I received the most splendid invitation in the mail the other day.  I was so astounded, so touched, that I sat there looking at it for a good half hour.  Joy and expectation welled up in me, and well, I don’t know, I thought if I could bottle up how I was feeling right then, I’d be able to solve all the world’s problems.

Enter the first annual Fabulous Women’s weekend retreat, started by a Chicago friend of mine–a weekend in February, at a southern beachy location.

“Dear Friends, Sisters, Daughters and Mothers,

[Technical info…]

“We will combine a fun and relaxing time in the sun with the start of a new journey together–the discovery of our personal potential and possibilities.  We hope you will join us. All you need is an open heart, open mind and ready to enjoy the sisterhood of some amazing women.  We plan to be in ——-.  More details will come in mid-December.

“See you there!”

The reason I got tingles reading this is that, despite the fact that I’m happy with the male side of things (after all, my husband is part of that group), I still love the idea of having a supportive group of strong, independent women to pal around with.  There’s something to be said for women with voices that ring loud and clear…that state the truth…that change the world…one word, one action at a time.

When Dan and I were choosing the sex of our adoptive child (yes, we had a choice on the forms!), it really boiled down to one thing (for us).  We wanted to offer a young girl (who was destined for the sex trade at age 16, if not adopted) a new life, in which she was taught self-confidence and self-awareness, so that later in life, she might offer her own wisdom and charity to others.  Both are a rarity these days.  Just look around you.  So many girls hate themselves.  So many are unable to carry on a simple conversation with another human being (rather, they’re texting or Tweeting or Facebooking).  So many girls reflect what the media has been trying to tell all us women for years–that we’re too fat, we’re not hip enough, or we need to have more sexual experience.

Enough already.

I want to surround Liliana with beautiful women of all shapes and sizes.  I want her to see diversity and equanimity.  I want her to see that she can stand up for herself; she does have something to say.

And it always begins with the parents.  If we’re “on board,” if we’re secure, if we’re teaching her how to do all these things, then we’re good to go.  We’ve done everything we can.

That’s why I’m looking forward to this retreat–to meet other like-minded women, to be inspired by others that are letting their lights shine forth.

The quote on the topside of the invitation was one of my favorites–you’ve probably seen it…

“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 most frightens us.  We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God.  Your playing small does not serve the world.  There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do.  We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.  It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone.  And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.  As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”  —A Return to Love, Marianne Williamson

Perhaps we could all use a boost now and then.  Wouldn’t this be grand to do with your friends?  Expand the circle.  Be brave.

I have no idea who I will meet in February, and that’s half the fun.

[Post image: Cosmos by hirekatsu at stock.xchng]