Five days and counting until the Women on Fire retreat! Next week at this time Women on Fire from 25 states will have come together in Naples, Florida for our annual gathering. With as strong of an online and virtual community as we have, why is important to meet in person?
*This week’s Pinspiration*
*Pin to Share the Love*
I’ll tell you! But first…
Beautiful bride Lara Licharowicz (Photo by Holly Getty)
It is my joy to highlight a beloved Woman on Fire member whose dream for a partner in life came true over the weekend. Lara Licharowicz, the enormously talented founder of The Lara Touch, married Joe Riggio on February 22 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City.
How gorgeous is this of the newlywed couple after the service? There was much fun all around with several Women on Fire sisters in attendance. Best wishes to you, Lara and Joe!
Women on Fire celebrating with the bride: Holly Getty, JoAnn Gwynn, Terri Cole
Speaking of dreams that come true, getting together in person with other Women on Fire is always one of mine! The retreat coming up this week is the fifth one we’ve held since I started Women on Fire a decade ago to bring women together to uplift each other.
And while most of the time we at Women on Fire stay connected virtually through Facebook, email and the blog, studies show there are benefits to meeting in person. (Take note if you work in a company that is virtual!)
In the busyness of life, it’s a challenge to get a 100 women together in one place! And it is a credit to each attendee for investing in herself to take this time for herself.
Studies show that you can build relationships virtually but it takes longer. Meeting in person inspires trust, positive emotions, and it builds relationships. There’s even proof that meeting in person is healthy! Connecting with other people in real-time, real-life releases oxytocin (the feel-good hormone). And who doesn’t need a little dose of that on occasion?
While you may not be able to join us in person this year, please know you will be with us in Naples. Please follow along on Facebook — on the Women on Fire group page — or if you are a monthly member on the private Women on Fire page. Also, on Twitter at #wofretreat2014
If you are headed to the retreat …
Safe travels — whether across the country or across town — and I can’t wait to give you a big hug!
Have a wonderful week, everybody ~
Love,
