Be someone who matters to someone who matters: January is National Mentoring Month

Posted on by empoweredflowergirl

January is National Mentoring Month – a time for individuals and organizations across the country to bring awareness to the need for caring adults to serve as role models for youth.

According to MENTOR, the National Mentoring Partnership, 1 out of 3 children will face growing up without a mentor. That means millions of children throughout the country may never have powerful, positive interventions. 

From children and teens in foster care to those with incarcerated parents, there are specific populations of youth who need positive role models. 

Consider one-on-one or even group mentoring in your community. There’s also opportunities to mentor youth across the country through online or e-mentoring programs. 

It only takes a few hours a month of face time and a phone call or text a week to help increase a child’s self-esteem. In addition to the mentee’s development, the mentor benefits in many ways. My mentees have helped me aspire higher in my career and in life. And knowing that they’re looking up to me keeps me living in integrity.

If you’re interested in becoming a mentor but not sure if you have what it takes, answer these questions: 1. Do you have a big heart? 2. Do you have a little time? If yes and yes, then you’ve got it! At the end of the day, you don’t need a fancy job title or curio cabinet full of plaques and medals to be make a difference for young people. 

Still unsure? Download our FREE Mentoring Guide for some insight. Ready to become a mentor? Visit the MENTOR organization search tool to locate a program near you. 

Rasheda Kamaria Williams is an award-winning mentor, motivational speaker, author and chief empowering officer for Empowered Flower Girl. She is a dedicated youth advocate and was recently named to the Michigan Community Service Commission’s Mentor Michigan + Consultant Network.

Visualize a POWERful 2017

Posted on by empoweredflowergirl

Imagine it’s Dec. 31, 2017. Where do you see yourself? What achievements will you have celebrated?

It may be hard to predict the future, but with proper planning, you can be anywhere you want to be – at villa in Tuscany, on a stage performing or enrolled in a college.

No matter your age, you can create the life of your dreams. It all starts with a vision. If you can see it, you can achieve it.

“The key to achieving any goal is believing that you can,” said Rasheda Kamaria, Empowered Flower Girl chief empowering officer. “Multiply that belief by action and you’ve got the equation for actualization.”

Need a visual aid? Vision boards are awesome tools to help you achieve your goals. A few household items and a bit of creativity are all you need.

Supplies: Poster board, glue stick or tape, scissors, magazines (lifestyle, business and travel recommended)

Interested in having Empowered Flower Girl lead your vision board party or host a vision board workshop for your organization, school or group? Email rkamaria@empoweredflowergirl.com or call 248-629-0334.

Get (mentally) fit for 2014: Resolve to stress less and enjoy life more

Posted on by empoweredflowergirl

boredomMillions of Americans make New Year’s resolutions centered on health and fitness. Whether it’s smoking cessation, losing weight or getting physically active, wellness often is at the top of the list. But how many will resolve to be mentally fit? According to statistics, not many.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that only 38% of adults with diagnosable mental health problems receive needed treatment.

Mental health treatment is often underutilized, with patients reluctant to seek services. Barriers range from costs (treatments not covered by insurance) to stigma (fear of discrimination or embarrassment).

But help is available. The following are tips from Empowered Flower Girl to help you get your mind right for 2014:

Join a support group. Many community centers and houses of worship offer free group support for individuals coping with loss or addiction.

Eliminate negativity. Sometimes the best thing we can do for our health is eliminate frenemies. Research has shown that ambivalent friends can adversely impact physical and mental health.

Schedule an appointment with a therapist. If you feel you can no longer handle stress or if you’re concerned that you may be depressed, consider professional help. Psychology Today offers an online survey to help you determine the steps in your path to emotional wellness.