"Ring the Bell" Project Seeks to Break the Silence Surrounding Domestic Violence

Noted actor, Sir Patrick Stewart, "man"-dates 1 million men to stop violence against women in a recently launched initiative.
To gain support for this timely cause, and to underscore its importance, he shares that, "Every nine seconds in the U.S. a woman is assaulted or beaten."

This British-born "Star Trek" star is helping to increase awareness of domestic violence by helping to introduce and implement this world-wide campaign, whereby one million men are challenged to make "the pledge" and carry out concrete promises to end domestic violence.

"Ringing the Bell" is symbolic of "interrupting".
Stewart goes further to share how his experiences in witnessing domestic violence perpetrated against his mother, (by his dad), at the age of 5, established him as an unfortunate "expert" in this area.

Echoing his sentiment, is Mayor Richard Rawlings, (of Dallas), who in an effort to combat domestic violence, has urged others to "dial up the shame" and report violent incidents when witnessed.

Ring the Bell has many supporters, including popular, sultry singer Michael Bolton.

To learn more about this project, or to join the cause, visit Breakthroughtv/ring the bell:
http://breakthrough.tv/ringthebell/


http://breakthrough.tv/ringthebell/

Image: Freedigitalphotos.net

6 Ways Women Can Honor Themselves During Women's History Month

In a popular song of former decades, James Brown sang: "this is a man's world; but it ain't nothin' without a woman or a girl." How true.
Women are the backbones of strong families. We are faithful servants within the church community, power players in the political arena, and "helpmates" to the men we love.
In the business arena, we are trendsetters and trailblazers. And there is great validity to the expression that a woman's work is never done.

Which is why it's so important, in all that we do, to make sure that we are also "giving" to ourselves.
So many of us wear ourselves thin with the daily demands of life,  that we devote very little time to our needs and well-being. True?

March honors National Women's History Month-- a time to celebrate and recognize our collective  strength, contributions, wisdom, and wonderfulness!

In keeping, here are six ways women can honor themselves, not just this month, but as a lifestyle practice.

1. Take care of your health.
This includes getting enough rest, managing stress levels, eating properly, exercise, and getting regular health screenings.

2. Set Boundaries.
Dr. Phil reminds us that "we teach people how to treat us by the things we accept." Respect yourself and others will follow.

3. Pamper Yourself.
Set aside a day or two for a date with yourself. Go shopping. Get a pedicure and massage. Unwind to a bubble bath and a good romantic novel. Even go off your diet for a day. You deserve it.

4. Avoid Dysfunctional, toxic relationships.
Strive to interact with folks who are positive, mentally "healthy", and worthy of your time.

5. Have a "girls-night-out" with friends.
Catch up on old times. Share common interests and issues over dinner and a glass of wine.
Having a support network helps us to feel less alone in times of stress, and improves our social, mental, and spiritual health .

6. Keep a journal.
Writing down your thoughts, dreams, and even your blessings, is a great way to express yourself, become more reflective, and chronicle some important life's lessons. Not to mention, it's very therapeutic.

We, at Ina Mae Greene Foundation, salute today's women of the world, and wish you abundant blessings during Women's History Month...and beyond.