When Women Unite,
Magic
H appen s
Community and community networks like WiNE are the key to sharing our stories, learning from one another to grow in our acceptance of differences.
I AM BEAUTIFULLY FLAWED. I CAN SAY THAT WITH CONFIDENCE NOW, BUT IT WASN’T EASY COMING TO THIS REALISATION.
B
eing able to truly embrace oneself in a society where acceptance is based around status, race, religion, culture, wealth, and so many other perceived factors, it was never going to be easy. I have learnt to hear, acknowledge, thank and ignore the inner voice that tells me “I’m not enough”. I am perfectly imperfect, and more than enough, just the way I am. Mentors and true friends support and lift me up so I can internally help lift myself, and this is likewise my passion for empowering others, especially women. Because when women unite, it’s magic, and when a community of women come together, the power of unity is created. As a mum, I strive daily to be a role model for my children by living and teaching equality and equity. It is important to me that they have a good sense and acceptance of self and others around them. The big wide world awaits them, and I want them to be prepared with as many tools in their toolbelt as possible, and the greater understanding of love and support for one another. While this is part of the home, my professional world as a life and business coach, sees similar struggles, just on a grander scale. I
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work mainly with women who are challenged with low self-worth and belonging. I help them understand that they too are enough and to unify their understanding that regardless of how different they feel to others around them, that they also are worthy and have a special place in society. What I’ve learnt along my journey is that I’ve caused trouble and conflict internally and externally, I have had moments where I have shut down and sacrificed my authentic voice, but in the end, ‘me being me’ is the only thing I am perfect at. And who
is society to shape me to believe I should be any different? I’ve never been one to stick by the rules or stay in my lane. I am often outspoken and passionate and will defend myself and my loved ones with gusto. And that is ok. Like myself, I want my clients to know and accept their unique differences, and to honestly know they are like a magical power. Inner self-confidence comes from likeminded and supportive people; people who will listen and hear your story and lean in to hear more; to accept you for being you and not try to squeeze the round ‘you’ into a square box. While working as a Life and Business Coach allows me to help empower women, I began thinking of how many of my clients felt isolated before having someone help build them up. Not everyone has access to a great listening friend, non-judgemental colleague or professional such as myself and living in a rural country town this resonated with me. Even though I work in the role that I do, I know what isolation and not fitting into the mould is. I looked around at the collectives in my region – groups for mums,
