Have you grown personally or professionally as a result of Iron Brides? Tell how you have grown.
I will never forget that dark wet night at Madeline’s Daughter in Portsmouth when my life was flipped, twisted and turned! I was completely taken by surprise when I ran into Joann who then asked me to follow her. As good ole George made the announcement my heart raced and my head became overwhelmed with “what ifs.” I was young, engaged, and ill prepared for what life was about to throw my way. Has much changed? Yes. Is it very apparent? No. I am still young, still engaged, yet I can now stand confidently and write with assurance that I am now prepared for the next chapter, for my up and coming marital moment.
Iron brides has helped me make that vital transition from young dependent adult, to a young independent adult. Through my time with the other ladies, self reflection, and other life experiences, I have grown to the point where I now feel as if I am ready to make this commitment. It has been emotionally difficult. Part of me doesn’t want to leave my family, to leave my parental security, or my womb of understanding. Over the past 12 months I have been somewhat apprehensive about leaving these people who have raised me for the past 21 years. Thankfully, I have been blessed to spend time with 7 other women who appear to have gone through the mental and emotional journey that occurs when one finally leaves the nest. It has been encouraging to hear these women’s trials and triumphs. It makes me feel like my personal battles are achievable. These past two months have been hard, really really hard, and being with 7 other women who are all competing for the same thing, who are all stressed, busy and competitive has also opened my eyes to life. It has shown me sides of myself and sides of others, sides that I didn’t want to see before. Iron brides has added more stress than I could shake a finger at, but it has also added laughs and memories that I will be able to tell my grandchildren one day.
