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                     STEPPING STONES (TM) 

                          Issue 11 

                        June, 2002 

Welcome to "Stepping Stones" (TM), the newsletter of 
Her Mentor Center (TM).  Each month we highlight a 
mid-life women's personal transition story.  We identify the 
specific skills illustrated in her story that you might find 
valuable in your own life.  In addition, we recommend and 
review valuable resources for you.  We are excited to be 
sharing experiences and information as we all journey 
through mid-life. 

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This month at a glance: 

I.    Lisa's Story: Creating a Positive Direction 

II.   Steps Toward a New Perspective 

III.  Recommended Resources: Books and Websites to Explore 

IV.   Our Invitation to You 

V.    About Us 

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    I. Lisa's Story: Creating a Positive Direction 


I received your newsletter and was inspired by Karen's 
story.  I would like to share my own. 

I am a divorced mom of a nine year old son and recently lost my 
job in the wake of massive lay offs after September 11.  After 
a successful career in the entertainment industry, I had spent 
the last three years in direct marketing to be able to have more 
time with my son.  I was not really satisfied in my job but the 
money afforded a good lifestyle for us.  Now, without a job and 
bleak prospects of one in the marketing field, I find myself at 
a crossroads in my life. 

I decided to use this as an opportunity to follow a dream I have 
had for many years.  A dream to write.  I wanted to write a book 
expressing the opinions and experiences of real people in their 
relationships.  I have created a website with a questionnniare, 
attended free writers workshops and spend my days working on 
my book.  This is my job now.  And I love every minute of it. 

I am looking at opportunities for freelance writing, editing, 
jobs in publishing, etc.  I know I need to make a living, and 
I want it to be in a way that supports my goal.  I also realize 
how much less we need to live comfortably.  It's amazing how much 
more you spend the more you make with little to show for it! 
I feel blessed with the additional time I have to spend with my 
son now, and I have had more support from family and friends in 
this endeavor than I ever expected. 

Going forward, I feel empowered and alive.  After years of 
working in the support of the craft of others, I am now the 
artist.  It is a wonderous experience as I move into the next 
phase of my life. 

Thank you for inviting me to share my story.  You are providing 
a much needed inspiration to all of us in what could be the best 
time of our lives - If we only have the courage to make it so. 

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     II. Steps Toward a New Perspective 


Lisa was able to respond to the dramatic change in her life 
by turning it into a challenge.  She used it as a positive 
opportunity to focus her energies in order to pursue her dream. 

Reflect on the following questions to help you change the 
negatives to positives in your own life as you proceed on your 
journey. 

* How have you dealt with the other major changes in your life? 
 What have you learned from your life experiences? 

* What are your own strengths and how have you used them in 
 particular situations in the past? 
 How can you build on these strenghts now? 

* What kinds of resources and support can you call on now to 
 help you through this process? 
 What kind of support tends to help you most - stories, books, 
 personal relationships? 

* What will help you let go of your preconceived notions and 
 refute your negative thoughts? 
 Can you open yourself us to new ideas and attitudes? 

* How can you find the courage to trust yourself and your own 
 wisdom? 
 Can you let your creativity flourish so you see yourself from 
 a new perspective? 

* What stimulates you to the point that you begin to integrate 
 the answers to these questions and create a new and positive 
 direction in your life? 

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       III. Recommended Resources: Books & Websites to Explore 


Relationshipbasic3.com 

You can help Lisa achieve her dream by visiting her website, 
www.Relationshipbasic3.com.  There you will find a short, 
open-ended questionnaire in which you can share your opinions 
and experiences about relationships. 

"The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity" by 
Julia Cameron 

This popular book helps eliminate writer's block and enables 
you to tap into your own creativity.  Ms. Cameron provides a 
twelve-week structured program for both novices and 
professionals.  This book can be used in conjunction with 
individual coaching or mentoring. 

"Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life" by 
Martin E.P. Seligman 

"Learned Optimism" is a ground-breaking book which is both 
well-researched and highly readable.  Dr. Seligman teaches 
the reader about fundamental concepts as well as skills and 
techniques essential to live a more positive life. 

You might also enjoy visiting the website, www.myprimetime.com, 
which has a variety of resources including self-quiz developed 
by Dr. Seligman to help you identify your level of optimism. 
To get to this quiz, click on "Me Meters" at the bottom of the 
home page and then go to 'Family Tools' and click on 'Learn 
How to Be Optimistic.' 

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                 IV. Our Invitation to You 

Do you have your own transition story?  We invite you to 
share it with our readers for the benefit of women who 
themselves may be dealing with similar changes.  The skills you 
used may be Stepping Stones for others.  If you are interested, 
please e-mail us at HerMentorCenter@aol.com. 

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                        V. About Us 

HerMentorCenter.com provides information, support and 
direction for women undergoing mid-life transitions.  Having 
made these transitions ourselves, we are available to mentor 
you and to be your partners in mid-life. 

Her Mentor Center (TM) does not provide psychotherapy, 
consulting, or any other psychological or medical services 
or treatment.  If you feel the need for psychological help, 
you should contact your local mental health professional 
associations. 

To subscribe to "Stepping Stones" (TM), our free monthly 
newsletter, sign up at: 

http://www.HerMentorCenter.com/newsletter.html

To unsubscribe, go to 
http://www.HerMentorCenter.com/ 
newsletter.html and click "unsubscribe." 

To contact us, write to us at our e-mail address, 
Mentors@HerMentorCenter.com, or by telephone at (818) 773-7795 
or by mail at Her Mentor Center (TM), 23679 Calabasas Road, 
#610, Calabasas, CA 91302-1502. 

Newsletters are available in our archives at: 

http://www.HerMentorCenter.com/archives.html


(c) HerMentorCenter, 2002     
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