Women are typically the keepers of health practices and assurance. We see to it that our family members keep routine doctor’s appointments, eat a balanced diet, receive appropriate medical attention for sudden or prolonged illness, and avoid risky and unhealthy behaviors as we also keep tabs on the newest health information.
Yesterday I was privileged to attend the Enterprising Women conference in Hyannis, which, while billed as a business and networking experience, contained many overtones of health and wellness. There were several great speakers who spoke on achieving our hearts desire, personal branding and confidence building, surviving crisis, and leadership traits. The speakers spoke from the heart, sometimes risking honest emotion which connected the audience to them. The presenters weren’t simply instructing us on how to do these things, they were authentically revealing their own struggles and successes on the topics. There were tears, laughter, and speaker anxiety shared with a room full of supportive women.
Experiential segments included short journaling exercises designed to help us manifest our visions and group craft projects, designing Christmas gift bags and ornaments for children in need.
Awards were given to local women business owners, inspiring everyone to reach higher, while providing a warm glow for those of us witnessing their successes.
The afternoon consisted of roundtable discussions sponsored by ABWA and SCORE. Facilitators helped women with diverse topics such as Striving for Work/Life Balance, Networking for the Introvert, and Incorporating Coaching into your Leadership. The discussions allowed women to learn from others as everyone shared their personal challenges.
All of the activities and presentations were inspirational while promoting self-awareness, self-confidence, benevolence, and networking; encouraging authenticity and vulnerability; providing large doses of inspiration; and even encouraging fun! All were therefore health-promoting since we know the value of helping others, catharsis, authenticity, journaling, fun and gaining support by connecting with others on our body-minds and spirits. As if all that weren’t enough, the conference put out an appetizing lunch with several healthy choices which reminded all of us to “Eat your veggies!”
Perhaps next year the promotions will include statements such as “Increase your business savvy while you promote personal health and wellness.” We received a hefty dose of both yesterday!