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Happy New Year & My 2012 Fierce Living Theme

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2012 is all about Fierce Living

Happy New Year!

It’s hard to believe that it’s already day 13 of the new year.  How has 2012 been so far?

I’ve been taking my southern sweet time to arrive in this new year.  It is what I call my “Fierce Living” approach.  I love that phrase!  That’s why I adopted it as my personal life theme and the 2012 theme for the Digital Sisterhood Network.

So what is Fierce Living all about?  I define it as,

“the mindful practice of unplugging, understanding, and unifying who I am online and offline from the inside out so I am able to express myself fully in my healthy living journey, Digital Sisterhood book writing, art, and work as a coach, digital media producer, yoga teacher, and innerpreneur.”

This definition has been a regular topic of discussion in my “Follow My Heart” journal.  My journal entries have explored the various colors, scents, yoga poses, travel adventures, physical exercises, magazines, music, movies, books, beverages, teas, foods, sheroes, jewelry, shoes, boots, and clothing that inspire Fierce Living.

I also created a six-word memoir: Dream. Imagine. Create. Inspire. Express Peace. These words are my 2012 Fierce Living mantras. Click here to listen to a short audio blog about what Fierce Living means to me in 2012.

Pinterest logo

Have you joined the Pinterest revolution of digital vision boards?  I am happy to admit that I did.  I created a Pinterest board with images and statements that remind me to practice Fierce Living in 2012 and beyond.  Click here to check it out.

My journal entries have also explored what Fierce Living looks like in my digital life: the time I spend online, the content I post, the comments I make on social media sites, the email and blog subscriptions I maintain, the words I use to describe myself, the photos I use to represent myself, the blog templates I use to express my thoughts, the businesses I patronize, and the causes I support.  After writing in my journal, my life began to manifest some of my thoughts.

Ananda wearing her Fierce Living orange
My Fierce Living Nine West patent leather wedge books
The Digital DIet, my new Fierce Living book I
Experience Life, one of my Fierce Living magazines
O Magazine, one of my Fierce Living magazines
Poets & Writers, one of my Fierce Living magazines
Yoga Journa, one of my Fierce Living magazines

Ananda is speaking about Fierce Living from Your Creative Heart at Blissdom

So here’s what happened during the first 12 days of the new year.  I unplugged from the web on most days and got a lot of sleep.  I also practiced yoga, meditation, mantra chanting with my mala beads, and Reiki daily.  My MINT Gym membership was used regularly.  I gave the TRX training equipment and bike a serious workout.  The medicine balls and mats were great for all of my planks, sit ups, crunches, boat poses, side planks, and forearm planks.

I went crazy reading my fashion, health, yoga, poetry, and tech magazines at healthy cafes like Sweet Green and Teaism.  I discovered a hot chocolate made with rice milk  at Teaism. Delish!  It protects me from soy and dairy allergies!  Cosi, Starbucks, and Love Cafe were the hot spots for my journal writing.  Love the tomato basil soup at Love Cafe!

Long walks home from the subway in the evening helped me practice mindfulness as I noticed the different changes in my neighborhood.  Thanks to my friend Gustavo, the owner of Habitat Live & Wear on U Street, I started having my own personal dance parties with new music from Spain.  Gustavo gave me two great CDs! Love them!

The January shopping goddess helped me score a pair of Nine West black patent leather wedge boots and a smokey quartz ring from Habitat that I have been stalking since early fall.  What bargains!

By the way, I am deep into the meaning and power of gemstones. My new smokey quartz ring has some powerful energy.  Did you know smokey quartz is nature’s stone of endurance?  It promotes personal pride and joie de vivre (joy in living), creativity in business, and opens the path for perception and learning.  It is also a protection stone that cleanses and clears negative energy. I like that it facilitates your ability to get things done in the practical world and enhances organizational skills in the workplace or home office. I definitely need all of these things as I move into my Fierce Living 2012!

I watched Young & the Restless, PAN AM, The Practice, and Grey’s Anatomy online as I organized my shoe and boot collection with Real Simple organizers, folded clothes, and decluttered my closet.

I took some time to launch my digital streamlining project for my WordPress and Tumblr blogs (still works in process … web sites will be added later this year).  That led me to select new photos for my online presence, edit and repost my bio, and reduce the amount of email I receive.

I even found a few moments to submit two speaking proposals for BlogHer 2012.  That process did not take long.  I used old proposals and added a few new lines.  I call it Fierce Living Recycled.

I also said NO to several opportunities that were exciting, but not appropriate for what I am called to do now.  Guess what?  That saying NO really does allow you to say YES when great things show up.  And that’s what happened when I accepted an amazing speaking opportunity to discuss “Fierce Living from Your Creative Heart” at BLISSDOM 2012 in February.

As a result of this Fierce Living, I received three HUGE blessings.

  • A fresh, open mind that led me to begin writing a chapter of my Digital Sisterhood book (which will be published later this year).
  • A better understanding and practice of boundaries to ensure I have creative time to write, time to play, and time to rest.
  • A renewed sense of joie de vivre (joy in living).

Now that’s Fierce Living for me!  What is Fierce Living to you?

What are your Fierce Living (FL) 2012 colors, scents, foods, yoga poses, clothing, shoes, boots, jewelry, and music?

Orange is my FL color. Pink, purple, red, yellow, blue, and black are second runners up!  Almond oil is my FL scent.  Sweet potatoes and beets are my FL food.  The forward fold and warrior one are my FL yoga pose.  My fuchsia coat from Violet Boutique is my FL clothing.  My black and pink Saucony jogging shoes are my FL shoes. My Nine West black patent leather boots are my FL boots.  My smokey quartz ring is my FL jewelry. Eric Roberson’s Mr Nice Guy CD is my FL music.

Who are your Fierce Living sheroes?

My mother Theresa and Oprah are two of my FL sheroes.

Well, that’s enough FL for a Friday! Enjoy your weekend and 2012!

Yours in Fierce Living,

Ananda

Saying hello to my blog audience & sharing news about my book … It’s coming in 2012!

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Ananda at Blogalicious Weekend Conference

Happy October All!

It’s been a long time since we connected on this blog.  I hope your fall season is going well.  Mine has been filled with revelations like the one I had during the Blogalicious Weekend Conference on October 21-23, 2011.  While I was learning, sharing, laughing, sipping on cocktails at the evening events, chatting and drinking wine in the Wine Sisterhood Sassy Suite, and enjoying digital sisterhood and brotherhood moments at Blogalicious, I realized I needed to be honest with myself about the work I have taken on as the Digital Sisterhood Network founder.  I made a list of all of my obligations, goals, and upcoming activities.  Looking at the list on Sunday helped me see I needed to give myself more time to finish my next book, Digital Sisterhood, a memoir.  More time is several months.  That means the book will be published in 2012.

It feels really good to share my revelation and plans with you all!

Thank you for your continued support and positive energy!

Blessings,

Ananda

Check out the links below to see what I have been doing.

1) My Ignite DC #8 Talk on “Digital Sisterhood for DC Women Entrepreneurs” Flickr photos and presentation (see below)

2) Photos of My Blogalicious Weekend Conference Adventures on Flickr

3) Behind the Scenes Photos from My Author Photo Shoot on Flickr

4) Video from My Author Photo Shoot on Vimeo

5) Photos from My BlogHer conference adventures on Flickr

6) Blog Posts about My BlogHer speaking gigs and experiences

a. Blogger Wellness speaking gig

b. Favorite Moments

c. My Pepsico Video Feature

7) Video of My Panel Participation at Blogalicious – Black Public Relations Society of DC Meet Up on Vimeo

8) Blog Post – My Panel Participation at Blogalicious – Black Public Relations Society of DC Meet Up

Time to complete my Digital Sisterhood book — Will be away from this blog until late October 2011

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Photo Credit: http://www.earthday.org/earth-day-2011

Happy Earth Day!  Happy Good Friday!

Last weekend during Digital Sisterhood Unplugged Sunday I made a decision to step away from this blog and my @AnandaLeeke Twitter page, Facebook pages, Tumblr page, Flickr phoho-sharing site, Vimeo channel, and Cinchcast audio blog to begin the wonderful, juicy journey of completing my next book, Digital Sisterhood, a memoir.  The only thing I needed to do was a pick a date. I have vacillated on the date all week.  This morning I realized during my yoga, Reiki healing touch,  and meditation practice that my day to step away is in fact today.  That means this is the last blog post until late October (will be back in time for Blogalicious on October 21-23 in DC).

It also means I will reduce my daily and weekly social media activities that support the Digital Sisterhood Network beginning May 1.  Next week I have several blogs (with videos and photos) to write and post along with several radio shows to organize for the Feminism Online Project series on Digital Sisterhood Radio.  The Feminism Online Project ends on May 31. I will continue to host the Digital Sisterhood Wednesday weekly celebrations on Twitter (late April through October), post reminders about Digital Sisterhood Unplugged Sundays each month, and manage the monthly episodes of The Stroke Diva Fabulous Show hosted by lifestyle blogger Kamaria Richmond, Digital Sisterhood Network Blogger-in-Residence, on Digital Sisterhood Radio. I will spend time in May and June managing the final weeks of my Kickstarter fundraiser which ends on June 28 and hosting the June 29th DC She Writers Meet Up featuring guest poet/writer Dr. Ada Diaz, a Howard University professor.  I will launch the Digital Civility and Security Initiative for a week (July 4-11) and co-host the July 6th Twitter chat on digital civility with Andrea Weckerle, CiviliNation founder. In August, I will do a few audio blogs about my BlogHer participation.  In addition, I will host the September 29th DC She Writers Meet Up.  WOW! That felt good to share. It’s my way of having accountability with myself and life coach Yael.

Thanks for stopping by and reading my words, sending me positive vibes and energy for my writing journey, and supporting all of my creative efforts! May you have a beautiful rest of April, May, June, July, August, September, and October!

Blessings,

Ananda

PS: Listen to my audio blog about Earth Day and a poem that celebrates green living! Enjoy!

Ananda is launching the Digital Sisterhood Network’s Digital Civility and Security Initiative in July

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http://civilination.org

Technology, the Internet, and social media are amazing.  They have empowered people with information, a global space, and a portfolio of tools to communicate, promote, and debate their ideas and experiences.  They have also presented challenges in how people communicate and engage with each other as they exercise their freedom of speech on blogs, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and other sites in cyberspace.  Some of these challenges include speech that causes fear or creates a threat of being the target of unwarranted abuse, harassment, or lies.  Thanks to organizations like CiviliNation, an education and research nonprofit that focuses on advancing the full capability of individuals to communicate and engage in cyberspace in a responsible and accountable way, work is being done to educate people about these challenges.

In an effort to support CiviliNation’s work and to promote digital civility, the Digital Sisterhood Network is launching its Digital Civility & Security Initiative on July 4, 2011.  From July 4 to July 11, the Digital Sisterhood Network will use its web site, Digital Sisterhood Wednesday celebration, Twitter page, and radio show to promote and celebrate women in social media and organizations that provide awareness and outreach on digital civility, Internet freedom of speech, online security,  privacy, and digital etiquette.  In addition, Andrea Weckerle, CiviliNation’s founder will co-host the July 6th Twitter chat on digital civility from 8:00 pm ET to 9:00 pm ET.  Please use the hashtag #digitalsisterhood to participate in the conversation.

What do you think about digital civility?

Do you feel safe in expressing your thoughts online?

Share any stories about online communication challenges you have faced in the comment section below.

Be sure to check out the videos below featuring CiviliNation Andrea Weckerle and Digital Sisterhood Network founder Ananda Leeke.


Ananda speaks about Digital Sisterhood at Howard University’s New Media Symposium on April 6

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HU New Media 074, originally uploaded by anandaleeke.

Ananda Leeke, Kari Fulton, and Dr. Alla Tovares served as panelists for Howard University’s New Media Symposium at Founders Library on April 6, 2011. Fulton is the National Campus Climate Challenge Coordinator for the Environmental Justice and Climate Change Initiative. Dr. Alla Tovares is a Howard University Professor and author of How to Write about the Media Today. Angela Adrar, an International Strategy and Communications Consultant, served as the moderator.

Dr. Ada Vilageliu Diaz, a Howard University professor, organized the symposium for freshman students as part of her writing-intensive composition course on new media entitled: New Media Writing and Race. The symposium’s goal was to have students learn from new media/social media experts and to further understand the possibilities of new media to support social causes and to enhance leadership possibilities.

Click here to see event photos

Watch videos from the Symposium below (filmed by Dr. Ada Diaz).

1) Angela Adrar and Dr. Alla Tovares

2) Dr. Alla Tovares

3) Kari Fulton

4) Group Discussion with Kari Fulton, Angela Adrar, Ananda Leeke, and Michele Roberts

Ananda’s Digital Sisterhood Book Fundraiser Raises $425 with support from 15 donors

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Photo Credit: http://www.kickstarter.com

Happy Monday All!

Great news!  To date, 15 generous supporters helped me raise $425 for my Digital Sisterhood book fundraiser on Kickstarter.com.  I am filled with deep gratitude for their generosity and your support for sharing my fundraiser with your network via Twitter, Facebook, email, and other social media sites.

FYI – You can still make a donation to my fundraiser by clicking here.  Once I meet my $500 goal, I will continue raising money until the June 28th deadline.  The additional money raised after the $500 goal will be used to cover some or all of the graphic art and photography expenses.

Enjoy your day and week!

Blessings,

Ananda

Please support Ananda’s Digital Sisterhood Part 2 Kickstarter Fundraiser by Making a Donation by June 28.

Posted by on in digital sisterhood, Digital Sisterhood: A Gen X-er Memoir of Life & the Internet, Kickstarter.comLeave a comment

 

 

Hi All,

Today I am sharing a video that I recorded yesterday about my Digital Sisterhood Part 2 Kickstarter Fundraiser.  My goal is to raise $500 by June 28. Click on the link to make a donation of $1, $5, $10, $20, $30, $40, $50 or more:  http://kck.st/i15fwC.  Each person who donates will receive a gift. Check out what you will receive with your donations: http://kck.st/i15fwC.

The Story Behind My Current Fundraiser:

In September 2010, I  launched my first Kickstarter campaign to raise money for my book, Digital Sisterhood, a memoir that discusses her Internet adventures, digital sisterhood experiences, and reflections about women and the Internet during the period of 1986 to 2011.  My short-term goal was to raise $500 by December 23, 2010. My long-term goal was to raise $1,600. Guess what happened? With the support of 39 backers, I successfully raised $1,159 online and an additional $70 offline. The grand total was $1,229.

To date, I have $371 to raise in order to meet my long-term goal of $1,600. That’s why I have come back to Kickstarter with Digital Sisterhood – Part 2.  My Digital Sisterhood Part 2 book fundraising goal is $500 by June 28. This amount will cover the balance of my self-publishing expenses and help offset the cost of mailing and photography expenses.

More on Digital Sisterhood:

To learn more about Digital Sisterhood, visit the web sites below.

Web Site: http://digitalsisterhood.wordpress.com/
Book: http://digitalsisterhood.wordpress.com/book/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/digitalsisterhd

Thank you for your support! Many blessings!

Ananda is speaking at BlogHer 2011 Conference on August 5

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Photo Credit: http://www.blogher.com

Something special is happening in August. I am going to the BlogHer conference as a speaker.  I will join a dynamic panel of women who will discuss peer networking. Check out the BlogHer agenda description below (text from BlogHer web site).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Session Date: August 5, 2:45 pm to 4:00 pm

Session Title: Skills: Minding Your Own Business – Peer Networking: Working together to help all boats rise

Photo Credit: http://www.blogher.com

Session Description: Much of our online business is conducted with online friends. And we all know that blogging has provided a source of support and understanding. Are you regularly taking that support offline? Are you using that support to the advantage of your business? Have you put some structure around it? This session will look at the value in creating structured peer networking groups…offline if possible, online if not…in order to accomplish specific professional goals. Whether you want to work on your writing, your business model or your value proposition, being supported by and accountable to a group of trusted peers can be exactly the boost you need. Liz Strauss moderates the conversation with Ananda Leeke, Heather Mann and Vikki Reich, who will help you figure out what kind of group you need, and how to set it up to deliver.

Smith Magazine Names Ananda as April Member of the Month for

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Photo Credit: http://www.smithmag.net

Great news! Smith Magazine selected me as member of the month for April.  Click here to read Smith Magazine editor Vivian Chum’s blog post.

If you recall, Smith Magazine is one of my favorite online destinations. Why? It’s simple. Six-word memoirs.  Click here to learn more about the six-word memoirs movement.

Six-word memoirs have been creative lifesavers for me, especially when I was writing my book, That Which Awakens Me: A Creative Woman’s Poetic Memoir of Self-Discovery ( 2009).   have also used them in my creative coaching practice.  Click here to watch a creative coaching session (15 minutes) I hosted on UStream.tv  last year about six-word memoirs. I am also using them in my current book project, Digital Sisterhood, a memoir.

My six-word memoir for today is:  rainy skies don’t stop rainbow news.

Do you have a six-word memoir you would like to share today?  Include it in the comment section of this post below.  Thanks.

Enjoy your day!

Ananda is speaking at YWCA USA Conference on April 9

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Photo Credit: http://www.ywca.org

Great news!  I am speaking about digital sisterhood and the women’s movement as a panelist for the “Conversations across the Generations on Women’s Issues and the Women’s Movement” workshop at the YWCA‘s annual convention on April 9 from 1:45 pm to 3:00 pm.  The event will be held at the Mayflower in Washington, DC. The YWCA’s conference theme is “Own the Future.” Click here to learn more.