A club was born…
Some years ago when I was working with ‘troubled’ girls, I was meeting with one discussing how she could make better choices in her life. She proceeded to share with me all of her outside influences and how she just wasn’t good enough or strong enough to do what was best for her. At that time, I simply looked at her and honestly shared that she was in fact powerful (she was a survivor), intelligent (street savvy) and possessed a ‘goddess within’ that would lead her in the direction she was meant to travel (if only she would listen). She had never fully heard anyone tell her that she possessed good qualities. Sure, she knew she was attractive (all of her boyfriends seemed to support that) and yeah, she had worked the system for sometime so she knew she wasn’t a shmuck but she never realized her good qualities, those that I could easily see after peeling away the layers she had created for everyone else to see. She internalized the negative messages that she received throughout her life and she then became those negative messages.
As I reflected on that afternoon I realized that I too possessed that goddess, that element within all of us that is unique, a survivor of sorts, a nurturer, a provider, a woman who has so much to offer but often squelches those strengths to fit in, to be accepted. It was then that I thought of friends of mine who too are goddesses in their own right. They have lived their days in the shadows of their partners, their children, their parents and haven’t simply stopped to nurture their goddess within. So a club was born. The Goddess Within One club was created for women to meet, share, learn, grow and celebrate the women they are and to be reminded that they are gifts to the universe. Being in the company of these women, throughout the years, has strengthened my resolve to celebrate the many phases in my life’s journey. Through their stories, their wisdom, their challenges, I have realized its okay to be who I am, not that image of what everyone perceives me to be. I can be free to learn, to laugh, to cry and to search for that spiritual inner peace in the company of non-judgmental women who are on their own journey standing side by side.
The Goddess Within One is an open forum. We will ask you, the reader, for feedback on today’s issues as how they relate to the women of today. We will question what you presently may see as the norm and ask, is this ‘normal’ for me? We will spark conversations which will enhance and strengthen your goddess attributes. Lastly, we intend for this to be a celebration of our diversity and unity as goddesses.
Respectfully,
Val
The website looks amazing!! You ladies did such a good job. Keep up the good work. Hope your words of wisdom uplift and encourage women everywhere!
This is wonderful. Thank you for making all of your valuable information and insights readily available to those of us who cannot join in on your wonderful meetings. I will be sure to pass the word….www.goddesswithinone.org has so much to offer!
What a terrific place you have created. Its filled with inspiration, good advice and I’m sure a bit of fun. Hopefully you’ll post those cocktail recipes.
Such a simple concept but powerful when put in motion! I look forward to our monthly meetings and all the wonderful friends I have made.
It’s amazing that so many women with style and grace are to be found in one group.
The fact that you were able to develope a websight with the same style and grace should not be suprising.
Val you are truly amazing.
Very nice…I’m passing your site on to all my friends!!
Very inspirational!Very Powerful!!
Thank you!!!
We are each a work in progress and I love the concept of your site. Thanks for your continuing efforts!!
Val,
Very very cool. I’m very proud of you, it looks great. Since, my daughter (your Niece) is 20-years old now I think it’s very important for these kinds of groups to exist for all ages. It really it looks good. I have some partnering ideas if you’re interested that may help you grow.
Love, Bro…
Dear Val,
I saw an artilcle about you in the Palm Beach Post daded 5/21/09 -I’m so glad that I saved it. Do you remember me? – You were my boss (the best boss that I ever had)THANK GOD FOR PEOPLE LIKE YOU!!
You have no idea how many lives you have inspired and saved.
Please contact me -I would love to hear from you.
Pat Derwitz
Pat, you made my heart swell with your very thoughtful comments. So many people have come into my life at all of the RIGHT moments and you too were a blessing at a time and place where blessings were sometimes hard to find. You may contact me via facebook if you are a subscriber.
I pray continued blessings come your way. Namaste, val