I don’t know about you, but I’m starting to get perturbed about how people approach the new year. These past two years have certainly been rough, so I understand it when people say, “I sure hope next year will be better than this one!” Don’t we always?

Still even as tough as these past two years have been, there have been silver linings. At the very beginning of the pandemic, I wrote about the lessons I was just starting to learn. (Here’s what I wrote in April 2020.) Since then, I’ve realized so much more I have to be grateful for, even during some pretty damn tough times. 

I heard an interview recently about how we’ve become addicted to bad news. This negativity bias is powerful. Our brain reacts more intensely to negative stimuli than it does to good news. So much so that even when lots of good things happen during a day, we still only ruminate on what went wrong. The news coverage that gets the most attention is the bad news. So, there are some outlets people go to for news that dwell only on stories, true or untrue, that work people up and keep them glued to their screens. (Here’s more info on negativity bias.)

The tendency to get caught up in doom and gloom is exactly why gratitude journals are so beneficial. Sometimes it takes a conscious effort to look on the sunny side of life, especially during a hurricane. And it certainly feels like we’ve been caught in a tsunami.

If you haven’t done so in a while, take a bit of time to make a list of the good things that happened in 2021. I know you can make a mental note, but it impacts the brain so much more to write things down. We need to use all our superpowers to overcome that nasty negativity bias.

I bet there’s more than you remember. Of course, you should think about the things that happened in your life, but I also suggest you take a look at what happened around the world. I googled “Good things that happened in 2021” and found a treasure trove of articles about positive things to write down. It made me feel better to know not all the news is bad. I know the economy is making a comeback. Most of my consulting clients had their best year ever this year.

The hope that next year will be better also gets under my skin because it takes more than hope to make things happen. Part of what got me through the pandemic was my Jen Sincero button. Anytime I felt a little funky, I’d push my Badass button to get sage advice from the author of “You are a Badass,” and her newest paperback book, “Badass Habits,” in her own voice! Hearing her tell me, “You create your own reality,” and “You can DO IT,” gave me the push I need to keep moving forward.

Our upcoming Badass Women of Wichita Alliance “meetings” are going to help you kick ass in the new year. I’m especially excited to team up with one of my favorite people, Cindy Coughenour, the founder of Fierce and Female for a fundraiser for the Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center (WASAC). Her energy and passion are off the charts, which makes her a lot of fun to be around.

I’m also over the moon excited to hang out with Jen Sincero again, even though it’s only virtually. Be sure to email Watermark Books for your space in the virtual room. That’s coming up on Tuesday, January 11^th.  See more details below.

The new year is going to bring ups and downs, just like every other year. Hopefully, there are more ups than downs, and that you find the strength to accept the things you cannot change, the courage to change the things you can and wonderful and devoted friends that will post your bail when you finally snap!

Happy New Year!

Headmistress Jill

January Badass Calendar

Join us Monday evenings at the PourHouse by Walnut River Brewing Company at 711 E. Douglas Avenue from 6 to 8 PM for discussion and actions that build community, champion non-profits, and develop our badassery. These events are all open to the public. Complimentary appetizers and soft drinks are provided by the PourHouse. Cash bar and food available to order.

Badass Events

Join us Monday evenings at the PourHouse by Walnut River Brewing Company at 711 E. Douglas Avenue from 6 to 8 PM for discussion and actions that build community, champion non-profits, and develop our badassery. These events are all open to the public. Complimentary appetizers and soft drinks are provided by the PourHouse. Cash bar and food available to order.

- January -

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10th - Finishing School for Modern Women Workshop: What's Your Word for 2022?

This event is open to the public and is $10 to attend.

Program: What's Your Word for 2022?

Tired of making resolutions for the New Year that don’t stick? Setting resolutions and goals in January rarely enter our minds again after February. So this year, why not try something different?

Join the Badass Women of Wichita Alliance for a workshop to help you discover the beautiful simplicity of choosing one word to set your intent for the new year. We’ll use creative exercises, including vision boards, to find your one word for the New Year in this class.

Registration is $10. You can register in advance below to reserve your spot or pay at the door as space allows.

About the organization: 

These are not your grandmother’s etiquette classes. While culture and decorum are attractive attributes in Modern Women, our classes are not about training women to be “Ladies.” Instead, they are about finding our authentic selves, not because we need finishing, but because we’re never finished.

The Finishing School for Modern Women brings together women of all ages to learn from experts and each other how to claim our power in business, finance, communication, and life.

About the Speaker:

Jill D. Miller is passionate about helping people grow – professionally and personally. Business development consultant, corporate trainer, Headmistress of the Finishing School for Modern Women, Wichita State University adjunct professor, Past Chair of the Friends of the Wichita Art Museum and Wichita Professional Communicators, Co-Chair Know Your Worth Women’s Leadership Conference, Board Member of Camp Innovation Destination, Inc., CashMob Wichita founder, zealous volunteer, cultural event enthusiast, rescue poodle-owner, social butterfly. 

11th - Virtual Workshop with Jen Sincero!

This event is open to the public and free to attend. 

Program: Watermark Books & Café, in partnership with the Badass Women of Wichita Alliance, invite you to attend a virtual author event with bestselling author, Jen Sincero.

She will be in conversation with Jill Miller, Headmistress of the Finishing School for Modern Women in celebration of the paperback release of Badass Habits: Cultivate the Confidence, Boundaries, and Know-How to Upgrade Your Life.

A couple of lucky attendees will be invited to join the webinar to put Jen's book in action, workshop-style! If you'd like to attend, send an email to Madison at marketing@watermarkbooks.com. Include a habit you'd like to cultivate or break in your email and you might just be selected to workshop your habit with Jen live!

17 - Tell us About Your Business Speed Networking!

This event is free and open to the public.

Program:

So many Badass Women of Wichita are business owners - let’s learn more about them! While this group is mainly focused on building nonprofits, community groups, and professional associations, the diversity of locally owned businesses makes our community a better place to live too.

For this week’s Badass Women of Wichita meeting, we’re inviting women entrepreneurs to tell us about their businesses in a speed networking format. Boss ladies – bring your business cards, printed materials, or samples to share information about your business. You’ll have a couple of minutes to tell your story and get feedback, then we’ll switch around, so more people learn what you do.

Don’t own a business? That’s okay. Come learn about all the amazing businesses our Badass members are working on. Or you can be an advocate for another badass women business owner and tell us about your favorite Wichita business.

You can register in advance below to reserve your spot or at the door as space allows.

24 – Fight Like a Girl - Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center Fun-raiser

This event is open to the public. $10 suggested donation. Additional donations are accepted at the door.

Program: Fight Like a Girl

Help us raise money for Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center and learn how to protect yourself. Join Cindy Coughenour, founder of Fearless and Female, for an easy, hands-on, information-packed personal safety and self-defense program.

Fearless and Female teaches women, teens, and young girls how to recognize and avoid dangerous situations in their daily lives. However, if fighting back is our only recourse, women need the motivation, skills, and confidence to fight back and survive! Come join us and learn that "Fighting Like a Girl" is a really GOOD thing!

About the organization: 

Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center works with individuals and communities through comprehensive services and education to create a culture of intolerance for sexual violence and an atmosphere of healing for those impacted by it.

The victim advocates at Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center are professionals trained to support sexual assault survivors through the aftermath of a sexual assault. Whether the assault happened an hour ago or 25 years ago, advocates can offer victims information, emotional support, and help find resources and provide a wide range of advocacy services.

Registration is $10. You can register in advance below to reserve your spot or pay at the door as space allows.

About the Speaker:

Cindy Coughenour founded Fearless and Female in 2001 as a direct response to the murder of her childhood friend, Julie Ladd. As a Professional Speaker and Self-Defense Advocate Cindy is certified and trained in many different forms of self-defense. 

31 – Building Community -

Girls on the Run Heart of Kansas.

This event is free and open to the public.

Program:

 Girls on the Run believes that every girl is inherently full of power and potential. By knowing they are the leaders of their lives, these are the girls who will change the world! Join us to learn more about how this organization helps Badass Women in the making, how to help young women get involved in this organization, and your opportunities for involvement.

About the Organization:

 Girls on the Run helps inspire ALL girls to build confidence and make intentional decisions while fostering care and compassion for themselves and others. Trained coaches use physical activity and dynamic discussions to build social, emotional, and physical skills in every girl while encouraging healthy habits for life.

You can register in advance below to reserve your spot or at the door as space allows.

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We got Merch!

Get your official Badass Women of Wichita Alliance Merch!

There are lots of choices of items from stickers, buttons, t-shirts, hoodies, notebooks, mugs, and lots more! Order online and have the badass goods delivered right to your door!

Badass Women of Wichita Alliance

The purpose of the Badass Women of Wichita Alliance is to join together women of all ages in our inclusive society for discussions and actions that build community, empower women, and develop our badassery. We help promote nonprofits, community organizations, and professional associates that support women and families.

What is a Badass Woman?

A badass woman is a resilient, confident, bold woman who knows her mind. She is sexy, funny, does what she wants, and doesn’t need anyone’s approval. Being a badass is about knowing your own worth and not letting anyone else mess with that. It’s about taking control and becoming the best version of yourself.

What about men?

While these events are developed around issues and topics specific to women, all genders are welcome. We love men and value their Alliance and respect.

Our Sponsor:

The PourHouse by Walnut River Brewing Company, 711 E. Douglas Avenue, #105, is sponsoring our Alliance and giving us the use of their spacious private meeting space and delicious food on Monday evenings. The room is up an easy flight of stairs and has comfortable seating for 50 people, bathrooms, and a full bar that features their Walnut River Brewing Company beers along with wines and spirits.