I don’t know about you, but I often make up stories about myself, and as a friend and mentor recently said about her stories, “I rarely come out on top”. The stories have often had a similar theme of not being worthy or valued, and that I have nothing important to say.
But in recent years, I have chosen to re-write those stories, and as a result, I am beginning to see a different person in the mirror.

One of the tools I have become incredibly fond of is the Clifton Strengths assessment. However, when I first got my results, I was not impressed – there may even have been some cursing when a friend asked me what my #1 strength was. I thought it was stupid, and didn’t describe me at all.
Then I had a chance to take a deeper look at my complete talent profile — all 34 CliftonStrengths themes, and realized I was defining them with the lens of those old stories. The more I studied and uncovered the true meaning of these talents, I discovered the potential and truth about who I am and what I have to offer.

I hired my favorite strengths coach, Eddie Villa, and as we uncovered the truth, I laughed, and I cried, and I discovered how to live my life, and do my work, in a way that honors my desires, and my authentic self.
I realized that I don’t have to compare myself to others who do similar work, and as a matter of fact, because of my bottom strengths (that’s another post for another day), it’s detrimental for me to do so.
When I stay in my top strengths, they tell a beautiful story of me, my desires, and how I excel at helping others.

My top strengths, and the story they tell:

Harmony – The salt and pepper for every meal – I can see both sides, and seek to find common ground, as a way to build relationships. I find the lily pad we can all jump to.

Individualization – The opposite of autopilot – I bring a fresh and relevant perspective. I am keenly observant of other people’s strengths, and draw out the best in each person. I am present, and create safe spaces for others to feel uniquely seen and heard.

Responsibility – I am loyal and dependable – I keep my promises and honor my commitments. Quality is one of my top priorities.

Learner – I am naturally curious, and a catalyst for change. Although new rules, skills or circumstances might intimidate others, my willingness to absorb new and different factors can calm their fears. I continually strive to better myself, and love sharing what I’ve learned with others.

Arranger – I am effectively flexible, while being the anchor that steadies the ship. I have a natural ability to orchestrate people and resources, and am best in dynamic situations.

Restorative – I enjoy problem-solving. I am able to identify potential obstacles, and am valuable in times of difficulty and crisis.

Developer – I recognize and cultivate the raw potential in others. I celebrate small signs of progress and my encouragement helps others learn, grow and improve.

Communication – I love a deep, juicy, conversation. And, I believe stories highlight important messages. I am aware that my words are not always enough to motivate others, and take time to listen and pay attention to what others are saying, and not saying, to help make meaningful connections.

Adaptability – I’m best when I go with the flow, and stay in the present moment. I can quickly adjust to changing or unexpected circumstances that upset or intimidate others. I steady the ship, and am the calm in the chaos.

Connectedness – I believe there are few coincidences, and we are all connected. I build bridges, and help others find hope and meaning by identifying their place in the world around them, and bring a sense of comfort and stability in the face of uncertainty.

With this new lens, I can see incredible value, and I obviously have plenty to say — not only to the woman I see in the mirror, but to share with others who also need to re-write their stories.

Do you relate to any of these?
What are your top strengths?
What is the beautiful story they tell about you?
Want to find out together?
Schedule a free Discovery Call.

#strengths #strengthsfinder #cliftonstrengths #coaching #strengths #transformation #transformationalcoach

How would your life be different…..if there was a place for you?

In our culture, there’s little time or a safe place for women to express their inner truth and be heard by other women seeking personal growth. Woman Within Circles are a place apart from everyday life that give you ongoing opportunities to learn more about yourself. Experience opening your heart and connecting with yourself – and other accepting women. No judgment or advice, just open ears and hearts.

Woman Within Open Circles

Woman Within Open Circles allow women the space to support and be supported in whatever is going on for them whether that is anger, joy, sadness, shame or fear. Open Circles are led by an experienced woman, and offer all women the chance to be heard, or not, depending on what she chooses. Open Circles mean there is no commitment to be there each time and any woman 18 or older is able to attend without any previous training or pre-requisites.

Led by an experienced Open Circle host
A great way to take your first step into Woman Within
Bring your woman friends along too
Open to any woman over 18
Typically 2-3 hours, from one to four times a month
Usually meet in women’s homes or community centers

We invite all women to attend an Open Circle in your area or online. See our Open Circle calendar to find the circle that is right for you.

If you’re in Colorado, be sure to follow our Facebook page for the most up-to-date circle times and locations.

Woman Within Weekend in Colorado

April 12, 2019 @ 6:00 pm – April 14, 2019 @ 4:00 pm

The Woman Within® Weekend will take you on a journey. It is a descent into yourself. Through this descent, you are given the opportunity to re-establish connection with the part of yourself that intuitively knows – your ageless wisdom. You will be provided with an opportunity to reclaim a part of yourself that may have been lost, stolen, forgotten or fragmented. The Weekend offers a series of experiential activities, guided meditations, and focused individual and group work. These processes have been carefully designed to effectively assist women in finding their inner power and in using it to support themselves in their daily lives. In a safe and supportive environment each woman has an opportunity to reclaim her wholeness as a woman.

To Register for this weekend, please click here.

You are invited to this Weekend not as a mother, daughter, sister, partner or wife, but as yourself. We offer you the chance to let down the masks and defenses which you use as protection, to journey into your past, to experience your deepest feelings and to turn them into positive healing energy. Being among women is an integral part of this Weekend and our staff of women will support you as women have supported each other for generations. The Weekend is based in part on the ancient Sumerian Myth of Innana, the Queen of the Heavens.

Healing, Educational, Experiential. The unfolding events of the Weekend are intensive. You will work individually as well as in small and larger groups. The experiences of each woman will be different and individual. If you are ready to face some of your fears and past wounds and reclaim your passion for life and your belief in yourself, the Woman Within® Weekend is for you. This is a healing, educational, and experiential Weekend: it is not therapy or medical treatment.

Facilitators and Staff. Experienced facilitators from the USA and other areas around the globe lead the Weekend, together with the support of 25-30 staff members who have all gone through the Weekend themselves. The concept of support is paramount on these Weekends, and we ensure that there is at least one staff member per participant. For some women, the experience of being supported by other women is completely new and may be the biggest thing they take away for themselves from the Weekend.

Continued Growth. Once a woman has completed the Woman Within® Weekend, she may participate in one of the other workshops and also apply to staff the Woman Within® Weekend and in time take on a leadership role. Some women start their journey with our organization with the Weekend, while others start by attending a Circle Training and participating in a local circle. Wherever your journey begins, all of you is welcome here.

The Woman Within® Weekend is a powerful transformational experience created by women for women. Since 1987, thousands of women from over 20 countries have attended this two and a half day workshop at locations throughout the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, South Africa and Australia.

Who can attend?

For women over 18 years young

How much will it cost?

Program fee $695. A $300 non-refundable non-transferable deposit holds your place. Payment plans and financial assistance available. Inquire at info@womanwithin.org

Where will it take place?

JCC Ranch Camp, Elbert, Colorado

How do I sign up?

To Register for this event, register here.

Tag: transformation

My Strengths Story

My top strengths, and the story they tell: