Community

We've all heard the saying "it takes a village" when it comes to raising children. However, the same is true for us even as adults.

Right before my 38th birthday, I left my tiny little town and moved to Los Angeles. I quickly became aware of the fact that since I was a child, I had always had community, I never had to go looking. But now, new to L.A., I had to intentionally and strategically seek out and build a new community.
I won't go into all the details of how, but I explored groups on Meetup, attended networking groups and found events that were aligned with my values and interests.

I say all this to share a story from this past weekend. One of the women I met through eWomen Network, a national women's networking group, was hosting an event in Las Vegas. Thanks to Holly, I am a #1 Best Selling Author; she pursued me for the 40/40 Rules: Wisdom from 40 Women Over 40 book and made it an easy yes. Holly is also a Prosperity Business Coach and has become a wonderful friend. Holly invited me to her event and I was happy to support. Plus, my best friend lives in Vegas, so I also got to catch up with her and her family. It was a win/win!

I had no expectations for the weekend. I was simply going to support one friend and visit another. However, I did set some intentions. I asked that this weekend be full of growth, great conversation, I wanted to meet new people and most importantly, I set the intention to be fully present and listen to my intuition.

Let me tell you, I got all that and so much more! Little did I know what the Universe had in store for me. Both days of the event, the lunch break included a mastermind session. There were a total of four tables and I set the intention to go to the table I felt the most called to.

Day one, I knew I was at the right table when I met an amazing mentor and partner for my training consulting business. Day two, I again followed my gut and it led me to the table where I was yet again connected to a phenomenal woman and partner for my coaching business. Both of these women are perfectly aligned with my goals for 2019, one for the consulting and one for the coaching side of my business. Another one of my 2019 goals is to schedule more public speaking. At the end of day two, Holly asked me to be one of the speakers at her next event.

I could have never anticipated the outcome of the weekend. I literally had goose bumps. I made one small choice, find a women's networking group as part of my community and it led me here. In addition to Holly, I met Jessica who is a social media and marketing genius, Penni who helps me with everything related to taxes and accounting, Jen who is a soul sister at the core (maybe cause we're both from WA, but I think it's more than that lol), Cathy who is a business coach focused on freedom and fulfillment from your divine feminine. All of these women are treasured friends who lift me up, hold me accountable and remind me of my strength when I sometimes can't see it myself.

I would not have any of these amazing women in my life had I not intentionally and strategically sought out MY community. It's also through these women, and more, that I have made extraordinary connections, just like this past weekend at Holly's event.

It truly does take a village and I am so very grateful for mine! <3 Share in the comments what intentions you're setting for creating your community.
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Here's to another week of living your life by design, not by default!