What's Next? by Christina Archer

In May 1999, my husband died, leaving me with our two boys, ages 4 and 5. Four months later, I found myself on a Women Within Weekend. For me, it wasn’t the earth shattering experience that I’ve heard from other attendees. Until I staffed the September weekend in Delavan last month, the only thing I could remember was the silence. When I walked down the hill toward Vittum, I was awash with feelings and images that I hadn’t even realized existed within me. From there, and through the end of the weekend, I got my AHA! I came home with those same feelings that I had heard about from so many other women; the feeling of getting through some barrier, connecting in a new way, of being reborn.

When I went to my e-circle two days later, I was still vibrating. Vibrating, though not a word that is often used as a feeling, it’s the only way I can describe the energy I felt coursing through me. Again I discovered how much more there is inside me waiting to come out. That brings me to my intention: I want to experience Women Empowering Women (WEW) and I want to connect with other women looking to discover the vibrating energy within themselves. WEW is a three day workshop that helps women to continue healing, helps us to own our shadow sides, and learn how to listen from the heart. There is so much more going on inside, and I feel that WEW will shed light on both the good, hidden parts, as well as the dark, scary parts inside each of us. I want a better understanding of myself and WEW is one important step on my journey.

Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered, “What’s next?” I’ve always hated the mirror exercises because I never knew how to answer the girl looking back at me. I do now, or rather, I am learning. Women Empowering Women is offered by Women Within International and I see it as another step to not only allow me to contribute more as a member of staff on weekends, but also as a tool to own my golden side and to discover who that girl in the glass really is. What does she want? What does she need? WEW is all about healing as a woman and I’m ready to speak my truth. Are you? Have you considered attending a WEW workshop? Do you know how to speak your truth when in a conflict? What about listening from your heart? Don’t these skills sound amazing? Incredible? Worthwhile?

I am collecting a list of names and email addresses of women who are interested in attending WEW in the Chicago-Milwaukee area in the year 2007-08. Before you decide, pause and look in the mirror. Is she waiting for this? Is she searching for something and unsure what that something is? Maybe this is it. Maybe, after this training, you will look at her and both be vibrating.

Christina Archer,
Sept. 1999, Delavan, WI
Can be contacted at 630-272-6902
or Blooskyycrys@yahoo.com