Say Happy Birthday To Imagine A Woman
March 27, 2010 by SiteAdmin
Filed under Uncategorized
When we announced that we were re-launching Imagine a Woman in honor of the poem’s 15th Anniversary/Birthday, we began to receive some amazing “Birthday Wishes.” After reading how the original poem touched the lives of women far and wide, we decided to create a place on the new site where women could share, read, and create birthday wishes and stories of how Imagine a Woman touched their lives.
We invite you to leave your own message, just submit a comment containing your Birthday Wish below!
From Kathryn Adis
Author of Repeat After Me: 7 Simple Truths to Help You Survive a Crisis
www.truehopebooks.com
I was imagining and stepping into my own rebirth when I first read “Imagine A Woman.” Eagerly I sent copies to my women friends so they could be uplifted as was I. Guided by the vision and its author, I found a voice to assist others going through a life-altering experience by writing Repeat After Me, simple truths to help you survive a crisis. The book took wing and surpassed my singular dream: to help just one other person. Today Repeat After Me goes into second printing as I gently look back on the young woman so long huddled and afraid who has at last blossomed, sitting with ease and grace in a fluid circle of visionaries.
Happy Birthday, Imagine A Woman, from www.TrueHopeBooks.com. Thank you for your voice. Your song strikes a melodic chord in the hearts of women everywhere. Long may you sing!
From Mary Kay Aide
Author of Spa for Your Soul: 5 Steps to Rejuvenate your Life
www.spaforyoursoulcoach.com/
Today is the 15th birthday of the poem, “Imagine a Woman.” In 1995 the poem was first published in the book A God Who Looks Like Me by the author Patricia Lynn Reilly, founder of Imagine a Woman International. I discovered a version of this poem a year or so ago and it deeply touched me. Reading the original is even more powerful and has new meaning every time I read it. I marvel at how one poem can embody the struggles so many women deal with on a daily basis. So many of its phrases resonate with me personally and with women I coach. No matter the background, age, or life experience, women struggle with the same issues and can find support and solace in each other. I love knowing the poem is passing from woman to woman, mom to daughter, sister to sister, friend to friend!
Happy birthday, Imagine a Woman, from the Spa For The Soul community.
From Linda Amato
Author of Making Believers: Connect to the Light Within
www.MakingBelievers.com
I celebrate the “Imagine a Woman” today because I have become the woman described in the poem. Before the poem came into my life I didn’t know such a woman existed. This stanza describes me and is the message I share with my clients: “Imagine a Woman who acknowledges the past’s influence on the present. A woman who has walked through her past. Who has healed into the present.” I am blessed to witness women grow in love and respect for themselves…inspired by the poem. With tears in their eyes, they allow the beauty, power, and insight of the words to touch them deeply, and over time, they become that woman!
Happy Birthday to the poem from me and my clients.
From Susan Betancourt, Clinical Aromatherapist
www.breadandroses.info
The “Imagine a Woman” poem is magic! I recall exactly where I was, and how I felt, when I first heard the poem in a circle of women in Berkeley. I was amazed because I heard the words in my grandmother’s voice, and back to my ancient grandmothers, and I felt it was their special message being passed to me, their beloved granddaughter. I took the words of the poem to heart. Ever since, its call to celebrate and own my innate strength and beauty has grown and matured! The shape of my life work has slowly evolved, until today I can celebrate myself with wonder and delight. Recently, I proudly achieved a long-time goal, receiving my diploma as a Certified Clinical Aromatherapist.
Happy Birthday, Imagine a Woman, from the Bread and Roses community!
From Mary Pierce Brosmer
Author of Writing For (a) Change
www.marypiercebrosmer.com
Imagine a poem which has been like yeast, raising women to fuller, rounder lives than we had dared imagine.
Imagine birthdays which celebrate the mothers, as well as the children, visions, ideas, businesses, and poems they birth.
Happy fifteenth birthday to “Imagine a Woman” and to the mother who birthed her, Patricia Lynn Reilly.
From Mara Castello, CEC
Relationship Empowerment Coach for Women
www.NavigateFromTheHeart.com
Today, I have the privilege of wishing happy 15th birthday to the “Imagine a Woman” poem. The poem inspired my own “rebirth.” From the moment I heard it read, it’s message resonated within my heart. To this day, I cannot read it without a tear in my eye. It wasn’t until I heard the words: “Imagine a woman who trusts and respects herself. A woman who listens to her needs and desires. Who meets them with tenderness and grace”— that I truly understood that it was OK to be me. How freeing! I am not alone on the journey to reclaim the truth about myself.
My most heartfelt desire and calling is to share this message with my sisters everywhere, so that they, too, may know the depth of joy that I now experience because of this life-changing poem.
From Sheila Collins, Ph.D.
Author of Stillpoint: Dancing with Selfhealing and Selfcaring
www.interplay.org/wiprss.asp
Happy 15th birthday to the “Imagine a Woman” poem. I discovered the poem many years ago, but the older I get, the more it resonates deeply within me. Sitting in a circle of women is something I’ve done for 15 years, and that experience is how I’ve been able to stay connected to my true self. It’s a big part of how I’ve made it through extremely tough stuff in my personal life, the illness and death of two of my three children, and my best friend. I will continue working with girls and women, passing on what was given to me, just as the poem is passed from woman to woman, mother to daughter, friend to friend.
From Diane Harmony
Author of 5 GIFTS for an Abundant Life
www.5gifts.com
Happy 15th Birthday, Imagine a Woman! How amazing to have been inspired and touched by Patricia Lynn Reilly’s empowering words for over 15 years…and to have answered the call to be our authentic selves. Patricia has been my mentor and teacher for even longer. Her commitment to the Divine Feminine contributed to my own awakening. And this in turn has allowed me to find my voice in service to the awakening of others.
Thank you, Patricia, and here’s to another 15 years of women emerging from the darkness into the light, as we witness the profound shift of consciousness on the planet that can only be birthed through women globally embracing our truly powerful Selves.
From Kay Montgomery
Founder of A Connecting Thread Retreat Center
http://www.aConnectingThread.com
Happy birthday to Patricia and the poem, from the “A Connecting Thread” Community! I’ve shared the “Imagine A Woman” poem with women for over 14 years. It affirms my belief in the power of women nurturing themselves and each other by sitting together in ever-widening circles. The poem has served as an invitation to my family, friends, and clients to travel the authentic path of “coming home” to themselves. Its words resonate for me personally as I continue to explore who I was, who I am, and who I am becoming…and professionally as I support others “to honor their experiences and tell their stories” to heal into the present.
From Kagiso Msimango
Founder of South Africa’s The Goddess Academy
www.TheGoddessAcademy.co.za
Today we at The Goddess Academy celebrate the magic of the very divalicious phenomenon, the Imagine a Woman poem, and the global community of women it has inspired. I can’t recall where I first came across the poem, but I do know when. It was in 2006, while I was in the process of setting up The Goddess Academy. Having a brand consultancy background I’m big on visions and missions. Although I was very clear about why I was establishing The Goddess Academy, I was struggling to articulate my vision. That’s when I came across this poem. It had me at hello, so to speak. I was captivated from the very first line: “Imagine a woman who believes it is right and good she is a woman.” By the time I got to the end of the poem, my spirit was soaring. A goddess named Patricia Lynn Reilly had birthed, so very beautifully, my vision years before I had conceived the idea. I took this as a divine nod from God(dess) and received permission from Patricia to use the poem as our vision. Today, April 2, Imagine a Woman is 15 years old and as powerful as ever!
From Jessica Pierce
Writer & Eating Disorder Activist
www.live-out-loud.org
I was introduced to “Imagine a Woman” poem and book in 2003. The book was nestled in a bookshelf in my therapist’s waiting room, and the title caught my eye. I had been seeing my therapist for several years, for treatment of an eating disorder. While the book was intriguing, it was also terrifying. Eventually I was able to get through the poem, and a couple of pages of Chapter 1. As I became stronger in my recovery, identity, and womanhood, I was able to embrace the book, and its message. In the end, I was not only able to imagine myself as that woman, I had become that woman. Today, I share the poem with those who struggle with their own eating disorders and abuse injuries. Happy birthday, Imagine a Woman, and thanks for reminding me of the truth when I forget!
From: Paula M. Reeves
Author of Women’s Intuition: Unlocking the Wisdom of the Body
www.paulamreeves.com
I am drawn to the words and the ever growing message of Patricia’s poem “Imagine a Woman” because it awakens the depth of possibility inherent in every life. This poem never ages, it only ripens and sends forth seeds. Thank you, Patricia, for giving women everywhere a map and an invitation. Happy Birthday and may these words find their way around the world and into every hamlet and village.
From Nancy Scheibe
Author of Ripples Of Wisdom: A Journey through Mud and Truth
www.RipplesOfWisdom.com
Today is the 15th birthday of the “Imagine a Woman” poem. The poem was sent to me by a dear friend after my book about the first leg of my journey down the Mississippi River was released. I connected with the poem in a deeply meaningful way. Turning 50, it clarified the woman I had become and it identified the power in other women I wanted to acknowledge and invigorate. I immediately incorporated the poem into my work. As I travel, women gather in circles around Sacred Peace Fire and the poem is read to set the tone. Its eloquence declares the truth about WomanSpirit living within each of us. Inspired by the poem, women share their own wisdom and heartfelt reflections, born of time and experience. Happy birthday, Imagine a Woman International, from the Ripples Of Wisdom community.
From Erin Louise Stewart
Life Coach and “Dreams Come True” Retreat Facilitator
http://www.clarityenterprise.com
I was healed in Patricia’s circle of women while discovering a woman-affirming spirituality. I was reminded that home is as near as a conscious breath, conscious contact with my woman body, and a descent into my own inner spiritual resources. Within that WomanSpirit circle, I became the woman described in the “Imagine A Woman” poem. The poem has become a way of life—it informs my choices and vision of myself. My business “Clarity Enterprise” was born of the transformational influence of the poem, and its impact is continually felt as I assist women and men to imagine and realize their greatest potential. Happy Birthday, Imagine A Woman. May the world continue to be blessed with the power and presence of WomanSpirit!
From Therese Tappouni
Co-Founder of the Isis Institute
www.IsisInstitute.org
The “Imagine a Woman” poem has been in every one of my workshop and retreat packets for the past 10 years. When I first encountered the poem, so many of its words spoke to the issues and concerns of my clients. For women entering their forties and fifties and becoming their amazing heated selves, the line: “Imagine a woman who loves her body. Who celebrates its rhythms and cycles as an exquisite resource” spoke directly to their hopes and desires. For women learning to value their feminine self, the line “Imagine a woman who values the women in her life” echoes the call of WomanSpirit in the heart of all of us. Happy birthday, Imagine a Woman, from all of us here at the Isis Institute.
I found the “Imagine a Woman” poem online in 2006 during my search for woman centered inspiration to support me through the beginning of a new season of my life. When I read the first line of the poem, I knew that I was home – there was no pushing or craving, trying or striving – it was right and good. I contacted Patricia straightaway wanting to know more about her work, and this wise, wonderful, creative and loving woman has been my inspiration and friend since then.
The poem has inspired women in my community from the beginning. Yesterday, March 31st, 2010, I included a few stanzas of the poem in a presentation that I made to participants in a program offered by the Women’s Resource Centre, a non profit agency which provides counseling, education and advocacy support to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The presentation title, “How to Embrace and Care for All Women.” “Where can we get the poem?” the participants asked. I’ve decided to gift each of them with a copy of the poem as part of their Certificate of Completion Ceremony.
Happy Birthday Imagine a Woman. Thank you for inspiring women around the world in every season and situation of life.
Blessings always,
Rochelle
Happy birthday Imagine a Woman.
Imagine a world of women, gently awakening each other with love and compassion to awaken this world of ours into loving consciousness.
Imagine yourself living this wonderful poem.
Imagine love in existance.
Imagine….
Love and light to all women awakening everywhere.
Elizabeth
“Imagine a Woman” resonates in the core of my being. For me, it is has become more than a poem…it is a mantra. Happy Birthday, Imagine a Woman, thank you for lighting our path!
Happy Birthday! I love the empowering message of this poem. As a facilitator of a women’s circle and leader of retreats for women, I embrace the message behind this poem. Imagine a woman who values the women in her life, a woman who sits in circles of women – resonates so strongly with me. The empowerment women receive from talking to each other, from being heard, from connecting with their own intuition and wisdom and sharing it together is priceless. So happy to become part of this on-line community.
Happy Birthday wishes your way……I read the Imagine a woman poem at my Zonta meeting and the women were so impressed some wanted to have it become “required reading” for all high school girls. Congratulations on keeping this amazing movement alive and well for 15 years. I look forward to the coming events and products. Thank You for sharing this gift. Today we will celebrate the birthday by giving a free gift to any customers who mention the B’day.
Patricia from Patricia’s Transitions
Hurray! This is always a victory celebrating women’s work in the world! Patricia is a modern day Shero and I am so glad Imagine A Woman is making her rounds around the world!
Blessed day of your BIRTH!
Whenever I have a client who cannot pinpoint her discomfort in her life we review the “Imagine a Woman” poem and it leads her to self discovery and renewed commitment to her life and goals. Custom blends which are self directed are easy to create when support needs are identified. Thanks to Patricia Lynn Reilly and her magic use of the poetic. Patricia’s Transitions is proud wish a Happy Birthday as we celebrate global awakening and sharing of Imagine a Woman, International.
Happy Birthday, Imagine a Woman! This poem has continued to inspire me in my own process, and I share it with others so it can inspire them as well. Thank you Patricia!
Your writing has been an inspiration for me for many years, a guide to the Sacred Feminine surrounding us and dwelling within our core. Happy B-day and many more!
Brava! for Imagine A Woman being in our lives! Worthy of Celebration! As a midwife to women and birth for many years, I appreciate Patricia how with the wisdom and grace of your poetry, you help midwife women into power and possibilities! Many More Bravas!!!!!
Dear Patricia and Imagine a Woman,
Your soul filled words rocked my world many years ago and I have returned to them and shared them with the women in my life over and over. They have empowered my life, set me on the path to true North, given me the faith to leap, and the strength and grace to get up again. Thank you.
Happiness and Bright Blessings to you on this amazing new journey for IAW International.
Vugs! (virtual hugs)
Erin Stewart first invited me into Patricia’s healing circle when it was held in their shared living room, and ever since I have been on a magnificent journey back home to myself! It is so exciting to see how much has grown out of the “Imagine a Woman” poem, especially in my own life as a juicy Sister Goddess, metaphysical minister, writer and deliberate creator extraordinaire!
Rock on my sistah Patricia, and many thanks for birthing such beauty!
Celebrating & Savoring–
Dearest Patricia,
Your beautiful poem speaks to ALL women in this world! What an expansive and sensitive heart you must have, to not only know this, but to be able to express your understanding in such a poem. That so many women treasure your words speaks to womankind’s most fundamental and heartfelt desires to feel value, to be of worth in our lives and to the planet. Congratulations on this birthday!! Your poem ranks right up there with one of the most important pieces of literature the world has known!
I think I may have been at a friend’s house when I first saw the poem, Imagine a Woman. This year it is celebrating its 15th anniversary which means I was an early “thirty-something” when I read it and was ripe for its message. I had just opened the Holistic Arts Studio (now Wellspring Holistic Center), and had been teaching and mentoring its message since my twenties. Of course, now in my late 40’s I realize how little I knew back then, how much more I understand now, and how far I still have to go in living its inspiration!
Happy Birthday may we imagine all women in love with themselves!
I have loved this poem since the moment I laid eyes on it. It has informed me of who I really am when I have forgotten, and has done the same for many of my clients. I am honored to be a part of the celebration in my small way.