Hey everyone! Welcome to my website, RobinTowle.com. I’m Robin, Mrs. International 2019, and I’m so excited to share my passion for empowering women and promoting a healthy lifestyle with you. Through my non-profit organization, Wolf Pact, and my commitment to suicide prevention, I’ve been fortunate to make a difference in the lives of many.
Today, let’s have a heartfelt conversation about how we can support each other mentally and physically, as well as how we can create stronger homes and families. Together, let’s explore ways to encourage women to thrive in every aspect of their lives. Ready? Let’s begin our journey towards a stronger and more supportive environment for all women.
Strengthening Home and Family
Provide an environment of open communication: I believe that fostering honest and open communication between family members is crucial for everyone to feel valued and heard. I want my family to feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, feelings, and concerns without fear of judgment. As parents, we never want our children to feel shamed, only guided with unconditional love. Regular family council meetings and check-ins have been a great way for us to promote communication. In our family councils, we pen our family motto, identify our values as a family, share our achievements weekly, archive memorable accomplishments and funny things our children say for posterity. We also assign chores, recognize areas we can improve, and together as a family set rules and consequences. We also do meal prep and talk about our schedules. Taking time to organize the way our family functions is the most important thing we can invest our time in.
Create routines and rituals: Having daily routines and special family rituals can create a sense of stability and belonging. We learned this when our children were small with bedtime routines. Our children went to bed much easier if they knew what to expect. Brushing teeth, family prayer, storytime, and family handshake, a night light, and a kiss. Now our bedtime ritual is brushing teeth, family scripture and prayer, and taking away their devices. They don’t like that as much as a story though! We also love sharing meals and celebrating milestones. The last two years while we have been remodeling our home, we have been living in a rental. We are extremely crowded, especially when our married children come home. One of the ways I have been able to thrive as a family is by making family dinners and celebrations special. Even if it’s buying the cute paper plates or eating on spray-painted wood pallets sitting on pillows, I have been able to show my family they are important by making an effort to make things special and beautiful! By creating positive memories and shared experiences, we’ve strengthened our family bonds. One of our very favorite traditions is going to the canyon in the mountains by our home on Sunday afternoons. We cook out, play games, and enjoy nature! This is a tradition my children can always count on in the summer.
Prioritize self-care: To all my girls out there! I’m going to share some advice my Dad’s Mom shared with my Mom. “You better take care of yourself because no one else is going to.” As women, we give so much. We give until we are empty. We give because we love and because that is our nature, to nurture. But as we go through the many phases of life, we cannot forget to take care of ourselves. We have got to fill our cup because we can’t pour from an empty vessel. Women, you deserve to laugh, to have fun, to rest, to pace yourself, to heal, to grow, to create, to learn, to connect, to take in the moment, to just be, to do things you like… Give yourself permission, You Are Worth It! I’ve learned that it’s essential to prioritize my own mental and physical well-being. By taking care of myself, I’m better equipped to take care of my family. Sometimes self-care can literally be parenting ourselves! Taking away our own phone at 9:30 PM, setting a bedtime, wake up, eat healthily, limit sugar and caffeine, take our vitamins, get exercise, get fresh air, and giving yourself a timeout. Timeout for journaling, yoga, meditation, laughing, and doing something you love. Maybe even going to the doctor or dentist for checkups. And most importantly, continue our education by continuously learning in all aspects of our life. Especially how to have healthy relationships so we can model them for our children.
Model healthy relationships: I believe it’s important to show my children the importance of healthy relationships by demonstrating them in my own life. I strive to treat my partner and others with respect and compassion, and I teach my children to do the same. Even when I’m frustrated with a situation, I try to show them the value of seeing other perspectives and why things might not be the way I think they should be. And most importantly, I try to always say I’m sorry when I have made a mistake. I believe that is the most powerful thing a mentor can exhibit.
By implementing these strategies, we can create a nurturing and supportive environment within our homes and families, fostering strong connections and encouraging each member to thrive. Open communication, establishing routines and rituals, prioritizing self-care, and modeling healthy relationships all contribute to a more resilient and connected household. As we strive to empower women and promote healthy lifestyles, these practices can help us build a strong foundation for ourselves and our families, ultimately leading to long-term happiness and success.
Women Supporting Women Mentally and Physically
Supporting one another is key to the overall well-being of women in our community. Here are some ways we can uplift each other mentally and physically:
Be an active listener: When a fellow woman shares her thoughts or concerns, I make an effort to genuinely listen and understand her perspective. I offer advice when asked but avoid trying to fix her problems. Sometimes, just having someone to talk to can make a world of difference. I want everyone to succeed. In the past, with all good intentions, I have wanted to share ways I feel a friend could improve to achieve the success they want. However, I have found this to be very counterproductive. In a world where women are often criticized, where their inner voice tells them all of their shortcomings and flaws, what they really need is someone who validates them and helps them feel self-confidence to overcome the negative thoughts that are really holding them back.
Share resources that will lead them to self-realization of how to overcome obstacles and self-doubt: Whether it’s recommending a great therapist, personal trainer, or sharing helpful articles and books, sharing resources can help others on their journey to mental and physical health.
Create a supportive network: I’ve found that establishing a group of like-minded women who can lean on each other for support and encouragement is invaluable. This can be done through social media, group chats, or in-person gatherings.
Participate in activities together: Engage in group workouts, book clubs, or other activities that promote mental and physical wellness. These shared experiences can help forge strong bonds and provide a sense of belonging. While I was Mrs. International, I traveled to eight countries. One of the most profound things I noticed was that people in less developed countries seemed happier. I truly believe it was because they had more interaction with each other. From tight living quarters, shared meals, to the interactions from selling in the streets, they were connected!
By actively listening to one another, sharing resources, creating a supportive network, and participating in activities together, we can foster a sense of camaraderie and empower each other to thrive in every aspect of our lives. As we work towards a more supportive environment for all women, these practices can uplift and encourage us, contributing to our overall mental and physical well-being. In a world that often seems challenging, these connections can provide the strength and resilience needed to face our struggles and celebrate our successes. Together, we can create a brighter, more supportive future for all women.
Encouraging Women to Thrive
Every woman deserves the chance to live her best life. Here’s how we can encourage each other to thrive:
Celebrate accomplishments: I love to acknowledge the achievements of the women around me. Offering genuine praise and recognition for their hard work and determination not only validates their efforts but also inspires them to continue pursuing their goals.
Provide mentorship: I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience with other women who may be looking for guidance. Offering support, encouragement, and advice helps them navigate the challenges they may face.
Encourage self-discovery: I believe in supporting women in discovering their own unique strengths, passions, and aspirations. Encouraging them to explore new hobbies, interests, and career paths, and reminding them that it’s never too late to pursue their dreams, is so important.
Promote self-confidence: I strive to help women recognize their own worth by highlighting their strengths and qualities. I offer constructive feedback, and emphasize that mistakes and setbacks are part of the learning process. Encouraging self-confidence can empower women to take risks and embrace new opportunities.
By celebrating accomplishments, providing mentorship, encouraging self-discovery, and promoting self-confidence, we can uplift and empower the women around us. These actions help to create a supportive and nurturing environment that fosters personal growth and development. When women are empowered to pursue their dreams and aspirations, they not only lead more fulfilling lives but also inspire and positively impact others around them.
As we work together to create a world in which every woman has the opportunity to thrive, we can make a lasting and meaningful difference. By championing each other’s successes, offering guidance and encouragement, and nurturing self-confidence, we contribute to a more inclusive and supportive society that celebrates the unique talents and potential of all women.
The Power of Sisterhood
The strength of women supporting one another is a force to be reckoned with. By uniting, we can create a powerful network of encouragement, inspiration, and resilience. This sisterhood can help us overcome obstacles, celebrate victories, and pave the way for future generations of strong, confident women.
In conclusion, by focusing on strengthening our homes and families, supporting one another mentally and physically, and encouraging each other to thrive, we can foster a healthier and more empowering environment for all women. It’s essential to remember that together, we are stronger. So, let’s continue uplifting one another and creating a brighter, more supportive world for ourselves and those who come after us. Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I look forward to seeing the incredible impact we can make as a united sisterhood.