At the end of a recent workday, as I finished compiling coaching notes and ideas for future workshops, I was suddenly struck by the importance of influential women in the world. I found myself absolutely mesmerized by the thought, and paused to ask, 'who are my mentors? Who are those women who influenced my life?'

The answer arrived almost immediately. I have long admired the spirit, courage, and integrity of Georgia O Keefe, Dr. Maya Angelou, and Oprah Winfrey. But do they have anything in common? Is there a formula that makes women influential? When I compared what I knew about the three women, I concluded that they all demonstrated a fierce determination to chart their own course until they uncovered the best way to utilize their talents. Additionally, even after identifying a skill at which they excel, none were satisfied to rest on their laurels. They each kept experimenting until they found the right fit or the best way to express their passions.

Georgia O Keefe was respected as an artist in the field of imitative realism, but knew that she didn t relate well to this style. She knew she could never achieve distinction so Georgia quit painting completely. Eventually, she found the harmonious arrangement technique and continued to work until her death at the age of ninety-three.

Dr. Maya Angelou is a highly regarded poet that avoided being pigeonholed in only one arena. Dr. Angelou eloquently expresses what is most important to her by utilizing her talents as an educator, author, historian, civil-rights activist, actress, and director.

We are all familiar with Oprah Winfrey's pledge to live her best life by empowering others through television, publishing, teaching, and philanthropy.

How many other potentially influential women are out there? How many thousands of women do we pass every day that have skills equal to or even greater than those I've mentioned? How many women don t believe in themselves, or aren t encouraged to share their gifts? How can we support them to bring forth their greatness?

At a retreat last month, I experienced a demonstration using divining rods. A Reiki practitioner in the group first measured the energy field around each person. I have to tell you, we were a powerful bunch! Next, we formed a circle around one member who stood in the middle. The Reiki practitioner led us in a guided visualization as we all sent positive thoughts to our colleague in the center. When the visualization was complete, the rods were again used to measure our friend's energy field. To our amazement, the positive thoughts nearly doubled her energy.

But that wasn't all - by sending another person positive messages, our own energy expanded, as well!

What would happen if each of us provided support and encouragement to other woman? Would more of us believe in our dreams, and in ourselves? Would we have the courage to explore our many gifts until we identified those that felt most authentic, those that acknowledged us as influential women?

I think it's worth a try.

How about you?

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Jennifer Snyder is a personal coach and self care workshop leader for women. She can be reached at 919/414-7197 or visit her website at www.selfcareforwomen.net.

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