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Young is a State of
Mind by Arlene Sterbis
After 45 years of caring for others, could I
find the courage to transform myself into a small
business owner?
I was a Registered Nurse for more than 40 years,
working in a variety of positions from staff nurse in a
hospital to Assistant Director of Nursing in Nursing
Homes to Director of Nursing in a 40 bed
residence for the developmentally disabled. I have had a
wonderful, fulfilling nursing career.
Due to family obligations, I left my job and career and
for the next 5 years attended to these obligations.
When they were finished, I found myself tired,
dispirited and unable to take care of anyone, even
myself. I had gotten lost in the process.
At this time, in 2002, under intense pressure
from my husband who is a Warrior and my daughter who
had already become a Women Within member. I attended a Women Within
Weekend in Racine, Wisconsin. I had no
expectations and felt very resistant to the whole
process. I just wanted to be left alone. Gradually, my
resistance changed to comfort and security. I gained
confidence and trust in the women and the process of
the weekend. I was held and rocked and surrounded by
love. This weekend was an experience that changed my
life. I learned that I can take chances, venture outside
the box and I will not die.
There have been two distinct times in my life when I
have been a very well dressed woman and I have a
remember what that feels like. The first time was
after I left the Peace Corps where I served as a nurse
in Bangladesh, and purchased a wardrobe during the
return trip to the U.S. The second was when I was
pregnant with my fourth child while living in England
where my husband was stationed. I could not find
clothing to fit me and so had clothes custom made. It
felt wonderful to be well dressed and gave me a feeling
of confidence.
The memory the Women Within weekend experience coupled
with that of the memory of the joy and fun of wearing
clothes that made me feel good as well as look good
gave me the courage to venture back into the world even
though I also felt very hesitant and afraid. My
goal was to find something that was fun, where I could
continue to help people in an enjoyable way.
Eventually, I met
Weekenders and was introduced to a stylish, comfortable
mix and match line of clothing. Here was a way where I could help women
create and extend their wardrobe and, best of all, give
away clothing free to hostesses for booking a party. I
now had my own business as a
Weekenders Fashion Consultant.
I have never been in business before and did not know
what I was getting into with a business of my own. I
tend to be shy and introverted and so I knew I had to
create a plan of support to give me the encouragement
and safety net I needed. My E-circle is my biggest
support because I know these women are there for me in
whatever capacity I require without judgment and with
complete acceptance. I also joined a Leaders club
and a Chamber of Commerce. I knew that if I did not
have a situation where I had to actually talk about the
clothes, I never would. I would keep this wonderful
product to myself. I found the women in these
organizations to be very friendly, supportive and
encouraging. My Weekenders manager along with the
other coordinators in our group are also supportive of one
another. Without all of this, I could not move forward
in my business. I am growing and learning. This
business is enjoyable and provides an excitement and
energy that is very different from any other that I
have experienced. The process continues.
Arlene Sterbis
(2002, Racine, WI)
630-932-4327
asterbi@hotmail.com
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