Life hasn’t always been easy for me, but I remind myself that there are people in this world who have it a lot rougher than I do and I am truly blessed. I’ve struggled with my fair share of disease and illness over the years. It’s not something I typically write about. Some things in life are easier than others to recover from, but it’s what we do when faced with life’s challenges that really matters. So much of my inspiration comes from my Mom and my sisters, all very strong women in their own right. When we were asked to participate in this sponsored program and share a story on About a Mom for the Pine-Sol “When Life Gets Tough, Women Rise Above It!” campaign, I asked my Mom, Laura, to let me write this one because I really want to share how proud I am of her and my sisters.
{Last year with my Mom and Sisters}
Laura: So much of my inspiration in life comes from my Mom and my sisters. It wasn’t an easy decision for my Mom to make when she returned to school at the age of fifty to finish a degree. But she knew it was something that she had to do to improve her quality of my life. A new career path isn’t something one normally does at that age, but she had the courage to do it and found much success. I am so proud of her.
Cat: Inner strength is the first thing that comes to mind when I think of my younger sister, Cat. She was a premature baby who the doctors said would never survive, but she was a fighter and beat the odds. She is probably one of the most stubborn people I know, but I know it’s that quality that has kept her with us. Being born so premature meant that she lives with some chronic health problems, but you would never know it. When the economy took a downturn, like many other corporate executives my brother-in-law lost his job. My sister not only went from working part-time to full-time, but also started working over-time at her job each week, despite her health. She never complained, rather just did what needed to be done for her family.
Rachael: My older sister, Rachael, is the most inspiring person that I know. Years in a very abusive marriage had left her isolated from everyone, even her family. There was a time when I though she was lost to us forever. The stress and depression from her circumstances, caused her to gain a lot of weight and become seriously ill. I will never forget the night the phone rang, and I could hear it in her voice that she was ready to take her life back and she really meant it. She is now the girl I remember from our childhood – happy, and full of life. She has also lost more than half of her body weight and is dedicated to health, fitness, and living a healthy lifestyle. She is currently taking classes for a personal trainer certification, so that she can help other people get healthy.
When Life Get’s Tough, Women Rise Above It!
The makers of Pine-Sol® Products has teamed up with actress and activist Rosie Perez to launch a special campaign called When Life Gets Tough, Women Rise Above It! My Mom and sisters are definitely women who have risen above it. They truly inspire and encourage me in all that I do.
Pine-Sol® is looking for stories about inspiring women who have proven that rise above adversity. They want to share these stories in hopes of inspiring other woman and show them that they can get through any challenge in their life.
Here are some interesting survey results: Wakefield Research conducted a survey among women across the U.S. on behalf of Pine-Sol® Brand Cleaners. According to the results, 86% of women ages 35 plus, say their biggest female role model is someone they know personally, not a celebrity or political figure. Additionally, women see the best female role models in their family (60%) and their communities (24%), according to a Pine-Sol® survey and 65% feel they are currently a role model to someone in their life.
I’ve learned that Pine-Sol® awarded a $25,000 donation to Women Empowered, a nonprofit based in Los Angeles that connects, educates and supports women of all ages and backgrounds, inspiring them to give back to their communities.
Pine-Sol® is honoring women’s strenght with the “Women Rise Above It!” Sweepstakes! Pine-Sol® will award one lucky weekly winner a token of appreciation of a flower bouquet and Pine-Sol coupons (valued at $150) for 12 weeks throughout the campaign which runs from November 1, 2013 through January 31, 2014. Additionally, there will be three first prize winners who will receive complimentary house cleaning services for a year (valued at $2,400). Also, one grand prize winner will be awarded an all-inclusive trip to enjoy a peaceful spa experience at a deluxe hotel (valued at $5,000).
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States & D.C. 18 years and older. Ends 1/31/14 at 11:59 a.m. PT. To enter and for Official Rules, including odds, and prize descriptions, visit www.womenriseaboveit.com. Void where prohibited.
To learn more, share your personal story, or to enter please visit the official site.
Do you know a women who has risen above it or have a personal story of triumph to share?
disclosure: This blog post is part of a paid SocialMoms and Pine-Sol® blogging program. The opinions and ideas expressed here are my own.
Great Cause. I always try to support a company that gives back.
All four of you have demonstrated amazing amounts of strength and I’m thrilled you have each other. 🙂 You know, you really should write your story sometime.
Love that your mom went back to school, but who is going to bake all the goodies I see you sharing on the blog? haha!
She did that when she was 50 and has since finished, Karen. Thank goodness, because I would be in such a jam without her wonderful recipes!
Guess I should read slower! LOL It’s still an amazing accomplishment! 🙂
What an amazing group of women! Thank you for sharing such personal stories with us.
Your family sounds like a group of amazing women!
It is wonderful to have heroes close at hand in your own family. It was very nice to read your storie here.
I love when companies do this, especially for strong women!! What an awesome cause!!
I love that she went back to school…. I don’t think anyone is ever too old to go back to school. 🙂 Thank you for sharing your stories with us! My mom is my inspiration. She had it really tough for many years, but never let life keep her down. She rose above it. 🙂
We lost my mom earlier this year, and it was tough because she was the strongest person I’ve ever known. She was a single mom who worked three jobs to make ends meet and make sure I could do things like music lessons that would have been easy to just cast aside.
I agree with the statement that role models are usually someone you know. I know mine was my mother, and every day, I’m trying to live up to the woman that she used to be.