We Are Better Together
By Leslie Sturgeon, WIW Founder
In the spring of 2007 on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee in Meredith, NH, a dream took flight. The power of women coming together to learn something new, to stretch themselves and to support one another was harnessed and a community was launched. It was called Women Inspiring Women (WIW).
Some people think that women are catty or competitive. They are shallow and materialistic. They have no depth and only think about purses and shoes. While there are certainly people out there like that, the women who make up the WIW sisterhood are the opposite. They are collaborators, connectors, big dreamers, doers, professionals, sassy, driven, committed, passionate, supportive, loving and frankly . . . BAD ASS.
Other women just like us can almost read our minds. They intuitively know what we need and they swoop in and provide it. We know we can surrender to them without judgment because they will lift us up, brush us off and with a warm hug (or kick in the tush) send us back out to “take care of business.” They won’t let us fail or play small. They know we all rise together. They remind us to care for ourselves and to breathe – to play full out, too.
While our family and friends are wonderful, sometimes they don’t get us. Nor do they challenge us to be our best self. If we begin to change or evolve into the person we envision ourselves to be, we are met with resistance. Sometimes we are talked out of doing something we feel called to do. The wind is occasionally taken out of our sails by well-intended people. And as the saying goes, “we become like the 5 people we spend the most time with.” This is why we need a community of people who are headed where we are headed or can help us clear out the fog and create a vision and plan.
If you don’t already have your tribe, or if you haven’t yet experienced the contagious enthusiasm of WIW, we invite you to check us out. On June 20th at Fratello’s in Manchester, NH we are having a Member Mingle and Information Night where we will share info about what makes us unique but also will enable you to meet other extraordinary women in a casual environment.
Never did I imagine that what started out as a small gathering in the Lakes Region would bloom into the largest organization of its kind in New Hampshire in a very short period of time. Words cannot express my profound appreciation for all the love and support I have received. My life has been touched in more ways that I can even begin to express. When reflecting on the journey over the past twelve years, I am immediately overcome with strong emotions. Blessed, humbled, honored, grateful, touched, loved – all describe how I am feeling. On a personal level, my life has been turned upside down with unimaginable grief, yet significant growth and transformation. My WIW community got me through it and those friendships will last for a lifetime. This is what women do for one another. This is what Women Inspiring Women is all about.
Leslie Sturgeon is the founder of Women Inspiring Women, and has been described as a reformed shy girl, a serial entrepreneur, a tireless leader of women in New Hampshire, a crazy dog lover and as someone who tackles life’s challenges head on with a positive attitude. She has spent her life learning about herself, taking massive action outside of her comfort zone and lived to talk about it. Leslie has “been there” and continues to transform into the best version of herself right along side you. She lives life without regret while embracing today and overflowing with excitement about what is yet to come. Leslie also likes girl talk and chocolate and laughing so hard she snorts or pees (sometimes both simultaneously).
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