The Power of Stories.

I formed an advisory board and last Thursday we met for the first time. There are twelve members in our group. I admit, I was a little nervous, but I had no expectations of the outcome, and I came with an open mind and open heart (I had to open my heart because it feels like my soul is WWISH), and the result was incredibly productive. If I actually knew what I was doing when I chose the board, I could not have done better. What really amazes me with the entire process of forming WWISH, and now building on it, is that it seems so natural. The steps become clear as they present themselves. When I meet people and share my vision for WWISH, men and women get excited about the possibility of a place women can go and feel absolutely supported.

What I learned from the board meeting is that all WWISH women need to be able to add their stories on the website for all to see and comment on. At first, my vision for content was focused on the service providers adding the editorial, but the board suggested that I create a place for all women to write and share their stories. When I heard this it made perfect sense. Through women's stories they gain recognition and support from other WWISH members. What makes us all unique is our stories. Every one of us has a story of experience and overcoming adversity in our lives. That is our journey on this planet. Sharing your experiences on your journey can be extremely healing for someone else who isn't so far along in a similar journey. When I was going through, probably my most intense emotional growth spurt, I read. I read everything I could find about women who became empowered by their struggles. Just knowing that I was not alone and other women survived and thrived from similar adversities I experienced gave me hope and courage to persevere. I found tools and new ways of thinking through stories. In addition, my connection with a women's group I was involved with for four years also helped me grow emotionally and change patterns that no longer served me. Receiving acceptance and support from other women grows amazing opportunities.

Last weekend, I spent a girls weekend at my home in Chelan with two dear friends. In my busy life these days, I don't get to connect with other women on a deeper level very often. We had some really great talks on a heartfelt level. Again, I am reminded how important it is to reach out and create support in our lives to help us grow and feel okay. Sometimes it is not even growing so much as just feeling like you are not alone. Knowing that helps me know I can do this. 

For many of us, we grew up not feeling very empowered. Not only did society not support empowerment of women but our parents didn't give us the space to find our own power. I remember my mother saying to me time and time again "why do you have to be so stubborn and always do it your way, do what I say instead and it will save you lots of heartache." For me, learning never came from someone telling me what to do. I had to experience for myself and many times (probably more often than not) I did not take the easy road.  This is how I became who I am today. Thank God for those friends who didn't tell me what to do and sometimes just cried with me. These are the seeds of empowerment.

Intro to Laura and WWISH blog....

It is Sat. morning and I am sitting in my favorite place, in my favorite chair, in my comfy home in Chelan, looking at the marvelous view from my window, drinking my morning coffee. The sun is almost up over the mountains and it looks like it is going to be a glorious day. I am grateful beyond words! And I am writing my first blog ever! This is TRULY a glorious moment because I have been THINKING about it for way to long. 

Those who know me, know that my company, Women's Wellness and Integrated Social Health, WWISH is my passion. The idea transpired from my own life experience of crisis and adversity. My mission today is to help eliminate stigmas associated with reaching out for help when suffering from poverty, depression, abuse, homelessness, addiction etc... Reaching out and coming out with your problem is a sign of incredible courage and a desire for much needed change. WWISH brings resources together and puts a spotlight on those resources in order for easier accessibility for those who need it. And I am very inspired and excited about the growing community of women who are willing to help with finding solutions to the problems of under represented resources, in all shapes and forms, and shed light on the importance of support. What is equally important is the willingness of these women to offer their expertise and share their own life experience in order to help empower other women.

Last week, I met with two powerful advocates for women and families from Family Services, Patricia Gray and Kelly Pearson. These women are passionately committed to eradicating homelessness and helping families heal. Family Services is a non profit organization that has been around since the 1800's. They offer early education classes for homeless children, counseling for parents, housing options, as well as many other services that help move families out of adversity and into stability and consistency. In over 100 years, Family Services has never had a permanent home and this June they will open the doors to their brand new beautiful home! They have worked tirelessly to raise money for this cause and are on the last push to raise money for the last leg of this project.

I am thrilled to announce that WWISH is hosting a benefit to help Family Services raise money for this important cause on May 23rd! I will keep you all informed about our progress planning the event but get ready for a great party and be sure and save the date. For those of you who attended our last benefit you know that it will be a blast! And for such an important mission!

In closing, on my first blog ever, I want to say that none of what I have accomplished in my life would have been possible without the support and resources that were offered me in my darkest days. Through resources and connection grows empowerment. Today I am hopeful for all women and look forward to helping with change!