Empowerment & community starts with affirmations…

I am beautiful!

I am confident!

I am strong!

These words reverberated loudly from the voices of thousands of women and girls coming together to run the She Is Beautiful race in Santa Barbara.

We must stand together and support one another!

“We must stand together and support one another!  We must cheer each other on and not compete with one another.  When we stand together in unity we are stronger and we make an impact!”

This was the pre-race battle cry that we all rallied toward.  Mothers, daughters, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, friends.  Women and girls of all ages from infants in strollers to seniors running and walking.  Under the warm, summer sun, palm tree landscape and hot pink balloons we hugged strangers, cheered in support and got ready to run for each other.  Our intentions were not necessarily to run for our best time or the thrill of the race; we were there to support the power that comes when women come together in community. 

What is She is Beautiful?

Melissa Leigh McConville and her sister Sara Marie Tanza began the She is Beautiful Race eight years ago out of a desire to “empower women and girls through movement and community in a supportive environment where they are able to take the lessons learned on the road and trail into the rest of their lives.”

This mission statement was clear and present throughout the race.  From packet pick up to the post-race festivities, colorful signs with empowering quotes speckled the environment.

“Sis, you already have what it takes.”

“Don’t downplay what you have achieved because it makes someone feel uncomfortable.”

“Be the energy you want to attract.”

This sort of energy is contagious and necessary.  The examples being set for the young girls who participated in the race was tremendous.

How do we build a stronger community of empowered women?

Photo Credit: She Is Beautiful

As a woman, it is likely you have experienced “mean girls” in your lifetime.  Maybe as a young girl on the school playground and maybe even today in your workplace or on social media.  Imagine a world where that term “mean girl” is not commonplace.  Imagine a world where girls and women come together to support each other and celebrate our differences.  That is community.

Movements like She is Beautiful are exactly what we need more of in our world.  The energy of this event was palpable and fueling.  Even before the running endorphins kicked in, the energy created by the positivity and community surged through us.

There are so many ways you can make a positive impact and build community with other women.

How can you make a positive impact as an In Demand Woman?  You are already doing it by participating in the Sassy Healthy Fit community which supports women supporting each other!

But don’t stop there!  There are so many ways you can make a positive impact and build community with other women to create an unstoppable force.

Some examples of how you can create this powerful impact in your every day life:

• Teach your daughter(s), niece(s), granddaughter(s), etc. to lead with love and kindness
• Lead by example with your friends and offer support and encouragement
• Practice affirmative “I am” statements such as “I am passionate, positive and create energy every day.”
• Practice self-care and self-love (need some ideas?  We got ya Sis!  Read this)
• Surround yourself with positive influences (people, books, podcasts, media, etc.)

Conclusion

In conclusion, She is Beautiful was an amazing experience because it showcased exactly how powerful a group of women and girls coming together in community can be.  When we show up for ourselves and each other, we are unstoppable and SASSY AF!

Be the change you want to see and create the empowerment and community this world needs.  If you aren’t already participating in our Sassy Healthy Fit Facebook community, please join us and contribute your voice.  We need you!

Share with us your ideas of how we can effect positive change and women’s empowerment in the comments below.

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