There is so much to tell you!
So, today’s SPARK! is a potpourri of happenings to catch you up on our thriving and growing community – so you can make plans to be as involved as you wish.
In addition, I’ll share some exciting news, too.
(You’re going to find out the Woman on Fire who WON the stylish KiraGrace yoga jacket for participating in our recent survey!)
First …
Happy Mother’s Day to you! And, if you don’t have children of your own, I bet that you are supporting and nurturing many others. So this day is for you, too.
Happy Mother’s Day to my own inspiring mother — Mary Lue Phillips, who is Women on Fire member #00001! With her grandson and our nephew Tyler, 11.
Thank you to everyone for your interest in our recent trip to Paris. It was incredible!
The 10 Women on Fire who joined me in France – Angela Ittu, Becky Adams, Doni Belau, Jamie Eslinger, Jill Dulitsky, Kim Davis, Lisa Umberger Arundale, Michelle Whittaker, Susan Kruger Woodcock and Tandi Musuraca — are still bubbling with enthusiasm after our inspiring adventure and transformative experience.
I feel so uplifted from shaking up my day-to-day activities by doing something so out of the rut. My challenge is to keep the new energy, ideas and super positive feelings going!
And, so far, so good.
Because immediately after Paris, I traveled to Columbus, Ohio where I attended our coaching group called Life, Ignited led by the amazing Jan Allen. I got to meet with the fabulous participants of this life-changing group.
Life has certainly ignited for these Women on Fire in their monthly coaching group in Columbus, Ohio! From left: Nicole Lovett, Mary Jo Hudson, Jan Allen, Keena Smith, Jane Juergens and Laura Tiberi.
Then, on to two teas in Columbus at our new tea party location The Cambridge Tea House.
This Women on Fire Tea in Columbus featured several Ohio State University students, staff and faculty and it was such a joy to hear their dreams and stories.
The following day, another tea hosted by Jan Allen and Tricia Simpson, seated on the far right end of front row, was held in Columbus. We celebrated Tricia’s birthday!
After each tea party she attends in New York City, Woman on Fire Janette Barber frequently announces: “the tea party always works.”
What Janette means by that is that women leave a Women on Fire event feeling inspired, supported, heard, understood and connected.
In this day and age you hear so much discussion about the importance of communication. Well, I believe you can communicate and still not feel connected.
Think about many of your interactions with others. Do you feel valued? Heard? Cared about? Cheered on? Accepted for who you are?
When the answer to those questions above is a resounding YES, you most likely are feeling emotionally connected.
From what women always tell me, the emotional support that occurs between and among women in our community – whether on a trip to Paris or at a coaching group or a tea or retreat – is what makes the difference to feel truly connected and empowered to go for your dreams.
I am so proud for all of you for the way you treat each other with love and respect and caring and compassion. Being emotionally connected helps enormously to live the life you dream of.
So, before I leave Columbus, I want to tell you about another exciting happening there this fall.
Woman on Fire and Ohio State University student life assistant vice president Tracy Stuck and her team of phenomenal young women – Ashley Sinram, Jodi Poth, Yvonne Delaney, Amy Laine, Shannon Melampy – will host a Women on Fire Day on Friday, September 21. OSU’s vice president for student life Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston is also instrumental in creating this amazing event!
So, if you are an Ohio State graduate or affiliated with OSU in any way, you can be invited to this inspiring day that will pair 50 experienced women with 50 college students eager to learn from you and share their lives, hopes and dreams.
Also, mark your calendar now to attend our annual Women on Fire Retreat! This year it will be held on Friday and Saturday, October 26-27, 2012 in Chicago. Look for details in a future SPARK!
And, finally …
You didn’t think I’d forget, did you? I am so excited to tell you the Woman on Fire whose name was drawn out of our famous straw basket to win the KiraGrace yoga jacket!
Here we go …
Congratulations … Julie Quackenbush of Dublin, Ohio! Julie, you will be receiving your new jacket soon, courtesy of Woman on Fire yoga clothing designer Kira Karmazin. I wear the same jacket and I can tell you it is the best!
Thank you to everyone who completed the survey and we will share results from it soon.
Be sure to check out Kira’s wonderful website and her inspiring Grace Yoga project to provide financial sponsorship to teachers and yoga studios for providing yoga and mindfulness training to children.
And, last but not least …
Thank you for all of your positive feedback on my recent interview with ABC-TV reality show Shark Tank star and real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran.
If you aren’t yet a member and receiving these monthly inspirational interviews with fascinating women, I hope you will give yourself the support to be a part of this monthly program.
My dream is that you have your dream. And, my wish is that on your path you find emotionally satisfying friendships to pave the way!
