Each Friday, the another jennifer blog shares stories of those who incorporate philanthropy into their everyday lives – personally and professionally – in a creative and unique way. If you have a story you’d like to share, please contact Jennifer. You can view past posts from the series here.
When I participated in Alexa’s Mother’s Day giveaway over at No Holding Back, I was secretly hoping to win the “Finding My Muchness” signature necklace. When I received the email that said I did, I was so happy to be able to pick three colors to wear around my neck. Colors to help me find my Muchess.
And, believe me, I’ve been looking for some extra Muchness as of late.
You might be wondering what Muchness is all about. Muchness is “that feeling of joy, optimism, positivity and happiness.” Tova Gold found that her Muchness went on an “extended leave” after she lost her identical twin girls when she was just six months pregnant. She started Finding My Muchness as part of her healing journey. (Read Tova’s story)
Finding My Muchness is a community website that sells inspirational accessories and informational products to help women re-find joy despite grief or trauma. Community members have often gone through life-changing struggles, including baby loss, illness or divorce.
Tova found her Muchness by doing simple things like wearing colorful clothes with lots of sparkles. Muchness can be as simple as dressing up for no reason and having an impromptu photo shoot in your garden.
Tova also created the Muchness Challenge “as a guide and inspiration to help people see their Muchness Moments.” According to Tova, it all happened very organically, but it was also about making the choice every day to CREATE a moment – even if it was as simple as wearing something cheerful and sparkly.
Oh, and she also has a book and speaks as well. When I asked Tova the impact her website community has had on herself and others, here is what she said:
“It is truly amazing what happens when you put yourself out there and simply hold a space for others to show up and say ‘I can do this- you watch and see.’ I’ve seen women emerge from shadows they’ve been walking in for YEARS simply by tuning into their Muchness. I’ve seen their confidence reemerge, I’ve seen them find their voice, reconnect to their potential. Women have gone from the dryness of grief to finding themselves and their light – some have started businesses around their reignited passions, others have gone on to lose a lot of weight, find new careers, propel their lives forward in ways they never imagined, yet somehow knew they could.
I’m not technically ‘an expert’ – I’m not a coach or a therapist – I just believe in the power that exists within all of us and I help women see that power and beauty within themselves. Through my book, my products, my speaking and writing I help them remember what that part of them looks like, what it feels like to reconnect with that inner beauty and uniqueness and then give them ‘permission’ to just OWN it.
We spend so much of our lives being afraid, asking permission, not wanting to stand out or being afraid of attracting negative judgements or opinions. But we are all our own harshest critics and when we allow ourselves to let go of that and love ourselves a bit, we can soar.”
Tova recognizes the many women who helped her through her grief, and still do. Her way of giving back and paying it forward is to inspire others to find their own strength.
