CELEBRATING WOMANHOOD

Reiko Hankins speaking

On Saturday, March 4th, the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of WFWP held a luncheon to celebrate the qualities of womanhood. About 20 women gathered at a beautiful home high in the hills of Oakland, with a breathtaking view of the Bay area. The meeting was opened by Chairwoman Pat Fleischman who gave a short overview of the mission, vision, and activities of WFWP. The women were then treated to a wonderful lunch and time to share with each other.

After lunch, the first speaker, Reiko Hankins, a long time WFWP core member, gave a very moving and beautiful testimony of her struggles as the mother of an autistic child. Many were moved to tears by her deep, beautiful heart and her realization that her situation is actually a blessing from God that enabled her to develop a much bigger and more compassionate heart.

Poppy Richie, an educator and nature enthusiast, spoke about her life journey to become someone who contributes to the betterment of others. She shared a bit about her struggles with health issues and in her marriage emphasizing the importance of taking care of ourselves. As women, we easily get too busy taking care of our families and others and we can neglect ourselves. She cited Mother Moon as an example of a woman who is so busy caring for others, but still takes time to take care of herself so she can keep her health and continue to serve. Poppy brought some books that she has found to be very helpful to show the group as recommended resources.

Pat Fleischman speaking

The meeting closed with a reading of some of Mother Moon’s words about living a life with gratitude. We all went home with more gratitude in our hearts and a deep determination to remember to care for ourselves as well as others.

Resource Books:
Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Dr. Joe Dispenza
Healing the Child Within by Whitefield
Working with Anger by Thubten Chodran
Boundaries by Henry Cloud and others
The How of Happiness by Sonja Lyubomisrsky
Changing for Good by Prochoska, Norcross, Diclemente
When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodran
The Language of Letting Go by Melody Beattie
Wishcraft by Barbara Sher
Flourish by Martin Seligman
The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
Anxiety, Phobias, and Panic by Reneau Peurifoy

Poppy Richie speaking