Strong Spaces-- Inside and Out

Posted by Nicki Peasley Share Your Voice

 Last week, Kelly facilitated an emotional and inspiring final session with the SOHO mentors. After 8 months of personal development and relationship building, these amazing women reflected on their journeys into themselves, with each other, and with the girls they came to love as their mentees and teachers.  Each participant brought an object that illustrated her learning and growth throughout their SOHO experience.

Here’s a taste of what these beautiful and brilliant women had to say as they presented their objects.

- I took risks that resulted in my own growth and the growth of another person.

- I learned how to listen which is resulting in more inclusivity at work. 

- I can see and accept what is good, true, and beautiful about me as much as I have accepted what I need to work on. 

- I stepped out of my comfort zone which resulted in personal growth.

- I learned what togetherness really means and how to work together even in challenging times.

- I was bold and grew in courage--I stepped into it.

- I learned all I need to do is just be myself - solid, a little rough around the edges, and not necessarily perfect. 

- I learned to bring out the fullest potential of people and things (studios, space, art projects).

- I learned what it meant to truly make a commitment.

- I learned that I can't assume I know what other people are thinking, when I do I am usually never right, and all I need to do is ask.

- Stretched me into doing things I have never done before.

- I learned what it meant to give all of myself. 

Then, the women were asked to declare their intentions for the future and to choose an object in the circle that would support them and their vision.

Here is a taste of the truths that emerged and what’s next for these leaders:

- I will expand myself as a teacher, as a person.

- I will listen to the positive things that are happening.

- I will step out and use courage to try new things.

- I will grow more into myself.

- It is ok to make mistakes and it is ok to ask for help.

- I will ask for help and be more collaborative.

- I will believe in the kids I teach against all odds.

- I will acknowledge the contribution of others.

- I am not in this alone.

It was an honor to be a part of this powerful collaboration of self -discovery, relational learning, and creative transformation.  To witness the strong spaces imagined and manifested--inside and out. Thank you SOHO for inviting us to the table.   It was delicious!

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Nicki Peasley I am the CEO of my home, managing a team consisting of a 40 year old, an 11 year old, an 8 year old, and a 6 year old. In my spare time, I am the YOUth development director for Bounce, writing curriculums and working (playing and learning) with elementary and middle school youth.