What if?!
What if Maia Chapter meetings were fun, energizing events that you couldn’t wait to attend? What if you held deep friendships with other Maia members that were foundational to your happiness? What if you learned something new at every Maia meeting that made your life better? This is the vision I, and your current board, have for our chapter. Perhaps this is so far from your own experience that you think it impossible?
Maybe that is not the question to ask. The better question might be – Do I want this? Do I want a group of women in my life that bring me fun, energy, friendship, happiness, learnings and make my life better? If the answer is yes, you have it.
So many of us live in a “When… then…” mindset. “When the pandemic is over, then I’ll start having fun again… when work gets less hectic, then I’ll start doing other things … when my family issues get resolved, then I’ll start taking care of myself … when I feel better, then I’ll start living again….” So, WHEN, my friends, will that be? Days and weeks go by, the calendar pages turn as the months pass, and before you know it, you are years older and still waiting for WHEN, so you can live the life you want.
As Janine Stange, the National Anthem Girl, said at the 2020 ABWA National Women’s Leadership Conference, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”
What fabulous advice for a happy life! Stop waiting for all the things you can’t control to make your life what you want it to be. Yes, life can be challenging and some times are more difficult than others. But how does putting your life on hold during these times serve you well?
As the board, we have asked the same question about our chapter. Virtual meetings because of the pandemic have perhaps seemed like being in a holding pattern. Yet, they have brought many wonderful gifts – the gift of a wonderful diversity of members living across the country, the insights of speakers from distances too far to travel, the ability to attend the National Women’s Leadership Conference from your own home, to name a few. This is doing what you can, with what you have, from where you are! As we become more skilled with virtual capabilities and some pandemic restrictions lessen, we have had opportunities to connect and grow friendships in breakout rooms, our summer picnic and the recent jewelry designing adventure at Kendra Scott (see photo). Another example of doing what you can, with what you have, from where you are!
As we move forward in this coming chapter year, we invite you all to be a part of the fun, learning and friendship available through Maia chapter. All you need to do is show up, be “you,” and join in the experience. Whatever kind of day you had, whatever is on your plate to do, whatever issues you are battling, just do what you can, with what you have, from where you are. I can’t promise that challenges will magically disappear but I can promise your life will be fuller, better, and happier than if you keep waiting for “when” to arrive. None of us know how long we will be on this earth. How much of our lives will be spend waiting for it to begin?
Let’s begin again now! Janene Ternes President, Maia Chapter
