Giving Thanks and Celebrating Women in Family Businesses

Some women have asked me, “Why create a membership organization like IAWIFE?”  I have to say it’s important because of the connection it gives us to each other.  As long as we live in this physical world, we all have to find a way to make a living – to create a means to provide ourselves and our families food, clothing, shelter, and hopefully to have a little fun.  I know of no better way to fulfill these needs, and to connect to those we love, than through a family business.

At the same time, connecting to each other and supporting and helping each other as we go through our daily challenges, enriches our lives in ways we may not immediately comprehend.  Perhaps Norman Cousins said it best:

“The highest expression of civilization is not its art but the supreme tenderness that people are stong enough to feel and to show toward one another.  Art proceeds out of an exquisite awareness of life.  The creative spirit and the compassionate spirit are not things apart but kindred manifestations of a response to life.”

We are kindred spirits and although it may not always feel that way – nonetheless in the long run we will find it is the truth.

So, my answer to why I have created IAWIFE is that I have a desire to serve and connect and discover the gifts we all have to give – gifts that continue to amaze and delight me in their variety and diversity. 

Let’s celebrate each other, and all our gifts, by helping support and enrich each other’s lives every chance we get.  As Stephen Covey says:

“To touch the soul of another human being is to walk on holy ground.”