Adversity – not a word that makes you feel warm and fuzzy. It is safe to say being abducted at the age of 14 from your bedroom in the middle of the night could possibly be the definition of adversity. The average young woman would not have the wherewithal and intelligence to escape from that situation.
Elizabeth Smart is not your average young woman.
Elizabeth is coming to the NH Conference for Women on Friday not only to share her story of abduction, but more importantly, to talk about how she escaped from that abduction and went on to rise above her adversity. Elizabeth did not let abduction define her life or keep her from enjoying it; she reversed that adversity and is now an accomplished harpist, a college graduate, a world traveler, a best-selling author, motivational speaker, wife and mother.
We all have adversity in our lives. It is how we choose to deal with it that defines us, not the event itself. Over these past 18 months, I have had almost more adversity than I could take. My mother passed away from cancer, I ended a long-term relationship, and that partner recently passed away, and within two days I lost two dogs I loved. The grief at times was immeasurable. This was on the heels of losing my dad. While I didn’t realize it at the time, because it is hard to see the sun through the clouds, my mother passing away and the dissolution of my relationship were events that caused me to grow. I had to make difficult decisions, but also decisions that empowered me as a woman. I came out on the other side.
One reason I chose Elizabeth Smart as keynote speaker this year is because she is such an amazing example of someone who faced adversity and prevailed, and chose to share her experience and insights for the benefit of others, through advocacy and empowerment. Her talk will undoubtedly instill in women that our circumstances don’t define us, per se. They are just one part of our story, but they aren’t the last chapter.
I invite you to join me at the daylong NH Conference for Women on Friday, November 3 at the Radisson in Manchester to hear Elizabeth Smart speak. Quite possibly something about her story will resonate with you. Perhaps she will inspire you as you face down your own adversity – now, or sometime in the future – and provide some words of wisdom that will help you on your way to coming out on the other side. It will be an honor to welcome her to New Hampshire on her 30th birthday.
⇒Click here for complete information about the Nov. 3 conference.
Leslie Sturgeon is the founder of Women Inspiring Women, and has been described as a reformed shy girl, a serial entrepreneur, a tireless leader of women in New Hampshire, a crazy dog lover and as someone who tackles life’s challenges head on with a positive attitude. She has spent her life learning about herself, taking massive action outside of her comfort zone and lived to talk about it. Leslie has “been there” and continues to transform into the best version of herself right along side you. She lives life without regret while embracing today and overflowing with excitement about what is yet to come. Her greatest joy in life is helping others to achieve their dreams, realize their unique qualities and encouraging them to reach for the stars. www.womeninspiring.com.
