Soap Sisterhood

“Women are going to form a chain, a greater sisterhood than the world has ever known.”  ― Nellie L. McClung

Did you know if all women globally agreed to not have children for 5 years we would have more say-so than anyone? We would control consumerism, education institutions and so much more. Could we join together like this? Could we set our personal goals aside for a bigger goal? Just for five years?  

All I'm suggesting here is to support your soap sisters who deserve it, who need it, who will thrive with a little encouragement.   

You never know who needs a smile. 

We are creating more than soap in our soap communities. 

When you see another's beautiful soaps, what do you think? What do you feel? When you see a soap sister received praise and abundant attention, to you support her?

This intimate behavior, these feelings, can be altered in any direction. We can support those worthy of support and honor ourselves along with each other - all through soap. We can unite in a soap sisterhood.

We each have a unique quality, a view of the world that is distinctly ours. We can support each other without any loss, but much to gain. This was my idea when writing my first book. I wanted to NOT tell you exactly what to do, but HOW to approach the world of creativity, to ignite your own unique creativity. This is greatest gift I can offer, a way to find your OWN creativity, to support you on your own path. Not a version of my path.

There is no changing the world. That very idea is so large no one human can take it on. We might not be able to change the world (after all, who really wants that responsibility?) But we can change ourselves.

Remember when you woke up on Monday and your pants were tighter, you said to yourself, "I'm never eating that again?" Then you did eat it again. That behavior easily corrected, but difficult to change. If we struggle to change ourselves, how can we change another human with words? Would you want someone to change you, even if they have the best intentions? Do you want your intimate power of choice usurped? 

Each time you offer words of encouragement, sincere support or even offer praise to another soap maker, you alter our environment. It is an open door for better behavior, for yourself and others.

Each time you set a standard and act on your honor code, you create more good than harm. Even if the way is unclear, striving, having the intention to create more good than harm, of all our choices seems a reasonable guideline.

Your lack of support can be equally powerful - on so many levels. This is a power rarely used. When all someone wants is to get a rise out of you, to provoke you to do their bidding... And their bidding is to fight - in some form or fashion - to be brought low, into their world, withdraw your attention. Remove your energy entirely. There will be a void. One that person will find exceedingly uncomfortable. The provocateur will need to deal with this vacuum. Remember, they (in part) chose this extreme measure. Had they acted with the slightest bit of honor, they would have been allowed to engage. 

Use this power, this magic, wisely. Remember, when reading negative or out-right hateful comments (hate is the tool that person uses to get attention when they have nothing else) they will feed on any attention. No matter what you offer with a genuine heart, it only feeds that person. That's how cunning hate is, it can turn any energy into a perversion of power. 

Fueling those who are balanced, honestly sharing and encouraging others, is more powerful than trying to change someone's mind . Remember how hard it was to NOT eat that which did not serve your highest good? Withdrawing your attention is a powerful tool at your disposal. 

Together, by acting with a standard, not debasing your honor by engaging with those who are divisive and argumentative, even when they need correction because they are factually incorrect; by supporting your soap sisters on their path, by showing kindness above all, will create a Soap Sisterhood that is unbreakable. This is a bond with others you can count on long into the future.

Note: I am not striving to eliminate men from this post, however, the majority of soapers are women, that is statistically based, and we must start some where. The idea of a Soap Sisterhood appeals to me, and with honor in my heart I offer these ideals and ideas.