In the Company of Women
|
Greetings!
 In the company of women. While I headed the local Chamber of Commerce, I organized a group of
business women which met once a month for a brown bag lunch. We
networked. We sought advice. We offered counsel. We did our share of
"whining" (venting our frustrations) and shining (celebrating our
triumphs whether it was publishing a book, or closing a large sale or
winning an award). Over the course of 4 years, though, the women in the group forged close bonds that transcended business.
Last year when I left the Chamber, I didn't want to give up that feeling I get when I am in the company of women. It's why I decided to host seasonal evening parties. At my soirées, while sharing food and wine, women came together. All over my home pockets of women laughed, talked and shared themselves. Earlier connections were strengthened, new friendships were born, business alliances were forged. I fostered community. Women flowered. I was filled with bliss.
Our last soirée until we resume in the the fall was held on the Summer Solstice. It was a perfect solstice evening, allowing us to savor this longest day of the year. We ended up in my backyard in a circle of lawn chairs. In conversation, one of our "soirettes" asked us to help her brainstorm a way to let our town know about a community project she was launching. Over the summer, Jan planned to hide 200 giraffes in the town's open spaces. Like stars shooting across the sky, choruses of "I'll help!" and "Give some to me!" and "I'll take Spy Pond!" rang out.
It happened in the company of women. What would have been a daunting task to tackle on her own became an opportunity for us to share Georgina's adventure. As a way to say thanks, Jan invited us giraffe ladies to a make a bangle bash at her walk-in art studio. As our hands engaged in creation of découpaged boxes and bangles, our minds and hearts and souls engaged in community.
In the company of women. How I fee about it is captured in one of my most favorite movies ever: Enchanted April, about four women who each comes into her own essence, made whole in a villa by the sea in Italy.
In the company of women. As part of a professional women's networking group, Quest Maker Maria Catalano was pointed towards valuable connections while building strong relationships with other like-minded entrepreneurs.
In the company of women. Magical things and dreams happen.
PS. Maria's favorite flower
is a pink rose. (Photo: © audreyjm529)
|
Meet Quest Maker Maria Catalano
|
While Maria was still flying the skies as a US Airways
flight attendant, she connected with a passenger who happened to be
friends with Valerie Young of Changing Course. The friend sent Maria's course changing story to Valerie who then shared it with me. Not only did Maria change course, she did it when she was in early 50's.
When circumstances prompted Maria to look for a way to supplement what
she earned as a flight attendant, a friend's casual request to help out
at a dinner party led to a second stream of income. By the time the
airline closed its Boston base and Maria stopped flying, her "temporary income fix" was no longer so temporary. The business she had pieced together had grown. And along the way
she had become a fullly fledged entrepreneur doing work she absolutely
loves.
|
July Journal Sparker
|
With its questions and exercises, a Journal Sparker aims to spark reflection or inspire you to take the next step on your journey to where you want to be.
Sons branch out, but one woman leads to another.
-Margaret Atwood
In this month's Journal Sparker, you'll find places and resources where one woman leads to others.
We've created a cover sheet if you'd like to begin a Journal Sparker binder.
Download the Journal Sparker Cover
|
| Do you know a Quest Maker, a woman who has realized her dream?
|
Do you know a woman in her 40s or beyond who declared "now it's my
time," and realized her dream? Perhaps she's a friend, a family member, an
acquaintance. Perhaps it's you! If she or you would like to considered for an upcoming Quest Maker column in the Chronicles, please send me an email with a brief description and the best way to reach her.
|
| Need an idea spark to ignite your own quest?
|
Have you decided that now it's your time to claim your own realm and undertake your own voyage of discovery? Except you're not exactly sure how (or even where) to start?You may need an Idea Sparker to help you figure it out. That's where I can help. Learn more about me at Your Next Quest. Take the next step with a free 15-minute consultation with me. We'll talk about where you are now and where you want to be and how I can help you get there. Start your journey now by sending me an email or by calling me at 781.583.7185.Together, we can start you on the journey to where you want to be!
|
