Swagger means high feminine confidence. In the Swagger movement, we believe that swagger is important because women have many talents to contribute to the world, but the world has become out of balance, dominated by male energy. We believe that we need both male and female energy in the world and when those energies are in balance, there are more equitable and satisfying life opportunities for all people. By gaining confidence, especially at an early age, women are more able to make their contributions and help bring balance to the world.
How to Make an African Quilt: The power of one person to make a difference
If you find yourself overwhelmed by all the problems around you, it might be hard to believe that one person can make a difference in the lives of others. In her book How to Make an African Quilt: The Story of the Patchwork Project of Segou, Mali (Nighthawk Press), Bonnie Lee Black shows us that the desire to help other women, combined with vision and taking action can change lives. Bonnie went to Gabon, Central Africa, through the Peace Corps, [.....]
How To Stop Fear From Bullying You
guest post by Lucinda Cross, Author of The Road to Redemption People talk so much about fear these days that is has become a convenient excuse just to sit in the corner and not take action. Giving your power away to fear is like a lioness giving up her position in the animal kingdom. It’s normal and human to be afraid of the unknown, but don’t let it dominate you. Life doesn’t reward quitters, towel throwers, or forfeiters. If a [.....]
Swagger around the World – with kids
guest blog by Betsey Martens, Boulder, CO The idea to take our kids around the world existed long before they did. In 1986 my husband, Dave, and I quit jobs that we loved, rented our house and set off with a round-the-world ticket. The ticket required only that our travel be continuously in one direction. We chose west. Other than a plan to stay with a good friend who lives in New Zealand as our first stop, we had no [.....]
Come out Fighting: Eve Ensler, In The Body of the World
Recently, I had the privilege of seeing Eve Ensler kick off her latest book tour for, In The Body of the World on Friday, April 26 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Her absolute honesty about her own suffering through abuse and cancer and the experiences of the women of the Congo roared through the historic Lensic Theater in such a way that no onecould leave there untouched, asleep, still pretending that there is not horrific violence against women and girls in the world. I was inspired to fight harder, more honestly, more courageously for the rights of women through the work of The Girl’s Guide to Swagger.
Reflection: Elizabeth Gilbert and Women Helping Women
Post by Gina Pujols, for The Girl’s Guide to Swagger I recently attended a women’s leadership luncheon hosted by The Women’s Resource Center in Philadelphia. The organization provides free or low-cost legal outreach, career advice and other various important programs to help benefit women and young girls in the area. If you live in the Philadelphia area, click here to learn more about the center and see if you would like to join them in their volunteer efforts. The luncheon [.....]
In swagger at work, we offer an approach to resolve the barriers to self-confidence that women face at work and to offer a third way – different than exhibiting only traditional feminine values or trying to copy men’s values. Through stories of women who swagger and exhibit healthy self-esteem, Swagger at work demonstrates ways to build confidence and invites women to tell their own stories of empowerment.
At work, it’s knowing my stuff cold, a confidence that I can blend with compassion. I certainly don’t spend a lot of time playing getting warmer. I am known for being direct, which I like.
Kathy
Swagger in sports showcases women who are strong in body and mind. Not necessarily stronger than someone else, just strong in their own body. Having self confidence, loving your body and growing your self esteem by being active, healthy, doing sports, spending time and being confident in the outdoors, and even competing are all ways that we as women learn to swagger in sports.
I didn’t care about marriage and children – because of my childhood. I was fulfilled in career and athletics. I’ve turned emotional trauma into strength – I’ve traveled; I’ve been successful.
Teresa Rider, Age Group World Champion Triathlete
Spirituality and faith are important aspects of who we are as women. Having the self confidence to express ourselves, learning about who we are and what we believe in are all aspects of what make us unique and whole. We’ll share with you how other women have developed their swagger in their spirituality and we hope you will share your stories with us.
I admit that the Bible does not specifically mention Aretha Franklin. But when it comes to thinking about God, most people’s minds are full of all those familiar images and they just get stuck…So why not Aretha? She’s big, she’s bold and you’re going to have to listen to what she’s saying.”
Column by Terry Mattingly
Swagger in school is having the courage and confidence to learn what you want to learn in school and becoming what you want to become. Having the self confidence to find your own way and not letting society or others dictate your path to success. Swagger is trying many different things throughout your journey, being strong in your opinions and open to new ideas.
When asked where she got her swagger, author Joan Borysenko said “For me, it was do or die. My first job was teaching medical students. I had to prevent them from falling asleep. I developed my swagger in a situation of challenge.”
Swagger isn’t about power over others in relationships, it’s about knowing who you are, being strong enough and confident enough in yourself so that you can share yourself and your gifts with others without losing yourself. It’s having the self esteem and self confidence to know that you don’t always have to be right or win in every situation, it’s being strong for others and knowing how to nurture yourself at the same time.
A lot of my friends have swagger – that pushing the edge quality, thinking and living outside the box.
Kathy
There are many fabulous women who swagger on the world stage. These are strong and confident women who have worked hard to compete in what is often a male-dominated environment. They have defined themselves, their opinions are valued and they have forged their own path to be a part of the world stage. In them, you will see a strong sense of self, confidence in their ideas and actions, and a unique approach to showcasing their high feminine confidence.
What are the risks of swagger? The risks are always visible in our society. Any woman with the least amount of swagger is doomed. Like any Hollywood star, they will build her up, so they can tear her down. Think Hillary Clinton. Katie Couric, Angelina Jolie, Condi Rice. Doesn’t much matter the profession.
Roz
