So, who thinks everyday women can change the world? Here’s hoping you’ve got your hand raised, but I’m on a mission to bring it a little higher than before. My mindset has improved in recent years as I’ve made efforts to spend my free time surrounded by makers and doers. Now I want to share these stories in the hopes I can do the same for you.

This week, here’s who’s inspiring me: Lisa Stiefel of English with Lisa. I met Stiefel this fall when I joined her mastermind group. If you’re not familiar with these, check out Forbes’ “7 Reasons to Join A Mastermind Group.” I concur with the author: My mastermind has expanded my network, exposed me to new learning, and given me bigger ideas. Each week, Lisa and I check in via video chat, where I get to hear the latest on her life and work in Germany.

This past Wednesday Stiefel shaved her head. She did it to help others, but she has a message for you, too: Anyone can make a difference. She believes even small efforts matter and that people can help out in any way that feels right to them. I must say I agree! For her, what felt right was to take part in the Irish Cancer Society’s Shave or Dye campaign. (Stiefel lived in Ireland several years ago.)

By shaving or dying their hair, participants show support for people who are going through, or have gone through, cancer treatment. Lisa chose to shave hers and donate it to Locks of Love, which provides hairpieces to children suffering long-term medical hair loss. Here’s your chance to find out why she did it, in Stiefel’s own words. If you’re feeling so moved, join me in sponsoring Stiefel’s Shave or Dye campaign.

What Inspired you to participate in Shave or Dye?

What challenges have you faced as a woman who chose to shave her head?

For starters, it certainly makes a person reflect on the notion of beauty and what their relationship to their own vanity is. Getting over my own vanity was the only thing standing between me and doing something that could really benefit people who are suffering from a terrible disease. And is conventional beauty the same as true beauty? If we believe that beauty comes from the inside out and from being a kind-hearted person, then what does it matter if my hairstyle is conventional or not? 

By participating in this event, I get to put this value system to the test and gather first-hand experience. Most people who know the background are supportive, but it is still a challenge for many people in our society to see a woman with a shaved head. For some, even with the background info and knowing that it is for a good cause, the stigma is too much to be able to accept. I’ve seen these people cringe at me, laugh nervously and completely inappropriately, or even make rude comments. 

The thing is, I don’t think I look bad with a shaved head. In fact, I think it suits me quite well. And the feeling I get when someone I barely know writes me or tells me, ‘My friend or family member has suffered terribly from cancer. Thank you for doing this.’ far outweighs any rude comment that someone might make. 

The whole experience reveals quite a lot about people, and about oneself.

What do you have to say to others who may want make a difference but may hesitate to do so?

Any Final Thoughts?