<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>The Official Blog of Debra Gano: CEO of BYOU, Author of Heartlight Girls Book Series &#38; Self-Esteem Expert</title>
	<atom:link href="http://debragano.com/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://debragano.com</link>
	<description></description>
	<lastBuildDate>Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:46:56 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.3</generator>
		<item>
		<title>Introducing a Positive &amp; Empowering Magazine for Girls!</title>
		<link>http://debragano.com/introducing-a-positive-empowering-magazine-for-girls/</link>
		<comments>http://debragano.com/introducing-a-positive-empowering-magazine-for-girls/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:46:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>debrag</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Be Your Own You]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Beauty's Secret]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BYOU]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cymphonique]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cymphonique Miller]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Debra Gano]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Empowerment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Girls]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Heartlight Girls]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Inner Beauty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[magazine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parenting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preteens]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self Esteem]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Teens]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tweens]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://debragano.com/?p=1226</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As an advocate for building girls’ self-esteem for many years, it has been my dream to launch a fun and empowering magazine for girls that inspires and reminds each and every girl how unique she is in her own special way. Every girl has her own qualities and talents that allow her to shine the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As an advocate for building girls’ self-esteem for many years, it has been my dream to launch a fun and empowering magazine for girls that inspires and reminds each and every girl how unique she is in her own special way. Every girl has her own qualities and talents that allow her to shine the light of who she is, yet often our society or her peers can dim that light, making her feel less than she is or not “good enough.” Girls today face tremendous pressures to feel ‘perfect’ and fear being judged or ridiculed for not blending in or for being ‘different.’</p>
<p>It is with great joy and delight that I announce the premier of<strong> <a title="BYOU magazine" href="http://https://shop.beyourownyou.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=MAG" target="_blank"><em>Be Your Own You </em></a></strong><a title="BYOU magazine" href="http://https://shop.beyourownyou.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=MAG" target="_blank"><em> </em></a><strong><a title="BYOU magazine" href="http://https://shop.beyourownyou.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=MAG" target="_blank">magazine</a>,</strong> where we celebrate our differences and the right for EVERY girl to feel good about who she is, where girls support girls instead of tearing each other down. In every issue, you&#8217;ll find exclusive interviews with today&#8217;s positive role models, empowering stories about girls who are making a difference in the world, powerful self-esteem tips &amp; projects, fun games &amp; puzzles, inspirational fiction, contests, and lots more, including opportunities for girls themselves to be featured!</p>
<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-1227" href="http://debragano.com/introducing-a-positive-empowering-magazine-for-girls/cover-oct-nov-11-final/"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1227" title="Be Your Own You Magazine for Girls" src="http://debragano.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Cover-Oct-Nov-11-FINAL-231x300.jpg" alt="" width="231" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>Please consider getting a special girl in your life this empowering magazine with much-needed messages girls need in today&#8217;s world. We are offering a <strong>SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICE of ONLY $10</strong> for an annual subscription THIS WEEK. This extraordinary price <strong><em>expires Saturday, October 8, at midnight</em></strong> (after that you can still get  your annual subscription for our regular price of $17.97), so hurry to take advantage of this amazing offer!</p>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a title="BYOU magazine" href="https://shop.beyourownyou.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=MAG" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial black,avant garde;"><strong>CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR $10 SUBSCRIPTION!</strong></span></a></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Here’s what you’ll find in our PREMIERE October/November Issue:</strong></span></p>
<p> * EXCLUSIVE interview with singer/dancer/actress &amp; girls&#8217; empowerment advocate Cymphonique Miller!<br /> * Inspiring story of “Warrior Princess” – a 14-year old cancer survivor who is making an impact on girls everywhere!<br /> * Powerful article on positive thinking with easy instructions on a fun self-esteem project you can do!<br /> * Fun puzzles, brain teasers, and jokes in Puzzle-Palooza!<br /> * Girls sharing what it means to “be your own you” (with YOUR opportunity to be featured next!)<br /> * Never-before-seen On Location With BYOU photos!<br /> * FREE first chapter of the award-winning book “Beauty’s Secret: A Girl’s Discovery of Inner Beauty” plus Beauty’s tips for inner and outer beauty to keep your Heartlight shining bright!<br /> * I Am Poem Contest, Color Me BYOU, and so much more!!</p>
<p><strong><em>Hurry, you don’t want to miss an issue of this empowering NEW magazine for girls ages 6-16!</em></strong></p>
<p>Get your subscription today at:</p>
<p><a title="BYOU magazine" href="https://shop.beyourownyou.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=MAG" target="_blank"><strong>https://shop.beyourownyou.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=MAG</strong></a></p>
<p><strong>OR ORDER BY PHONE TOLL-FREE  BY CALLING 855- BUY-BYOU (855-289-2968)</strong></p>
<p><em>ALSO! Email us the name &amp; address of your school library and we’ll be sure to send them a FREE year’s subscription! Email the information to support@beyourownyou.com.</em></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://debragano.com/introducing-a-positive-empowering-magazine-for-girls/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Who Are You NOT to Be Everything You Want?</title>
		<link>http://debragano.com/who-are-you-not-to-be-everything-you-want/</link>
		<comments>http://debragano.com/who-are-you-not-to-be-everything-you-want/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 24 Sep 2011 01:40:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>debrag</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Arizona]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Be Your Own You]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BYOU]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Debra Gano]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Empowerment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Heartlight Girls]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Inner Beauty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lisa Nichols]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marci Shimoff]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self Esteem]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[self help]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[self-love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[women]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://debragano.com/?p=1220</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[All women deserve to be everything they want and can be! Yet have you ever wondered if there’s a secret to fully becoming who you want to be? There is NO big secret – you have wonderful gifts inside you and the world is waiting for you to share them – you may just need [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>All women deserve to be <em>everything</em> they want and can be! Yet have you ever wondered if there’s a secret to fully becoming who you want to be? There is NO big secret – you have wonderful gifts inside you and the world is waiting for you to share them – you may just need a little guidance and support to help you discover and create the person YOU want to be.</p>
<p>I’m very honored and excited to be included in the amazing line-up of world-renowned experts featured in the <strong><em>Who Am I Not To Be</em> Telesummit </strong>that begins this Monday, September 26. This is an incredibly transformational on-line series that YOU can listen to and seriously benefit from &#8211; all for FREE! You will have the opportunity to enjoy 23 sessions of empowering advice and tips from world-class experts, such as Lisa Nichols, Marci Shimoff, Dr. Bernie Siegel, Yours Truly (Listen as I discuss &#8220;Who Am I Not To Be Empowered!), and so many more &#8211; all for FREE! And it&#8217;s so easy to sign up!</p>
<p>All you have to do is register here:  <a title="http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=4460885" href="http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=4460885" target="_blank"><strong>http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=4460885</strong></a></p>
<p>Simple tips to make you beautiful  &#8230; empowered … wealthy &#8230; respected &#8230; healthy &#8230; admired &#8230; powerful &#8230; successful &#8230;strong &#8230; peaceful &#8230; fulfilled &#8230; happy &#8230; extraordinary… and more &#8230;</p>
<p>World-class experts will help you conquer fear, doubt, sabotage, and being broke &#8230; so you can be the person you truly want to be.</p>
<p>You won&#8217;t want to miss this amazing opportunity to have access to 23 inspirational and informational sessions that will change your life – yours absolutely free with no strings attached.  Below is a description of the telesummit &#8211; I hope you’ll join me in a celebration of WHO you are now and WHO you are meant to be!</p>
<p><strong><em>Who Am I Not To Be</em> Telesummit</strong></p>
<p>An online festival of powerful transformation</p>
<p>We’ve gathered 23 renowned experts from all over the world to help you with your effortless transformation in a FREE online event, so that you can make measurable progress toward your goals, even with today’s uncertainties.</p>
<p>There are simple techniques and methods you can put into effect in your daily life to help you determine WHO you are right now and to help you create the person WHO you want to be. <em> </em></p>
<p>The <em>Who Am I Not To Be</em> Telesummit begins September 26<sup>th</sup> –it’s free and easy to sign up:</p>
<p><a title="http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=4460885" href="http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=4460885" target="_blank"><strong>http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=4460885</strong></a></p>
<p>When you sign-up today, you can listen to 23 individual sessions –all about one hour long – absolutely free – and get the breakthrough you need and want for greater success, a healthier lifestyle, better relationships, more wealth and abundance, heightened awareness of your body &#8230; whatever it is that you are looking for.</p>
<p>No matter WHO you want to be, there is an expert who will lead you through simple processes to help overcome your blocks and fears to allow you to be WHO you really are.</p>
<p>You can listen to these inspiring programs with our compliments:</p>
<p>* Who Am I Not To Be Radical &amp; Extraordinary &#8211; Surpassing Average and Ordinary to Reach Radical and Extraordinary with best-selling author and charismatic teacher Lisa Nichols</p>
<p>* Who Am I Not to Be Happy – Learn to be Happy For No Reason With celebrated transformational leader and best-selling author Marci Shimoff</p>
<p>* Who Am I Not To Have Lasting Love &#8211; Creating &amp; Renewing Lasting Love with Conscious Loving and relationship expert Katie Hendricks</p>
<p>* Who Am I Not To Be Empowered – Embrace Your Inner Beauty &amp; Let the World Experience the Real You with former model/actress turned author &amp; empowerment advocate Debra Gano</p>
<p>* Who Am I Not to Be the BEST Version of Myself with Successful entrepreneur and founder of Mind Movies, Natalie Ledwell</p>
<p>* Who Am I Not To Love Myself – A Radical Road to Self-Love and Miracles with motivational speaker, life coach and author Gabrielle Bernstein</p>
<p>* Who Am I Not To Be Abundant &#8211; The Vibration of Abundance with EFT Master Carol Look</p>
<p>* Who Am I Not To Live the Life of My Dreams with the founder Of Inspire Me Today, Gail Lynne Goodwin</p>
<p>* Who Am I Not To Be Healthy &#8211; Discover How to Heal Your Body With The Healing Codes Founder Dr. Alex Loyd</p>
<p>* Who Am I Not to Be Strong &amp; Sexy with accomplished entrepreneur, highly-sought-after spokesperson, and life coach to celebrities and CEOs Forbes Riley</p>
<p>* Who Am I Not To Be Rich &amp; Happy with energy healer and teacher Ann Taylor</p>
<p>* Who Was I Born To Be? &#8211; Allow Steve Olsher, “America’s Reinvention Expert,” to share with you his step-by-step guide to becoming the person you were meant to be</p>
<p>* Who Am I Not to Be Love – Start Living from the Vibration of Love with founder of Love or Above, intuitive healer  Christie Marie Sheldon</p>
<p>* Who Am I Not To Be Sensual – Discover the Power of Your  Sensuality with Elegant Femme founder Tara Marino</p>
<p>* Who Am I Not To Be Thin &amp; Enjoy Weight Loss with psychotherapist and author Dr. Roberta Temes from The Hypnosis Network</p>
<p>* Who Am I Not To Be Wise &#8211; How To Be Clear in Your Mind and In Your Heart with speaker, author and founder of The Essence Method™ Susan Castle and Paul Bauer, founder of Dreams Alive</p>
<p>* Who Am I Not To Be Powerful – Why We Are Afraid To Step Into Our Power with in-demand life coach and transformational leader Christy Whitman</p>
<p>* Who Am I Not To Be Happy With Who I Am – Using Relationships to Figure Out Who You Are with relationship expert Cheri Valentine</p>
<p>* Who Am I Not To Be Unstoppable &#8211; Why You&#8217;ll Never Be Able to Stop Procrastinating Forever with mind-training genius and life-changing strategist Wendi Friesen</p>
<p>* Who Am I Not To Be Prosperous and Happy with Mary Jaksch, Zen master, psychotherapist, and author</p>
<p>* Who Am I Not Be a Miracle with author of A Book of Miracles -Inspiring True Stories of Healing, Gratitude, and Love Bernie Siegel, MD</p>
<p>* Who Am I Not To Take Care of Myself with spiritual coach and motivational speaker Terri Amos-Britt</p>
<p>* And much, much more &#8230;</p>
<p><strong>All at no charge for you!</strong></p>
<p>23 amazing experts will share their expertise with you!</p>
<p>We’ve scoured the world to discover the most talented teachers. They are world-renowned experts who have enhanced and changed the lives of thousands and thousands of individuals.</p>
<p>Their techniques and methods are easy to implement and proven to be powerful.</p>
<p>They are coming together in an extraordinary free online event to help you discover WHO you are and help you rise above the disappointments and chaos of our days and to enjoy a rewarding and satisfying life.</p>
<p>Click here  to see the 23 extraordinary teachers:  <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a title="http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=4460885" href="http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=4460885">http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=4460885</a></span></p>
<p><strong>Here’s what you can expect &#8230;</strong></p>
<p>Each day at 9 pm ET / 6 pm PT beginning on Monday, September 26th, a new interview will be broadcast live for you to hear.</p>
<p>You will have 48 hours to listen to the presentation before it disappears. You can listen to each presentation as many times as you want within the 48-hour period. We’ll send you a reminder with links for each day’s call. It’s easy to listen in by phone or over the Internet. So there’s nothing to download and there are no complicated technical instructions.</p>
<p><strong> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a title="http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=4460885" href="http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=4460885">http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=4460885</a></span></strong></p>
<p>Please sign up today, and we invite you to share this with others. This online festival of powerful transformation is our gift to you and the world. Thank you!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>?</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://debragano.com/who-are-you-not-to-be-everything-you-want/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Slide9</title>
		<link>http://debragano.com/slide9/</link>
		<comments>http://debragano.com/slide9/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 11 Sep 2011 16:17:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>debrag</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[featured]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://debragano.com/?p=1177</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://debragano.com/slide9/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Slide8</title>
		<link>http://debragano.com/slide8/</link>
		<comments>http://debragano.com/slide8/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 11 Sep 2011 16:16:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>debrag</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[featured]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://debragano.com/?p=1174</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://debragano.com/slide8/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Slide7</title>
		<link>http://debragano.com/slide-7/</link>
		<comments>http://debragano.com/slide-7/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 11 Sep 2011 16:15:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>debrag</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[featured]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://debragano.com/?p=1170</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://debragano.com/slide-7/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>BYOU Fashion Show! Thursday, July 28</title>
		<link>http://debragano.com/byou-fashion-show-thursday-july-28/</link>
		<comments>http://debragano.com/byou-fashion-show-thursday-july-28/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 26 Jul 2011 01:09:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>debrag</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Back-To-School]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Be Your Own You]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BYOU]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Colorado]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Debra Gano]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Denver]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Denver County Fair]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Empowerment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fashion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fashion Show]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Girls]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Inner Beauty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[modeling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preteens]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self Esteem]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Teens]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tweens]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://debragano.com/?p=1106</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Calling girls ages 6-15 in the Denver area! Would you like to be in a BYOU “Be Your Own You’ Fashion Show? We have openings for additional models for our fashion show this THURSDAY, JULY 28, at 6:00 PM at the Grand Opening of the Fashion Pavilion at the Denver County Fair in the National [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Calling girls ages 6-15 in the Denver area! Would you like to be in a BYOU “Be Your Own You’ Fashion Show? We have openings for additional models for our fashion show this <strong>THURSDAY, JULY 28, at 6:00 PM</strong> at the <strong>Grand Opening of the Fashion Pavilion at the Denver County Fair in the National Western Complex! </strong>Auditions are Wednesday, July 27, and to qualify, you MUST be able to attend training/rehearsal on Wed, July 27, and the afternoon of the show.  Runway experience is preferred but not necessary as you will receive runway training from expert international model &amp; BYOU CEO Debra Gano!</p>
<p>We invite EVERYONE to come out to cheer these beautiful inside &amp; out girls on the runway and see all of the newest BYOU ‘Be Your Own You’ empowered apparel for girls! We’ll have lots of giveaways too! Please join us! Directions for the Denver County Fair at the National Western Complex are below.</p>
<p><strong>Here are the modeling details:  Due to the overwhelming response, to be able to be a model in the fashion show, you MUST be able to attend BOTH the Wednesday evening training/rehearsal from 6:30-8:00 PM and be at the show location on Thursday from 3:00-7:00 PM. Not all girls attending the Wednesday audition will be able to model in Thursday’s show (unless you are already scheduled be to a model) but ALL girls attending will receive runway training, a FREE one-month membership in the BYOU Be Your Own You Team Esteem Empowerment Program, and will be kept on file for future modeling opportunities.</strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Wed, July 27, 6:30-8:00 PM:</span> Audition/Training/Rehearsal</strong></p>
<p><strong>LOCATION: </strong>BYOU Be Your Own You Store, 6770 S. Dawson Circle, Suite 800, Centennial, CO 80112; (303) 400-8888</p>
<p>Directions: From Arapahoe Road, take Jordan Rd SOUTH; make first LEFT on to S. Dawson Center, building will be on your LEFT in the Arapahoe Center building; BYOU Store will be around the other side facing Arapahoe Road (you can see the store when you are on Arapahoe between Parker Rd. &amp; Jordan Rd)</p>
<p>Please bring: Paper &amp; pen/pencil, BYOU shirt if you have one</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Thursday, July 28, 3:00-7:00 PM: </span>Fitting/Rehearsal/Fashion Show</strong></p>
<p><strong>LOCATION: </strong>Denver County Fair- The Fair is located at the <strong>National Western Complex, </strong>(I-70 to Brighton Blvd Exit &#8211;just east of I-25 -<a title="National Western Complex" href="http://mapq.st/nuF5ng" target="_blank"> MAP)</a> 4655 Humboldt St. Denver, CO 80216. Go to Gate 1 on the North side of the Hall.  After you park at the Fair, please go to front door of the Expo Hall and check in at the window labeled Presenters.  You will receive your pass into the Fair and directions to your stage.  Upon your arrival at the Fashion Pavilion, please check in with Aimee Newman with BYOU ‘Be Your Own You.’ Each model is allowed to bring 1-2 adults with her (and siblings); other guests coming to watch the 6 PM show must pay fair entrance fee (General admission-$10. Youth (5-12) $5. Children 4 and under, free.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Schedule:</span></p>
<p>3:00 -5:00 PM: Fitting, Rehearsal &amp; Hair Styled by Sweet &amp; Sassy – please come with clean hair</p>
<p>5:00-5:45 PM: Final Rehearsal on Stage</p>
<p>6:00 -7:00 PM: Fashion Show!</p>
<p>7:00-9:00 PM: Informal Modeling (Optional – we’d love to have some girls stay after to informally model at our booth!)</p>
<p>Please bring:</p>
<p>1.       Denim jeans and/or shorts (no cut offs or ultra-short shorts!)</p>
<p>2.       Black pants/leggings/skirts</p>
<p>3.       Black shoes/sandals (no flip flops or high heels!)</p>
<p>4.       Fun accessories or things that allow you to ‘be your own you’</p>
<p>5.       Water, snacks, and/or sack dinner</p>
<p>6.       A great attitude! This is going to be great fun!</p>
<p>We look forward to seeing you!!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://debragano.com/byou-fashion-show-thursday-july-28/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>15 Alarming Facts About Eating Disorders in College</title>
		<link>http://debragano.com/15-alarming-facts-about-eating-disorders-in-college/</link>
		<comments>http://debragano.com/15-alarming-facts-about-eating-disorders-in-college/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 29 Jun 2011 22:51:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>debrag</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Parenting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[anorexia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[anxiety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Be Your Own You]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[binging]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bulimia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BYOU]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[college]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Debra Gano]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[depression]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[eating disorders]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Empowerment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Girls]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Heartlight Girls]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mental illness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Online Universities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preteens]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[purging]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self Esteem]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sexual assault]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[suicide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Teens]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tweens]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://debragano.com/?p=1092</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I was invited by Online Universities to share a recent article they published on eating disorders, a frequent and dangerous by-product of low self-esteem that can quickly turn fatal if left unchecked. In reading the article, I found it to be very comprehensive and informative, indicating that college students comprise the largest demographic of this [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="/wp-content/themes/onlineuni/images/plate.jpg" alt="" align="right" />I was invited by <a title="Online Universities" href="http://http://www.onlineuniversities.com/blog/2011/06/15-alarming-facts-about-eating-disorders-in-college/" target="_blank">Online Universities</a> to share a recent article they published on eating disorders, a frequent and dangerous by-product of low self-esteem that can quickly turn fatal if left unchecked. In reading the article, I found it to be very comprehensive and informative, indicating that college students comprise the largest demographic of this tragic condition.</p>
<p>With their permission, I&#8217;m sharing this article below, with the intention to bring awareness to parents of tweens/teens in the hopes of them taking a more preventative role in building the self-esteem in their children before they are faced with the consequences of not doing so.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Despite the bounty of information at its disposal,  mainstream society still doesn’t exactly understand mental illness…</h3>
<p>Eating disorders especially end up on the receiving end of frequent  stereotyping and misunderstanding — a very dangerous phenomenon, considering how  they can quickly turn fatal when left unchecked. College students comprise the  condition’s largest demographic, so <a href="http://www.onlineuniversities.com/" target="_blank">educating</a> both students and the society they inhabit is  crucial for their health, happiness and safety. By no means should one take this  article as anything even remotely approaching medical advice. Rather, use it as  an introduction to a few facts about bulimia, anorexia, binge eating disorder  and EDNOS (eating disorder not otherwise specified). From here, make further  inquiries into the realities faced by sufferers and the people who love them.  Making an effort to empathize with their plight might very well save lives  someday.</p>
<ol>
<li>
<p><img src="/wp-content/themes/onlineuni/images/disorder.jpg" alt="" align="right" /><strong><a href="http://www.waldenbehavioralcare.com/eating_disorders_among_college_students.asp" target="_blank">It’s not just women who suffer</a>:</strong> Eating disorders are often  stereotyped as the exclusive realm of the ladyfolk — a dangerous mindset  preventing male victims from receiving necessary psychotherapy. In reality,  between 1% and 7% of college-age men suffer from anorexia, bulimia, binge eating  disorder or EDNOS. But the numbers might actually sit higher than that, as  stigmas unfairly painting the diseases as inherently feminine prevent them from  admitting the problem and seeking out the mental help needed to survive.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.waldenbehavioralcare.com/eating_disorders_among_college_students.asp" target="_blank">The staggering majority of female college students diet</a>:</strong> Ninety-one percent in fact, regardless of whether or not they genuinely need to  be concerned about their weight. Not all diets are eating disorders, nor do all  eating disorders manifest themselves as extreme dieting. Such conditions don’t  always necessarily stem from a desire to be thin, of course, but overlap does  occur. Some cases — though in no way every — do begin life as obsessive dieting,  so it is relevant to look at statistics reflecting this.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.waldenbehavioralcare.com/eating_disorders_among_college_students.asp" target="_blank">College women are even more vulnerable to eating disorders than  one would think</a>:</strong> By this point, most people are aware that women between  the ages of 17 and 24 are the most likely to be treated for and diagnosed with  an eating disorder. In the general public, the statistic posits about 15% of  this demographic suffers. But once college factors into the equation, it shoots  up to 40%. Hardly surprising, considering the significant amount of stress  involved — especially in cases where eating disorders manifest as a coping  mechanism.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.sa.psu.edu/insights/pdf/eating_disorders.pdf" target="_blank">It’s often comorbid with other disorders</a>:</strong> In college and  the real world alike, eating disorders rarely wreak havoc alone. Anorexia,  bulimia, binge eating disorder and EDNOS usually co-exist with depression,  anxiety, substance abuse and/or compulsive issues. Oftentimes, the symptoms  associated with these conditions are signs of something larger and more serious  at play than just problems with diet and nutrition. Social stigmas against  anything above a size 6 are only a very minute facet of a far more complex  mental health problem.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.sa.psu.edu/insights/pdf/eating_disorders.pdf" target="_blank">Relationships impact eating disorders</a>:</strong> And not just those  where one or more partners spout off abusive rhetoric about body shape and size,  either. Individuals in unhealthy relationships, whether they be overly clingy or  outright physically traumatic, run a much higher risk of suffering from eating  disorders than their peers enjoying more stable ones. The depression and anxiety  associated with such unfortunate arrangements can trigger these conditions as a  means of calming and forgetting the issue at hand.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><img src="/wp-content/themes/onlineuni/images/plate.jpg" alt="" align="right" /><strong><a href="http://www.rainn.org/get-information/effects-of-sexual-assault/eating-disorders" target="_blank">Sexual assault and rape victims are more likely to develop eating  disorders</a>:</strong> This correlation exists outside of college campuses, however,  but the demographic most vulnerable to eating disorders also happens to be more  likely to end up sexually assaulted and raped. Thanks to an unforgiving society  that shames and guilt trips female and male victims alike, anxiety and  depression run rampant. So it makes sense that eating disorders would also  plague them at a higher rate, as bulimia, anorexia and the like provide  immediate (albeit unhealthy and nonviable) comfort for a persistent problem.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong><a href="http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/dual/a/blhbns040507.htm" target="_blank">Binging and purging may correlate with previous suicide  attempts</a>:</strong> At least one study suggests that eating disorder victims  engaging in a binge-and-purge pattern are more likely to have previously  attempted suicide. Those with anorexia are more likely to suffer from suicidal  thoughts. Again, a broader study sheds considerable light on the experiences of  a smaller demographic. Because of the staggering amount of college students  crushed beneath eating disorders, it makes sense that many of them would suffer  from the accompanying suicidal ideas and behaviors as well.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.newsweek.com/2009/09/15/rethinking-the-freshman-15.html" target="_blank">Nutrition facts can actually trigger victims</a>:</strong> <em>Newsweek</em> ran an article about eating disorders on campus in 2009, opening  with a particularly poignant perspective most people — in college or otherwise —  might never consider. For the eating disordered, seeing campuses publicly  display nutrition facts run the risk of triggering trauma during the recovery  period. Those whose conditions manifest themselves as obsessive dieting and  calorie-counting are especially vulnerable, as exposure to such information  reminds them of their destructive obsession. Harvard University removed calorie  count cards from its dining halls out of respect for its disordered  students.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.newsweek.com/2009/09/15/rethinking-the-freshman-15.html" target="_blank">A staggering amount of victims vomit, resort to extreme diets  and/or use laxatives</a>:</strong> Whether suffering from bulimia, anorexia, EDNOS or  some combination thereof, 38% of college students (both male and female) have  forced vomiting, used laxatives and/or extreme vomiting in order to lose weight.  Researchers think an increased emphasis on combating obesity might influence  their harsh decisions, although plenty of other issues — such as the  previously-mentioned depression, anxiety and sexual violence victimhood factor  into it as well.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.salon.com/life/broadsheet/2010/06/18/pro_ana_website_study" target="_blank">A fringe eating disorder movement actively encourages the  disease</a>:</strong> Neither the Pro-Ana nor Pro-Mia movements typically go out and  recruit members, but they do dangerously encourage disordered eating habits.  Most — but not all — adherents are either in college or of college age, and the  philosophy paints the truly horrifying disease as a lifestyle choice to be  accepted rather than a mental illness to be treated. Communities both online and  off trade &#8220;thinspiration&#8221; pictures, advice and encouragement for the fastest  (and oftentimes most devastating) weight loss tips. It’s an extremely  destructive mindset, one colleges must take more seriously and address more  often.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong><a href="http://womensissues.about.com/od/bingeeating/a/BEDCollege.htm" target="_blank">Binge eating disorder is a real thing</a>:</strong> Most individuals  and organizations typically think of bulimia and anorexia when the subject of  eating disorders crop up. But binge eating disorder — an often overlooked member  of the family — can also cause serious problems during the college years (and  beyond). Stemming from the exact same anxiety, depression and stress as  conditions seeking thinness, BED instead involves taking in too much food as a  coping mechanism.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><img src="/wp-content/themes/onlineuni/images/20.jpg" alt="" align="right" /><strong><a href="http://www.bulimia.com/client/client_pages/eatingdisorderstats.cfm" target="_blank">Twenty is the most common age of onset</a>:</strong> Around 86% of  bulimics estimate they first experienced symptoms at age 20. Between the ages of  16 and 20, the number drops to 43%. By freshmen year, between 4.5% and 18% of  female and .4% of male students start classes with a history of bulimia,  compared to 1% for women with anorexia. Once again, the reasons behind why this  happens are as varied as the victims themselves, though the dangers remain the  same.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.bulimia.com/client/client_pages/eatingdisorderstats.cfm" target="_blank">Anorexia and bulimia kill more than people realize</a>:</strong> Between 10% and 25% of anorexia patients die because of complications arising  from the condition. The full recovery rate of eating disorders in general sits  at a sadly low 60%, with 20% only partially coming back and 20% never healing at  all — or making only negligible progress.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong><a href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/1098-108X%28199307%2914:1%3C49::AID-EAT2260140107%3E3.0.CO;2-Z/abstract" target="_blank">Race might have an effect on how eating disorders  manifest</a>:</strong> Research published in the <em>International Journal of Eating  Disorders</em> noted at least one difference in the way weight loss-related  eating disorders occur in white and African-American female college students.  Many members of the latter demographic typically struggled with real weight and  size problems and suffered worse the more they absorbed themselves in mainstream  society. Their Caucasian counterparts rarely experienced onset because of a  preexisting weight condition. Both, however, frequently exhibited the signs and  symptoms of depressive, anxiety or compulsive issues alongside their eating  disorders.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.nimh.nih.gov/science-news/2006/college-women-at-risk-for-eating-disorder-may-benefit-from-online-intervention.shtml" target="_blank">Online intervention might be a valid prevention option</a>:</strong> For the harried, college-aged eating disordered, an online psychiatric regimen  might very well pique their recovery. Developed at Stanford University, the  online program sought out high-risk women — specifically, college-aged women —  and effectively prevented many from slipping into anorexia, bulimia or EDNOS.  Participants with a BMI at 25 or over did not develop any eating disorder  symptoms after 2 years, compared to 11.9% of their peers. Amongst women already  suffering the early stages, 14% ended up diagnosed with an eating disorder  within 2 years, compared to 30% of nonparticipants. The program, consisting of  reading materials, moderated discussions and daily journals, might very well  fulfill a valuable role on college campuses and beyond.</p>
</li>
</ol>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://debragano.com/15-alarming-facts-about-eating-disorders-in-college/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Dance Contest: Teaming up with US Dept of Health Best Bones Forever Campaign!</title>
		<link>http://debragano.com/bbfdancecontest/</link>
		<comments>http://debragano.com/bbfdancecontest/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Jun 2011 22:21:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>debrag</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Be Your Own You]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Best Bones Forever]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BYOU]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Contest]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Debra Gano]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Empowerment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Girls]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michelle Obama]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preteens]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Radio Disney]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Savvy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self Esteem]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Teens]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Wannabes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tweens]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[US Department of Health]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://debragano.com/?p=1063</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As the CEO of BYOU &#8216;Be Your Own You,&#8217; I always look for opportunities for tween and teens girls to do fun and amazing things. Recently we were contacted by the U.S. Department of Health to partner with them for a dance contest for their Best Bones Forever! (BBF) campaign, which is a national bone health campaign led by [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-1068" href="http://debragano.com/bbfdancecontest/bbf-dance-contest-logo-2/"></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva; font-size: medium;"><a rel="attachment wp-att-1083" href="http://debragano.com/bbfdancecontest/bbf-dance-contest-logo-3/"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1083" title="BBF Dance Contest Logo" src="http://debragano.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/BBF-Dance-Contest-Logo2.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="180" /></a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva; font-size: medium;">As the CEO of BYOU &#8216;Be Your Own You,&#8217; I always look for opportunities for tween and teens girls to do fun and amazing things. Recently we were contacted by the U.S. Department of Health to partner with them for a dance contest for their <em>Best Bones Forever! (BBF) </em>campaign, which is a national bone health campaign led by the U.S. Department  of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health. The campaign targets girls ages 9-14 to build bone strength &#8220;from the inside out&#8221;  by encouraging  increased calcium and vitamin D consumption and physical activity. Many of you are aware of my mission to &#8216;empower girls from the inside out,&#8217; so you can see the synergy in this partnership!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva; font-size: medium;">So when they asked BYOU to partner with them on their contest for girls, we were very excited! Today, <a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/eosborn/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/Content.Outlook/V3V93KTT/bestbonesforever.gov"><em>Best Bones Forever!</em></a> and teen pop recording group <a href="http://www.savvymusic.biz/">Savvy</a>, who is featured in the TV show The Wannabes aired in 92 countries and on Radio Disney, announced the launch of the Let’s Dance Contest. With a nod to First Lady Michelle Obama’s <em>Let’s Move!</em> campaign, the goal is to get girls moving and help them build strong bones, all while having fun with their friends.</span></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva; font-size: medium;">Girls across the country are invited to form a group with their BFFs (best friends forever), choreograph a dance routine to one of five Savvy songs, record themselves doing the routine, then upload the video to the contest website, <a href="http://www.bbfletsdance.com/">www.bbfletsdance.com</a>. The winning team will win a trip to appear in a Savvy music video, and EACH WEEK a featured video will be selected where every participant will win a fun prize from girls&#8217; self-esteem company BYOU <a href="http://www.beyourownyou.com/">Be Your Own You</a>! </span></strong></p>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva; font-size: medium;">“The Let’s Dance contest is going to be awesome,” says GiGi LeMaire, 14, of Savvy. “We want all girls, whether they’re trained dancers or they like to dance just for fun, to get involved and show us what they’ve got!”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva; font-size: medium;">While the Let’s Dance Contest is all about having fun, it’s also meant to help girls get active.  “To stay healthy and build strong bones, girls need an hour of physical activity each day, but that doesn’t just mean they have to hit the gym or hop on a treadmill,” says Savvy’s Shaylen Carroll. “Many other activities, like yoga, cheerleading, soccer, figure skating—and, of course, dancing—count, too. That’s why this contest is so great—as girls practice their routines, they’ll be getting the physical activity they need without even realizing it! “</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva; font-size: medium;">Videos for the <em>Best Bones Forever!</em> Let’s Dance Contest featuring Savvy kicks will be accepted through August 10, 2011 and winners will be announced on August 27, 2011. For more information and to upload videos, visit <a href="http://www.bbfletsdance.com/">www.bbfletsdance.com</a>.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva; font-size: medium;">For more information on the BBF campaign, visit the website for girls at <a href="http://www.bestbonesforever.gov/">www.bestbonesforever.gov</a> or for parents at <a href="http://www.bestbonesforever.gov/parents">www.bestbonesforever.gov/parents</a>.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms,geneva; font-size: medium;"> </span></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://debragano.com/bbfdancecontest/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>9</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>What Makes Your Dad Special Contest!</title>
		<link>http://debragano.com/what-makes-your-dad-special-contest/</link>
		<comments>http://debragano.com/what-makes-your-dad-special-contest/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 16 Jun 2011 05:56:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>debrag</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Be Your Own You]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BYOU]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dads]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[daughters]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Debra Gano]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Father's Day]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fathers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Girls]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Heartlight Girls]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preteens]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self Esteem]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Teens]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://debragano.com/?p=1028</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A father plays a very important role in a young girl&#8217;s life &#8211; studies show that girls who have positive relationships with their dads have higher self-esteem and make make more responsible relationship choices later in life. Fathers are initially responsible in establishing and building that bond with their daughter, but girls also assist in [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><iframe height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/s1bUVIjfZGw" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p><img src="file:///C:/Users/OWNER/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.png" alt="" /><img src="file:///C:/Users/OWNER/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot-2.png" alt="" />A father plays a very important role in a young girl&#8217;s life &#8211; studies show that girls who have positive relationships with their dads have higher self-esteem and make make more responsible relationship choices later in life. Fathers are initially responsible in establishing and building that bond with their daughter, but girls also assist in building that relationship, especially as they grow older. As a girl moves into her preteen and teen years, her father may feel uncertain as to how to now relate to this budding young lady in his life. When before just playing silly games or having goofy moments were enough to engage her, she now rolls her eyes and walks into the other room. What&#8217;s a dad to do??</p>
<p>Girls, it&#8217;s important for both you and your dad that you stay connected during this important time in your life, even though you may not always feel like it. Look for ways to spend time with him &#8211; just you and him, share with him what&#8217;s going on in your life, discuss thoughts/ideas/goals, get his opinion on things while at the same time you sharing yours, resist the urge to pull away when you don&#8217;t feel he understands you, and most of all, tell him often how special he is to you.</p>
<p>In honor of Father&#8217;s Day this month, I&#8217;d like to hear from you on what makes your dad special &#8211; to you! How is he unique in your eyes, what&#8217;s your favorite thing about him, what are some things he&#8217;s taught you that you&#8217;d like to thank him for? What I love about my dad is his zest for life and how he shared with me his sense of adventure. My dad exposed me to many unusual things and often pushed me to do things out of my comfort zone, and I really want to thank him for the &#8216;backbone&#8217; he gave me &#8211; I feel it&#8217;s had a lot to do with where I am now.</p>
<p>ENTER YOUR COMMENT BELOW FOR A CHANCE TO WIN! A random winner will be chosen to win one of the cute BYOU &#8220;Be Your Own You&#8221; logo canvas tote bags! I love these bags and take one with me wherever I go. Contest closes June 30. Can&#8217;t wait to see WHAT MAKES YOUR DAD SPECIAL TO YOU!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://debragano.com/what-makes-your-dad-special-contest/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>35</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Mothers: What About YOU?</title>
		<link>http://debragano.com/mothers-what-about-you/</link>
		<comments>http://debragano.com/mothers-what-about-you/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 22:33:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>debrag</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parenting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Be Your Own You]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Beauty's Secret]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brown Palace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BYOU]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Colorado]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dawn Pitre]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Debra Gano]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Denver]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Empowerment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Girls]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Heartlight Girls]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mother's Day]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preteens]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self Esteem]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Teens]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tweens]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[women]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Workshop]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://debragano.com/?p=1013</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Recently I had an opportunity to spend some extended quality time with my mom. She lives in another state so it was a special treat for both of us.  What I most enjoyed was seeing the shift that had taken place within her, a new peacefulness I had not seen before. Challenged by many years [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_1015" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 160px"><a rel="attachment wp-att-1015" href="http://debragano.com/mothers-what-about-you/olympus-digital-camera/"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1015  " title="&quot;It's What's Inside That Counts&quot; from Beauty's Secret (Heartlight Girls Book 1)" src="http://debragano.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/2-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">&quot;It&#39;s What&#39;s Inside That Counts&quot; - Beauty&#39;s Secret (Heartlight Girls Book 1)</p></div>
<p>Recently I had an opportunity to spend some extended quality time with my mom. She lives in another state so it was a special treat for both of us.  What I most enjoyed was seeing the shift that had taken place within her, a new peacefulness I had not seen before. Challenged by many years of anxiety and emotional pain due to a lifetime of low self-worth, she had lived in two worlds – the world she presented externally and the other she lived internally. Now, through a gradual evolution of self, it seems these two worlds have merged, offering her much-welcome congruency and peace…and for that, I could not be happier.</p>
<p>And so I wonder, what could her life have been like had she found this peace earlier? Or what would her life be like next week or next year if she had never found it? And what would my childhood have been like had she had this stronger sense of self that she could’ve role modeled to her children?</p>
<p>My own journey of self-love and respect didn’t begin until my late 30’s, and was (unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on your perspective!) self-taught through challenges and life-threatening experiences (to hear more of this journey, watch my video <a title="Debra Gano - Heartlight Girls" href="http://http://debragano.com/heartlight-girls/" target="_blank">HERE)</a>. My mission, and what I feel is my purpose in life, is fueled by the passion to help as many girls as possible to have healthier and less dramatic ways to learn to love and respect themselves – including helping mothers who can then themselves be happy, balanced, and emotionally-healthy role models for their daughters.</p>
<p>So on this upcoming holiday where we honor our ever-important and deserving mothers, I urge every mother to also honor herself, and not just on Mother’s Day, but <em>every </em>day – and in doing so, you will also teach your daughter a very important life lesson. As mothers, we want the best for our family, of course; yet that is often translated into giving so much of ourselves that who we are and what we need gets neglected. We feel overwhelmed, our issues remain unresolved, we struggle with our own feelings of disconnect and inadequacy, and very often, at some point we don’t even recognize ourselves anymore. How can we be good for our family if we are not good for ourselves?</p>
<p>Know what’s important to you. Check in. Find ways you can find yourself. Ask for help. And take time to ask yourself the <em>important</em> questions (those are not the “What shall I make for dinner” questions), and then be sure to listen for the answers. My daughter has accepted the fact that her mommy needs “quiet time” even when she’d much rather prefer me to be attentive to her. Any guilt I have about doing this is alleviated when I remind myself how important this is, for by taking care of me helps me to be a healthier caretaker and role model for her.</p>
<p>This Mother’s Day, I send my love, appreciation, blessings, and utmost respect to all mothers -and to my own special mom, know how proud I am of you and how much I will always love you.</p>
<p><em><strong>Denver-area Moms! Celebrate Mother&#8217;s Day with a special girl(s) in your life! Join us Saturday, May 7, from 1:30-4:30 pm at the Brown Palace for a &#8220;Mommy &amp; Me Tea: A Mother/Daughter Self-Esteem Experience!&#8221; </strong><a title="Self-Esteem Programs" href="http://http://beyourownyou.com/pages/self-esteem-programs">CLICK HERE for more information and to register.</a></em></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://debragano.com/mothers-what-about-you/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>

