Chippewa Valley 5ive for Women The Chippewa Valley’s Premier Magazine for Women!
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You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’ You must do the thing you think you cannot do.
Eleanor Roosevelt
Fall is here! Only yesterday it was a sunny 80 degrees. Today, I sit with a fresh cup of coffee as the wind whips and temperatures plunge. The chill in the air reminds me just how quickly seasons can change, in nature and life. Often, the change is sudden and unexpected. This issue is devoted to the concept of courage and how we women can navigate life’s seasons with guts and grace.
I openly admit I have officially gone one step over the edge. Between the house remodel, the back-to-school hustle, everyday deadlines and commitments—all while trying to work in some of the wonderful fall activities we love—I’ve lost my balance. It’s time for me to slow down and regroup. An untimely goodbye reminds me of the fragility of life while encouraging me to get back on track. With a heavy heart I say farewell to one of the Chippewa Valley’s most vibrant women. She was an illustration of how to live a healthy, joy-filled life to the fullest. She was a picture of all that is good. Her passing, but more so her beautiful life, has moved me to reflect on mine. Am I living my authentic life? Am I living my purpose? If the answer is no, let us lean on courage and start making some changes.
I am thrilled to roll out our courage issue. “Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway.” This John Wayne wisdom has served as a motto I have tried to live by for the past few years. As women, we realize most great opportunities come with great challenges. We have two options: We can take the path of least resistance, living in complacency, sailing along relatively smooth waters, or we can bravely rock the boat and cruise toward a better life, a purposeful life. I strive to instill this message into the character of my children. To live our best life—our purposed life—usually requires a bit of boat-rocking. The challenging and scary and messy things are often some of our most amazing opportunities. Whenever we accept the challenge to improve our lives, we will contend with obstacles. It is our hope this issue inspires you to saddle up anyway.
This issue, we take a look at the impact of mental illness and its effects on the family. Discover the positive, “ripple effects” of the “hero” inside yourself and others. An article after my own heart discusses the importance and benefit of shopping local, a great reminder to keep it local as we head into the holidays. Learn about an exciting opportunity to get involved with the 5ive for Women ladies and Habitat for Humanity as a home goes up right here in our very own community. We’re especially excited to share stories of brave women making positive life changes as they head back to school, face tough situations, and adventure out in a new hobby or sport.
As we move toward this busy season, I challenge my readers to be courageously present and make time for renewal while leaving guilt at the door. I am taking this challenge myself. Life is precious and I aim to finish this race with no regrets.
The journey continues with faith, family, friends, fitness, and finance.
– Jen Theisen
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
