In my journey, I have met many women. I seem to be drawn to those I share traits like resilience, determination, leadership, poise, class and intellect with. Many lessons have taught me these are some of the traits strong woman possess. In the fall of last year, I had a vision of doing a workshop on empowering women in some way. My sister and I had discussions in the past also about creating an opportunity around the topic. But in the fall of the year, something was tugging in my gut to develop it more. I ignored it because I was busy doing other things and quite honestly, FEAR. By December of 2013, the vision actually awoke me from my rest and this time, it had vivid colors and structure. I immediately arose and began to write down everything coming through me and thus a mass marketing campaign began to promote, “Nurturing the soft side of Strong Woman 4 part series”.
Last night marked the launching of the first of these workshops. The workshop was designed to support, empower and teach fellow strong women the importance of self-care. It’s an intimate gathering and space is limited to no more than 10 woman in a session. I facilitate the activities but the group leads the journey with the rich pieces they share. I learn from them as they learn from me. I designed activities to challenge women to explore more of their core to in turn help them to learn and embrace themselves and the strength they each possess. Self Compassion, Learning the Origin of our Fears, Being Safe in our Truth and Accepting Compliments were our main areas last night. The essence of this experience will allow women to appreciate the heart of who they are and to make no apologies for the light that shines brightly within them. And for some, it will mark the FIRST time they see others who share their traits and are not intimidated or offended by their strength.
Strong woman make life look easy, but make no mistake about it, we cry, we hurt, we worry, we make mistakes and we long for acceptance and support just like anyone else. In other words, we put our pearls on one at a time just like any other woman. The challenge is that most don’t see those traits in us. They get the polished version and they assume we ALWAYS have it together and know what to do. Truth is………most times we do, but it doesn’t mean we doubt or feel confused at times, we are just determined to figure it out. And that is what makes us STRONG.
I salute STRONG woman and I am overjoyed to be in touch enough with my spiritual self to listen to my calling and purpose and obey the visions given me to share with others. Its nothing short of a blessing to see the work He places in you come forth and be confirmed in those you touch. And lastly, I am so thankful for my CORE group of friends and mentors in Atlanta, Warner Robins and Columbus. These women challenge me to believe in me and for that I am grateful. They are fellow Strong Women and we embrace and support one another. They are each a very valuable part of why I am who I am today.
If you need to do something for you for a change, I encourage you to sign up for the next series which starts on 1/28/14 at our Decatur location. 2532 N. Decatur Rd, Decatur Ga at Scott Blvd Baptist Church. Please call me at 678-856- SAIL (7245) or email me at shughes@cccgeorgia.org We appreciate your continued support. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @justgetdown2it or Facebook at Let’s Just Get Right Down To It
Picture credit: 4 da hard way….friends for over 15 years. ?