. The Stoics were ancient philosophers who were pretty much the experts at being at peace. It is the whole point of their philosophy! Read up on the Stoic philosophy and the lives of the Stoic philosophers and see how you can apply their lessons to your own life. A Guide to the Good Life, by William B Irvine, is a great modern primer on Stoic philosophy. Holy texts, whether we're talking about the Bible or the Quran, can all teach us how to find peace by living more fulfilling lives. Even if you're not a religious person, there's plenty of wisdom to be found in the holy texts of cultures all over the world. You will find that almost all of them teach the same ideals! Spiritual advisers, such as priests and monks, can also help advise you on how to find inner peace. Even if you don't want a religious solution, they are experts in the soul and human mind and should be able to help you find productive, inspiring ways to improve your experience of life. Go sit out in a natural area nearby. Listen to the trees. Watch the animals. Do they seem worried about what their brother did last Christmas? Do the trees seem to notice when it starts to rain? No. Nature adapts and embraces every twist and turn in life and you should too. There are a number of books and works by people who have really mastered this peace thing. Seek out some books that deal with the issues that cause you tension or go with some of the classics. Some authors that are known for the significant contributions to philosophy on this issue include:  Joseph Campbell Alan Watts

Summary: Study the Stoics Read a holy text. Meet with a spiritual adviser. Take a cue from nature. Read books.


The design variations, also called “views,” also appear on the back of the envelope. These line drawings include more design details, such as darts, seam lines, and potential lengths. Each view is identified by a symbol, typically a letter. The symbol is used in charts and the pattern to identify information about that specific view. The back of the pattern envelope contains a list of fabrics suitable for this garment. Read through the list carefully. Select a fabric that is appropriate for the garment and that you are comfortable working with. In addition to fabric, your pattern may require notions and trims. The “Notions” section will list all of the additional pieces you will need to complete the garment. These may include items such as zippers, hook and eye closures, and elastic. Pattern sizing rarely aligns with ready to wear sizes. When cutting the pattern, you will follow lines for a specific size. Therefore, it is essential to accurately determine your size instead of assuming that you are a certain size. Use a measuring tape to measure various points on your body listed on the pattern envelope, such as your chest or bust, waist, and hips. Match your measurements to the measurements provided on the chart to determine your pattern size. The fabric requirements are listed directly below the body measurement and size charts. Locate the row containing the design variation you intend to create. Follow the row over until you reach the column containing your pattern size. The number in this cell is the amount of yardage you will need to complete the garment in your pattern size. Most patterns will list alternative lengths for different widths of fabrics (45 inches wide v. 60 inches wide). The last box in the chart contains information on the finished garment measurements. The finished garment will be slightly larger than your body measurements to allow for ease, or the fabric added to a garment so you may wear it comfortably. This information is often printed onto the pattern as well.

Summary: View the design drawings. Read the fabric suggestions. Read the notion and trim requirements. Study the body measurement and size chart. Asses the fabric requirements. Note the finished garment measurements.


Alpha females are like "social conductors." They have the ability to be the center of attention where people will listen to what they say and do. You don't have to be the loudest person in the room. No matter how much you say, make sure it is worth hearing. Your words have impact on the people who look up to you so take time to think before you speak. Ask other people about themselves and be interested in them rather than turning the spotlight on yourself. If you want to be interesting, be interested in others. Everyone likes to talk about themselves, and they will like you for listening to them. You want others to know when you're around and that the atmosphere of the room is different now that you've arrived. Practice walking into a room with your head held high, shoulders down, and a straight, firm walk. Act like you expect people to pay attention to you and they will. Being an alpha female means that you can't be a loner. You want to be well-liked by everyone you meet and cultivate relationships that may one day lead to a future job promotion or an exciting party invitation. Don't forget to introduce people to each other. Take advantage of when you're the one person everyone knows in a group and introduce people. You won't be best friends with the whole world, but you can make the effort to commit people's names to memory and learn something simple about them. When you remember them later, they'll like you because you made them feel important and memorable. However, remember to also have a close-knit group of friends and family on whom you can rely on to be your personal support system. Alpha female traits are steeped in feminist ideals such as the notion that women should be unified and stand together in society. Being alpha female does not mean that you put down other women and degrade them in order to elevate your own status. Instead, you should strive to create a strong group of women whether in your workplace or social life.  Use your power and influence to help better others rather than isolating yourself. Take the time to get to know the women around you and learn to see their value. This can lead to mentorship. Mentoring other women is a great way to use your power for good. You have the ability to influence other people and develop their skills in the workplace or socially.  You have the ability to cultivate the attitude of a group. It's better to develop a healthy bond with other women rather than surround yourself with those who would rather stir up contention and drama. As alpha female, you need to stay at the top of your game. That may mean keeping up with the latest fashion trends or going the extra mile at work to make a good impression on your boss. As alpha female you need to avoid being stagnant. Push yourself to grow and learn about your job field, hobbies, or other interests. You should be capable of doing things for yourself and not be the damsel in distress in situations. This shows others that you are competent and don't need anyone.  Just because you can fix a flat tire yourself or cook a meal for a party by yourself, doesn't mean that you can't recognize your your friends', family's, or coworkers' talents and abilities and get them involved. Asking others to come alongside of you and work together makes them feel needed and valued and they will look to you as the alpha.
Summary: Take control of the room. Be the most interesting person in the group. Make your presence known. Expand your circle of influence. Have many friends and acquaintances. Support other women. Maintain competition in your life. Be self-reliant but don't do everything on your own.