July 2023 Newsletter It’s Summer! Be brave and lead with love

What’s the best path to connection? 

As purpose-filled 55+ women, one of our charges is to create community.

Choose the strength of community as often as you may need it.

We all do better together. 

Let's embrace the light

I’ve been noticing how easy it is to go out for a walk after dinner. It stays light so much longer. The temps are finally warming up (sorry, Houston!) I say hi to kids and neighbors out on their porches. I love noticing familiar faces on walking trails, or at the dog park. The next time you’re out and walking by someone, I invite you to say hi and strike up a conversation about the weather, their dog, and the construction in the area. I was just listening to a podcast that stated that people’s perception of you is more favorable than you think. Go into the next social setting and remember that people like you more than you think. Go ahead, say hi, and see what happens. 

How can we be patient and present?

It’s harder to make (and keep) friends as adults. Some acquaintances die, move away, or drift out of our lives. Use consistencies in your life-repeat visits to the gym, coffee shop, farmer’s market, or walking trails to make connections. We must be open and willing to accept change and new growth. Commit. Be present. And patient. Just as when we were little, friendships don’t happen overnight. Having a common goal helps solidify relationships. 

How do we prepare for the future?

I just started going consistently to a local reading group. How lovely. Great recommendations for future reads are shared, along with camaraderie, and good food. I’m starting to see some of these women around town. Moving across the country and creating new friend groups has been a challenge. Covid didn’t help. Making an effort to show up says so much about people’s commitment. Make connections now, so that when it’s the shorter days and long nights of winter, there’s a network of friends to fall back on. 

You are powerful

Our love for our community, and each other keeps us at the table. Someone recently said that this is a moment of women’s empowerment. I totally agree. Especially as we age and our schedules, and demands on us, change, how can we explore new opportunities with courage? How do you manifest strength and compassion? Awaken to your unexpected powers. 

Community is everywhere…

Do you find it easier to connect in the warmer weather? It can all start with a summertime walk after dinner. 

Find a way back to openheartedness.

Be brave and lead with love. 

Be the light. 

The time we are in is a waking up moment. 

Community…how do you connect differently in the summer? 

I’ve been noticing how easy it is to go out for a walk after dinner. It stay light so much longer. The temps are finally warming up (sorry, Houston!) I say hi to kids and neighbors out on their porch. I love noticing familiar faces on walking trails or at the dog park. Say hi, strike up a conversation about the weather, their dog, the construction in the area. I was just listening to a podcast that stated that people’s perception of you is more favorable that you think. Go into the next social setting and remember that people like you more than you might think. Go ahead, say hi and see what happens. 

Let's magnify our patience and presence

It’s harder to make (and keep) friends as adults. Some of our acquaintances die, move away, or just drift out of our lives. Use consistencies in your life-repeat visits to the gym, coffee shop, farmer’s market, or walking trails to make connections. We must be open and willing to accept change and new growth. Commit. Be present. And patient. Just as when we were little, friendships don’t happen overnight. Having a common goal helps solidify relationships. 

Prepare for the future

I just started going consistently to a local reading group. How lovely. Great recommendations for future reads are shared, along with camaraderie, and good food. I’m starting to see some of these women around town. Moving across the country and creating new friend groups has been a challenge. Covid didn’t help. Making the effort to show up says so much about people’s commitment. Make connections now, so that when the shorter days and long nights of winter, there’s a network of friends to fall back on. 

Baby steps

Trust the depth and resilience of your circles. People are glad you are there. Bring your light. We’re all busy. Maybe this means watching less TV. I’m here in Bozeman for June and July. I’ve put the remote away and brought out my chess board (and “Chess for Dummies”). It’s never too late, right? I wrote a few months ago about becoming a better skier and realized it was only a matter of practice. Same with chess, or whatever you have as a hobby. Want to water color, or play pickleball? Today is the best day to start. In ten years, you’ll have ten years of experience. 

We are powerful

Someone recently said that this is a moment of women’s empowerment. I totally agree. Especially as we age and our schedules, and demands on us, change, how can we explore new opportunities with courage? How do you manifest strength and compassion? Awaken to your unexpected powers. 

It can all start with a summertime walk after dinner.