Hi Readers! It has been a long time and I hope this post finds you doing well. I have thinking about success a lot lately. Success is kind of like beauty in the way that it can be defined differently by different people. Values, skills, personal benchmarks all play a role in success. I was sitting in a meeting the other day and a quote resounded in my head. "Your success is not for you." I had no idea where it came from or why it was so blunt. I wanted my success to be for me. Sure I love giving back and having a charitable arm of my business-but I wanted to claim a bit for myself. ON exploring this thought-I had an epiphany. Success is something that inspires, motivates and holds others accountable. It encourages, it uplifts and it makes a statement. I know that my accomplishments have meant a lot to others. I have met people at book signings that have shared their own aspirations with me. I have talked to kids who have said-if you can write books-I can one day too. My own success affirms people that have come from similar backgrounds that the doom and destruction that others statistically predict for them-is false. They can be an author. They can own a business. They can give back. They can rise above.

My success is not for me. What is success to you? What does it mean? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. -Read something great

I Love Myself Because...

Tweens and teens are faced with pressures to conform, to blend in and to play down traits that make them unique and special. When I was a tween I heard that I was too fat, too skinny, too dark, too short, that my smile was not pretty that my hair was too thick and even more critical insults that made me question my worth. I joined Girl Scouts but my family was not able to keep the dues up so I was not able to stay apart of the program. I remember wishing that I could go to a group and feel as though I belonged. I was not like a lot of other kids but as a grown up I realize that was more of a gift than not. Today I am no longer a tween or teen. I realize that my platform as an author allows me to use the knowledge that I give my readers beyond the bookstore. I created a program as a branch of Professionals Against Bullying called "I Love myself because..." This group has a format for fun, advocacy and leadership training. We empower girls to grow into their quirks and realize that what makes a person truly beautiful is being pretty both on the inside and outside. If you know someone who might want to be enrolled in one of our modules. Email me at info@taramichener.com Read Something Great!

Step 4 Anti-bullying Social Media Based Walk!

Our team at Professionals Against Bullying wants to raise awareness and funds to support future programming-we need your help. Our goal is to get everyone walking & tweeting in the name of anti-bullying. It all begins with a single step. Ask your friends, family and those who care about you to sponsor your steps and donate to bring more solutions to this cause. Donate $5 or more and we will send you a pedometer to keep track of your steps. If you can't walk and still want to give-we will still accept your support. Any questions? Let us know and be sure to tweet, youtube or Facebook your stepping adventures! -Read something great

Jefferson Commencement

TEDxFlint 2011 - Tara Michener - Professionals against Bullying

Pondering Pretty...

As a child it became very clear to me that girls were supposed to be pretty. I was given frilly socks, pretty dresses and told to be sweet and that would make me beautiful. I remember entering grade school and realizing the goal of "pretty" could be hard for someone like me who had crooked teeth and very dark skin. Pretty can sometimes be a mystery. Maya Angelou said it best in her poem Phenomenal Woman. What do you think pretty is? Does it require the best clothes, hair or is it something deeper? As a grown-up I believe that pretty is kindness. Pretty is compassion. Pretty is caring about more than our looks and keeping our minds fixed on those in need. I am still striving for pretty-but changing the definition everyday. Join me in defining pretty. Read something great!

Summer Reading Contest

Summer is almost here and so is my newest book: Teen Life Crisis! Teen Life Crisis introduces the Braylee, a young girl who is known for being a great kid until she is faced with some tough situations that change her outlook on life. My work in anti-bullying has allowed me to meet people who have been bullied and who are accused of being bullies. What is your definition of a bully? Send your description of what you think a bully truly is to my email at info@taramichener.com and share your thoughts on the topic in 200 words minimum for a chance to win our newest book signed. -Read something great!