Today On the Menu:

👩‍🎓 Today In Women’s History: Celebrating Ruth Gordon

📕 Self-Development: 3 Must-Read Motivational Books for Women

💪 Motivation: Ruth Thompson's Hugs Cafe: The Heartwarming Late Bloomer's Journey

PLUS: Announcing This Week’s Giveaway

Read Time: 3 Mins

On This Day In Women’s History:

October 30, 1896: Ruth Gordon was born.

THIS WEEK’S GIVEAWAY

This week we will be gifting a $25 Starbucks Gift Card to one of our readers. To qualify, all you need to do is stay engaged as a dedicated reader of our newsletter.

It’s as simple as that! The lucky winner for this week’s prize will be announced and contacted on Friday.

📚 3 Must-Read Motivational Books for Women

1. How to Stop Feeling Like a Sh*t

   Andrea Owen

This book is not your typical self-help guide. It doesn't sugarcoat the issues or provide quick fixes. Instead, it encourages readers to confront their insecurities and embrace vulnerability as a path to personal empowerment. Through her relatable anecdotes and straightforward language, Andrea Owen makes you feel like you're chatting with a trusted friend.

2. Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking

   Susan Cain

Cain's work showcases the power of embracing one's true self and recognizing the strength that introverts bring to the table. Whether you're an introvert seeking validation or an extrovert looking to better understand and appreciate your quieter counterparts, "Quiet" is an eye-opening and empowering read. Valerie Albarda's quote, "You are so much more than 'less than,'" perfectly encapsulates the empowering message at the heart of this thought-provoking book.

3. Amazing Grace Adams

   Fran Littlewood

Fran Littlewood's storytelling is both compassionate and powerful. She portrays Grace's life as a testament to the strength of the human spirit. As readers, we witness Grace's transformation from a vulnerable child to a determined young woman, breaking free from the shackles of her past.

☕ Ruth Thompson's Hugs Cafe: The Heartwarming Late Bloomer's Journey

In 2013, Ruth Thompson embarked on an inspiring journey when she launched her passion project, Hugs Cafe, at the age of 58. While many might be considering retirement at that stage of life, Ruth was just getting started on a mission that would change countless lives.

Ruth's connection with special needs adults began 15 years prior when she worked as an instructor. Her deep-seated passion for helping individuals with special needs thrive was ignited during this period. However, she took a bold step by founding Hugs Cafe, even though she had no prior experience in running a nonprofit or a business. This courageous move was the start of something truly remarkable.

Now, Ruth Thompson is at the helm of a thriving nonprofit business with a clear and powerful mission: "to empower adults with special needs to change their lives for the better by creating jobs and providing extensive training every day." 

Hugs Cafe is more than just a place to enjoy a meal; it's a symbol of inclusion, acceptance, and empowerment. Ruth's vision for the cafe was to create a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals with special needs could not only find employment but also receive the training and skills necessary to lead more independent lives.

What makes Ruth's journey even more remarkable is that she ventured into this endeavor at a time when many people might be hesitant to start something new. Her late entry into the world of entrepreneurship and nonprofits serves as a motivation that it's never too late to pursue one's passion and make a meaningful impact.

Until tomorrow,

Gabby, Live Well Now Team

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Gabby,

Live Well Now Team

Empowering Women Over 40 since 2020