HGTV star Joan Steffend spoke at the annual Women's Showcase, held Saturday at the Fargodome, and delivered a message of finding one's own path.
About 100 women listened to Steffend's message about how they can listen to their own needs and desires - a process she calls "defying gravity."
"I think as women, we find ways to not listen to our hearts - to listen to other people," Steffend said.
Steffend used examples from her own careers, working as a television news anchor and as the host of HGTV's "Decorating Cents" to explain how she learned to trust her instincts to achieve her goals. She said it is important for women to look past the expectations others may have for them.
"We are all born into the world with ruts from the people who've gone before us," she said.
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Steffend also gave a reading from her first book, "...And She Sparkled," which is a short story about a woman who learns to reach her potential. She says the book is her autobiography.
"It's the journey that took me back to living mostly in my heart," she said.
Steffend believes that advertisements, expectations from loved ones and societal norms are among the things that keep women from reaching their potential. However, she said she believes everyone has the ability to overcome these obstacles.
"I don't think anybody is without the opportunity to start small," she said.
The Women's Showcase is held every year at the Fargodome and features a variety of exhibits and seminars for women in the community. Also featured on Saturday was Ali Vincent, a former winner of the weight-loss TV show "The Biggest Loser."
Readers can reach Forum reporter Mary Beenken at (701) 235-7311
