Lately, I’ve been speaking to a lot of different women’s organizations. Over and over again, I have the opportunity to see so many powerful women stepping up for their communities, for their families, and for their own lives. I am honored and humbled. I see so many fabulous women of all colors, shapes, and circumstances in life. I see so many brave, powerful women.

The world needs powerful women. The world needs the nurturing, compassionate, steady and strong attributes of the wise woman, the great mother. We see it in the recent election in Chile where a woman was elected because of her feminine qualities. The populace believed it needed a person who could heal their war torn, economically devastated country. They felt they needed a strong mother figure who could stand up for those who needed to be cared for and stop the aggression and domination of the past political stances.

Women have always been the peacemakers, the nurturers. We have been the ones able to take the resources of our families and make them stretch to meet all of our needs. We have always been the ones in our families and communities to nurture love and acceptance and growth while requiring that those in our charge tow the line. The essence of being feminine and all that that means, is needed now more than ever.

Women are strong. In “The Invitation” by Oriah Mountain Dreamer she says “we get up after a night of grief and loneliness and do what needs to be done for the children”. The world needs the loving, fierce strength and compassion of the feminine heart. Stepping up into this role demands that we be the powerful women that we naturally are. And women naturally are powerful. We can show the way to a world of peace and love. We’ve got the power to change the world.

You are powerful – whether you recognize it or not. It is your destiny, your innate potential, your God given right to be the majestic fabulous person that you are. Just like an acorn is programmed to grow into a majestic oak tree, so are you. Think about that. Feel that. How powerful does that feel?

I love the quote by Marianne Williamson:

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us.

Think about this. It’s true. Some of us have been taught not to be too powerful. Some say it’s not attractive – it’s not very feminine. Some won’t like you or will say “Just who does she think she is”. And this is an extremely important question, “Just who do you think you are?”

Marianne Williamson’s quote goes on to say:

We ask ourselves,
Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
Your playing small does not serve the world.

Your playing small, not rising to your potential, not stepping into your life does not serve the world or you. But where does one get the energy, the intelligence, the faith, the perseverance, the wisdom (just to name a few traits) to be the brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous woman that you are? The good news is that these are qualities you already have. You just have to call them forth. Life by Design is about helping you develop the attitudes, skills, (secrets and tricks of the trade) necessary for fully living your life.

One of the things you want is to tap into the collective power of women. Create a supportive circle of powerful women around you. This is one of the most magical things you can do for yourself. (Also, remember to come to the monthly Pink Partini’s if you want to see a group of powerful and fun women.)

I have been facilitating women’s circles, women’s programs and retreats for many years now and have experienced the power that happens when women come together for healing and growing purposes. But a woman’s circle does not have to be a professional group.

A woman’s circle can contain 10 women or it only contain two. It is the intention of the time together that is important. Women’s circles can be very sacred as they are relationships based in truth and honesty where you are uplifted and encouraged to be your best self. This is what women do. This is what comes naturally to us. In these relationships, we come together for the intention of supporting each other in whatever each one desires.

A woman’s sacred circle always has the well-being of the world in the center. Big things have come from women’s circles. For example, the suffragette movement was begun in women’s church circles and quilting bees. This is where we can truly see the power of women.

The Power of Women
united we stand.
We’re making a difference
when we join hands.
It’s the power of women
who will heal this world.

– Karen Drucker’s Beloved CD

According to Jean Shinoda Bolen in her book “Urgent Message from Mother: Gather the Women and Save the World”, we the women are being called to step forth and be powerful. There are so many things that need loving and powerful attention in this world and she tells us how and why women are uniquely suited to the task. She also instructs us in “The Millionth Circle” how to change ourselves and the world. This book is the essential guide to starting a woman’s circle. Read it. Then start your own circle.

This is my dream, my prayer for each of us. I pray that we help ourselves and each other become enlightened to the greatness that lies within. I pray that we each recognize that we are all part of one great mother who can extend our arms and our hearts to all who are hurting. I pray that we step into our great feminine power and help to heal this world.