... she did! 💞

Welcome to Inspired 101 News - March 31, 2022 View this email in your browser

Dear <<First Name>>,

I wonder, sometimes, about all the ideas tucked in the back of someone's mind, or filed away in a cabinet, or tossed in the trash bin. What would have happened if that person with that idea had been encouraged just a little bit—or a lot—to keep going. And, once their idea was brought to light, could it have inspired someone else to act on their idea?

It can be a challenge to continue when all you feel is disinterest and disregard from others. To that I say, find new people and if that idea/decision/project is still in your heart, then do it anyway and give it everything you've got! Read on about two women sharing words in a BIG way to encourage others.

By the way, I put together the first image you see below (image from Pixabay). Save it and use it as a background (wallpaper) on your phone to remind you of your potential and your magnificence. (On that note, read recent Roar if you want to post here.)

With love and light,
Debbie Jenae

Visit DebbieJenae.com for more inspiration!
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Signs that matter

On a recent trip to Palm Springs on Highway 10 near our usual exit, I noticed some billboards with positive messages. Here's one:

I LOVE THIS! I always wanted to see my list of 101 Things on billboards or on cross-country train cars and buses, but my path went in other directions. Now seeing this, I had to know more. So I called and talked to Vanessa Saunders, GM of Lamar Advertising of Palm Springs to find out who was responsible. She told me the idea came from their corporate office in Baton Rouge, LA, a couple of years ago. Lamar offered positive messaging artwork to their many field offices across the country and in Canada to use on their blank (unsold) billboards. Vanessa loved the idea and has been putting them up whenever she can. "Sometimes even the smallest thing can have a big impact," she said. I couldn't agree with her more. I asked if she was getting any feedback. She said she gets several comments a month. One woman was driving her husband to chemo treatments every day and always found the messages encouraging. Another woman bought several signs in a row to post her own positive affirmations (see below).

Vanessa's office has special rates for personal messaging like this and, well, that got me to thinking. How could I make this happen. So, in the future, you might see a donate link on my site or in a newsletter. And feel free to send your ideas! Meanwhile, I'm exploring my options... after all, I got a sign!

Thank you Vanessa for adding more light and more smiles to the drive!

By the way, Lamar Advertising, one of the largest outdoor advertising companies in the world, donates millions of dollars worth of advertising space each year. "Our goal is to leave every place that we’re privileged to operate in better than the way we found it."

Using her words

"I'm trying to put words that matter into the world so people will remember that they matter, too... This is my affirmation project." And those are the words of Nicole Leth—artist, writer, and yoga teacher. I saw the above billboard in the Palm Springs area and immediately felt the heartwarming energy she intended. I learned about this project from Vanessa Saunders at Lamar (above article) and called Nicole to learn more.

Her first billboard went up in Kansas City, Missouri, in 2019.

And it went viral, sparking a network of sponsors and donors to help her share her messages. Nicole worked with Vanessa in Palm Springs to put up several billboards in a row in one location. Nicole has posted 600 billboards over the last 3 years. She also has a boat billboard circling the harbors in both Manhattan and Miami. And that's not all! She sends 1000s of positive message postcards every month around the world. It's a free service and you can sign up now and read more about Nicole on her website: My Affirmation Project. Thank you Nicole for using your words and forever touching so many hearts!

If you've seen one of her billboards or just love the idea, let her know! Meanwhile, got an idea? Not sure what to do?

“Little ideas that tickle and nag and refuse to go away should never be ignored, for in them lie the seeds of destiny.”
– Babe, the movie

DO SOMETHING:

When you see a positive message billboard, call and thank the billboard company or the company that paid for it
Reread and share the recent Celebrate edition supporting women and girls
Get involved or support an organization that supports women and girls. Here are 3 national or international organizations of many. Check for local chapters.
- Girls Inc — "Inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold."
- Global Fund for Women — "We envision a world where movements for gender justice have transformed power and privilege for a few into equity and equality for all."
- UN Women — is the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women.
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I'd love to hear from you! - Debbie Jenae

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