In fact, the old song “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”, sums up most of December for me. I have noticed that people are a little kinder and gentler with each other, and for this, I am grateful. My heart swells when the children bring home a paper ornament (usually with a picture of them in the middle), that was made at school with love for me. The best things in life really are free.

Life’s most important lessons involve caring for others and realizing we are one. I strive to live this everyday, and to pass on this important lesson to my children.

Let’s make Christmas an everyday feeling of love, respect and caring for each other.

*image via Erin Nicole Photography

As I said in an earlier article, I want to have everything even if it’s in small doses. However, each time I add something new it takes away from everything else. It’s a concern because I don’t have a husband or kids or parents to care for, yet. How do some women make juggling all these roles seem effortless?

I did some research & found some great answers.

I recently joined a mentoring group and female corporate bigwig turned entrepreneur, Cindy Gordon (of Helix Commerce), met with us to chat about her experiences and offer advice.

There were a few key points that really stood out:

• Always ask to be coached ~ mentors are gold
  • This is something I do and I agree with, it’s one constant that always helps me understand my next steps
• Be assertive in communicating your goals
  • Assertive is NOT aggressive ~ invite a mentor or boss to discuss these somewhere you’re comfortable, you’ll always be more honest on your turf to communicate
• Network the hell out of your age group
  • Friends in different departments can always open doors to higher places while understanding the place you’re at in life
• INVEST IN YOU
  • This was such an incredible point Cindy made that I wanted to take some more time on:

As a female, you tend to put a lot of emphasis on other people before yourself. This is important, as you obviously want to maintain your relationships. But beyond this you need a balance. You need to take that one night a week to say, “tonight is my night,” and do whatever makes you feel relaxed and recharged. We all want to be the best we can be, and this means making time for ourselves too!

The lessons she’’s given me over the years are invaluable and I am delighted to pay homage and share my inspiration with you. With any decision my mother always advised ““take a time out and measure the costs and benefits associated with the opportunity.”” This has helped me understand the issue, break it down to it’’s core and gain insight on how to overcome any challenges. She’s pushed me to pursue every opportunity I believe beneficial for me and those involved. She believes in the benefits of getting involved in the community, continued learning and well-rounded experiences. Perhaps it’s because she didn’t have similar opportunities growing up but it ‘s something that has motivated me to be the best, even when I could use more hours in the day.

But the most important lesson has been to always follow up. I can’’t stress how simple this gesture is and how well it reflects on one’s character. It leaves a huge impression. An email will do, but a thank you card with a personalized message can have the most effective impact in any business situation. Although my mother has not influenced the world in some grandiose way, my career and the experiences I’’ve had over these years, speaks volumes to her impact on my life; more than she´ll ever know.

How has your mother influenced your life?

*IMAGE CREDIT: California State University

Jennifer Lopez sits cheerfully in the chair of New York’s most controversial radio station. Are you Charlamagne tha God? She asks the co-host, better known for ripping the show’s guests apart (just ask Cassie – Diddy’s ‘new’ girl). Maybe it’s Lopez’s bubbly disposition and/or flawless beauty but on this particular morning, Charlamagne praises her as the original great ass, before Kim Kardashian, Nicki Minaj and Beyoncé. Lopez all giggles, well in her 40s, put a blazing career on hold for a family life, but the original vixen, the megastar is back and she letting everyone know. “There’s only one coca cola, baby.”

Lopez was off the radar but it was only a matter of time before the lion beat down the cage. She’s released seven albums to date – all of which have gone platinum. For many that would be well and good when you consider the competition: younger, fresher with fewer responsibilities. But Jennifer, the bonafide workaholic wasn’t about to let a husband and twins get in the way. So with the help of RedOne (the man behind Lady Gaga’s signature sound), her most recent single On the Floor, will be her ticket to the diamond-encrusted throne yet again. The video – with over 100million views on YouTube – is reminiscent of Lopez in Waiting for Tonight but with some Jenny from the Block attitude. In addition, she’s a celebrated judge on American Idol, and rumour has it she’ll make an appearance on Glee. It looks like 2011 will bring about the proper comeback Lopez has anticipated.

Another trending topic is her eleven-time indictment into People magazine’s most beautiful list, this year she’s the most beautiful of them all.  “I feel honored. I feel not worthy, you know? I feel happy and proud. Proud that I’m not 25!” And it’s easy to see why: she doesn’t look a day over 30 and she’s rock solid.

She’s had Louis Vuitton ad campaigns to boot, and a succession of unsuccessful relationships – one with Ben Affleck that nearly tarnished her career. And during this time, after reaching the pinnacle of her career, Lopez had to take some time to re-establish herself and rebuild her career. Luckily, she reunited with singer/songwriter Marc Anthony. “Some people are big enough to make those changes when loves comes along. He is, and he’s made me realize that I’m also that person. So we make each other better.” She’s now a devoted wife, and mother of two beautiful twins, Emme and Max.  With all this and a new outlook on life, things  are paying off for Jennifer Lopez, and for that, we salute her.

Tossing and turning at 5 a.m.,  so I pick up my blackberry to look at my twitter timeline. I was shocked to learn about the disaster in Japan that occurred a few hours ago while I was peacefully sleeping.

I quickly turn the television on to see what’s happening, in terror I watched the CNN footage of giant waves coming over homes, ships and cars. I’m alarmed that it takes natural disasters to make me think about the real meaning in my life.

We do it every day, ignore the problem until it blows to proportions that are no longer deniable. They say ignorance is bliss. I say ignorance is a band aid. Whether we choose to address the issue and turn a blind eye, still there’s a wound beneath that band aid. Sooner or later we’ll have to tend to it.

I’m not writing this is to preach on how you should live your life. I was so touched by Japan’s tragedy and I wanted to share how this news affected my personal perspective. It really makes me think about the things I classify as problematic in my life and how they play into the bigger picture. The harsh reality of this situation is, we often carry on as though we have another life in the bank, or as though we have all the time in the world to do better. The natural disasters occurring more and more lately are constant reminders that no one is promised tomorrow, and the future we envision is no guarantee.

Why then do we wait to be alarmed at the news of disasters to make us realize just how important and valuable our lives are? More specifically how important our lives are today; each day we are given a new start. Don’t wait for the tomorrow that is not known to come. Live for today, be grateful for today.

Our prayers and thoughts are with all the people affected by this disaster. It’s unfortunate that this is what it took to check myself.

It’s International Woman’s Day- a global celebration of the many economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future.

Today is ours to create, to change and to love. Our actions, big or small, contribute to the works of past women in hopes of making our future much sweeter. We all have different days, dreams and dispositions, but we share the beauty and the sensibility of being a woman. The kind of beauty that makes men never want to stop looking and the sensibility that makes others feel safe.

 Some may think feminism is a luxury- it’s not. It’s a necessity in order to secure our presence today and fuel this day tomorrow. It’s about believing in our value as women and building a network to support each other’s purpose. If ever you feel down, just remember that at least one of us has been there before. Don’t believe me? Then believe them…

Elegance is not the prerogative of those who have just escaped from adolescence, but of those who have already taken possession of their future. –  Coco Chanel

Ability is sexless. – Christabel Pankhurst

There’s only one person in your life that will be there for you, from the day you are born until the day you die. That’s you! So always look out for yourself.  - Mama Mae

Good things happen to those who hustle. – Anais Nin

Later that day I got to thinking about relationships. There are those that open you up to something new and exotic, those that are old and familiar, and those that bring up lots of questions, those that bring you somewhere unexpected, those that bring you far from where you started, and those that bring you back. But the most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you find someone to love the you you love, well, that’s just fabulous. – Carrie Bradshaw

Love is the same as like except you feel sexier. – Judith Viorst

Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get, only with what you are expecting to give – which is everything. – Katharine Hepburn

We have to laugh. Because laughter, we already know, is the first evidence of freedom. – Rosario Castellanos

True friends are those who really know you but love you anyway. – Edna Buchanan

I don’t know who invented high heels, but all women owe him a lot. – Marilyn Monroe

What do you say?

 Photography: Di Mora

Art Direction: Jess

Makeup: Alison Nolan

Styling: Carolina Mondonedo

Model: Victoria Mora