The Mark Of A
Bodacious Valentine
by Mary Foley

In light of the upcoming Valentine's Day, I'm taking a break from focusing on building a Bodacious Career to consider what makes a Bodacious Woman having a Bodacious Life!

Forget the sexy models in the Victoria Secret's catalog. Forget the skimpy outfits that show off cheerleaders' do-we-live-on-the-same-planet bodies. Forget all those e-mails about enhanced body parts or performance drugs.

No matter what our culture throws in front of us to tell us what's attractive and sexy, I just won't believe it. My experience tells me this isn't it.

What I've found to be more attractive and more appealing than the effect of a gazillion workouts is something simple, powerful, and available to any one, any size: It's lovin' yourself and lovin' your life! THAT, my dear friend, is like bees to pollen, like ducks to water, and like an ice cold drink on a hot summer day. THAT is the mark of a Bodacious Valentine.

Think about it. Do you enjoy being around someone who is always complaining, always has a problem, and no matter what you do still isn't happy?

Or, do you enjoy being around someone who is excited about life, actively works through difficulties, and appreciates anything you do? I don't have a PhD, but I'll take door number two, thank you very much.

Fortunately, lovin' yourself and lovin' your life are like book ends to my Bodacious Woman Mantra. Funny how this Mantra comes in handy time and again, doesn't it?

For the uninitiated, the first phrase of the Bodacious Woman Mantra is to "Look Within."

You've got to look inside yourself in order to start lovin' yourself. Start with the simple question, 'what do you I like about myself?' Grab a piece of paper and write down everything that comes to mind. I dare ya!

Then put that piece of paper where you can look at it often - on your mirror, in your day planner or wallet, as a book mark, you name it. Feel the love. Oh, yeah...your Bodacious Valentine is coming out now!

It's from this place of self-love that we are best equipped to love others and our lives. The last phrase of the Bodacious Mantra speaks about this - "Love Every Minute of It!" Let's face it; no one's life is working on all thrusters all the time. As the saying goes, "it's always something!"

What makes a Bodacious Woman bodacious is how she responds to all the good, the bad, and the ugly. Loving every minute of it means seeing life as an adventure.

When things get ugly, the Bodacious Woman proactively deals with it, but doesn't let it zap her spirit for living. She is ever so mindful that she's got but only so many trips around the sun so she's going to enjoy them to the fullest.

A wonderful example of such a woman is my friend Ruth who is a nurse. Being a nurse she's constantly interacting with people who are sick and usually cranky. She could easily come home everyday feeling drained, but she doesn't. Instead, she gets into her Easter egg blue VW Beetle and lives like her prophetic bumper sticker "It's ok to have too much fun!" Rock on, Ruth!

So, this Valentine's Day, focus on lovin' yourself and lovin' your life. Look within and love every minute of your life.

If you have a partner, don't be surprised if he finds himself attracted to you all over again. If you're single, don't be surprised if someone suddenly shows interest.

And, if you don't care if you're with anyone at all, don't be surprised if you feel more love flowing in and around you.

Happy Bodacious Valentine's Day!

PSST!...

P.S. - Hey women, pick up a free copy my "10 Easy & Fun Ways to Help Your Valentine Be More Bodacious", slip it to the man in your life.

Just go to my web page to get it. Make sure to show your enthusiasm for his efforts, especially for #4, "Ask her what her dream Valentine's Day looks like and then do as much of that as possible." Oh, the possibilities!