Be A Woman of Influence

INFLUENCE: the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself.

What does it mean to be a woman in 2013? Seems tough to define in modern day society. Our role has changed so much over the past 50 years. You and I both know how our roles have changed. Now the challenge seems to be about finding balance in a world where women are becoming the head of the household and running their own companies! More power to the women who climb the corporate ladder and more power to the women who strive for independence! Let us NOT forget however that a mother makes a home, so while we should applaud all the ladies who are adding accolades to their resumes, we should cheer for all the women who juggle it all and stay at home to take care of their families. This blog is not about discussing gender roles, it’s about being a woman of influence and unfortunately I notice some girls using their BEAUTY and BODIES to attract ATTENTION. From facebook to twitter to instagram, I see the pictures. When I see what is obviously a GORGEOUS young lady using her face or body, whether it’s posing proactively, it’s problematic. Why? Because other attractive women have to work that much harder at proving that a woman can have beauty and brains! The definition of beauty of course is relative; I use the word generically.

I was propelled to write today’s note after emceeing the 8th annual Go Red for Women Luncheon in Salt Lake City this afternoon. I have been the Master of Ceremonies locally for 6 years now. I’m passionate about the American Heart Association’s message because I’m a woman and Heart Disease is our #1 killer. This year we had an incredible speaker whom I blogged about before. Nikki Stone, an Olympic Gold Medalist. What I wanted to share however was not about how great today’s event was (it really was amazing and fabulous), but some compliments I received from women. Two in particular: Utah Senator Pat Jones and Representative Carol Spackman Moss. They told me what a pleasure it was to have me back, and said “You are so beautiful but you are also so smart.” It was wonderful to hear the compliments, especially that last part. Why? Because we can be beautiful, but it means so much more to be beautiful AND smart! Then you have become a woman of influence, who has used her femininity to attract the type of attention which allows her to empower and inspire others. That is called A WOMAN OF INFLUENCE.

When I got home from the event this afternoon, a girl named Sarah left a comment on one of my pictures on Facebook saying, “You’re an amazing woman Nineveh…I think you’re a great inspiration for women all over. Keep doing what you’re doing girl!” I can’t say how happy I felt reading that comment. It struck a chord with me because while I appreciate every male who enjoys my work, pictures etc (and really I do!!!! you guys rock), I am most proud when women compliment me because I know I’ve touched their hearts.

So in honor of today’s Go Red for Women Luncheon, this is for the ladies: thank you for supporting me and my journey. My road to becoming a woman of influence still continues and I’m working hard to become a better woman of influence. My point is: I want you to ask yourself what kind of woman are you? It is easy to gain a man’s attention with your outer shell and while we should embrace our femininity, there is a difference between a girl who attracts ATTENTION (this is short-lived) and a woman of INFLUENCE (this equals longevity).