The Writer’s Life: Conference Day Three

on July 28, 2014

Claiming Your Queendom!

Queendom: Use it or lose it.

Queendom: Use it or lose it.

There was simply too much awesome going on Friday for me get into it, so I’m going to focus on what you need to know for your own branding and success, whether you are a teenager starting out or retired and starting again.

If you’re a teen blogger or young adult starting your own business, and don’t want to “work for the man” after college and get golf ball sized lumps in your skull from the glass ceiling, then start building your brand and your enterprise now so you can be “the woman” or “the man” for whom everyone works. It’s much more fun!

I attended two sessions with publishing veteran and branding genius, Cindy Ratzlaff. They were two of the most positive, brain twisting and inspiring sessions yet. She definitely gave me some homework, but I’ve already put it to good use by getting the Canva app to do graphics, updating my Facebook banner and profile picture—not perfect, but much better—and committing to make social media time fun (without getting addicted).

Cindy is a true marketing expert, so for anyone launching a business, book, or brand, you should look her up on FB, YouTube, SlideShare, etc.

An affirmation a day keeps the sharks away.

An affirmation a day keeps the sharks away.

Now the other little inspiring piece I want to share about Cindy is the book she co-wrote with Kathy Kinney (a.k.a Mrs. P. a personality and business aimed at kids (and parents and teachers) to help keep alive their love for reading and books. See, I love Kathy too now. Reading is the best thing in the whole world!

Anyway, these two successful, smart women wrote a book that was released in 2010, and somehow I missed it. It goes in the category of things small but mighty. It’s called Queen of Your Own Life—also the perfect gift for your mom, aunt, sister—preferably a female. It’s filled with funny, touching and inspiring stories from their lives, but more important the lessons we all have to learn on our journey to Queendom. Don’t stop at Princess, girls!

Don’t get stuck!

Don’t get stuck!

Some of the things covered include claiming your unique beauty and power, appreciating and being proud of whom you’ve become, choosing happiness, making quality friendships with other women (super important as we are stronger united), and a number of helpful quotes on Queendom. Here is a little excerpt our moms have all told us, but it bears sharing again and for some might be better received from strangers than our moms. (Sorry moms, we know you love us no matter what.)

“The dictionary definition of beautiful doesn’t say anything about looking young, having no wrinkles, or being thin. It says beautiful is having qualities that give great pleasure or satisfaction to see, hear or think about…delighting the senses or mind; wonderful…very pleasing or satisfying; excellent of its kind; you.

Okay, we added you to the definition but it fits perfectly and that’s the point. Beauty comes from the inside…our unique experiences, wisdom, humor, and compassion make us each an original work of art, perfect and beautiful just the way we are.”

The Queen of Your Own Life by Kathy Kinney and Cindy Ratzlaff

For all my teen and young adult friends, I wish you could know and believe it now. If you don’t, then start practicing affirmations in the mirror instead of taking another selfie for others to judge your beauty. No number of ‘likes’ can make up for you liking yourself and knowing how freaking fabulous you really are.

And my ‘FYI tip’ for girls who have entered the age of cellulite and are self-conscious about their beautiful, healthy bodies—it’s a little known but true fact, that good men (and a few bad ones) don’t care about cellulite. They’re just happy you’re not wearing your pants. Think about that!

Time for me to get back to writing my book. Enjoy your week, and I’ll be back soon.

Until then,

Tricia

I’m just saying…

I’m just saying…