I Found a Sisterhood! Sharing a hug at Fiercecon with my sisters Catherine Grace O'Connel, (me in the middle) & Barbie Holmes - click to see Barbie's website! Let me tell you about my weekend in LA! The one where I met like minded people who made me laugh, reflect and even cry tears of understanding, connection and compassion. Where I heard the most beautiful voice of a world-renowned singer and teacher. When I learned tips in self confidence from a model who walked the runways of Paris. Where I enjoyed a gala full of dancing, great food and even greater company. Where I had the chance to share and listen to personal stories. When I had a personal professional photo shoot. And where I formed collaborations with other businesses created by women and for women. Just where does a girl living in a small town in Ontario, Canada get to do all these amazing things in one weekend? Well, she gets on a plane, flies to LA and goes to Fiercecon of course! Fiercecon is explained as ‘not a conference, but a connection”, and it couldn’t be more true! Coordinated by Catherine Grace O'Connel and her team, it is a connection of women in midlife and beyond, where no "mean vibes" are allowed. A safe space where a sisterhood can be created. A sisterhood that boosts confidence, forms friendships, explores ideas, creates collaborations and encourages success. Here are a few beautiful ways that a sisterhood can accomplish these things. The Power of SisterhoodsHave you ever been through a really crazy season in life? Of course, you have. We all have. But how many times when you’re in your darkest moments, or even after the storm has passed do you feel completely and utterly alone? No one else on earth could fathom what you are dealing with, or what you are feeling. Then one day, you hear another woman’s story, and although the details differ, you realize that she has been through something so similar, that you can begin to see yourself in her. You are not alone. Not a freak of nature. Not a weirdo. But a woman who has experienced something like that of another sister. And suddenly you are validated and affirmed, not only in your experience, but also in your feelings. And that is empowering.  Sisterhood Beach-Side Chats - Fiercecon LA 2019 This is how I felt during one of the most touching parts of the weekend, listening to the Beach-side Chats. Here we were invited to connect, as courageous women shared some of the deepest parts from their journey and the lessons they learned. Open, raw and inspiring talks about life, and how they navigated everything from working in corporate America to devastating personal loss, to conquering addictions. They spoke of overcoming, growing and finding not only their voices, but also their passions and dreams for the future. She’s Beautiful – AND So Are You!  Model Jacqueline DePaul teaches Mastering Confidence Masterclass Paris Fashion Week model Jacqueline DePaul (Yellow Brick Runway) brought us into the world of modeling in the most authentic and fun way, in her Projecting Confidence Masterclass. Recalling her own journey in learning how to project confidence, she shared her tips on poise, not only in front of the camera, but also in real life situations. Sharing the analogy of “holding a peanut” (a little modeling tip on what to think about when you’re not sure what to do with your hands), we all learned new ways to stand, how to look at the camera and so much more. New hashtags were even born that evening, as she hilariously explained if all else fails, remember “#claviclesup”– a reminder to walk into a room relaxed, but with our “clavicles up”, projecting confidence. With help from our sisters, we were encouraged to see the best in ourselves, and thus in others. Lift as We Climb A rising tide lifts all boats. When women come together with the purpose of connecting, inspiring and being inspired, everyone benefits, including all of society. Sisterhood encourages this joint success. Business collaborations can be formed, resources shared, introductions and recommendations made with and for our sisters. This is just what was reinforced at Fierceon. Dr. Carol Parker Walsh reminded us to believe in ourselves, during her Be a Midlife Rebel Masterclass. Keynote speaker, Jennifer Dulski, (author and head of Groups and Community at Facebook) explained the power we all have within that can create massive impact in our world. Content creator and blogger Tamara Batsell reminded us to lift other women as we climb. Join the Sisterhood!  Attendees of the Sunday sessions of Fiercecon 2019 - Los Angeles Want to be part of this growing group of Fierce ladies? You’re in! You can join the revolution on Facebook in the Forever Fierce Revolution group. Stay connected with the women who attended the event, plus over 6000 other kindhearted women in the group, get the motivational and raw newsletter right in your inbox, and join in on the real conversations!  Lotus 24" x 24" Oil on Canvas - Click on Image to Shop LOTUS In honor of women and sisterhoods everywhere, let me share a painting I created named Lotus. As a lotus grows through muddy water towards the sun, so too it is our journeys that make us strong and our strengths that make us beautiful. In this piece used many colors and brushstrokes to represent all types of women. I hope you see your journey, your beauty, and your sisterhood in this piece. To read the full blog post about the creation of this piece for the all women art show, last International Women's Day 2019, click HERE. To purchase a print of this original painting, click on one of the images below.
1 Comment
jodie filogomo
11/17/2019 08:09:05 am
Serena...I love how you described the weekend, because it is something special and unique. And it was SO wonderful to see you again. Leave a Reply. |
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