GALLERY: Woman of Stature’s first 2020 meeting
“I think I understand perfectly now, although it has taken many years, that the focus for my next adventure is helping people.”
Woman of Stature’s first 2020 meeting began with a bang with the first New South Chapter meeting being held at Casa Minha Restaurant in Mulbarton, on February 25.
Isabel Cadilhe, chapter leader for the new South Chapter Joburg West group, introduced Shona Selley, the group’s member, who said, “We have a huge responsibility to the women of the South and as small as this group is we are women of impact and influence.
“Our values are of integrity, gratitude, contribution, respect, trust and passion with our five pillars of Empowerment Learning Journey, which are self-discovery, health and wellness, finance, leadership and entrepreneurship.
“I encourage other women in the South to come to our next meeting and see for yourselves how you can grow among others who will grow with you.”
Isabel introduced the guest speaker, Claire Gilchrist, who has 30 years of experience in the coaching, counselling, training, education and performing arts fields.
Her qualifications include a BA hons degree and a Masters in metaphysical science; she is also a certified facilitator.
Claire’s journey
“My journey of transformation began in 1979 when I was 12 years old,” said Claire.
“I was chosen to be Alice from Alice of Wonderland in our school’s centenary play and this was the beginning of my passion for wanting to become an actress.
“I went to Wits and studied drama and got my honours. There was a lot of resistance from my parents and they couldn’t understand why I wanted to be an actress when I could have been anything else.
“I began to recognise purpose and followed what I wanted to do and not what others wanted for me,” she added.
Claire went on to say there was a far darker side to her though, and she went through a lot of stressful and emotional times.
“I had to learn to pull myself back and carry on with my vision, but it wasn’t always an easy road.
“I became involved with some people who weren’t good for me and being in the acting world is very tough. It took dedication and courage to come back after falling down a deep hole.”
She said every 10 years, there seems to be a ‘new adventure’ waiting to begin. “It is funny how one thing leads to another and just when you think a door is closing, another one opens right in front of you,” Claire said.
Helping others
“I think I understand perfectly now, although it has taken many years, that the focus for my next adventure is helping people.
“In my journey, I’ve learnt many life lessons. I’ve lost business partners and friends.
“I’ve learnt partners who picked me weren’t always right for me. And I’ve definitely learnt to stand up for myself. I, too, cried buckets, yelled at God for not doing what I wanted Him to help me with.
“At the end though I’m teaching from what I myself learnt.”
Last year, Claire was involved in a session for people who had been retrenched. The nothing random about retrenchment session was a huge success. “Being retrenched hits people in different ways. They can feel rejected and like failures. Learning to manage how they feel and come out the other side is all about transformation.”
Claire spoke about the nine ‘Ps’ – purpose, passion, performance, perspective, pain, partnerships, perseverance, pace and finally play. Although all these lessons are important, play is also essential.
“Every one of us leads hectic lives, but learn to add play into your day. I was so engrossed in my company, I forgot to play. Nowadays, I actually prioritise an hour or even two into my diary, for every day. If you add up all the nine Ps, it gives you power.”
The morning was a reminder to all women to live by the nine Ps, and to not forget play!
The next meeting will take place at Casa Minha Restaurant in Mulbarton, at 8am. For more information, contact Isabela on 082 492 8686.
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