The first step for any woman considering change in her life is to tap into her courage and take that first step toward freedom.

The word “courage” has its root in the latin word “cor” or “heart.” As Brene Brown writes, courage means telling the story of who you are with your whole heart.

I have led women’s circles for decades now and they are the best place for us to tell the story of who we are as women. To me, they are the practical manifestation of sisterhood and freedom.

In these circles, we create the energy of unconditional love, acceptance and connection as each woman offers her story with her whole heart in a safe and supported community of like-minded and like-hearted women.

Here, transformation happens.

As I lead these circles, it is incredible to witness the craving of truth appear and whisper in each woman’s ear, allowing her to bravely be seen, heard and supported as she begins to peel away the layers that have provided her a false sense of safety and protection.

Within our circles, each woman holds the sacred space as her sister bravely shares her story from deep within her heart, in all of its realness, messiness and raw vulnerable truth.

To be witness to and hold space for another sister’s story… what could be more important or be more of an honor?

Within the circle, a power is created among the women. That power is the hearts of other women truly accepting each other, with all the pains, shortcomings, and passions—all the rawness, bitterness, and beauty of life.

Together, as we raise our voices, our hearts are healed and we are free.