The Women's Institute of Maine

As spring blossoms at last across our state, I am reminded to give thanks for being able to count on the promise of each new season and stage in life.  Often what we think we are building may falter, but something else turns out to blossom in unexpected ways and places.  Since the spring Equinox  March 20th, I have been reminded of this blessing again and again, challenging me to remain wide open to what the universe wants me to do, and letting go of any delusion that I hold the wheel, map, or watch.  

What has arisen for me so suddenly and surprisingly has been two opportuntiies to write in national online publications. My three part series, "Feeling Shaky?  Common Ground is on its Way"  is hitting the presses starting this month at www.soulfulliving.com .   In addition, I have been asked to write for "Allies for the Common Good," an online interorganizational newsletter which goes out to the memberships of a dozen of my very favorite women's organizations across the country.  My first article, "Appreciation - A Secret Portal?" will be appearing  on their site, Allies for the Common Good,   within weeks.  We've provided links to these amazing organizations on our global links page.  They include:  Gather the Women Global Matrix, Circle Connections, LightPages, Imagine the Good, Sole2Soul Walk, Women of Spirit and Faith, Spheres Circles, Standing Women, Women Waking the World, Evolutionary Women, Weaving the World, Ways Women Lead, Millionth Circle.

As you may know, I began WIM as an online and in person community hoping to spur and support women's circles across the state.  I have had challenges building a network of circles thus far but I haven't given up yet!   I will soon reveal my big surprise - an international collaboration   I am cultivating this month which will act as a firecracker to light and unite women's circles.  But while I am waiting for the circles to be ready to catch on,  the publishing opportuntieis arrived unexpectedly. Rather than lamenting my "failure" to get circles going, I never lost sight of the absolutely precious lifelong friendships I have made through the circles I have hosted so far.   I've realized that while I thought I was serving others through WIM, the joke was on me, as it is MY life which has become so enriched by the women in WIM.  I am truly in awe of each woman I have met in our circles. You are all remarkable beyond words!!! How lucky am I to know you?  Is there a number beyond gazillion?  

So what this confirms for me once again is that the form our contributions take aren't what matter. Just keep doing what you love and eventually the universe will find just the right niche for your gifts and will shower you with unexpected blessings. But you must let go.  Trust it...Expect it....and don't forget to notice what else has blossomed in your life that you weren't consciously cultivating!  Remember you weren't really in control of the wheel anyway, and something which fits you much better is on its way.