Chippewa Valley 5ive for Women The Chippewa Valley’s Premier Magazine for Women!
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Hello, my beautiful readers. It has been a long minute since we have all been together.
I have, however, seen you courageous mamas. I have seen you taking care of your babies of all ages. I have watched you navigate working from home and traverse our daily changing new world. I have looked into your scared eyes at grocery stores. I have watched you take care of your parents and say your last goodbye to your family. I have watched you take action on social injustice and help your community in ways that have indeed been remarkable.
The world and our community are experiencing some challenging times. The other day, as I was taking the new puppy for a walk, I encountered the sweetest four year old. The little girl chattered away about her life and the adventures planned with her family. As I turned to walk away, she shared the wisest words I have heard in a long time: “I hope I see you soon, when the world feels better.” I hope to see you too, sweet one, when the world feels better. What true words; out the mouths of babes.
I want more than anything for our country to come together and feel better. I am not perfect; I have made and will make mistakes. I need to keep asking questions, having hard conversations, and being willing to be vulnerable to things I could never understand—staying grounded in humility. In the end, I want to be able to say that I have contributed more than I have taken. I want to keep moving forward with my imperfect self, because I know that if I don’t show up or speak out, that isn’t useful; and that is the definition of privilege.
In these times, the only theme that makes sense is to put out our annual courage issue. What we do at 5ive and what this magazine represents is more significant than my fear of What if…?. My loyal readers, this edition will look a little different. It is chock full of courageous women in our community rising and handling very tough stuff in light of what 2020 has brought to the table. We are only able to publish through the support of our beloved advertisers, and many of them have been hit very hard from the fallout of COVID-19. I am beyond grateful for the advertisers who were able to commit and help us all reconnect. The stories we share and the connection we create makes a difference in many people’s lives. These women have stood up to share their courageous stories despite fear. I am humbled and amazed at the strength and beauty of these warrior women. I hope you take the time to slow down and embrace these women and their stories.
Let’s challenge ourselves to move forward with our imperfect selves and be willing to have tough conversations and to embrace one another; then perhaps maybe in a small way, each of us can help the world feel better.
The journey continues in faith, family, friends, fitness, and finance.
