Her Magazine is New Zealand’s only women’s business lifestyle magazine! Her Magazine highlights the achievements of successful and rising New Zealand businesswomen. Her Magazine encourages a healthy work/life balance.
Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/54854
editor's note A Gutsy Issue religious turbulence, and then closer to home bizarre weather, rising food prices and environmental disasters. Is this my reality? The newspapers, TV and radio are full of negative stories about child abuse, murder and fraud. Everywhere we look there is risk and chaos. Who would have foreseen the earthquakes striking Christchurch right on Christmas? Surely these people must be at the end of their tether. So how do we find some equilibrium and peace in all of this? How do we focus on what we can affect positively? Because one thing is certain, it has never been more important to do so than now. T I have always maintained that women aren't just at the heart of any society; women are the heart of society and our roles have grown bigger and broader along with the need for our shoulders to do the same. Still engaged in raising families and now trying to rear global citizens, we are also the chief enthusiasts, life coaches and strategist for partners, friends and families who have lost jobs or suffered misfortune in the wake of 2011. All this and trying to stay firm, fit and fabulous! Are we kidding? But the turbulence is here to stay. So how do we steer a course through these choppy waters? My first response is always to call to mind the saying 'Failure is the foundation stone of success, so prepare to fail!' These life lessons make us wiser and stronger, so hang on and enjoy the ride; it's a wild and fantastic life. Next, stay 100% focused on what you can affect and get rid of the rest. I mean remove it. Where would we be as women without planning, using our mental lists and logistics? That's what you focus on. If it's not on the list of your goals, then it doesn't exist and that includes self doubt. You will most likely have developed an inner voice that sews fear and uncertainty in your head, especially when you encounter change. Every time it returns recognise it and alter the direction in your thinking quickly and decisively. Our thought patterns become the reality of who we are as humans and therefore determine what we achieve: 'I think therefore I am'. So it's imperative to re-adjust and set positive new thought processes. Every time a negative thought surfaces consciously, replace it with a positive thought focusing on your goals (i.e., what can I do?) Your mind is a muscle that needs a daily workout to get fit and fabulous too! Another technique I strongly recommend is Black and White thinking. So many women invest their time and emotional energy in worrying about things that may or may not happen, or in over analysing things that do happen, a sort of passive resistance. Both actions will sap your energy, erode your valuable time and Email hermag@strettonpublishing.co.nz with your views, opinions and ideas. I love getting feedback from our readers, and Letters to the Editor is a great way for me to get your comments and your input to Her Magazine. Email me at: hermag@strettonpublishing.co.nz 6 | February/March 2012 | HER MAGAZINE he world is an interesting place at the moment, plagued by turmoil and uncertainty. From unrest in the Middle East to the ongoing Wall Street reverberations, climate change to undermine your success. As long as you prepare for situations well and have a plan in mind, then what will be will be … embrace it. You simply can't control a lot of what comes along – let it go and don't feed it by listening to naysayers. When decisions need to be made, often your initial reaction is your gut instinct. You've done the prep so back yourself! Make the decision and live with it … a quick decision that is wrong is better that a long drawn out decision process that may eventually be right. Don't stress or second guess yourself – it's pointless. If it turns out to be the wrong decision, learn from it and move on. Easier 'said' than done I know, and I have trained myself over the years to think and behave like this. But let me tell you that it pays off in spades. I was telling a colleague recently of all the things I have taught myself in life and business … this is the most powerful tool of all. The other tool in our armoury is networks of friends and female colleagues. We were practising 'social media' centuries before the term was coined and will still be supporting each other centuries into the future. Right now, sharing ideas helps inspire and empower us and you will see some incredibly capable women in this issue of Her Magazine. From those in the front line of dangerous professions to the incredible story of Emily Sanson-Rejouis, who lost her family in the Haiti disaster and has found strength in helping others. This mag is one of our gustiest issues yet and celebrates those women who have tackled fear and uncertainty head-on and managed to not just overcome it, but have found grace. And we love to sprinkle great advice, tips and inspiring articles on everything from PR and publishing, to advertising and copyright protection. So my challenge to you all today is to stay focused, take time to enjoy your friendships and make 2012 your bravest year ever. As always we welcome your feedback and suggestions on Facebook or via our website www.hermagazine.co.nz Check out my new blog annahstretton.blogspot.com