I have to thank my good girlfriend Allison who forwarded this to me. It is said to have been written by Maya Angelou. She has denied the claim.

I love sharing good wisdom every few Wednesdays. I think this is powerful.

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE…

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ….
enough money within her control to move out
and rent a place of her own even if she never wants
to or needs to…

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ….
something perfect to wear if the employer or date of her
dreams wants to see her in an hour…

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE …
a youth she’s content to leave behind….

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ….
a past juicy enough that she’s looking forward to
retelling it in her old age….

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE …..
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black
lace bra…

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ….
one friend who always makes her laugh… and one who
lets her cry…

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ….
a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone
else in her family…

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ….
eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a
recipe for a meal that will make her guests feel honored…

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ….
a feeling of control over her destiny…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
how to fall in love without losing herself..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
how to quit a job,
break up with a lover,
and confront a friend without ruining the friendship…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
when to try harder… and when to walk away…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
that she can’t change the length of her calves,
the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
that her childhood may not have been perfect…but it’s over…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
what she would and wouldn’t do for love or more…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
how to live alone… even if she doesn’t like it…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
whom she can trust,
whom she can’t,
and why she shouldn’t
take it personally…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
where to go…
be it to her best friend’s kitchen table…
or a charming inn in the woods…
when her soul needs soothing…

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW…
what she can and can’t accomplish in a day…
a month…and a year…

–

I’d love to know what YOU think every woman should have?

xoxEDxox

Other articles you might enjoy:

• Wisdom Wednesday: When You Thought I Wasn’t Looking
• Getting Over Getting Older

In case you didn’t know, blogging can be quite isolating. If I’m not traveling for speaking engagements (where thankfully I actually INTERACT with other human beings), or at events, at the radio station, or coaching, I’m literally alone. Alone at home, or alone with my computer at Starbucks. Writing can sometimes be a lonely life.  There’s no flagship location where all the bloggers can come, and work together. We are virtual, online friends separated by city, state, province, country, and continent. And with the exception of a few incredible blogging conferences, I just don’t get to see these amazing women often enough. I’ve been at this new gig for two years now, and I can honestly say, I am right where I was meant to be. I am in the flow. I am in the groove. I have unlocked the PASSION badge at Foursquare (if you’re a social media maven, that would make sense to you).

So to honor these relationships, a great blogging contemporary of mine Vera Sweeney named today as NATIONAL HUG A BLOGGER DAY. It’s the day where you hug a blogger (yes, my kids hugged me this morning), and where we bloggers virtually hug all our blogging friends, and post pictures of ourselves, with them, hugging (or not).

I ain’t gonna ramble. I’m just going to say, that when I started this blogging thing on September 11, 2009, I had 3 readers– my mother, my father, my husband. And when I clicked ‘publish’ on that very first post titled Hello World… I Finally Did It (on a FREE WordPress platform to boot), I knew I was home.

I am thankful to the bloggers below, who have helped me along in my journey, who I consider real friends, and who are just a FAB bunch of people.

I love you. Sniff sniff.

Here they are, in no particular order.

–

Me and Audrey McClellan, fabulous gal and fashion blogger at Mom 2.0 Summit.

Me and pioneer mommy blogger, Heather Armstrong, AKA @Dooce

Me and the divine vlogger and TV show creator Kimberley Blaine hangin’ out at Mom 2.0 Summit

Me and one amazing mom and friend, Whitney Wingerd at Mom 2.0 Summit in New Orleans

Having fun with the funny Susan Kay Wyatt at Mom 2.0 Summit

More partying with bloggers Susan Kay, Whitney of RookieMoms.com and Kimberley, Mom 2.0 Summit

Filming Mommy To Mommy TV in LA with Kimberley Blaine on CBS’s set of Rules of Engagement

Still filming.

On the Sony lot, shooting our episode.  2 Bloggers – yahoo!

Me, Kimberley, and hysterical blogger Mama Kat in LA shooting.

More filming

We just finished shooting for the day, and we were celebrating with a little drink.

Backstage At Dancing With The Stars to see mommy blogger and friend, Brooke Burke.

Me and GMA Correspondent and blogger Tory Johnson– after I spoke at her Spark N Hustle Conference in Boston

Me with author and blogger, and one of my favorite people to read, Martha Beck, at the Oprah Conference.

Me and the AMAZING mompreneur and blogger Candace Alper in NYC

Another great shot on the streets of New York.

A shot of simply FANTASTIC BLOGGERS: From left: moi, Candace Alper, Eric Alper, Alison Kramer, Michelle Davies, Jen Taylor, and Loukia.

At Blogher in New York, From left: The brilliant Tech Mama herself, Beth Blechman, Kimberley Blaine, me, Mr. Unmarketing Scott Stratten, and the lovable and huggable Jeff Pulver.

In NYC, still at Blogher, my twin, my doppleganger and someone I respect, Mom101, Liz Gumbinner

More partying in New York with Beth and Kim

A New York City dinner I won’t forget, with 2 fab moms Yummy Mummy Club founder Erica Ehm and Alison Kramer.

Hello y’all! In Nashville for Fashion Week with some great ladies and bloggers, from left: Valerie Rowekamp, me, Whitney Wingerd, Jo-Lynne Shane, and Jamie Reeves

Me and Valerie

Bloggers blogging at the airport. Yes, cuz that’s how we roll. I’m on my blackberry AND computer. Yup.

And finally, one of my oldest friends, is a new blogger, and I couldn’t leave her out. Instead, here’s a picture of us at about 7 or 8 years old, the hysterical and lovable Liana Wiener.

So, if you’re a blogger, and you liked what I did, you can do it too!

Here’s how:

• Post a picture(s) of you hugging (or not) a fellow blogger(s) on your site.
• Explain why you love that person (sorry, I had too many pics to explain it all).
• Add the link to the linky.

And finally, because you know that the goal of this blog, in every post, is to somehow inspire you, guide you off the fence in any area of your life, let me remind you something quick.

Amen to that.

Happy Monday readers!

xoxEDxox

Other articles you might enjoy:

• Los Angeles and Being Back On The Fence
• Anissa’s Story
• The Over OVER-Programming of our Kids
• International Women’s Day
• A Weekend With Oprah – Living My Best Life

I recently reconnected with a childhood friend, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, who is as dynamic, passionate and capable as they come. If you are Canadian, you undoubtedly know who she is. Today, we are getting up close and personal with Sophie Grégoire Trudeau. Enjoy…

Not many people know this, but we grew up together in Montreal, two prima ballerinas dancing together for many years, both only children, both born in April 1975. It’s so fun to have reconnected with you. Tell us a bit about your childhood as well as your college studies and how you got into TV and communications (notably correspondent for ETalk Daily).

Wow, Erica. We REALLY do go way back (laughing).

My childhood was a happy one. I had lots of love from both my parents. Growing up an only child, I was both a social creature, who made friends easily, but also enjoyed the solitude. I really have always been comfortable being alone. Even today, if I am alone without my kids or husband,  I don’t feel lonely.

I literally lived in nature ’till I was 4, living way north of the city. My parents instilled in me a love and connection to nature that I still feel very connected to today.

In my teen years, I suffered with bulimia, an eating disorder and mental illness.  I was very conscious of it. I read about bulimia, and I knew I was suffering from it.

Growing up, I studied hard and was a good student. I had a real love for sports and the outdoors. I had an equally crazy love for boys.  I was comfortable hanging out with the boys, just as much as the girls. I was mischievous, but a good mischievous- almost good trouble, not bad trouble.

In college, I studied commerce. I idolized my dad and thought I would follow in his business footsteps. But I soon realized it was not for me. I switched to communications– writing, photography, PR. It was more me. In my first job, I worked as a receptionist at an ad firm and assistant to the President. He saw something in me, and I was promoted to Account Manager. But while it was a great job, it still wasn’t my calling.

I then went for it… I decided to go to radio and TV school. I had always felt my communication skills were my best asset. The moment I stepped foot into school, I knew I was home. I felt most like myself. I had found my calling.

I then landed a job in the newsroom, writing the ticker news. You know, the scanning ticker that runs across the bottom of your TV screen?  It was the worst job ever! I loved culture, arts, and movies. I heard about an opening for a reporter in the showbiz section. I applied, and got the job!

Since that day, life has been the most incredible adventure. Reporting on everything from wildlife, to team sports, to fashion and beauty, to wellness for radio and TV. I always say, the universe unfolds as it should, even when you doubt it.

How did I get the ETalk job? I was at a charity function, and the CTV people were there. They asked me some questions. I had a great rapport with one of the reporters. We then had a meeting, and five years later, I’m still there. I cover celebrities on their philanthropic work. I stay away from the gossip. It’s been a great opportunity for me to spotlight important causes.

Can you tell us how you met your handsome hubby, Justin Trudeau, son of the late Canadian Prime Minister, Pierre Trudeau? Was it love at first sight? When did you know? We love juicy love story details.

I’ll give you the long story short. I’ve know Justin since I was a child. I went to school with his younger brother Michel, who died in the Avalanche. But Justin and I are four years apart- when you’re 12 and 16, it’s worlds away. I always thought he was handsome though.

Nine years ago, I  saw him in the newspapers. I had this weird feeling, like I was meant to be with him and didn’t know why. I told my mom, and she laughed and said, “You and every other girl Sophie! You know how many girls think that?”

One year later,  I co-hosted a charity function, and Justin was coincidentally my co-host. When we met again, I reminded him that I knew his brother, Michel. There was definitely a physical and emotional connection. We flirted. But I sent him an email then next day, and he never replied.

Three  months later I bumped into him on the street. He apologized that he never wrote back. “Can I have your number?” he asked.  ”No, I replied.”  I wanted him to work a little! Well, he found my number and called me.

We then went for dinner and on our first date, our very first date, he looked into my eyes, and said, “I’ve been waiting for you 31 years. You’re going to be my wife. We’re going to have a family together.”

The rest is history.

I read the newspapers and magazines in 2006 when you revealed your past struggles with bulimia as a teen, and I was so saddened to hear it. Can share with our readers how life spiralled out of control for you, and then how you were able to finally move past the darkness and towards the light.

I honestly don’t know when it started and ended. Addictions are biochemical imbalances of the brain, and binging and purging is a sign of a greater emotional wound. Eating was my only way of controlling my life, or so I thought. When you are addicted or suffering from a mental illness, you think you’re in complete control. But the opposite is true. You are, in fact, completely out of control.

There was a kind of mental isolation… I detached myself from my surroundings. I was losing weight even though I was bulimic, and started trembling and feeling weak. Being the active and physical person I was, I knew I had to stop it. I sat down one day with my mom and told her. She told me she had a feeling.  I then broke down crying, and finally said it, ” I’m suffering from bulimia and I need help.”  She told me that she and my father would do anything and everything they could to help me.

But, addiction and mental illness, which is what bulimia is, can be both a curse and a blessing- it brought me a higher sense of awareness that I never would have experienced had I not suffered. It taught me about resilience and emotional maturity. I had to let go of control, in order to gain it back. How ironic.

I lived. I hurt. I had the right support to be strong. I got help. It’s been my support network that has made all the differnece. I couldn’t have gotten through it alone. Do you know anorexia is the #1 killer of girls age 15-24?

I have really worked on myself.  I don’t say I’ve moved passed it, but rather, moved through it. And it doesn’t define who I am.

Can you also share for our mommy readers what the signs are to look for in an eating disorder. What were the signs that perhaps you hid from your family and friends. Please share with our community. Your words may help a teen girl, or even an adult.

It’s tricky depending on the condition.

If you are a mother who suspects her daughter could have an eating disorder, a few signs to look for:  Eating patterns. Is she going to the restroom after meals? Does she eat ALONE? Is there trembling or bloodshot eyes (from vomiting). Loss of hair. Vast weight fluctuation. Social isolation. Less hanging out with friends. Depression. Control and obsession with food. Obsession with her appearance. Extreme physical activity (example, spending hours in the gym, jogging for extended periods of time, etc).

The most important thing if you suspect an eating disorder, is to have the awkward conversation instead of remaining in silence. Move past the fact that it may be uncomfortable, and HAVE THAT CONVERSATION. Those awkward moments could save a life.

I know that giving back is very important to you. You have traveled to Africa with your mother in law, Margaret Trudeau, building wells and bringing clean water to remote regions in Africa. And I know you most recently became an ambassador for Plan Canada’s “Because I Am A Girl” Initiative. Can you talk to us about these, how you got involved, and what you hope to accomplish.

Margaret Trudeau and daughter-in-law Sophie Trudeau

This week, I hosted the UN Women’s Gala for gender equality and violence against women. I think that we have developed a lack respect for the womb of humanity. We’re paying a high price for it- it has created a huge imbalance. There is still much violence towards women around the world. It’s still happening too often in our society. Many basic rights are still being taken away in parts of the world for one reason -because they are a woman.

I’m devoting my life to my husband and children, but also to the women in the world who are suffering. We all have a responsibility to shake things up and do something about it. Being in the spotlight comes with social responsibility, and I wish to use it wisely. When I inspire someone, I feel inspired back.

My volunteer work brings me so much happiness and joy. I have also become a spokesperson for  eating disorders and a public speaker on self esteem.

You are a multi-tasking mommy to two children, (Xavier and Ella-Grace), like so many of our readers. Can you give 3 pieces of advice on how to rock mommyhood, wifedom and career without losing yourself in the process.

1. Prioritize. We can’t do it all. My husband is not here all week. I cook. I work. I work out. I take care of the kids. I’m trying to balance it all, but I let some things slide. I have since learned to say no… sometimes I want to say yes,  but I can’t because I have two kids at home. I think we need to re-prioritize and get back to core values.
2. Inner discipline- TO LET GO.  Yoga brings me stillness and calmness. It centers me. It brings me peace. Anyone who feels overwhelmed must find 20-30 minutes daily to have that moment where you can fully let go. For me, it’s yoga or composing music. For you, it might be different. The key is to have that inner discipline to just release.
3. Express yourself through creativity. And I don’t mean you have to be an artist. Whatever gives you a creative release- music, drawing, writing, cooking, any kind of activity where you are free to create, free of judgment as well.

What has being a mother taught you about yourself?

Motherhood has taught me to be more connected to other human beings. All mothers everywhere, we are all responsible for each other. We’re not different, but rather more similar than you think– so if you’re fighting a battle alone, choose not to fight it alone.

I literally had an out of body experience while breastfeeding. That we have a responsibility to save every child, and save each other. It made me feel closer to everybody on this planet.

What do you see for Sophie Grégoire Trudeau when you look to the future? What is the vision, the goal, the dream?

Ten years ago, I had a piece of paper with everything I wanted on it. It was all written down. And boy, I knew what I wanted!

Things have changed. I still have a vision- but I live it, instead of looking at it from afar. Do I want to create social movement? Yes. Do I want to make a music album? Yes. Do I want to travel the world with my kids? Yes. I still have dreams, but instead of having them written on a little piece of paper, I live a little bit of them everyday. I don’t expect something huge to happen everyday. I have found true peace and joy in everday life because I do what I feel in the moment, not what is stuck on that vision board. I used to stress out if the I wasn’t attaining my goals by their due date, but not anymore.

And finally, I have to ask. Do you think your husband could become the Prime Minister of Canada one day. You know the rumors!

Since I have been with Justin, there is not a day that goes by, that someone doesn’t stop him to talk to him about his father. The connection they feel to him is so profound, and they want him to be an agent of change in society. We’re not in politcs for us– believe me, it’s the least glamourous job and I never see my husband. We often ask ourselves, why are we doing this? But we are doing this for us… meaning for our country and our children.

Where it will bring us? I don’t know. The goal is not to become Prime Minister. It wouldn’t be for the right reasons if that was solely the goal. That position does bring power to bring about real change. I’d rather have Justin home as a father and husband (laughing again), but if it does bring us there, we’ll be ready. But for now, no.

—-

What do you think, readers?  Feel free to leave Sophie a comment. She will be reading.

xoxEDxox

Other articles you might enjoy:

• Stop Being So Hard on Yourself
• To Stay Or Leave – An Abusive Relationship

I am both thrilled and excited to announce that I have teamed up with ICE to create the THE ERICA DIAMOND COLLECTION of jewelry, inspired by the modern woman and mom. As women, mothers, wives, partners, sisters, daughters and friends, we are all professional multi-taskers trying to look and feel our best. I have chosen a jewelry collection that is about celebrating womanhood around the world and recognizing the different facets of our lives… sexy, playful, elegant, edgy. That is this collection… simple, classy, versatile, modern, and AFFORDABLE. What could be better?

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ERICA DIAMOND COLLECTION

The challenge? The fun part? I wanted to keep the pieces below $150.00… a guilt free splurge!  THE ERICA DIAMOND COLLECTION is made up of fabulous, quality jewelry at incredible prices. Beauty and simplicity… these pieces can be worn around town, to mom-and-me play-dates, to the office, for drinks with friends, or date night. Whether you’re feeling classy or sexy, you will find something in this collection to go with that mood.

I will be changing the collection with the seasons, so make sure to re-visit often to see what new goodies I have for you.

So here we go, a few of the highlights of my favorites…

• My followers know I love a good hoop earring… it goes daytime, nighttime, anytime, with anything! I have found you the PERFECT hoops at the perfect price. Sexy and simple.



• There’s nothing better for fall than these 4-carat London Blue Topaz Earrings… classy for daytime and nighttime! Simply gorgeous with a price that cannot be beat.

 

• Because I’m all HEART, I have chosen two amazing heart pendants… Tiffany WHO? You will never take off this gorgeous 14K White Gold and Diamond Heart. Or what about a 1-Carat Ruby and Sterling Silver Heart Pendent to jazz up any crisp white shirt, plunging neckline or black fall turtle neck. Love love!

 

• Treat yourself to a multi-gemstone ring with Citrine, Garnet, Topaz, Amethyst and Peridot gems! Brightens up any outfit! At $45.00 for all these stones, it’s a steal!

 

• I’m loving my new Sterling Silver Diamond “E” Pendant. Yes, that’s both STERLING SILVER AND DIAMOND for $60.00. A great gift for any day, for a birthday or anniversary… hint hint to the partner in your life. Or even for your child!



• But one of my favorites are the MOM & ME BRACELETS! If I had a daughter, she would be wearing one with me!! So if you’re a mommy to girls, go ahead and match your bracelets- Mommy and me bracelets- love it!

 

• The 4 3/8 Carat Amethyst & White Topaz Sterling Silver Ring is fabulous because it instantly dresses up and adds pizzazz to any outfit– and the Belt Buckle ring with REAL white and black diamonds is a MUST-HAVE for fall!

 

• And finally, because I adore cuff bracelets, here are two great options… one for an elegant evening, and one for being FUNKY anytime!

I can’t wait for you to wear THE ERICA DIAMOND COLLECTION for ICE. You will feel beautiful, strong and sexy… how every woman deserves to feel.

To read the full Blog Post on ICE , CLICK HERE.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I will also be giving away a signed copy of my book, 99 Things Women With They Knew Before Starting Their Own Business, TODAY to my 8000th Twitter follower! Will it be YOU?

Finally, as always, today being no different, I would LOVE your feedback on the collection. What are we missing, what do you love, what do you hate? I will be adding FANTASTIC long funky necklaces that also convert into bracelets (so cool) in the next few weeks, so please check back!

Please spread the word by sharing today’s Blog post. Happy Friday, loyal readers!

xoxEDxox

Other articles you might enjoy:

• EXCLUSIVE: Erica Diamond Spokesperson for National Entrepreneurship Day

There is something on Twitter called Music Monday, where you recommend music for people to discover. Thank you to Kirstie Alley, whom I follow on Twitter and who shared this link last night. I find it captivating on so many levels.

Maybe you have already seen it, maybe you have not. But to me, the message is clear: we all have a gift. All of us. No matter what your social status, or marital status, or income status. Talent is talent, and what separates you from your fellow man, is truly, the flip of a coin.  

Take a moment to appreciate this sound. I hope it starts your Monday off right.

What do you think?

Happy Monday from vacation.

xoxEDxox

Other articles you might enjoy:

• Music Monday
• Wordless Wednesday: WHAT’S COOKING and FORBES 25 MOST INFLUENTIAL
• Tuesday’s Tune Up: Push Your Rock
• Wordless Wednesday
• Women On The Fence New Logo

Look at the pictures of the moon that this photographer captured.

Today’s “Off The Fence” Topic: Imagination and creativity.

Remember, without imagination and creativity, what is life?

Choose creativity. Choose imagination. Choose passion. Choose to think outside the box. Choose purpose. Choose to be unique.

May you always have work for your hands to do
May your pockets hold always a coin or two
May the sun shine bright on your windowpane
May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain
May the hand of a friend always be near you
And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you
- Irish Blessing

xoxEDxox

Other articles you might enjoy:

• “Wordy” Wednesday: Game Changing
• Wordless Wednesday: ®
• Wordless Wednesday: Definitely Wordless
• Wordless Wednesday: Giving Back
• Wordless Wednesday: Writer’s Block

When my mother forwarded this to me last week, I immediately put it in my SAVED folder for today. Usually, it’s Wordless Wednesday, but today is Wisdom Wednesday. No matter what religion you come from, or what your beliefs are, I would simply like to present an option… a way of looking at your life.

I really believe there is truth to this Indian spirituality.

Click, watch and listen. I’d love to know your thoughts.

xoxEDxox

Other articles you might enjoy:

• A Hump Day Chuckle
• Priceless Wednesday
• “Wordy” Wednesday: Game Changing
• Wisdom Wednesday: A Little Bit Of Inspiration
• Wordless Wednesday: ®