Recently I was hiking with a girlfriend, and as we walked we talked about the things that have been on our minds. We are each navigating “stuff” in our lives; children that are struggling, good friends battling cancer, work/life balance and of course, the tumult all around us. As we laughed and cried, we couldn’t help but feel so much gratitude for having time together so that we could lean on each other.

From ancient wisdom circles to modern-day retreats, women have always gathered. It’s a fundamental part of who we are—creating spaces where stories are shared, experiences are honored, and deep connections are formed. In a world that moves faster than ever, the importance of women coming together is only growing.

A Timeless Tradition of Gathering

Women have been gathering since the beginning of time. Whether through rituals, celebrations, or support circles, these gatherings have played a central role in women’s lives across cultures and histories.

In ancient times, wisdom circles were common. These were spaces where women came together as healers, mystics, leaders, and sages. They shared knowledge, helped each other heal, and supported one another in times of joy and sorrow. The gatherings provided a strong sense of community, as women leaned on each other for wisdom and emotional support.

But beyond the wisdom shared, there’s something deeper about why women gather. It’s a space to hold and nurture not just our individual experiences but also our collective ones. We gather to share:

• Our stories

• Our joys and sorrows

• Our dreams and hopes

• Our challenges and victories

The act of gathering is a healing process in itself. It creates a sense of belonging and unity, a reminder that no one is walking through life alone.

The Struggles of Modern Life

As much as we crave community, today’s world often works against it. Fast-paced schedules, work commitments, family responsibilities, and the overwhelming presence of technology make it hard for women to find time to connect. We’re always busy, always on the go, often isolated in the hustle.

And yet, despite all the distractions, women are still meant to gather.

Modern life may complicate it, but the need for connection hasn’t changed. In fact, it’s stronger than ever. Women need these spaces to take a break from the chaos, reflect on their lives, and remind themselves of what truly matters.

A Real-Life Example: The Power of Gathering During the Fall Reset

Earlier this fall I hosted a Fall Reset, and it couldn’t have been a clearer example of just how important it is for women to come together. It was a time to reflect, reset, and refocus on our goals for the rest of the year. We explored questions that helped us dive deep into our intentions and figure out what gets in the way of honoring them.

Setting Intentions

The first question we explored was:
What are your highest priority intentions for the rest of the year?

Each woman’s response was unique, and yet, there was a common thread that connected them all— the desire for more peace, joy, love, and purpose. Here’s what some of the participants shared:

• “I’m stronger in my desire to be quiet and present… and to continue spending time at the beach (even in winter) to release what I no longer need.”

• “I want more love in my life.”

• “I crave daily joy in my environment.”

• “I need to focus on a meaningful career.”

• “I’m committed to living in the present.”

• “It’s time to complete a writing project I’ve been working on for too long… I need to finally put it out there.”

There was such beauty in these responses—each woman being honest about what she truly desires for herself. And yet, we all know that setting intentions is only the beginning. The real challenge is staying true to them.

The Obstacles We Face

The next question asked was:
What gets in the way of honoring our intentions?

This is where things got real. As inspiring as our intentions were, we acknowledged how difficult it can be to stay on track. More often than not, the biggest obstacles come from within. Here’s what some women shared about what holds them back:

• “I get in my own way. So, I’ll write a note to self… cut the shit and get it done.”

• “Fears of old memories from times I’ve loved and been hurt.”

• “My self-doubt.”

How many of us can relate to these feelings? It’s so easy to get stuck in patterns of doubt or to let past hurts creep back in and cloud our present. Recognizing these blocks is a crucial first step toward overcoming them.

Becoming Who We Need to Be

The most powerful question we explored was:
Who do you need to be to honor your intentions and take action on them?

The answers to this were profound, as women reflected on who they needed to become to bring their intentions to life:

• “I want to become a loving presence, filled with daily joy, and live courageously.”

• “For me, I chant throughout the day about how I want my life to feel. I keep my focus on what I want and make it feel like it’s happening now.”

• “It’s a struggle sometimes to fight the negative pull, but staying mindful helps me stay on track.”

• “I need to speak my intentions out loud and stop the mental recordings that keep me on pause. I can’t let another year pass without action.”

• “Disciplined.”

• “I need to believe that everything is working in my favor. I need to stay in my higher self and reflect on all the things I love about myself.”

These responses were a powerful reminder that becoming the person we want to be isn’t a one-time event. It’s a daily practice that requires courage, discipline, and self-compassion.

The Takeaways From Our Gathering

Finally, we ended our Fall Reset by reflecting on what we would carry forward. Here’s what some participants shared:

• “It will feel like breathing if you truly want to do something. Easy… no second-guessing.”

• “Do not be so fearful or self-judging. Be open.”

• “Be intentional.”

• “Allow things to flow together and believe the universe has your back.”

• “I’m going to use the rest of this year to experiment with what makes me feel open and joyous.”

• “Keep being selfish with myself and get the words on the page… it’s time to share my stories with the world.”

• “Best two hours of being focused on next steps, in the company of women who understand.”

The power of this gathering was undeniable. Women came together to reset their lives and left feeling empowered to take action. It’s in these spaces that we find the strength and courage to move forward—surrounded by others who understand and support us.

Why Women Will Always Gather

Ultimately, women are meant to gather because we thrive in community. We gather to share our stories, to reflect, to heal, and to grow. Whether it’s a wisdom circle, a retreat, or simply a conversation over coffee, these gatherings are a reminder that while our paths may be unique, the challenges and desires we face are often shared.

When we come together, we tap into a collective strength that lifts us all. We leave these spaces feeling lighter, clearer, and more connected to ourselves and to each other. And in today’s busy world, these moments of connection are more important than ever.

So, let’s keep gathering. Let’s keep supporting each other. Because when women come together, magic happens.

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