Jewel’s Song

This post is to introduce you to the song, STRONGER WOMAN, by Jewel, as well as to formally introduce myself to you.  

Strength & Authenticity.  That’s what I get from Jewel’s song, “Stronger Woman”, and it’s a message that will hopefully encourage you as much as it does me.  I love the subtle message from her “official” video about “real women” underneath all the glitz and glitter.  If you want to see that video, click here to go to my UTube Channel and you’ll find it featured under “For the Girls”.  Anyway, I just love the words of the chorus:

“I’m gonna love myself more than anyone else
Believe in me, even if someone can’t see
A stronger woman in me

I’m going to be my own best friend
Stick with me till the end
Won’t lose myself again, never, no,
‘Cause there’s a stronger woman,
A stronger woman in me”

I hope through my talks, books, and website that I can bring something new (and of value) to your life.  Something that might help you realize your inner strength, as well as help you remember how important it is to love yourself.  If there’s one thing I do well, it’s that I really live the words of this song.  For as many years as I can remember, I have said to myself - “I love me - just the way I am” - even when people didn’t seem to understand me. 

I realize that there has to be a reason for You to want to read my books, invite me to speak at your gatherings, or visit my Website.  In the “Making New Friends” post, I mentioned ”resonance”.  But resonance only happens when you’re able to relate to the messenger, and to the message they bring.  Since I know this is true - I know that before you can even consider my message, you must be able to ”relate to” me, as the messenger.  That’s what I hope to accomplish by writing this blog.

I noticed while watching the season premiere of Nashville Star with Jewel, John Rich and Jeffrey Steele that they said over and over in as many different ways as they could say it to the hopeful contestants - ”Who are you?  Where are you coming from?  Why are you here?  Don’t fake it - let me see You.”    They were saying - ”Be Real, otherwise, don’t waste our time!”

I’m a MAJOR fan of American Idol, So You Think You can Dance, Can You Duet, Nashville Star, America’s Got Talent and The Apprentice - those reality shows that remind us of the American Dream - that everyday people can (and deserve to) realize their biggest dreams.  What I have seen EVERY TIME in these reality shows is that those who win are those with Authenticity, and who Resonate with the audience. 

I really do want to WIN your vote (and your family’s and friend’s), and I know there’s only one way to do it - that’s to be Authentic!  I promise, I will be real, and be me.  So right up front, I want you to know that every thing I’ve written, and will write in the future is, and will be, straight from my heart. 

Also I want you to know that in all my writings, I use a pen name - Alie James.  Alie is the name I chose to represent myself in my public life, and in my business.  My real name is Diane.  You might just say that “Alie” represents all that I am (or at least, think I am).  

A few years ago I did a little exercise about myself, using adjectives and nouns to describe who and what I felt myself to be.  A few days ago I decided to post this list under the title, ”Who is Alie?”  I thought that having this list would give you a good start to get to know me - both as Alie and Diane.  Diane is just my everyday name, but the name, Alie, is like my ambassador.  I guess in today’s terms, “Alie” is kind of like an “Avatar”.  She speaks on my behalf and represents all the things I feel in my heart - for myself and towards you.  So bottom line - pen name or not, you’ll get the real me in whatever I write.

Getting back to Jewel’s song, now.    

I believe we women must be strong - we must be able to look someone in the eye and speak with confidence from a pure, self-loving heart.  When we do, I believe we find that little bit of ”Extra”, which we can then add to our “Ordinary”. 

My purpose in this public arena is to make a positive difference through my writings and speaking engagements.  That’s why we’re in this together - it might just  happen that what I write and speak about will relate to you.  I think that most of us share a common journey … we want to live a beautiful life - we want to be strong, we want to love well, to feel well, and to be the “stars of all our tomorrows”.   Those are the things that are on my mind, and the things that I’ll write about.     

… So, here’s to Us! … and let’s thank Jewel for such an encouraging song, one that we’ll rally around and hopefully remind us how good it is to be ourselves!