Last week, I asked a simple question in our newsletter: Who shaped the woman you are today?

I was hoping we'd hear a few beautiful stories. What we discovered was something even more meaningful. Our inbox filled with reflections about mentors, mothers, grandmothers, teachers, colleagues and friends. Every story was different, but they all shared one thing in common: none of us becomes the woman we are on our own. One response, in particular, touched us deeply. 

Polly Venning captured the spirit of the question so perfectly that I wanted to share her words in full.

Who shaped my journey?

Without a doubt, it was my "Aunt" – an aunt by name rather than by blood.

She was a single, fiercely independent woman who surrounded herself with remarkable female friends. She forged an impressive career, beginning in modelling before moving into television and eventually radio. As a little girl, I honestly believed there was no one more elegant, intelligent or effortlessly sassy.

Looking back now, I realise it wasn't just her style I admired. It was her values. She showed me that a woman could build her own life, stand on her own feet, and never apologise for who she was. More than anyone else, she shaped my ideas about the kind of woman I wanted to become.

But our journeys don't stop there.

Over the years, I have been incredibly fortunate to meet three extraordinary women who have become so much more than friends – and somehow even more than family. I don't really have a word to describe what they are to me.

They challenge me, call me out when I need it, laugh with me, celebrate with me and, perhaps most importantly, love me for exactly who I am. Every day they inspire me to be a better person, and they are the women I hope to make proud.

The wonderful thing is that they are all members of Women's Network Australia. Alison Rogers, Rachel Downie and Eve Nelson have each, in their own way, helped shape the woman I continue to become.

Where would I be without them?

Thank you, Polly, for sharing such a heartfelt reflection with our community. Your story beautifully captures what Women's Network Australia is all about. While we join for professional development, networking and opportunities, so often we leave with something even more valuable, friendships that encourage us, challenge us, celebrate our successes and remind us of who we are when we need it most.

We're delighted to send Polly a pair of double passes to Colours of Time for her and a friend. We hope you enjoy a wonderful night at the movies together. And because Polly is one of our fabulous Tasmanian members, we'll be extending the opportunity for a whole bunch of WNA members to join Polly at the movies! 

Thank you to everyone who shared their stories. Reading them has been a wonderful reminder that every woman has someone who helped shape her journey, and every one of us has the opportunity to become that person for someone else. 

Oh, and don't miss today's webinar with Petra Williams. Petra says: "Most women are hiding in plain sight without even realising it. My mission is to help you step into your fullest expression so you can be seen, heard, and valued for who you truly are." Curious? Join Petra today for the Wealth from Within Webinar at Noon. See below for details.

BREAKING NEWS: Our next magazine edition is in production. 
Catch up on the Autumn edition - click on the pic to link!

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