When I first started out in the corporate world, I came across many impressive women. When I got to know them better, there were two things that astonished me: firstly the responsibilities they held at work were just the tip of the iceberg. Many were juggling a career with an equally busy home life: children to organise, meals to plan, and housework to attend to, even if that meant arranging for someone else to take care of it. All things considered, it was a super human effort worthy only of the highest respect. Which is why the second thing was always even more so shocking to me,
In a high percentage of cases, these highly capable women who were managing the impossible did not perceive it as such. They certainly rarely stopped to acknowledge their humungous achievements. In the years that followed, I have observed the same pattern repeating itself. So often we focus on our own perceived inadequacies or things we would like to change. This ongoing, and often sub-conscious, dialogue in turn impacts on confidence and belief in our own abilities. The unfortunate result is compromise, limitation, and a life that is smaller than it could be.
It was this very conundrum that was uppermost in my mind when I started Me Spot. I wanted to encourage women to believe in themselves, to celebrate who they are, and to tap into the enormous potential that I knew, without exception, they had. While Me Spot is now known more for its exercise classes, this philosophy is at the heart of everything we do. To me exercise is one way to get stronger both physically and mentally. It empowers and enables. What’s more, exercising with Me Spot means stepping into a community that embraces, supports and encourages. In an environment like that great things happen.
While we were researching the concept, Corinne, our supremely talented designer, brought to my attention a poem by the exceptional Maya Angelou: Phenomenal Woman. It sums up perfectly the ethos of Me Spot: we are all phenomenal women in our own right. Let’s embrace who we are, how we are and work it! Let’s use it to stride out, breakdown self-imposed barriers and live our best life!
If you haven’t read it (and even if you have it’s always worth reading again!), here it is:
Phenomenal Woman
by Maya Angelou
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I’m telling lies.
I say,
It’s in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It’s the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can’t touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can’t see.
I say,
It’s in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Now you understand
Just why my head’s not bowed.
I don’t shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It’s in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
‘Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
It was out of this poem that the Phenomenal Woman section of the monthly newsletter came to be. It is an opportunity for me to celebrate you and the amazing things you do (even though I STILL very often hear ‘what I am doing is not that out of the ordinary’!!).
In the 15 years of running Me Spot you have not only helped me to fulfil my dream but in the process, you have inspired me beyond measure. Because of you I believe even more firmly than I ever did that anything is possible, and that there is no question that the second half of life can be even better than the first!
For that I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
*** I would like to dedicate this piece to my dear friend and confidante Professor Marcia Worrell who was not only one of the most impressive women I have ever known, she was kind, thoughtful, ultra supportive of Me Spot and everyone in it…. and she knew better than anyone how to strut her stuff! Although she is sadly no longer with us, her memory will be with us forever.***
What an incredible milestone. I’ve always been full of admiration for your determination, courage and resilience in creating the dream of your business which has been so dear to you for many years. And the impact you’ve had is remarkable, a whole community of women living healthier, richer, better lives. You inspire me x
Hello! Thanks for your very touching comments and the feelings are mutual! One can’t achieve anything without having friends to rely on and talk to not only to share the highs, but more importantly, when the going gets tough. So thanks to you too for all your support. Hope to see you soon! x
Thank you for sharing this. What a beautiful and inspiring message, and congratulations on 15 years of Me Spot! It’s lovely to read how much the community has meant to you and how much you have given to the women who have been part of it over the years.
I particularly loved the reminder that we often don’t recognise our own achievements because we’re so focused on what we think we could be doing better. It’s such an important message, especially as we move into the second half of life. Here’s to continuing to celebrate ourselves, support one another and make the most of what lies ahead. ❤️
Thanks for your kind words Shagufta. Glad the blog resonated and the point you raise is key as you say and you capture it beautifully. Thank you.
So many congratulations Lindsay – phenomenal you are!! You have succeeded in bringing together many women who all have their stories, sadnesses, success, talents, and courage to go forward. Not easy. Friendship and smiling faces are today very important as well as the exercise and walking. Courage – please keep going forward.
Thank you Sonja. Yes so much inspiration from everyone not least you!
So many congratulations Lindsay – phenomenal you are!! You have succeeded in bringing together many women who all have their stories, sadnesses, success, talents, and courage to go forward. Not easy. Friendship and smiling faces are today very important as well as the exercise and walking. Courage – please keep going forward.
Just love that poem – I saw a video of Maya Angelou reciting it – she was amazing and just iike others have said you are a phenomenal woman Lindsay – congratulations on 15 years of following your dream and making it happen. Wishing you at least another 15 years of success!
Thank you Ann. I wish I had discovered Maya Angelou earlier. When I was introduced to the poem, Marica who I mentioned in the blog, told me she had seen her read live in London – how amazing would that have been! Thanks for your ongoing support. I love that you join us all the way from Kenya and hope you will be able to meet some of us one day.
What a wonderful newsletter, three phenomenal women. Enjoy your celebrations Lindsay, I can’t wait to celebrate with you. I can’t believe I have now been in London 9 years, and feel so lucky to have joined the Me Spot community. 🎉🍾🥂🎉
Thank you very much, I am happy that Me Spot has made a difference to your life. See you at the party. x
Lindsay you are truly the PHENOMENAL Woman amongst all of us. Thank you doesn’t seem strong enough for the amazing work you have done in getting us all together … and exercised ! … over the last 15 years – not to mention the friendships which have formed amongst us. Your inspiration and dedication inspires and impresses us all each week. Bless you x
Thanks for taking the time to comment and for your lovely words. The depth of friendship that I see among you all is very special and rare indeed to find. See you at the party. x
You are a truly phenomenal woman Lindsay, and you’ve brought, and continue to bring, such joy and positivity to so many women.
Thank you, it’s a privilege to be a part of this extraordinary business… I knew from the very first meeting with you and Marcia, all those years ago, that this was the start of a wonderful journey.
Happy 15th birthday to phenomenal you xxx
Thanks you for your kind words and of course your enduring support throughout everything. It’s hard to put into words how much that means. You seem to know where my head is at and either help to sort it out, or translate my ramblings into exquisite design that continues to excite and inspire me to this day. Your own story of going after your dreams sums up perfectly what the business is all about. Bravo! Look forward to seeing you the week after next. xxx
Congratulations Lindsay- and thank you !
Hello, it’s always so lovely to hear from you. I hope you are well. Thanks for taking the time to comment. It was such a pleasure to work together – 6 years ago now! Sending my very best wishes, Lindsay