I’ve been trying to find the words to describe what happened in Arkansas. Suddenly there’s a roomful of wonderful, vivacious, independent new friends reaching for hugs and making you feel special and welcome and part of the tribe.
I didn’t know the other women when I got to the retreat. Somehow, that really didn’t matter much. I was already one of them. My voice was heard. My feelings were shared. We laughed, and we danced in the rain. I finally was able to look at the world around me and breathe a sigh of relief. With every beat of my heart, I felt the words: I’m not alone. I’m not alone. I’m not alone.
All through this wondrous journey, Malinda guided us. She drew us from across the country, bringing us together. In so doing, we got to know each other. More importantly, we got to know ourselves. I learned from her that it’s okay to be bold. It’s okay to be different. There’s a whole sisterhood and brotherhood willing to be different with us. We just needed her to show us the possibilities.
Mariel R.
Bellevue, NE
