Lesley.....It has been my experience that as women age, they take on 'Elder' qualities in deeper ways: forgiveness, gentleness, kindness, wisdom and an intuitive understanding of others. I haven't had the pleasure of attending a "Red Threat" retreat, but having you as a mentor underscored the fact that two women, strangers to one another, can easily and quickly bond and share on a deep level. My husband often comments that "as men age, they want more from their spouse/partner and as women age, they want to be either alone or with other women." And I think he's right. As an 'elder' women, I find it comforting to be with other women...it's easier!!
Easier because of the womenstanding concept. 2 (or more) women can usually find a common thread that bonds. Art is a great connector as is anything that comes from the soul. Thanks, Jan.
Lesley - what a powerful concept - “womanstanding” gives a name to something I have been feeling for years now.
Your bravery, wisdom & creativity in starting The Red Thread has absolutely changed and greatly enriched my life. I still remember how scared but excited I was to attend that first retreat - at the time it was far outside my comfort zone. Those feelings evaporated as soon as I got there and talked to the others attending. We all truly got each other. You truly created a sisterhood. Womanstanding from you, the other instructors and the many attendees over the years have woven quite a tapestry. Grateful always to be one of the threads.
I love this concept of Womenstanding. It rings true to me. I’m fortunate enough to have a group of women in my life that I’ve known since we were in 8th grade. We have been through SO MUCH together. What a blessing.
Wow, 8th grade is a wonderfully long time. I still connect with high school girlfriends (I married the brother of one!). Shared histories magnify the womenstanding.
They are so beautiful and important to my life. And the friendships have just gotten deeper and more honest as we’ve gotten older. Thanks for this great post today, Leslie.
As a “red threader” I can wholeheartedly agree to the fact that Lesley is a “woman standing” and attracts like minded souls to her retreats…what a gift to be a part of Lesleys world… 💖💗💕
There's NO WAY I can NOT leave a comment after this one, my dear. Being one of those elder mature been-around- for- a LONG-time women, this is how I live, what I do, what I care about. Loved reading it all and of course you are a major contributor to the womanstanding crew! Thank you, Love, Lynne
As a recovering Catholic, participating in retreats was akin to breathing (or praying). As a “closet creative” and registered introvert, I’m not sure if I have locked in sufficiently with my sense of self, or self-preservation, to bloom in such an environment. Every art class I signed up for left me leaving after the second session, feeling uncomfortable and awkward. After years in the classroom, my greatest joys consist of leaning in with a book, or slapping a paintbrush on to paper. I guess I will have to take the “L” on retreats (as my teenager says). However, I love that fabulous ChatGPT definition!
I understand. Sometimes it is overwhelming. In the past I've created my own little bubble to create in. Guess that's from raising 6 kids. You learn to shut out the distractions - or at least try. No need to be in a group to womenstand, right? It's just nice for me to see it in action and overflowing.
Yes! This describes a similar act when I receive a package from an artist friend of mine, Rachel. When she puts something on my porch, I immediately tuck it into a safe place until the perfect moment comes to SAVOR it! By knowing her heart, I know it deserves my undivided attention and that moment will come. So glad you expanded on that type of act and beautifully put the “why” into words!
Love everything you wrote, thank you so much for sharing! Sincerely, Meagan
Don’t think I will adding this to my vocabulary but this reminds me of the challenge of being a teacher at middle school. Girls value each other in a way boys do not. This results in deep friendships that last after high school and into adulthood. It also has a way of increasing the level of hurt for those who don’t fit into the mold.
As women get older we find our tribe and learn to walk away from those who don’t support our success. Women stand with each other. It also explains why women are perceived to talk more than men (data doesn’t support this) because their conversations are deeper.
As a woman of a certain age I am constantly amazed at the power I find in deep friendships.
Lesley.....It has been my experience that as women age, they take on 'Elder' qualities in deeper ways: forgiveness, gentleness, kindness, wisdom and an intuitive understanding of others. I haven't had the pleasure of attending a "Red Threat" retreat, but having you as a mentor underscored the fact that two women, strangers to one another, can easily and quickly bond and share on a deep level. My husband often comments that "as men age, they want more from their spouse/partner and as women age, they want to be either alone or with other women." And I think he's right. As an 'elder' women, I find it comforting to be with other women...it's easier!!
Easier because of the womenstanding concept. 2 (or more) women can usually find a common thread that bonds. Art is a great connector as is anything that comes from the soul. Thanks, Jan.
Lesley - what a powerful concept - “womanstanding” gives a name to something I have been feeling for years now.
Your bravery, wisdom & creativity in starting The Red Thread has absolutely changed and greatly enriched my life. I still remember how scared but excited I was to attend that first retreat - at the time it was far outside my comfort zone. Those feelings evaporated as soon as I got there and talked to the others attending. We all truly got each other. You truly created a sisterhood. Womanstanding from you, the other instructors and the many attendees over the years have woven quite a tapestry. Grateful always to be one of the threads.
I'm so glad you summoned the courage. Friends for life is such a wonderful, unexpected benefit. We enrich each other. xox
Outstandingly relevant. I applaud our increasing understanding of or worth.
Many thanks, Martha. Thanks for the applause.
I love this concept of Womenstanding. It rings true to me. I’m fortunate enough to have a group of women in my life that I’ve known since we were in 8th grade. We have been through SO MUCH together. What a blessing.
Wow, 8th grade is a wonderfully long time. I still connect with high school girlfriends (I married the brother of one!). Shared histories magnify the womenstanding.
They are so beautiful and important to my life. And the friendships have just gotten deeper and more honest as we’ve gotten older. Thanks for this great post today, Leslie.
As a “red threader” I can wholeheartedly agree to the fact that Lesley is a “woman standing” and attracts like minded souls to her retreats…what a gift to be a part of Lesleys world… 💖💗💕
Many thanks. We've always been there for each other! xox
There's NO WAY I can NOT leave a comment after this one, my dear. Being one of those elder mature been-around- for- a LONG-time women, this is how I live, what I do, what I care about. Loved reading it all and of course you are a major contributor to the womanstanding crew! Thank you, Love, Lynne
Yes, yes, yes. Now to master womenstanding while sitting, lol.
As a recovering Catholic, participating in retreats was akin to breathing (or praying). As a “closet creative” and registered introvert, I’m not sure if I have locked in sufficiently with my sense of self, or self-preservation, to bloom in such an environment. Every art class I signed up for left me leaving after the second session, feeling uncomfortable and awkward. After years in the classroom, my greatest joys consist of leaning in with a book, or slapping a paintbrush on to paper. I guess I will have to take the “L” on retreats (as my teenager says). However, I love that fabulous ChatGPT definition!
I understand. Sometimes it is overwhelming. In the past I've created my own little bubble to create in. Guess that's from raising 6 kids. You learn to shut out the distractions - or at least try. No need to be in a group to womenstand, right? It's just nice for me to see it in action and overflowing.
Yes! This describes a similar act when I receive a package from an artist friend of mine, Rachel. When she puts something on my porch, I immediately tuck it into a safe place until the perfect moment comes to SAVOR it! By knowing her heart, I know it deserves my undivided attention and that moment will come. So glad you expanded on that type of act and beautifully put the “why” into words!
Love everything you wrote, thank you so much for sharing! Sincerely, Meagan
Yes, it's the undivided attention that is so meaningful...and valuable. Rachel sounds like a good friend. We have so much to share with each other.
Don’t think I will adding this to my vocabulary but this reminds me of the challenge of being a teacher at middle school. Girls value each other in a way boys do not. This results in deep friendships that last after high school and into adulthood. It also has a way of increasing the level of hurt for those who don’t fit into the mold.
As women get older we find our tribe and learn to walk away from those who don’t support our success. Women stand with each other. It also explains why women are perceived to talk more than men (data doesn’t support this) because their conversations are deeper.
As a woman of a certain age I am constantly amazed at the power I find in deep friendships.
Yes! The right tribe is an indescribable blessing.