Many say they are lonely – this is all age groups, men, women and children. Call me anything you want, but lonely has never been something I’ve felt due to insisting on a perspective of personal and professional development as my mantra. All life activities are experiences whether good, bad or ugly. I choose to learn from the best in class. This means you align with accurate, unbiased sources of information and resources. In my most recent experiences, this includes medical journals through my work as a practice administrator and through Independent Women’s Network (IWN), a supportive community of engaged, informed, and activated women working together to inspire and have impact in the Lakewood Ranch area.
I love to learn, and I learn best when transferring knowledge to others to develop their leadership skills. IWN arms me with accurate information about legal policy today to stay true to my values of family, traditions, the law, civic duty and principles. IWN has given me an opportunity to open a Lakewood Ranch, Florida Chapter so that I can lead others. This has been a profound experience, and I feel even more connected. I can be true to my values of family, traditions, faith, honor and support of our local community to break through socio-economic barriers and the noise we hear in today’s world of ‘change.’ In addition to other resources IWN provides to Lakewood Ranch and surrounding areas, we are working with local agencies of CarePortal, Bridge A Life and Better Together to support the most vulnerable to help take some burden off the government and serve families quicker.
No matter the climate in today’s world, find your strength in organizations that support and are champions for your cause. IWN is thriving in strong membership due to many people feeling lost in today’s diversion from American values. We are all searching for truth in a sea of misinformation. This is dangerous. Stay principled, stay strong, and the truth will win the day. IWN is leading the way to break up the noise and show what’s real and foundational. Do not be lonely or lose direction in the right moral compass to embody, stay connected and principled – join IWN.
Bridget Matthes is a U.S. Air Force Veteran and Independent Women’s Network Lakewood Ranch Chapter Leader.