Significant Women

Watercolour Print by Ellen Spencer

When my friend Mari turned fifty, she invited thirteen female friends to a luncheon to honour "significant women in her life". Over sparkling wine and a light salad meal, she gave a short speech to explain why each guest was there.  Mari noted the commonalities among them -- how the threads of their lives had woven together. 

How was the event?

"It was such fun," reports Mari,  "I've decided I'll gather this group together also next year!"

I would love to replicate this wonderful idea -- however to do so, I would have to overcome some logistical challenges.  First, the Significant Women in my Life are far-flung around the globe.  Hard to imagine they'd fly into California for lunch.  (Although, goodness knows, if they were amenable, we could make a heckuva fun, frolic-filled week out of it!)

Second, I haven't actually met some of Significant Women in my Life.  When I think about the women who've had the biggest influence on me, topping the list is my creative hero, Julia Cameron.  Her book, The Artist's Way, triggered my escape from the corporate world into more creative pursuits. 

Another personal choice would be Mollie Katzen, author of many seminal vegetarian cookbooks beginning with The Moosewood Cookbook (a.k.a. the Vegetarian Bible).  As someone who's not eaten meat for 38 years, I'm grateful indeed to have had Mollie Katzen's recipes enhancing my culinary repertoire.

In an ideal world, I'd love to invite my career role models -- Martha Beck (Finding Your Own North Star, The Joy Diet),  Barbara Sher (I Could Do Anything if Only I Knew What It Was, Live the Life you Love),  Susan Jeffers (Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway, Embracing Uncertainty) and M.J. Ryan (Attitudes of Gratitude, The Happiness Makeover).  I'd had the honour of corresponding with them...and actually collaborating with the latter two on a book about happiness.  What a thrill it would be to meet these women in person -- to bask in their wisdom, candour and good humour.

And while I'm dreaming, I'd also invite to my Fantasy Lunch with Significant Women in my Life those artists who have inspired and enlightened me:  multi-talented artists such as Joni Mitchell and Joan Armatrading plus writers including Margaret Atwood, Anne Tyler and J.K. Rowling.  There is something about their creative works that resonates deep down and echoes throughout the past few decades.

This is one pleasure of a milestone birthday, like turning fifty:  to identify and appreciate those people -- women AND men -- who have enhanced our first five decades. 

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Activity:  Who are the Significant Women in your Life?  Whom can you gather together for a celebration? 

Activity:  Write the Significant Women in your Life to express your appreciation. 

Activity:  Who are the Significant Men in your Life?  Whom can you gather together for a celebration? 

Activity:  Write the Significant Men in your Life to express your appreciation. 

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I'd love to hear about your experiences -- message me or leave a comment.