Women rising

Continuing the JOURNEY

Women Rising was never meant to end when the gathering does.

This space is here for you to return to — to revisit what resonated, reflect more deeply, and continue exploring what is unfolding in your life.
There is no right way to move through this. You may come back to the same section more than once, or find that something different speaks to you each time.

Growth doesn’t happen all at once. It happens in small moments of awareness, honesty, and choice — often long after we leave the room.

Session 1: CLARITY

Finding Calm & Clarity Amidst the Chaos

In a world that constantly pulls our attention in different directions, clarity becomes a radical act.

In this gathering, we explored the Japanese philosophy of ikigai as a way to reconnect with what truly matters — not through dramatic change, but through small, intentional shifts. Together, we created space to slow down, quiet the noise, and listen more closely to our inner wisdom.

This session wasn’t about having all the answers. It was about asking better questions — and giving ourselves permission to explore them honestly.

Key Learnings:

  • Clarity doesn’t always come from thinking harder — it often comes from creating space to listen differently.

  • A meaningful life is shaped by small, daily choices — not just big, defining moments.

  • What we long for often reveals what matters most.

  • Our time, energy, and attention reflect our true priorities — whether we’ve chosen them consciously or not.

  • Growth doesn’t require doing more. Sometimes it requires doing less, more intentionally.

Daily Practices:

Rather than trying to change everything at once, focus on noticing.

Each day, pause and ask:

  • What gave me energy today?

  • What drained me?

  • Where did I feel most like myself?

  • Where did I feel pulled away from myself?

Reflection Questions:

  • What am I quietly longing for more of in this season?

  • What in my life is currently supporting that — and what may be crowding it out?

  • What is one small shift that would bring me closer to what matters?

Let your answers evolve. You don’t need to solve anything — just notice.

Recommended Resources:

Ikigai: The Japanese Art of a Meaningful Life (Book)
A simple introduction to finding meaning and joy in everyday life.

The Courage to Be Disliked (Book)
An exploration of self-trust and freedom from others’ expectations.

Exploring Ikigai (Spark Something New Podcast)
A deeper look at the Japanese perspective on a life worth living.

Pillars of Ikigai (Video)
A look at the five pillars of ikigai from the thought leader, Ken Mogi.

if you remember ONE thing:

You don’t need more time to create a life you love.
You need more awareness of how you’re already spending it.

Session 2: COURAGE

Taking the Leap: Callings, Fear & Becoming Her

In this gathering, we turned toward what is calling us forward and the fear that often rises alongside it.

We explored the idea that callings are not always loud or fully formed. They often show up as quiet nudges, persistent thoughts, or something we can’t quite let go of. And almost always, they come with resistance.

Together, we named what is asking for our attention right now, brought awareness to the fears that hold us back, and began to reframe fear — not as something to eliminate, but as something to understand.

We closed by connecting with a future version of ourselves — one who has already taken the leap — and listening for what she knows..

Key Learnings:

  • Callings are not one-time discoveries — they are ongoing invitations.

  • You don’t need to have everything figured out to begin.

  • Not all fear is the same — some fear protects (pachad), and some fear signals growth (yirah).

  • Our minds often stop the story at the scariest moment — but our resilience continues beyond it.

  • Courage isn’t the absence of fear — it’s the willingness to move forward alongside it.

Daily Practices:

When something feels important — and uncomfortable — pause before stepping away.

Ask yourself:

  • Is this fear protecting me… or stretching me?

  • What am I imagining might happen?

  • What might happen after that?

  • What would a small step forward look like anyway?

Reflection Questions:

  • What feels like it’s mine to explore right now?

  • Where do I feel both excitement and resistance?

  • What have I been postponing that I no longer want to delay?

Recommended Resources:

Playing Big (Book)
A powerful framework for understanding callings, fear, and stepping into a larger version of your life.

Big Magic (Book)
A refreshing perspective on creativity, fear, and moving forward without perfection.

Start Listening To Your Life (Spark Something New Podcast)
An invitation to trust your inner voice and live more truthfully.

Meet Your Inner Mentor (Web Resource)
Revisit the future self visualization exercise from Tara Mohr.

if you remember ONE thing:

You don’t need to feel ready.
You need to be willing to take one step.

Stay Connected

If this space felt meaningful to you, there are a few simple ways to stay connected and continue the conversation.

You can follow along on Facebook or Instagram for reflections, podcast insights, and upcoming gatherings.

You can also explore future Women Rising sessions or other experiences designed to support thoughtful growth and connection.

And if you’re feeling called to go deeper — whether personally or within your organization or community — there are additional ways to work together.

No pressure. Just an open invitation.

You can always reach me at katie@katiesandoe.com

Before You Go

Take a moment and ask yourself:

What stayed with me?

What feels most relevant right now?

What is one small step I don’t want to postpone?

You don’t need to have everything figured out. Sometimes the most meaningful shifts begin with simply noticing… and choosing differently.