I have been feeling overwhelmed lately.  You know it’s a sign that you’ve over scheduled yourself when you’re  actually EXCITED for a whole half day to clean your house!  But, yesterday afternoon was finally that day for me after what feels like weeks of build up.

Any visitor to my home can pretty much tell how I’m doing by the look of my kitchen counters.  If things are piled up, life feels out of control.  But if things are neat and tidy with the dishes done, I’m at peace (or else I shoved it all in the closet).

A new study from the Pew Research Center confirms all that I feel.  But, it’s even worse according to the results for working women with young children.  The age-old torn heart and divided commitment for this population leaves them feeling chronically stressed.

I’ve found an undesired byproduct of this is young girls in particular who think this is the way life is supposed to be - stressed.  They act stressed like it’s a status symbol, as if having too much to do makes you important.  They complain about “everything they have to do” and conclude with “I don’t have enough time.”  Sound familiar?

One good reason to simplify our lives is to teach our children how to do the same.

Girls with Sole is the vision of Q104 Listener and Mom Liz Ferro of Rocky River. The non-profit organization uses fitness and wellness to empower the minds, bodies and souls of girls who have experienced abuse. Liz herself is a survivor and now mom to two beautiful kids and a triathlete!

Athletics helped her survive and thrive and now she wants Girls with Sole to offer the same to other young girls.

I was honored to act as Mistress of Ceremonies for their first big fundraiser on Sunday.  It was held at the Busy Broad Boutique in Lakewood.  Awesome place!  Participants enjoyed a beautiful tea, fashion show, and speakers.

Liz has wasted no time in providing programming to area girls.  She’s already partnered with the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center and Fitworks .  If her cause speaks to you in any way, I urge you to offer your support!  Again, her website is www.girlswithsole.org.

Here’s a taste of what you missed!

Here I am with Glam Girl - Liz Ferro!

Check out that leg!

The setting was beautiful! In addition to the bar, people sat at small tables throughout the gallery. It was really a special day.

Liz Ferro of Rocky River is a Q104 listener and founder of Girls with Sole. Talk about a woman with SOUL!  She is dedicated to the idea that a girl’s life can be changed through learning about self-care, fitness, and nutrition.  Liz should know.

Her story is sad, but unfortunately, not unique.  As a foster child, she was adopted at the age of two and personally experienced sexual abuse. Liz credits athletics and fitness for giving her the self-esteem and inner strength needed throughout her life to overcome difficult times and view herself and her body as purposeful and important.

This Sunday, November 15th, Girls with Sole is hosting a fundraiser Tea and Fashion Show at Busy Broad Boutique which I am honored to host.  It starts at 3:00 and costs $25.  This is well worth your money!  Please join me in joining Liz in her efforts to turn her suffering into healing for others.

I just finished my second running race and I feel good!  Two years ago, I set a goal for myself to run a half-marathon, which I did.  It’s been an uphill battle since then.  I didn’t enter anymore races, didn’t advance to bigger goals like a marathon.  After running 13.1 miles - a huge accomplishment for me -  3 miles became a struggle.  I didn’t expect that.

Thank goodness I met Mary Kay last summer.  We were both attending the same wedding and got to talking.  She was six months pregnant and wanted a fitness goal after giving birth.  We challenged each other to train for a race.  Yesterday was our day!  We both completed the Chagrin Blossom Time Run, 5.25 miles.  We were four minutes apart in time and darn proud.

I learned something about myself too.  Without a commitment, it’s too easy for me to fade away.  Excuses come too easily.  But, on the high of being around all those runners (it felt like at least 1,000) I want to keep going.  The River Run half-marathon is just around the corner.

When you get mad, how do you respond?  If you’re a woman, have you ever let another person know how deeply you’ve been hurt or angered by NOT talking?  You silent treatment people know who you are…

Although it’s seems crazy to communicate being hurt by not communicating, that’s exactly what many women, and their daughters, do.  Social exclusion, or feeling cut off from relationships is at the core of how girls hurt one another.  The clinical term is called relational aggression.  If your daughter is experiencing difficulty in her friendships at school, you know all about it.

On Tuesday March 10, I’ll be delivery a free parenting seminar at the Strongsville Branch of the Cuyahoga County Library.  It runs 7:00-8:30 PM.  The information will teach adults (please don’t bring your girls) how to help girls develop healthy friendships and what to do if they are in the middle of drama right now.  Please call and register so we can have enough handouts.  If you can’t make it but still want the info, you can download my e-seminar called “BFF!  (Except When We’re Not)” anytime by visiting www.susanfee.com.