My schedule is swamped. Ask anyone who knows me. Yet, I try to make time for different speaking engagements. I'm booked out a few months, if not one year, ahead of time, but a few months ago my good friend, Camille, reached out to me and asked if I could speak for her women's group, "What Now?" a group her and her friend, Sarah, have organized to help women discover their hidden gifts and step into their purpose. And, because I believe in empowering women, I said "Absolutely!"
Fast forward a few months later.
The night of my speaking engagement (last week).
It was AWESOME!
I walked into a room full of women, no more than a baker's dozen, cozy in Camille's living room. The minute I walked in I could feel it--Greatness. It's not hard to describe. You've all felt it before. When you are in the presence of it, it's almost palatable, like you can reach out and cut a slice to take home later. And I wish I could have. Truly.
I felt enamored with the spirit of the room.
I stayed quietly in the back of the room, awaiting my turn to speak, when one of the sweetest women I've ever met sat quietly next to me. I assumed she was the "other" guest speaker they were having that night because she too kept an observing eye on the happenings in the room.
I listened as women talked about breakthroughs in their life. Some with new jobs. Others learning to trust again. A few laughing about life mishaps. One woman talked about the courage she'd found in attending the group. Some cried, though mostly tears of joy. I felt like I was a fly on the wall in a room filled with great women.
Mighty women.
Warriors, even.
When it was time for the other guest speaker to grace us with her story of courage, overcoming, brilliance, entrepreneurship, love, and hope, I don't think there was a dry eye in the room. We all loved her. Just the way she was.
And, you know what. Shouldn't that be the way we are with everyone?
Love them.
Just. The. Way. They. Are.
It's a hypnotic thought, if you think about it.
But, I didn't have to think about it that night. I just got to bask in the glow of the room filled with women who were GREAT.
This month is Women's History Month and I love what President Jimmy Carter said in his message to the nation: "Men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well."
Beautiful.
So, I believe last week, as I sat in the back of a women's group, observing (and speaking) to them, I realized one very important truth--Women are Powerful! With all of the things that separate us as women--degrees, children, no children, religion, faith, appearance, humor--we are ALL born with greatness and power.
I know, because I witnessed it last week, sitting in the back of a room.
A handful of women. Courage. Love. And, above all, Greatness.
Women of the world, I share with you my anthem for this month. Be awesome. Be great. Be bold. Be daring. Be courageous. And go forth with pride in the great women who have walked before us, paving the way for so many things we take for granted today.
Be Great!
{For more information on Camille and Sarah's mentoring programs you can read more on their website: You Unlimited }
