"It's What's Inside That Counts" - Beauty's Secret (Heartlight Girls Book 1)

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.

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?

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 HERE). 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.

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 every 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?

Know what’s important to you. Check in. Find ways you can find yourself. Ask for help. And take time to ask yourself the important 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.

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.

Denver-area Moms! Celebrate Mother’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 “Mommy & Me Tea: A Mother/Daughter Self-Esteem Experience!” CLICK HERE for more information and to register.

"IT’S WHAT’S INSIDE THAT COUNTS!"

Self-Esteem Empowerment Workshop

Presented by Bestselling Author & Model/Actress

Debra Gano

Learn to overcome your negative self-talk and the need for external approval, and instead move into positive self-love and acceptance to see your true worth!

 Debra Gano comes to Arizona to deliver this empowering and interactive workshop, teaching self-esteem principles "from the inside out." Adults & girls appreciate Debra’s open and amusing style as she discusses unhealthy media, critical peers,  inner beauty, and the importance of connecting to your true essence. You will walk away with a greater sense of self-worth and confidence, feeling more empowered and resilient to withstand life’s challenges.

WHERE: New Vision Center

www.HeartlightGirls.com & www.DebraGano.com

To bring a Heartlight Girls Self-Esteem Workshop to your school, church, library, or organization, please contact booking manager Nancy Hansen Zuschlag at nhzgreentri@hotmail.com.

Stay tuned to Debra’s blog for more tips on staying bully-proof this school year! And be sure you sign up for our free newsletter for more infomation!

"IT’S WHAT’S INSIDE THAT COUNTS!"

Self-Esteem Empowerment Workshop

Presented by Bestselling Author & Model/Actress

Debra Gano

Learn to overcome your negative self-talk and the need for external approval, and instead move into positive self-love and acceptance to see your true worth!

 Debra Gano comes to Michigan to deliver this empowering and interactive workshop, teaching self-esteem principles "from the inside out." Adults & girls appreciate Debra’s open and amusing style as she discusses unhealthy media, critical peers,  inner beauty, and the importance of connecting to your true essence. You will walk away with a greater sense of self-worth and confidence, feeling more empowered and resilient to withstand life’s challenges.

WHERE: Unity Church of Practical Christianity

www.HeartlightGirls.com & www.DebraGano.com