Maggie Davidson, Democratic activist, gives high praise to Women's Journey and self-discovery
July 02, 2009
"Maggie Davidson is one of those women who never stops learning. The former CPA and stock broker retired in 2006 but says she’s busier than ever.Currently president of Democratic Women’s Club of Northeast Broward and vice president of the North Broward Democratic Club, Davidson continues to expand her personal growth.“I’ve been a political activist with a focus on Women’s right all my life, “Davidson says. “I even ran against Jim Scott for Florida State Senate and lost. But as an advocate for women, meeting Dr. Ann Mody Lewis (founder of Women’s Journey) in the 80’s made a real difference in my life and that of hundreds of women.”
Women’s Journey is a non-profit corporation which meets monthly at Deicke Auditorium, 5701 Cypress Rd., in Plantation.
The charge is a suggested $10 donation to cover mailings, notifications and other expenses. The meetings are usually attended by between 20 and 25 women. There is no obligation or commitment.
Davidson adds, “Being part of Women’s Journey, has given me a different prospective on myself. I have added confidence in the leadership roles I now hold.”Davidson says Lewis’ focus recognizes how women are portrayed and how that image can be changed.
“I serve on her four-woman council which functions like a board of directors. We meet once a month to plan the next meeting. I’m very enthused about what happens in Women’s Journey. It helps women bring about positive changes in their lives. I’ve been attending the programs based on the ten stages of reconciliation for 12 years and every meeting gives me new insights into my own life and thought processes. I now quickly recognize self-defeating behavior and reverse it. I feel more in control of my feelings and responses. By translating negatives into positives, I have greatly improved my own life,” says Davidson, who adds that the longer a woman attends, the more she gets out of the program.
A portion of the mission statement reads, “As women, we are ready to consciously determine who we are; what we deserve; and what we want. Giving to others must include giving to ourselves. Knowing ourselves is our source of empowerment. We stand for a safe world for women, regardless of race, creed, or sexual orientation, where they can carve out a clear sense of self. We are committed to the hope that every woman will experience the love and support of other women in her journey to self-liberation. We hold each woman’s sharing as a sacred trust and pledge to maintain that trust in complete confidence. This invitation is extended to all women in their quest for self assurance and empowerment and who want their lives to make a difference.”
Lewis has a private practice, but when it comes to Women’s Journey, she says, “This is a labor of love to which I voluntarily share my time and knowledge.” Lewis describes herself as a licensed mental health counselor whose Ph.D. dissertation launched Women’s Journey. Lewis says, “I’ve been running the group program for 12 years, and it has stimulated over a thousand women to reclaim themselves. It’s an exciting experience of exploration and redefinition. Women who return for a long period benefit the most in rediscovery. None of us wants the meeting to end. Many of us are still talking and discussing subject matter in the parking lot. We’re very excited about our plan to launch a website in mid August. It will include a video lecture and interaction. I envision an on-line journey which will help women chat with me once a week.”
Linda Wisniewski has been attending Women’s Journey for over five years and can’t say enough good things about both the experience and Ann Lewis’s book, Me, Again.
“The group and the book have had a large impact on me. I have enjoyed personal growth and can better understand my life and my role in it. I’m a breast cancer survivor. I feel my positive attitude and newfound strength, gained through being a part of Women’s Journey, helped me deal successfully with my treatment. It’s important to attend every month. Two hours a month is a small investment for the rewards one gets.”
Thank you Maggie Davidson and Ann Lewis for your time and talents in worthy pursuits.