Whether I am sharing my Rise To The Challenge or It’s Possible messages in the Washington, D.C. area, Lagos, London, Nairobi or Bangkok, women have similar desires and longings. We want more for ourselves and our communities. We want to discover more of who we are. We want to expand our reach and help our world.
There’s a steady, strong current of women who are choosing to stand for and with one another. Our stories may not make world headlines, however, we can create those headlines for ourselves. We can set our own goals, agendas, parameters, and targets for completion. To do so, in community with each other, it helps to communicate at a deeper level as often as we can. An African proverb says: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” It’s a choice. And, sometimes there’s a different answer for any given circumstance.
Recently, I was a power track session speaker at a popular Washington area conference with 500 or so professional women. It was amazing. However, I was struck by the limited time we had to really talk with one another. We all enjoy the energetic, inspiring speakers. Then, we pack our bags and head back to our lives. Most times there’s no real follow-up plan in place that helps us facilitate implementation and change.
The intimacy of smaller gatherings allows us to share both the introspective moments and the stories. We can make plans and promises for which we are held accountable. We follow up. We laugh, reflect and get feedback and support for the fulfillment of our deepest desires and big, bold dreams.
However you spend this last month in 2018, make it a point to set timeout with yourself. Think back on who you’ve been this year and what you’ve accomplished. Celebrate. And, then, think forward about your desires and aspirations for next year. We have wonderful opportunities for you to reconnect with yourself and like-spirited women.
Let’s go together.
