After being part of Women’s Wellness Circles for over 13 years, it is indisputable that one of the strong bonds that bring us all together is a will to “say YES to life”.

From my initial curiosity to come out to a Circle experience all those years ago, there was born a magnetic pull to keep coming out.

Yes, I had all kinds of excuses when the week would come around due to my busy schedule, unexpected issues arising, feeling tired and just wanting to stay home— but I didn’t.

I said “yes” anyway, and I always came to the end of the night feeling so happy that I participated. There was an uplifting energy in the room, kind and friendly faces, a warm hug, and typically a fantastic presenter who shared their journey of life and the gifts that resulted from their challenges.

By going to a Women’s Wellness Circle, we gain a different perspective, a new skill for our tool belt, or simply a chance to fill up our cup with positive energy. This, in turn, enriches our life and ripples outwards to all those that we touch. Over time, these beautiful moments create the special memories that make up the story of our life.

We seem to be in a huge energetic shift on this planet, one that makes it difficult to manage the constant “To Do List” in our head. It is affecting us to the core of our being, stirring up all the old patterns that have kept us living smaller than that of which we are capable.

Let’s face it— living on the edge is scary! It takes determination, focus, physical and emotional energy, and the biggest challenge— putting ourselves first!!

What does that look like?

It takes courage to go against the expectations of society and to tune into what is important to us.

It often takes a burnout of some kind to give us permission to stop and re-evaluate, asking ourselves some of those tough questions: Why am I here? What do I value?  What unique gifts am I here to share?

No one else can do this work for us. No one knows our inner soul being like we do. No one is us, but us ourselves!

The women, and sometimes men, that come to share their gifts at a Women’s Wellness Circle, have typically gone through a life challenge that put them back on track to live a more authentic and rewarding life.

They share their story with us, and in doing so, inspire each of us to stop and listen differently to our own inner stirring.

Last night at my Newmarket/East Gwillimbury Circle, it was a young 29-year-old woman who had a near death experience when she was 25.

At a very specific moment, she decided to say “YES to LIFE”.  Her story is powerful, emotional, and represents the real life struggles that each of us deal with in our own way. I encourage you to check out her link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPshXEI3On0

The women that come to Circle are also drawn, because they choose to say “Yes to Life”. They make space in their schedules to put themselves first, to fill their cup so they can be there for others. They rise above all the reasons that life is too busy and there are too many other things to do.

Some come out monthly, some only a few times a year, some once a year. We come when we need the medicine that Circle offers based on our own life commitments. I am forever grateful for the inspiration that called Women’s Wellness Circle into existence through Jill Hewlett.

I am forever grateful for saying YES to hosting and forever grateful for all the presenters and attendees who continue to say YES.

I would like to close with one of my favourite poems; may it ring true for each of you. Here’s to saying YES to life!

The Paradoxical Commandments

People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.
Love them anyway.

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.

If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.

The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.
Think big anyway.

People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs.
Fight for a few underdogs anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.

People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.
Help people anyway.

Give the world the best you have and you’ll get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you have anyway.

© Copyright Kent M. Keith 1968, renewed 2001

 

By Karen Armstrong

https://in-side-out.com/

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