Right now, I can see my breath.  My fingers are little slivers of ice.  I’ve got the dog in my lap for warmth as I try to work and not concentrate on how cold it is in my house.

Our heater broke yesterday and the repairman can’t come until today, so we spent a chilly day and evening shivering away.  I’ve told my daughter that we’re spending 24 hours learning what it’s like to go without heat which is a sad reality for many people in America.  “I don’t like this game,” she responded this morning.

I can’t say I do either, but I’m so grateful we have the choice of how high to turn on our heat and that we only have to suffer one day without.  What a lesson in compassion for others.  Plus, I’ve never seen our daughter quite so anxious to go to school just to get warm!

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.

Another mom turned me on to Amy Poehler’s new website for girls called Smart Girls At The Party! If you have a daughter, you have to check this site out!  Amy and her two best friends interview and feature young girls who, “Change the world just by being themselves.”  In her typical, hysterical style Poehler manages to take sincere interest in these girls while being hilarious at the same time.

On another note - where does this woman find the time?  She’s a new mom, acts in movies, stars in a TV show AND does this?  Amazing!