find Ms. Austin on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/therefurbisHER.

Did you enjoy this post? Subscribe now at blog.journeygirl.org, enter your primary email address and click "Subscribe" to receive e-mails when new blog topics are posted.

Image: kidshealth.org

See Us Online:
www.facebook.com/journeygirlatl /> www.twitter.com/journeygirlatl /> www.youtube.com/journeygirlatlanta /> www.myspace.com/journeygirlatlanta

All copyrights reserved Journey Girl

NEW Book to Teen Girl EmPOWERment

aj@journeygirl.org (Journey Girl Atlanta) — 2011-11-20T15:44:15Z

All copyrights reserved Journey Girl

Pieces of Peace (The International Feature)

aj@journeygirl.org (Journey Girl Atlanta) — 2011-11-14T22:48:13Z

All copyrights reserved Journey Girl

R-O-O-T-S to F-R-U-I-T-S (International Feature)

aj@journeygirl.org (Journey Girl Atlanta) — 2011-11-14T22:43:49Z

All copyrights reserved Journey Girl

The Journey Girl Guide to Teen Self-EmPOWERment Book Release Party!!!

aj@journeygirl.org (Journey Girl Atlanta) — 2011-09-21T15:56:52Z

Journey Girl is EXCITED to be hosting the first Atlanta-based Book Release Party for Author, Andrieka J. Austin's new book The Journey Girl Guide to Teen Self-EmPOWERment; Girl-friendly TIps, Tools, and Tidbits on Friday, November 11, 2011 at 6:00pm. The Journey Girl Guide focuses on snippets of helpful information for today's teenage girl.

Ms. Andrieka "AJ" Austin is Founder of Journey Girl (www.journeygirl.org), a mobile enrichment service for girls and women that offers self-emPOWERment and life-skills enhancing strategies and techniques for living a successfully emPOWERed life.

Her Atlanta-based business offers workshops, training, and consulting services to schools, corporate and social services agencies, professional women’s groups, juvenile justice systems, parents, and non-profit youth groups and organizations around the world.

With a professional background in corporate services, youth services and advocacy, she is committed to positively impacting the lives of girls and women everywhere. She has a deep passion to “encourage…empower…and entertain” girls and women around the world through the Journey Girl initiative. Her personal mission is to guide girls and women on a journey to being disciplined, dynamic, and socially conscious citizens.

The Launch Party...

Self-EmPOWERment Expert and Author, Andrieka "AJ" Austin will speak on helping young people learn the key ingredients to self-emPOWERment, including Finding a Mentor, Social Networking, Discovering their own God-given talents and gifts, dealing with Peer Pressures, and Standing Up to Bullies – very important information for students, teens, and parents of teens!

To RSVP e-mail book@journeygirl.org or call 770.744.GIRL [4475] by Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Cost: $20 per person
includes...

-talk with GREAT girl-friendly tips, tools, and tidbits of information

-great-tasting tapas

-one signed copy of the NEW book, The Journey Girl Guide to Teen Self-EmPOWERment; Girl-friendly Tips, Tools, and Tidbits

-a post event private chat about some of the issues parents with teens are facing today (and how to help them become emPOWERed)

**Books are available for pre-order online at www.journeygirl.org**

Project Praise for The Journey Girl Guide...

"The conversational, 'easy- to- read style' in which this book is written makes it a useful tool for teenage girls everywhere. The Journey Girl Guide to Teen Self-Empowerment; Girl-friendly Tips, Tools and Tidbits addresses important topics that many teenage girls face and provides them with concise, meaningful and relevant advice. This book is a must read for teenage girls everywhere." -Myya D. Mixon, Co-Owner, Diamond All-Stars Cheerleading

"This articulately written self-empowerment book for young ladies far surpasses any of its kind. The honest transparency with which Ms. Austin addresses young ladies speaks to her undeniable passion for what she does. Her heart is to have every girl look into the mirror and truly love what she sees. In order for this to take place in a girl's life, Ms. Austin expertly addresses the need for self-respect. She encourages young ladies to think deeply about what they "love, respect and value most" about themselves in order to discover their own self worth and significance.

As a mother of two young girls, I am convinced that this book will be of great value to any preteen and teenager, and it is an excellent tool for mothers to use as discussion points with their daughters as well. I have personally been an avid fan of Ms. Austin's dedication to young women, and applaud her efforts in this book. I assure you that this masterpiece, The Journey Girl Guide to Teen Self-Empowerment; Girl-friendly Tips, Tools and Tidbits will not disappoint! It is highly recommended! Kudos, Journey Girl!!!" -Karlene Hamilton-McPherson, Author of "Sela"

Readers Rave...

"Entertainment paired with education, this book is a perfect tool for young ladies seeking to improve, understand and control their journey through life."

"Informative, inspiring and entertaining, the Journey Girl Guide is a must have for teen girls today."

"This book provides an epic tutorial for femininity and empowerment!"

- Tanisha N. Bolden, Author of This Is Why I ROCK: A Self-Empowerment Journal for Youth

All copyrights reserved Journey Girl

What I Know for Sure!

aj@journeygirl.org (Journey Girl Atlanta) — 2011-09-21T13:54:06Z

A |What I Know for Sure

“You have everything you need to succeed.”

-Pastor William H. Murphy, III

Life is often found to be a challenge for most people. Coming up in a home with little to no access to material things can make one doubt what his or her very existence is all about. But, not to worry. One of the most motivational and memorable messages from a sermon that I can remember came from the following seven words, “You have everything you need to succeed.”

These quoted words were (and still are) music to my ears, and have since stuck like glue to my heart. Once you get to a place in your life where you can stop, be still, listen, and most of all, take a good look around you, you will find this statement to be true to its very core. Whether in natural or spiritual possessions, you will always have what it takes to make it.

© 2011 Journey Girl
This information brought to you by:

Visit us online at www.journeygirl.org for more information on our youth-based enrichment products and services. E-mail: bookings@journeygirl.org for bookings and speaking engagements.

Listen to the audio-recorded version of this blog post at www.journeygirlatl.wordpress.com.

Did you enjoy this post? Subscribe now at blog.journeygirl.org, enter your primary email address and click "Subscribe" to receive e-mails when new blog topics are posted.

Image: Professional photos provided by G-14 for the Studio Concept, Make-up by Sean "B. Breezy" Mac (Atlanta, GA)

All copyrights reserved Journey Girl

S.H.A.P.E - Spiritial Gift---Heart---Abilities---Purpose---Experience

aj@journeygirl.org (Journey Girl Atlanta) — 2011-09-02T13:30:07Z

SHAPE
Spiritial Gift---Heart---Abilities---Purpose---Experience

The shape we behold as woman is a gift that God has blessed us to have. It's our personal blessing from God to serve Him and encourage others through different ministries that we are specifically designed for. We possess pure hearts because we truly seek to understand our purpose in the Kingdom of God.

Our 1st nature is to nurture and the virtue of just being a woman is a true ability to do a work for God. Our hearts hold the passion of lioness. As Queens we have the finesse to finesse everything within and beyond our reach even our speech is unique. It shows character and personality which is as sweet as the morning sun.

The glow of a woman is her own and she can go on in the midst of a storm with the grace of a ballerina even a storm as fierce as KATRINA can't break her spirit because she dances her way through a trial and she can still walk a mile in stilettos and when her her feet begin to burn and her toes began to ache there is still enough strength to hold up her SHAPE.

She can work, keep house, take care of the babies, and be the helpmate that she is called to be. A phenomenal being she is:A WOMAN that is.... Great in all that she does for her experience is knowledge earned and she yearns to speak life into your spirit to uplift you at all times. Her time is not wasted because she shows patience with added peace.

Watch out because when she falls down on her knees there is a breakthrough in her shout and praise. Her days are loaded with benefits from all the seeds that's she has sewn into good soil so worthy to be spoiled she doesn't spoil or taint her accomplishments with a vain attitude. The fertile seeds are a harvest of perfection because her complexion is a shadow without being gray of God's perfection.

WOW! Look at that reflection in the mirror! Compliment her on her courage simply because she walks in a spirit of excellence that flourishes or shall I say SHAPED into a divine creature that God molded and formed with his own hands and that my sisters is the true SHAPE of a woman.

Featured Guest Blogger:

Author: Nola Only

Contact:
Email: contact@authornolaonly.com

twitter:@authornolaonly.com

facebook fanpage: Nola Only

web: www.authornolaonly.com

youtube: authornolaonly

© 2011 Journey Girl
This information brought to you by:

Visit us online at www.journeygirl.org for more information on our youth-based enrichment products and services. E-mail: bookings@journeygirl.org for bookings and speaking engagements.

Listen to the audio-recorded version of this blog post at www.journeygirlatl.wordpress.com.

Did you enjoy this post? Subscribe now at blog.journeygirl.org, enter your primary email address and click "Subscribe" to receive e-mails when new blog topics are posted.

Image: visual-makeover.com

All copyrights reserved Journey Girl

Your Gifts...Your Talents!

aj@journeygirl.org (Journey Girl Atlanta) — 2011-08-24T16:57:42Z

Your Gifts...Your Talents!

Recently, while out in my local community, I met a young lady in one
of the most peculiar ways...through, by, and because of her talent!
She and I were sitting side-by-side on our computers. She was silent.
I was silent. But HER talent spoke LOUDLY and BOLDLY to me.

I usually pride myself on my typing skills (I think I can type fast!),
but she was MUCH faster (and I dare say, better) than me on the
"keys"! Just by looking, you would not have known that we were in
competition with each other. But, if you listened, you would have
heard us at WAR! It was all about WHO could type the fastest!
(Hilarious!!)

Little did she know, that I was recruiting and "scouting" new talent
to be a part of the famous Journey Girl V.I.P (Volunteer Internship
Program) Team, and she was now on my radar! We battled it out on the
keyboards for most of the work day, still no words were spoken. Our
fingers clinging FIERCELY on those keys said EVERYTHING that needed to
be said .

A day or so went past since the first encounter, and we recently
crossed paths again. This time I spoke, introduced myself, and we
LAUGHED about our first meeting. We mentioned how we had noticed each
other's gift and speed at typing (she confessed that she couldn't let
me "out do" her!)

Needless to say, she is now one of the NEWEST Journey Girl V.I.Ps for
the Fall session!

This story stood out to me, because in my new book, "The Journey Girl
Guide to Teen Self-EmPOWERment", I mention getting involved with
internships, volunteering/community service, finding a mentor to help
you reach your future goals, and discovering your gifts and talents.
Unknown to her, this young lady did ALL of these all at the same time,
and all in ONE day's sitting!

I commend her for her typing skills, and PROUDLY say, "Welcome to the
Journey Girl family!" I look forward to continuing to grow my team of
great talent and phenomenal leaders with resources of emPOWERment to
help positively impact the lives of girls and women worldwide!

-Journey Girl

© 2011 Journey Girl
This information brought to you by:

Andrieka “AJ” Austin; Speaker, Author, Editor of blog.journeygirl.org, voice of journeygirlatl.wordpress.com, Founder and Facilitator of Journey Girl, a mobile youth enrichment service for girls. Visit us online at www.journeygirl.org for more information on our youth-based enrichment products and services. E-mail: bookings@journeygirl.org for bookings and speaking engagements.

Listen to the audio-recorded version of this blog post at www.journeygirlatl.wordpress.com.

Find Ms. Austin on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/therefurbisHER.

Did you enjoy this post? Subscribe now at blog.journeygirl.org, enter your primary email address and click "Subscribe" to receive e-mails when new blog topics are posted.

Image: practicallyintuitive.com

See Us Online:
www.facebook.com/journeygirlatl
www.twitter.com/journeygirlatl
www.youtube.com/journeygirlatlanta
www.myspace.com/journeygirlatlanta

All copyrights reserved Journey Girl

Top (12)Tips for Better Self-emPOWERment

aj@journeygirl.org (Journey Girl Atlanta) — 2011-08-08T14:54:43Z

Top (12)Tips for Better Self-emPOWERment

(1) DECIDE to clear your mind from self-doubt

(2) Clear your mental space from all old, past thoughts and hurtful memories (this is "dead weight", and can be heavy and mentally draining

(3) Secure your present environment with emPOWERing tools like (positive books, CDs, tapes, magazines, websites, tv shows, etc.)

(4) Evaluate friendships and current relationships to determine their effectiveness (to sow, to grow, to GO (end)

(5) Learn to take the GOOD from the bad (NO MATTER WHAT!) -- make ALL situations POSITIVE

(6) Practice these tips daily!

(7) DO NOT allow anyone to change your position or your mindset

(8) NEVER give away your JOY!

(9) Dispose of anything (tangible or intangible) that will contaminate your emPOWERed state of mind

(10) Share these tips with a friend (and hold each other accountable) - they will THANK You!

(11) Continue to seek out professional services like Journey Girl to help grow and expand your self-emPOWERment and life skills practices.

(12) And most of all, make self-emPOWERment a top priority I you'll ALWAYS have YOUrself to thank!

© 2011 Journey Girl
This information brought to you by:

Andrieka “AJ” Austin; Speaker, Author, Editor of blog.journeygirl.org, voice of journeygirlatl.wordpress.com, Founder and Facilitator of Journey Girl, a mobile youth enrichment service for girls. Visit us online at www.journeygirl.org for more information on our youth-based enrichment products and services. E-mail: bookings@journeygirl.org for bookings and speaking engagements.

Listen to the audio-recorded version of this blog post at www.journeygirlatl.wordpress.com.

Find Ms. Austin on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/therefurbisHER.

Did you enjoy this post? Subscribe now at blog.journeygirl.org, enter your primary email address and click "Subscribe" to receive e-mails when new blog topics are posted.

Image: practicallyintuitive.com

See Us Online:
www.facebook.com/journeygirlatl
www.twitter.com/journeygirlatl
www.youtube.com/journeygirlatlanta
www.myspace.com/journeygirlatlanta

All copyrights reserved Journey Girl

Note to Parents: (10) Things Your Teen(s) WISH You Knew About Them...

aj@journeygirl.org (Journey Girl Atlanta) — 2011-07-20T23:39:44Z

Note to Parents: (10) Things Your Teen(s) WISH You Knew About Them...

(1) It's easier to open up and talk to you when their thoughts and
feelings are being considered too.

(2) Your words and conversation(s) mean so much more to them when their words or ideas are NOT 'shot down' or dismissed.

(3) They REALLY appreciate your OPENness and complete HONESTY with them about YOUr experience(s) as a teenager.

(4) NO ONE likes to be judged.

(5) Instead of ignoring how they feel, try listening and acknowledging them with a simply head shake of agreement.

(6) Sometimes, they just want to be HEARD...if ONLY you would LISTEN...(YOU have a BETTER chance at being heard once they feel that THEY are being heard too!)

(7) Understand that you CAN'T take away ALL of life's pain (even though you have the BEST intentions to try)

(8) Trust in the VALUES that you have already taught them. Trust and allow them to make the BEST decision(s) for themselves.

(9) Your views of REALity may sometimes differ (and that's OKAY)...we ALL have to learn sometime!

(10) It is COMFORTing to know that you'll always be there with LOVE and OPEN arms (no matter what).

At Journey Girl, our goal is to present methods of communication that can lead to more satisfying relationships between parents and teens. As a parent, you are welcome to test these methods, and feel free to share the successful results with us and with others. Know that there are NO "quick fixes" or 'overnight sensations' when it comes to making progress in communicating with teens. Regardless of their words or actions, your teens are listening to (and watching) the things you say and do. They really do value your beliefs and concerns, whether they tell you or not.

© 2011 Journey Girl
This information brought to you by:

Andrieka “AJ” Austin; Speaker, Author, Editor of blog.journeygirl.org, voice of journeygirlatl.wordpress.com, Founder and Facilitator of Journey Girl, a mobile youth enrichment service for girls. Visit us online at www.journeygirl.org for more information on our youth-based enrichment products and services. E-mail: bookings@journeygirl.org for bookings and speaking engagements.

Listen to the audio-recorded version of this blog post at www.journeygirlatl.wordpress.com.

Find Ms. Austin on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/therefurbisHER.

Did you enjoy this post? Subscribe now at blog.journeygirl.org, enter your primary email address and click "Subscribe" to receive e-mails when new blog topics are posted.

Image: Note to Prents (screamfactorx.com)

See Us Online:
www.facebook.com/journeygirlatl
www.twitter.com/journeygirlatl
www.youtube.com/journeygirlatlanta
www.myspace.com/journeygirlatlanta

All copyrights reserved Journey Girl

#STOP the Silence

aj@journeygirl.org (Journey Girl Atlanta) — 2011-07-12T15:51:28Z

#STOP the Silence

I recently attended a most unique event/experience of a select few
inner city youth in Atlanta, GA. These were a group of 12 pre-selected
girls from around a community who had been personally hand-picked by a
local church to attend this once-in-a-lifetime kind of event. These
girls were invited to attend an event that had been specifically
planned and designed for them. One that would give them the experience
of a LIFEtime, and that also had an underlying message to help girls
who had been victims of child rape or molestation to #STOP the
Silence.

This event was all put together by a few leaders of an Atlanta-based
non-profit organization called Don't Ask, Just Tell
(www.dontaskjusttell.org). The ladies behind this vision have a GREAT
passion for inner-city youth, and channeling their VOICE on how to
SPEAK OUT and #STOP the Silence.

The girls were invited to a local hair salon, where they received a
FULL makeup (hair, outfit, shoes, customized jewelry, nails, catered
food, AND a limo ride home) and a chance to share parts of their
experiences with childhood rape and molestation in a supportive group
environment. HOW COOL! These ladies did not recognize that they were
in for SUCH a TREAT!

My contribution was to come out, show my support, hear the survival
stories of each of the ladies involved, and of course, share a bit of
my journey. To hear the this group of teen girls share the memories
and the horrifying details of such painful pasts and presents took
me by surprise. To see the tears and HEAR the hurt of those who had
survived such tragedy in their short time on this earth was absolutely
OVERwhelming. And to know that I could be so transparent and share my
story of victory gave each of us a dose of INspiration + HOPE! By the
time it was all over, we ALL needed a HUG! LOL .

I was so blessed to have been a part of an experience so unique
opportunity to "encourage...emPOWER...and entertain" the next
generation of phenomenal female leaders. I truly enjoy what I do, and
now having to share the JOY of the journey is what I LOVE the MOST about it all.

This event taught me to use the VOICE and the talent that God gave me
speak out, share encourage and empower...

© 2011 Journey Girl

This information brought to you by:

Andrieka "AJ"Austin: Speaker, Author, Editor of blog.journeygirl.org,
voice of journeygirlatl.wordpress.com, Founder and Facilitator of
Journey Girl, a mobile youth enrichment service for girls. Visit us
online at www.journeygirl.org for more information on our youth-based
enrichment products and services. E-mail: bookings@journeygirl.org for
bookings and speaking engagements.

Listen to the audio-recorded version of this blog post at
www.journeygirlatl.wordpress.com.

Find Ms. Austin on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/therefurbisHER.

Did you enjoy this post? Subscribe now at blog.journeygirl.org, enter
your primary email address and click "Subscribe" to receive e-mails
when new blog topics are posted.

The NEW book, "The Journey Girl Guide to Self-Empowerment;
Girl-friendly Tips, Tools, and Tidbits" is available for purchase
online Fall 2011 at www.journeygirl.org.

See Us Online:
www.facebook.com/journeygirlatlatlanta
ww.twitter.com/journeygirlatl
www.youtube.com/journeygirlatlanta

Photo Courtesy of Google Images: brucemctague.com

All copyrights reserved Journey Girl

#Freedom!

aj@journeygirl.org (Journey Girl Atlanta) — 2011-06-18T21:08:51Z

I can remember having a curfew that meant being home before dark, and
wishing to have more freedom. One thing I learned is that having the
freedom to come and go as you please is a privilege (not a right) for
a teenager. I also learned that some privileges have to be EARNED.
Over time, as I showed more maturity, and commitment to my
responsibilities (chores, school work, homework, etc.) I began to earn
something called TRUST, which in turn lead to more FREEDOM. And
freedom turned out to be a GOOD thing!

My advice to parents/youth workers and leaders: keep in mind that
limits may sometimes=rebellion. Think of how BAD you want something
that you know you CAN'T have or that may not be good for you...makes
you want it even MORE, right?! Many times, we make the conscious
decision to go for it anyway, no matter the consequences. Well, the
same goes for our teens today. The more limited/"boxed in" they feel
they are becoming, the more they desire the FREEDOM. When it's
limited, it is sought after, begged for, and sometimes fought for
until obtained.

My advice to teens: as mentioned earlier, the freedom to come and go
as you please is NOT a right. This is something that can usually be
earned by showing self-discipline, respect, and maturity. Just make
sure that when it is extended to you, that you use it WISELY and don't
abuse it. Who knows, before long, you may have all the freedom you
need .

Â© 2011 Journey Girl

This information brought to you by:

Andrieka "AJ"Austin: Speaker, Author, Editor of blog.journeygirl.org,
voice of journeygirlatl.wordpress.com, FounderÂ andÂ Facilitator of
Journey Girl, a mobile youth enrichment service for girls. Visit us
online at www.journeygirl.org for more information on our youth-based
enrichment products and services. E-mail:Â bookings@journeygirl.org for
bookings and speaking engagements.

Listen to the audio-recorded version of this blog post at
www.journeygirlatl.wordpress.com.

Find Ms. Austin on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/therefurbisHER.

Did you enjoy this post? Subscribe now at blog.journeygirl.org,Â enter
your primary email address and click "Subscribe" to receive e-mails
when new blog topics are posted.

The NEW book, "The Journey Girl Guide to Self-Empowerment;
Girl-friendly Tips, Tools, and Tidbits" is available for purchase
online Fall 2011 at www.journeygirl.org.

See Us Online:
www.facebook.com/journeygirlatlatlanta
ww.twiter.com/journeygirlatl
www.youtube.com/journeygirlatlanta

All copyrights reserved Journey Girl