If at anytime you don't believe in yourself, feeling depressed, or that you are not worth living a life of success, I want you to stop listening to yourself and listen to me. I believe in you.

But, who am I? Who cares if a total stranger believes in me? Well, I'm an empowered and enlightened women entrepreneur, destined to keep your spirits high and your business soaring. I'm your girl-friend walking side-by-side telling you that you're worth achieving your dreams right now.

Remember, you started reading and found your way to this article, not me. You sought advice, and I'm here for you. You had to believe that you were worth earning more and achieving success, because you decided to invest your time to read what I have to offer. But if my support in you is not enough...Know that God believes in you. He gifted you with this life and He is the most merciful and forgiving. So, whatever your past is, wherever you have been...make today your birthday and start fresh.

Stop thinking in your old ways and begin by asking for God's forgiveness. Why? Because feeling worthless, is abusing His gift of your life. By asking forgiveness, you are asking for His guidance and enlightenment. With honest, pure intentions, He will answer your prayers. Stop thinking about your bad habits, your bad decisions, you inabilities, and bad attitude. Stop listening to your "past" self, start learning in the present, planning for your future, and letting your "old" self go.

Surround yourself with Lady Leaders. Move forward, don't look back, and let your womanly-instinct free. Just move on...along with me...on your journey to success. To make this positive-thinking work for you, try some of Ponn's Pick-me-ups (positive activities designed to get you up and going). Smile in the mirror, hug your child, clean the kitchen, organize your office, or get up and wiggle. Scream out your back porch. Laugh from the deep bellows of your stomach and give a long and deep chuckle. I've done all of these activities and I always feel much better.

No doubt, there are many money-spending activities to pamper yourself that I believe are great outlets such as facials, spas, getting a haircut or new makeup. Yet, when I do things to clear the clutter from my home, or utilize something I already have, I feel better, because I accomplished something at the same time. So, stop procrastinating and start picking-yourself-up right now.

Here's one of my favorites: put on a sexy little dress, "doll" yourself up. Go ALL out: makeup, hair, and nails. Then, go to sleep saying "I'm beautiful. I'm gorgeous. I'm sexy". If you think I'm crazy, give it your best shot. You will be amazed how incredible you will feel when you wake up in the morning. If the feelings aren't there right when you wake up, run to your mirror. With the exception of some "bed-head" you WILL be stunning. After all, I told you to go ALL out. Take this opportunity again to say, "I'm beautiful. I'm gorgeous. I'm sexy". If you don't already, this IS a great way to start any day.

I "doll" myself up just about every single night. Especially if I am exhausted from work and rushing around to cook dinner, I make sure I stop for even 10 seconds to wash my face, put on lipstick and spray some perfume. Even on my "I have to clean all day" days, my girls and I will put on dresses to vacuum or scrub the tub. Am I crazy' Yeah! Do I feel like the Queen of my home every single day? Yes, I do. Does my husband adore me? You better believe it. Do my girls enjoy cleaning? When we're dressed up and enjoying ourselves, they do. It's a ripple effect.

When I feel good, so does everyone around me. When I don't, no one does. When I'm nervous, everyone is nervous. Our moods are critical to the mood of our family and the people we live with. Our affect as women is profound. So why settle for being a "bum" at home when you can be the "Queen" of your home?

We need to take responsibility and learn from our mistakes. It's so easy to blame others. Try being accountable to yourself, while you may not like everything you see, this is your opportunity to change, and trust me you will! Like I said before, "I believe in you!"

Now, get up and start believing!

(c) 2005 Ponn M. Sabra, MPH