Taking time to refuel

Times Contributor

 

Women took a day for me time on May 4, by attending the Women Shaping Our Future conference held at the Strathmore Civic Centre.

“I salute you all for taking a day out of your busy schedules to come and refresh your minds and your energy by being with other women,” said Mona Kado, MC for the event.

There were booths on display with interesting information and products targeted to a woman’s audience and non-stop excellent food and refreshment provided by Kim’s Katering.

The keynote speaker, Jan Fox, a 10-year public speaking veteran and former public servant in Correctional Services addressed the women on balancing work, home and community.

Her main points were focusing on the positives in life, coping and adapting to change and embracing intergenerational differences. 

“I am absolutely passionate about staying positive in everything we do,” said Fox.

She said women’s lives are surrounded by constant busyness, change, demands, accountability and negativity and how that affects our bodies, minds and spirits.  She said that sometimes women create their own busyness and sometimes take pride in that busyness.

“We really need to think about what is important,” said Fox.

She recommended doing more with less. Stopping and taking time for ourselves and intimate family moments and working together as women in better and different ways that embraces our differences and special talents.

There were various workshops offered to the women. One was focused on laughter,  given by Rhonda Thys-doering, teaching women the positive effects laughing can have in their lives.

“You have all been through your own trials and tribulations and you each perform miracles every day,” Thys-doering said as she addressed her audience.

 She gave suggestions such as taking small measures like silly socks or hats to brighten a day, taking time to play, practising kindness or doing something out of the ordinary to spice up family life.

Councillor Berniece Bland gave workshops on the effects colour has on our lives and a handwriting analysis session, where the women gained knowledge about themselves through various aspects of their handwriting.

Tina King outlined how peak moments in our lives affect our body, mind, emotions, performance and relationships.

A local rising star, Drew Gregory, provided entertainment for the lunch break. Gregory has put out several CD’s, which were on sale, and has recently come back from focusing on his music in Nashville to help with the family farm.

Kato wrapped up the conference by thanking everyone involved in giveing the ladies a break and thanked the sponsors who were FCSS, Golden Hills School Division, Wheatland Education, Bow Valley College, Alberta Health Services and Alberta Works.