I am the co-owner of Matters That Matter LLC. Together with my dearest friend of over 30 years, Kristine Van Raden, we co-authored the book, Letters to Our Daughters.  This book, a collection of over 40 letters from women to their daughters, became the foundation for our work. The book shines a light on the connections that we share regardless of our differences. The book was featured on the Oprah Show and has been published in several languages.

Our passion and calling is to inspire others to determine that which is most important, and then find ways to live that honor and reflect who they are and what they value.  We have the privilege of traveling and connecting with women around the country. Where ever we travel, we find ourselves among dear friends in a room filled with women we have never met.   Whether a convention center filled with women dripping with diamonds or a small, crowded room filled with women trying to get back on their feet after struggling with addiction, poverty and abuse... we continue to see ourselves in their faces.  We find that what matters to one, almost always matters to all. We are connected to one another as women by common threads  Women need women.  We need each others ability to extend unconditional love and support. We need stories we can relate to and learn from. We need each other. Period.

It is often said that you teach what you need.  What we find, time and again, as we go about our work speaking, writing, conducting workshops and retreats, is that we learn and receive more than we are ever able to give.  I can honestly say that this work is a gift, and I am humbled daily by the privilege.

Learn more about Matters That Matter LLC programs at:

www.themattersthatmatter.wordpress.com and www.mattersthatmatter.com

Molly Davis is a highly successful corporate trainer.  A gifted teacher, she combines practical strategies and real life stories with humor and heart.   She adores her family, worn blue jeans, horses and cowboy boots.

Kristine Van Raden is an accomplished artist & masterful storyteller.  Her artistic insight brings depth, compassion and creativity to their message.  Nothing makes her happier than time with her tribe and endless hours in her studio with a welding torch and a paint brush.

How did you get to where you are now?

I would have to say that I have learned to step over my fears.  I guess that I have learned - with many continuing bumps along the way, how to live with courage.  To me, that means to choose to stand in the presence of fear, determine my direction, and step out with faith and grace.... over and over again.

Anne Lamott, one of my true heros, refers to life on this planet as Earth School.  I love that!  I see every day as sacred, and know that it is a miraculous blessing to open my eyes one more day and learn the lessons to be learned, and make a difference in that part of the world that is within my reach. 

And finally, with the love and devotion of my people.  I have been beyond blessed to have my dearest friend walk by my side no matter what. My sweet husband and daughters and a handful of others help make my world make sense. 

 

How do you see yourself differently now than you did 10 years ago?

I know myself more deeply now.  My work and my calling are ever more clear, and I don't want to waste one moment on stuff that doesn't matter. 

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Continuing this miraculous work. Another book or 3 under our belts. Hosting retreats for women and providing a "Place Away" for women writers. 

Loving my glorious daughters, now and future grandchildren, my romantic scientist of a husband, and looking out my window at our barn and horses grazing under the shadow of Mt. Adams.

Anne Lamott, Liz Gilbert, Kristine Van Raden, My daughters, Haley, Lauren, my daughters who joined me when I fell in love with their dad - Clare and Val... and any and all women who live with courage, find their voice and speak up and show up.  My dear mom Ashby continues to inspire me to live with Grace 10 years after leaving the planet.