The Power Booklet

The

POWER in Girls Supporting initiatives for women and girls see more at chrisjensenburke.com

- Chris Jensen Burke

A handbook for knowing and harnessing the power that is you

The Power In Girls

First published 2014 Copyright Chris Jensen Burke The moral right of the author has been asserted.

Attributed quotes within this work are excluded from assertion.

All rights reserved. This publication either in whole or in part may not be reproduced, transmitted or stored by any person or entity in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or retained in a storage or retrieval system or otherwise without the prior written permission of the author.

Photo credits: Bkaptured Photography www.bkaptured.com Lakpa Sherpa www.himalayanascent.com Candace Coughlan Chris Jensen Burke www.chrisjensenburke.com Cover and Book design: Chris Jensen Burke and Curves n’ Colors, Nepal Publishing contact: PO Box 3020, Marrickville Metro NSW 2204, Australia www.chrisjensenburke.com ISBN: 978-0-9924934-0-0

Little girls with dreams become women with vision - Unknown

Acknowledgement The people in my life are very special to me - to all my family and friends who have supported me in this endeavor, and always.

A huge thank you.

A Message for You This book is for you. As much as there are specially considered passages and quotes on the pages, there are also pages for you to write your own words: words that inspire you, or give you courage, or make you feel strong and propel you in the direction of your goals and dreams.

If you decide you want to give this book to someone else, then before you do, you can choose to write some special messages within the text or on the extra pages for that special person – it’s up to you. Make this book just as you want it to be. Carry it with you as a reminder of how great you are or for when you need to check on your pilot light.

Alternatively, have it on hand to share with someone you think might enjoy it too.

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Introduction Why have I chosen to write The Power In Girls?

Well, as Girls, sometimes we do not see our potential as clearly as others do. Sometimes, we downplay our gifts for one reason or another. Sometimes, we know we have gifts but we do not know how to use them as wisely as we could, for the betterment of others and ourselves.

So, I wanted to produce a book that would remind Girls of their wonder and to hopefully help Girls tap into themselves to see and experience the power that every Girl has and can potentially bring to her own every day life and to the lives of others.

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I am a strong advocate for the power in Girls being within each of us. I believe the power is something that cannot be taken away or given away.

Otherwise, that could lead to the erroneous belief that someone else is responsible for the direction of and what we can make of our lives.

This book is about how the power for an amazing life is within you. Always. By growing to your potential, you and everyone can share the benefits. I also believe we are here for the greater good – for not only ourselves but for the betterment of all.

By writing a book about The Power in Girls, am I in some way neglecting the power in boys? I don’t think so – this book is not about comparisons. Being a Girl, I have a slight advantage to choose to write about Girls.

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So, here we have The Power in Girls, a book designed to help with an understanding of who Girls are, and what each can be - that the power is within each of us‌ no matter what.

I hope you find it to be a source of inspiration for all Girls, the young and the not so young, as a gentle reminder of the wonderful things that Girls, all Girls, are, can be and can achieve. It is for Girls of every age to give to Girls of every age. Or, for boys and men to give to the Girls in their lives.

Chris Jensen Burke 2014

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It’s amazing – one day

you are a

baby inside the womb of your mother and suddenly, it seems, you

are out

into the big, wide world and you are introduced to this

wonderful

thing called life.

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You realise pretty soon that

life doesn’t

come with a set of instructions. So, you

discover, learn and explore as you go – how exciting!

have this opportunity to

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When you are young, life is filled with

wonder. Everything is new.

Not everything can be explained but you can find meaning and know that your

spirit can guide you. Learning so many new things is or can be fun. inner

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On your life’s journey you might be

excited or scared when you venture off to nursery, school, or higher education.

You wonder ‘will I be ok? Will I be

understood? Can I be myself?

What will I do?’

You will have many questions. You will

seek many answers.

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help you, others will guide you, and some will teach

Some people will

you. There will be a lot of external input into how you build your knowledge and skills. The power to harness that external input is right there inside that

wonderful person that is you.

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No matter what - the power is

always

inside of you – the power is a gift given to you at birth. You will carry it with you always.

there

Your power cannot be taken away.

It cannot be given away.

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power to reach your potential is within you. It is part of you. But, you know what? Not everyone will see what you know to be your power.

Not everyone will see the same star The

that you see in the night sky. But, that does not mean the star is not there.

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And, sometimes people might want to define

you as you grow.

Maybe even ‘clip your wings’ so that

you don’t fly or don’t fly so high.

But, know that the person who decides how much

you can grow and how

high you can fly is you.

Be who you were created to be, and you will set the world on fire – St Catherine of Sienna

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As you move towards your goals

dreams, know that you have the power to achieve them:

and

work hard, work smart and focus on your desired outcomes. Always try to do your

best.

When we do the best we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another – Helen Keller

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life, you will not cease to be amazed – and

As you go through your

why would you want to be? No matter where you are or what you do, you can make every day an

adventure. To

learn, to discover or to just ‘be’ - they are adventures in themselves. Sometimes, when you allow yourself to just ‘be’ life will

gift you some incredible lessons.

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With your power comes

responsibility – this is a good thing, and even a great thing. It’s about using your power for

good and living up to your utmost potential.

Believe in yourself – and you can do unbelievable things - Unknown

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Using your power

responsibly

means to consider the impact of your power on yourself, and on the

wellbeing of others.

Be compassionate and empathetic of others along the way.

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There will be times when you are challenged to learn and understand the importance of values such as

acceptance, boldness, charity, compassion, confidence, dignity, empathy, fortitude, grace, heart, integrity, justice, kindness‌ 33

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Love, passion, patience, persistence, resilience, spirituality, success, teamwork,

uniqueness, warmheartedness, wisdom, wonder and zeal.

Whether the words are big or small, all are important in your life.

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Think about those values that are important to you, values that are true to

beautiful person that you are.

Grow to understand those values

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and how they can help you and others, for the

greater good.

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Sometimes, life can be a

adventure, or daunting, awe-inspiring, or overwhelming, easy on some days or hard on others. welcome

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Your life might feel like a ride on a

rollercoaster. But, you know what… that’s ok.

I like to go out there looking like a strong woman, because I am strong. But, I am also a woman who goes through all kinds of problems, and highs and lows.

– Katy Perry

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Sometimes on the

journey you will

experience bumps and get bruises. This is all part of what you are meant to do and

experience as you find your way in life.

People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously.

This is how character is built – Eleanor Roosevelt

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Without the

ups and downs, it would

actually be hard to fully appreciate the

downs and ups.

You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so that you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it – Maya Angelou

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There may be times in your life when

courage is hard to muster…

You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world’s problems at once but don’t underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own - Michelle Obama

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There may be times in your life when you make a

decision you wish you

did not make and you may not be so

kind to yourself as a result.

Know that you can always make

another decision, and another one. Any decision can be changed and improved upon. Use the essence of your power and everything will come together.

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We need to accept that we won’t always make the right decisions, that we’ll screw up royally sometimes – understanding that failure is not the opposite of success – it’s part of success – Arianna Huffington

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Sometimes,

fear and

confusion may overwhelm you.

As a powerful being, as simple or as complex as you may be, know that you have the power to

overcome all odds‌ no matter what. Your pilot light is always on.

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I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire – ‘Cause I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me ROAR – Katy Perry’s Roar lyrics

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Courage is something that is always inside of you. It is part of your power. How good is that?

You have to accept whatever comes and the only important thing is that you meet it with courage and with the best that you have to give – Eleanor Roosevelt

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You need not look far to find

power that can help to lift you and propel you forward.

The power is in you.

We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face‌ we must do what we think we cannot – Eleanor Roosevelt

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mind, body and spirit will become strong by making a special life for yourself, and adding sparkle Your

in the lives of those around you.

By helping others, you will learn how to help yourselves – Aung San Suu Kyi

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Sometimes you may fall, but there is

power inside each of us that allows us to get up and stand tall again.

This power inside each of us is very

special. Remember, it’s a power that nobody can take from you – really, it’s a part of you.

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Sometimes, the power might not be so obvious, and you might even think you have lost it. But, you

cannot

lose it. Your power is your power.

Sometimes your power is sometimes it is

loud and

quiet but it is always

there – remember, the pilot light is always

on. Always. Look for it.

Find it. It’s there.

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Your life lessons can be

shared

with others, so that they may

learn too. You might learn about courage in the face of fear, or the power of calmness in the face of aggression. So many lessons. Let others

benefit from your power.

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Though, not everyone has the

opportunities that you have, nor the knowledge, skills and resources that you have. Some may not know how to use their power for the greater good. You can use your power to

influence, and to aid

those who may need guidance, or

empowerment.

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Not all people will have the ability to use their own power as you do –

wisely as

lead the way. Do not

be afraid to lead.

If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader – Dolly Parton

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You do not need to have a label that calls

you a leader. Leadership is something you can find within you and can build along the way – you might have leadership skills that differ from those of others – find yours and

lead. The

world needs great leaders. Why not you?

If not for the world, why not for yourself and those around you?

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True leaders understand that leadership is not about them but about those they serve.

It is not about exalting themselves but about lifting others up – Sheri L Dew

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This power that

you have is an

amazing thing. Take it, harness it, nurture it, and it will take

care of you

and others.

Let yourself experience your power and you will

be amazed by

what you can do. So‌

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Imagine the unimaginable, believe the unbelievable, and do that which you and others might think is impossible. All are within the scope of your power. Your limits are only those that you impose on yourself. Forget

beyond. You can.

The power is in you.

limits! Go

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About the Author Chris Jensen Burke is an author, lawyer, mountaineer, public speaker who, when not residing in the high mountains of the Himalaya, is based in Sydney, Australia.

Chris is originally from Timaru in New Zealand and has lived in Sydney since 1993.

Chris loves to encourage everyone to achieve their potential, and experience the challenges that the outdoors present, to overcome their fears and to live their lives to the fullest – she is particularly interested in equal outcomes for women and girls in every facet of their lives.

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The Power In Girls Little girls with dreams become women with vision - Unknown Inspirational and fun passages and quotes to remind every Girl of the power that is within her, to warm her heart and nurture her soul – including empowering and thought provoking quotes from Michelle Obama, Aung San Suu Kyi, Katy Perry, Eleanor Roosevelt, Helen Keller, and more.

ISBN 978-0-9924934-0-0

9 780992 493400 >

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