What We Discovered Together in September: Boundaries, Balance & Belonging

When women gather with intention, something shifts.

Our September Sisterhood Journeys workshop was a full house—women from different seasons of life arriving with open hearts and honest stories. We began with a gentle grounding, letting breath settle our nervous systems and our shoulders drop. From that place of presence, we stepped into the afternoon's focus: Boundaries & Balance—how we protect our energy, name our needs, and design lives that feel like our own.

The room softened as each woman realized she didn’t have to carry her story alone—or make it smaller to be palatable. We practiced what our community is about: being seen, heard, and held.

The Balance Mapping activity

Our featured practice this month was Balance Mapping—a visual journaling exercise with two sides:

• Energy Drains & Responsibilities

• Joy-Givers & Restorers

With pens and quiet honesty, everyone sketched their week as it actually feels. Then we asked one catalytic question: “What is one small shift that would bring me closer to balance this season?” Answers ranged from “a firm say "no" to additional professional commitments” to “a morning committing to 30 minutes alone” to “exploring what may be next based on my wants.” Small, doable shifts—no perfection required.

Journaling prompts (shared in our follow-up)

Because stories were flowing, we sent our journaling prompts after the workshop:

1. Where is my energy currently going by choice vs. default? What tiny boundary would protect my attention?

2. What restores are most accessible in a 5-10 minute window? How can I ritualize one of them this week?

If you attended and haven’t visited them yet, set a 10-minute timer this week and choose one. Let it be gentle.

Takeaways & tokens

Each guest received a Thank You card and an affirmation card to tuck into a journal or mirror. These tiny anchors help us remember who we are when the week starts moving fast again.

What I’m carrying forward

Boundaries are an act of love—toward ourselves and the people we care about. Balance isn’t a fixed destination; it’s a rhythm we return to, again and again. Thank you for bringing your real life to the circle. Your presence matters here. Mine does too.

Coming up next

• October Theme: Shadow & Light: Embracing All of You — a gentle exploration of the parts of ourselves we hide and the ones we celebrate.

• November Gathering: Thankful Hearts: Celebrating Connection & Community — a cozy, Friendsgiving-style potluck with hands-on practices for gratitude and belonging.

  
  

Want a seat in the circle? Visit sisterhoodjourneys.org to reserve your spot for the next workshop.

With a warm hearth and an open seat for you,

Melinda Hohn

Owner/Workshop Facilitator and Coach, Sisterhood Journeys

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