"We RISE by lifting OTHERS"

"We RISE by lifting OTHERS" Many of you know I work in the TV News Industry. It has taught me so much about life, love and balance. What I want and what I don't desire anymore. It has given me the gift of opportunities and a strange sense of responsibility to seize those opportunities - making a mark, blazing a trail for something or even someone in this world. Mostly because it has been women who have made all the difference in my life - and the dreams I pursue. They can either lift us up to new heights, or be the catalyst for crashing and burning in a sea of self doubt and insecurities.

I work with more women, than men. More women make up the news business than men, on air anyway. And we are so busy criticizing ourselves sometimes (it's hard not to incessantly analyze what we perceive as shortcomings) that I wondered, what could I do or what could we do - as women to empower each other. Support each other? Easy enough - but not so much, not always. We've made strides in many areas, but more can be done. I don't seek to change public policy, or start some feminist movement - what I want is to simply help empower women and I can't do it without yoU. And that's how yoU Mag was born.

An idea - a thought I conjured up on our couch one night. Hit me out of nowhere like a bag of bricks. It began with a day dream and has grown into a project of empowerment. I hope that's what you get out of it. The second issue is set to debut this week, and it is a world of difference from the first - which is exciting. Not just because it looks better but because I learned valuable lessons along the way.

1. I learned that I can be a HAVE IT ALL WOMAN without having to do it all. Many of you may not know that I constructed the entire 1st issue on my own. It was time consuming and stressful but I walked away learning how to ask for help.

2. Women WANT to help each other. I think sometimes we unfairly get a bad wrap - we don't mean to tear each other down. On the contrary, I truly believe MOST women want to lift each other up, help others achieve - and grow. We are natural nurturers, and this journey has taught me women want to be part of something bigger than themselves. yoU Mag is bigger than just me, one woman ...it's about all of us.

3. WE hold ourselves back. I believe support comes in a lot of different forms - but if it's there is anyone holding us back, no matter what it may be - often times, the only person responsible is ourself. So every time I feel like throwing a pity party for myself, or have the impulse to blame others I try my hardest to snap myself back into reality - the only one holding me back from pursuing passions and unfilled dreams is myself. With that, I really hope you enjoy the new issue of yoU Mag.

The December/January publication features what I call a woman of influence. She shares insight on what it takes to be in charge of your dreams. You'll find fun articles like surviving holiday parties to a simple tasty recipe that will titillate your tastebuds without packing on the pounds and a video tutorial on HOW TO LOOK HOT for the holidays. BUT you'll also discover some thought provoking pieces by some of the contributors - one mother's struggle with postpartum depression, another woman's decision to leave everything behind and two young girl's road to spreading their message of empowerment. Thanks for stopping by as always. Your support is what keeps this project (yoU Mag) going!