February 4, 2010
It has been brought to my attention by one mister Martin Pribble (aka @martinpribble) and a few other people that I am busy. Really busy, maybe too busy. As of late my life has been filled up with preparing for the Duathlon in May but more importantly I have been working on Gear and Cheer. This will be my third year involved with the event and my first year as official Event Chair and liaison for The Women’s Wilderness Institute’s Board of Directors.
If you’re unfamiliar with the event it is an amazing silent auction in the Boulder that raises money for the Girl’s Programs and Trauma Survivor Programs of The Women’s Wilderness Institute. The money raised allows for scholarships and financial aid to those who may otherwise miss out on these opportunities at confidence and strength building.
Last year when I wrote about Gear and Cheer and TWWI I focused on how their unique teaching style truly appeals to women and girls by teaching in a challenging yet nurturing environment. I am thrilled to have learned to climb with the organization but it wasn’t until I joined the Board that I discovered something amazing that came from the courses. I was empowered after my time in TWWI programs. After learning to climb I was able to go off on my own and climb some more. I knew when to seek more help to advance but also I have the foundation to go on my own.
The TWWI mission is this:
The Women’s Wilderness Institute (TWWI) is a nonprofit organization with the mission of strengthening the courage, confidence, and leadership qualities of girls and women, through the support and challenge of wilderness- and community-based experiences.
After reflecting on this statement and all that I have taken away I am so proud to be on the Board and continuing to make this mission a reality. If other women and girls have an experience as amazing as mine then I know we’re doing something right. So this is why I do it. This is why I stay busy. When something helps you transform your life you want to share it with others and keep it alive.
If you’re in the Boulder/Denver area I invite you to join us at our Carnivale-themed Gear and Cheer on March 27 at The Spot in Boulder. Early bird tickets are only $30 and include food and beverage sampling, entertainment, and an opportunity to bid on some amazing gear and merchandise.
If you’re interested in our programs visit the website for more details or request a catalog by contacting Lori Mathews at 303.938.9191.
Filed under Boulder, Yoga, denver, events, mindful giving, outdoor gear, rock climbing, volunteer, women, women's climbing classes, women's wilderness institute
January 27, 2010
I wasn’t going to do a new year post. I read a ton of them and they’re all great but I didn’t feel like I had that much to say. Then I sat back and looked at what the last year has meant to me and how it’s helping me challenge myself for 2010. So we’ll keep it simple limited to a few observations and goals.
Reflecting on 2009
~I have met amazing people. Through my virutal community on Twitter and in real life I have been blessed to meet some the most inspiring people. These are people who act with integrity, are intelligent, and know how to make every day count. They laugh at themselves and treat others with kindness. They know the meaning of empathy and practice it daily. They are climbers, yogis, scholars, comedians, well the list goes on, but ultimately they are the people who help me look inward and demand more from myself.
~I’ve had adventures. I have had some great climbing excursions including my amazing visit to Devil’s Lake Wisconsin with Chicks Climbing. I have tried out Aerial Dance and discovered my love for the trapeze and Aerial Yoga. I ran my first 5K with friends that I hadn’t know six months prior but their wisdom and support made it feel like they had always been there. I moved back into my condo and remembered what it feels like to have a home. I volunteered with The Women’s Wilderness Institute to produce Gear and Cheer 2009 and it’s was one heck of a ride.
~I’ve lost a few things. I lost friends who were either not the people I thought they were or didn’t care for me when I was no longer the person they expected. I lost my fear of trying new things because it doesn’t matter how “good” I am. All that matters is that I have fun and do my best. I lost my boundaries and self-identity. Not in a way that is negative but I have let down my guard and it’s opened my world so much.
Making 2010
~I plan to engage with more of my awesome people. I want to take relationships offline, make more contact and share and learn more. Whether it’s Tweet Ups, joining new groups, visiting friends, or just making the time to have coffee one on one I am going to do it.
~I will have more adventures. I signed up for a Mini Duathlon. I am the Event Chair for Gear and Cheer and a member of the Board of Directors for The Women’s Wilderness Institute. I want to begin Yoga Teacher Training in the autumn, complete my first adventure race and give Aerial Burlesque a try.
~I want to gain strong friendships, more life experience, and continue to grow and evolve. The only thing stopping me is me.
January 25, 2010
March 27 at The Spot in Boulder, CO
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