Guest Blogger: Erica Madden
Because our Little Pink retreats take place in different areas all over the country, they all have different personalities. The communities give us a taste of their home towns by sharing various activities and experiences native to the location. But, there is one activity that is signature to a Little Pink retreat and happens everywhere: stand up paddle boarding.
While it is hard for me to pick a “favorite” retreat week experience, I have to say SUP day never ceases to amaze me. I love seeing so many kids wobble to a standing position and within minutes be paddling all over the calm waters. I love seeing a dad sail along the water with his young child perched on the front of the board. Most of all, I love seeing our beautiful moms take on a new challenge and, so often, conquer fear. It’s an empowering activity, an empowering day.
Before our VolunSTARS headed out to prep for SUP today, we gathered for our regular morning meeting. Music lyrics tend to move me so we’ve been sharing a song together to get the day off on the right foot — today I selected Fight Song as our anthem. And, because I’m the retreat director that gives homework 😉, everyone came to our meeting with an inspiring message or quote about empowerment.
These thoughts all reminded us of our Little Pink moms and their families.
You empower us. You inspire us. You are fighters. This is our fight song for you.
“You are more powerful than you know; you are beautiful just as you are.” — Melissa Etheridge

“You need to learn how to select your thoughts just the same way you select your clothes every day. This is a power you can cultivate. If you want to control things in your so bad, work on the mind. That’s the only thing you should be trying to control.” — Elizabeth Gilbert

“We don’t meet people by accident. They are meant to cross our path for a reason.” — Spirit Science

“Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” — Christopher Robin, Winnie the Pooh

“… On that day I overcame fear and truly enjoyed playing. I was confident about doing something I’d never done before. Because of my new confidence and my ability to do what everyone else was doing, I had acceptance from them.” – Betty Killebrew on her memories of sliding down the highest slide at school.

“Stay strong. Make others wonder why you are still smiling.” — unknown

“If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun.” — Katharine Hepburn

I can do this through Him who gives me strength. — Philippians 4:13