Women and girls are uniquely and disproportionately affected by armed conflict.  In modern warfare, an estimated 90% of the casualties are civilians, and 75% of these are women and children. No Woman, No Peace

Wow, right? When I read this in an article today, I had to sit down and take a deep breath. It boogles my spirit and jumbles my heart.

Even though this UN resolution and the USA’s action plan to support the solution to this are great news, it is also mind numbing to imagine that the effect of war is so deadly to citizens in general, and to women and children in particular.

As we enter this new year with promise and resolve, let’s remember our sisters in arms. A friend of mind said it best today – Arms are for hugging.

For those of us in lands that are more peaceful, let’s give thanks for all the blessings we have. Let’s celebrate nations taking positive action. Let’s share with our neighbors the effects of war so we can no longer turn a blind eye to it. Let us remember that we are in this together.

If you are in a country torn by war, know that we are with you.

If this problem moves you to take action, take it now. Donate your time, your money, and your help in whatever way you can. Women have the power to eliminate poverty and war. If not now, when?

2012 is going to be a productive year here at SmartWomanGuides.com – we are going to host several Global Women’s Summits, produce several women entrepreneur products, and have much quality time together at training events. I am excited for all there is to come and I am inspired by every woman I meet.

We are going to expand our ability past our doorsteps and into the global commerce arena. We will be reaching out to our global sisters to better ourselves and our world.

As we do our work this year, we will come face to face with problems like the one in this article about women and war. It’s our responsibility to be both witness and relief. Start today by being thankful and aware.

Remember: No woman, no peace.

In love and gratitude,

Vicki @Smartwoman Flaugher

[graphic by DFID - UK Department for International Development]

As I prepare my Spirit to visit with Amma, my guru, this weekend in Dallas, I realize that I don’t respect silence as much as I could.

With the beautiful cacophony of chaos available in this modern world, I have not yet found a consistent time that I dedicate to stillness and silence. In the past, with some bit of inconsistency, I have known the joys and benefits of it. I logically get the value. But, still I don’t do it.

Today finds me making space for silence. I invite you to do the same.