Under Construction
Coming Soon!
BRAVA
A Membership Group for
Mature Women Living
with
Passion and Purpose
BRAVA!
Used to express approval of a woman
Well done; very good; excellent
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Embracing the journey of aging as a dynamic and enriching experience involves shifting one's perception towards a mindset of growth and empowerment. As mature women we can redefine our narrative by embracing new challenges, cultivating resilience, and celebrating the wisdom that comes with each passing year. Through a positive mindset, active engagement in diverse activities, and fostering meaningful connections, aging transforms into a vibrant journey of continual self-discovery, contributing to a fulfilling and dynamic way of living.
Aging is not lost youth but a new stage of opportunity and strength.
Why BRAVA?
While Googling around the internet one day, I stumbled across the 2018 Seattle Midlife Women's Health Study*, which highlights key challenges women face in midlife and beyond. Many women struggle with redefining themselves while making meaning of their changing lives. Some of the women reported they were trying to accept that they would never achieve their goals and dreams in life. I found that unsettling and unacceptable!
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My challenge to myself in creating BRAVA was to build a community of friendship and support where women could challenge stereotypes of aging and respond to the inner voice that is declaring to each of us - "I have more to do and much to offer."
Women over fifty - and especially those in their sixties and seventies (and beyond) - are not on a downward arc of any kind. We are, in fact, rising.**
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I hope you will join along on a journey of self-discovery, redefining what builds our self-esteem, being comfortable with who we are and realizing that we can do anything.
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Together we can each compose a life story in which we can live with pride, astonishment and joy as we age.
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*To read more about the Seattle study, and the challenges presented by social, psychological and biological transitions that women experience, go to the Blog section above. You will also find a Blog discussing the topic of Re-Discovering Yourself in the context of life's changes and the importance of relationships, particularly in community with other women.
**excerpt from A Call to Further Becoming by Sue Marchner Brightman (2020)
About Us
My name is Nancy Darlington
I recently retired after 35+ years as an early childhood educator. My interest was to understand human development and support children to grow into the best versions of themselves as adults. Now, as I contemplate this new phase of my own development, I want to explore with others how we continue to grow, evolve and contribute as vital human beings.
My name is ...
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What will I get by becoming a member of BRAVA?
As a BRAVA member, you will receive a monthly blog, information, resources, inspiration, access to live presentations and conversations with remarkable women and other goodies. You will be able to interact with other BRAVA members in our lively community of women who aren't ready for the rocking chair!
Take a look at the key highlights below to learn more about the content and benefits you will enjoy when you subscribe to Brava.
BRAVA Membership Benefits
The BRAVA Community!
In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.
Albert Schweitzer
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Aging is not a solitary journey but a collective adventure. The more we invest in connections with others, the richer and more fulfilling our golden years become.
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Social isolation and feelings of loneliness are not uncommon as we age. There may be many different contributing factors, but the bottom line is that we all need meaningful connections to thrive. A group like Brava can't replace the relationships that we have experienced in our lives. But it can provide a place to share our common, and maybe uncommon, thoughts about what this stage of life means to each of us. Together we can look back at what we've had, and together look ahead with anticipation to all the living that is waiting to be fulfilled. Together we can build and define this group of brave and adventurous souls.
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Our community will include:
Friendship and Fun
A private discussion forum
A private Facebook group
Live Zoom meetings to discuss specific topics
Live and recorded webinars and workshops with occasional guest presenters
Opportunities to share our own interests and talents
Blogs
Book reviews
And (still a dream) an in-person Brava retreat
Together we can make anything happen!
STORIES TO INSPIRE
There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.
Nelson Mandela
Be inspired as you read this collection of stories about women realizing a dream or accomplishing a goal.
The next collection of stories may include yours!
70-Year-Old Bat Girl Lives Out Her 60-Year-Old Dream
Rejected by the Yankees at age 10 because she was a girl, Gwen Goldman finally got her major league moment. Sixty years ago she was denied a request to serve as a bat girl for the New York Yankees. On June 28, 2021 she finally got to live out her dream at the team's game against the Los Angeles Angels, and was seen in photos fist-bumping players and wearing her own official uniform as she was given the honor of throwing out the first pitch.
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Straight Facts