WIND - Women In New Directions, is turning 7 years old (young). I don't recall if our first meeting was in August, or September - but it was in 2012, shortly after the Dial Help Gala where I was the keynote speaker.
From the very beginning I began to meet new women.
Women that I would not otherwise have had the opportunity to spend time with.
Our paths crossed in moments where we needed each other's courage to move in a new direction.
I thought I was doing this to give back, adding to our community.
Instead I was giving this to me.
Giving to me, women who have accompanied me as I grew, and stretched in to new places.
Seven years ago I was feeling fairly well inside. I knew who I was - or more - who I wasn't.
I had left many old relationships and circles I had been part of, and was making my way onto new pathways.
The greatest part of WIND is the women who gather each week. Women whose life journey hasn't been one of their dreams, or that their lives have worked out perfectly.
I gather with many resilient and strong women whose dreams were crushed and still they reach for love and joy. Women who are adaptable to change.
They are willing to grow and change directions, gathering up new dreams and goals.
We gather in Art and Creativity. Expressing ourselves, learning new techniques, and playing with color and design. Spending time exploring the world of Art and ourselves.
This summer we took our art outside, due to the wonderful weather we have been having; and leaving our mark in Nature.
And, nature left its mark on us, restoring our inner balance and bringing us peace.
We have been slowly adding activities and learning more about our area trails and natural resources.
We get outside in all weather, becoming 4 season girls!
I am amazed at what we all have added; and how much each activity has added to our lives. We also see the seasons now as to what fun activity will get to enjoy!
I for one, am no longer 'surviving' the cold months or even the hot and buggy ones, I am enjoying what each one has to offer.
We often meet on Sunday Mornings for an extra fun event. I call it My Church.
The overflow from WIND is how much of these activities I have brought into my life for the rest of the week. Which have added to what I do with my family now. Introducing many of these activities to the next generations.
I am so grateful to have such a full spectrum of things I love to do!
And, we also have gone camping!
Which offers us a whole weekend of doing things we love to do.
And, we have connected with women in Ontonagon, who have shared their area with us.
Our latest adventure had us exploring a shipwreck near the shore in Lake Superior. A wooden coal boat that sunk back in the early 1900's.
What I know for sure, is that my life is richer with all the friends I have met through WIND and I am a person of more depth because of the women I have met and their lives they have shared with me.
Who I am as a person is so much different, having been part of WIND for 7 years.
Here's to more adventures, more fun and new friends!
Thanks to all the women who have participated; there would be no WIND without each of you!
Each comes just as they are, and fit in perfectly.
WIND certainly has lived up to its name, we truly have become women in new directions!
