Back by popular demand is another Women Talk Cochrane event – an evening for women to come together and listen to the candid stories of survivors and thrivers inspiring other women to push past their fears and live their best lives.
Brought to you by Chef Susan Hoy and Sheryl Anderson, the monthly event will be held Feb. 12 upstairs at Half Hitch, beginning at 7 p.m.
“Our turnouts have been absolutely fantastic ... it really is just about supporting each other and our experiences,” said Hoy.
This month’s guest speakers include Stillpoint Bodyworks healer/health practitioner and author Dixie Bennett; youth/women’s advocate, speaker and author Aime Hutton; and Canmore’s life coach, motivational speaker and author Helen Rose.
Rose’s 2009 book 53 Grove Road is one of the backdrops of her talks – based on her personal story of childhood trauma and overcoming it in adulthood.
“It’s about my experiences in the foster care system and then being adopted at age four into an alcoholic family,” said Rose, with an emphasis on the journey of overcoming childhood trauma and post-traumatic stress and the freedom in forgiveness.
“It’s amazing how many people will come to me and tell me their stories ... It’s not about poor me, it’s just what it is (and) there’s many more stories like mine.”
A single mom to her son, Rose shared how she struggled early in life, coming to learn that her knowledge of “normal” fell short given her upbringing.
Her difficulties and her journey of forgiveness and understanding inspired her book, as well as stepping into the realm of motivational speaking, journalling retreats and her work as a life coach. Much of her focus includes forgiveness, addressing grief and moving forward.
“It’s about forgiving ... you get to decide who you are today.”
Advance tickets are $20 online or $25 at the door.
Stay tuned for the next talk in March, which will coincide with International Women’s Day on March 8. Visit womentalk.ca/cochrane.
