The Life Makeover Club

Chapter 5

FIVE

Life Makeover Principle #1:

The Four Cs of a Fulfilling Life: CLEANSE your life of negative influences, CLARIFY your desires, CONDITION yourself to attract those desires, and CULTIVATE continued personal growth.

The way a woman ate revealed a lot about herself. Gina; cautious and health conscious, would examine her food carefully from all angles, checking how much fat and carbohydrates it might contain before placing a tiny morsel into her mouth and chewing it thoroughly.

The frazzled mum, Cara; so glad to be able to sit down to eat, yet primed for interruptions, that she devours everything on her plate within seconds.

And Miranda; craves attention and glamour but tries a little too hard, her eyes lighting up at the sight of food, excessively verbalising her delight by saying: ‘Oh, this cake is absolutely divine!’ while unknowingly dropping crumbs on the floor.

Gina found it interesting to observe people and their ways, especially the women in the club. Could she really open up to them? Would they think she was ungrateful for wanting something better in life?

‘...and remember, if you keep doing what you’ve always done, you’ll keep getting what you’ve always got.’ Liz completed the meeting’s introduction after explaining the Four Cs of a Fulfilling Life, while the group finished off the last of the (divine) carrot cake. ‘Gina, would you like to do the honours?’ She gestured to an empty chair at the front of the room; a bar stool with a small curved support for the lower back.

Heart pounding, Gina rose stiffly from her chair, patted down her shirt to flatten any creases, and took residence in the allocated ‘Hot Seat’. This was where everyone would get ten minutes to share what they’d been doing the past month, show their vision board, and receive advice from Liz as well as members of the group. Then they’d move on to the next step in their Life Makeover.

Gina hadn’t made a vision board. She’s made a vision book , which was still a work-in-progress. She chose not to use a board because Marvin might see it and make fun. A book could be kept out of sight in her bedside drawer.

She held up the book, flicked through the pages, giving everyone a glimpse of the pictures she’d glued in; a woman standing on top of a mountain, a trophy, a smiling face, and several words including; Achieve, Appreciated, and Romance, along with the words Truth and Control she’d chosen from the collection of pictures Liz had shared at the first meeting.

‘Your vision book is a great idea Gina, thanks for sharing. Do you feel you’ve moved forward this past month, and did you take the challenge to do anything different?’ Liz asked.

‘Yes, I did.’ She shifted her position in the chair. ‘I always read thrillers and mystery novels, but read a couple of romance books instead. Just to see what the fuss was about.’ An awkward smile stretched into her left cheek.

‘And what did you think of them?’ Liz asked.

She was glad she hadn’t bumped into the fake doctor again. She didn’t want to give him the satisfaction that she’d devoured the books by the end of that week. ‘At first I thought they’d be silly, but the ones I got were quite good, and well written.’ She wouldn’t dare admit that she secretly wished she could transport herself into one of the books, and have Kane as her own After-Hours Boyfriend. ‘I’ll still read thrillers and mysteries, but now I know there are other genres that can be just as enjoyable.’

‘Hell yeah, I read a romance every week,’ said Wendy, and Gina’s shoulders relaxed a little. The books had ignited something in her she didn’t know existed. She knew they were just fiction, but wondered if there were men out there who treated women with such love and adoration.

When Gina had come home after her doctor’s appointment last month, Marvin had asked: ‘So, what’s wrong with you?’

‘I’m just iron deficient,’ she’d replied. The secretary’s message on her phone had left her worried, but strangely, she’d also been hoping there was something wrong. At least then there’d be a reason why she hadn’t been able to conceive yet.

‘Is that all?’ Marvin raised his brows.

‘She also said I have high prolactin levels. ’

‘What does that mean? Is that why you can’t get pregnant?’

‘Not sure, but I’ll need another test in two months. If they’re still high, she might send me for a scan,’ Gina explained.

‘A scan? Of what?’

‘Some gland in the brain.’

‘The brain! What’s that got to do with fertility?’ Marvin scoffed.

‘It’s what makes the hormone. She said sometimes the gland is enlarged, but high prolactin can also result from stress or exercise, so it might be nothing.’ Gina bit her lip, wishing she hadn’t said that last bit.

‘Ah! Exercise. I knew you spent too much time at the gym. But, stress ... what have you got to be stressed about!’ It wasn’t a question. ‘You’ve got a good job – which you don’t even need by the way – we’ve got enough to live on with my job. We’ve got a nice apartment close to work, and you’ve got me. It must be the strenuous exercise,’ he reasoned. ‘You better cut back, or better yet, give it up for a couple of months until the next test.’

Gina had said she didn’t want to stop attending the gym, but Marvin had gone on and on about making sacrifices, and that if she was going to get pregnant she’d have to cut back on her strict regimes anyway. If Marvin had his way, she’d be barefoot, pregnant, and serving up gourmet Italian meals at his beck and call. Like his mother, minus the pregnant bit.

Liz moved closer and Gina regained her focus on the present moment. ‘At the first meeting, Gina, you said you were feeling dissatisfied with your life.’ Liz threaded her fingers together. She looked every bit the competent lawyer about to cross examine her witness. ‘What I’d like you to do is make a list of everything that’s bothering you. Next to each item, write down what you would like instead. You can also prioritise the items and gradually work through each one, creating a plan of action to make positive changes in those areas.’

‘Sure, I can do that.’ Gina smiled. She loved writing lists and having a systemised plan to follow.

‘If you have any trouble, send me an email or give my office a call and I’ll help you with it.’

‘Thanks, Liz, I will.’ She wouldn’t. Gina liked to do things on her own. She’d schedule a reminder into her phone to start the list tomorrow on her lunch break.

Miranda fidgeted in her chair while waiting for her turn in the Hot Seat, running her fingertips over the smooth gloss of her French-polished fingernails. Wendy took centre stage next. She joked about having done something she hadn’t done in a long time, and showed off her flashy vision board, covered with images of the perfect female body. She also said she’d gone on a detox program, but gave up after three days due to intense sugar cravings. ‘Lose Weight Fast, the box said. Well, I lost it but it sure as hell found me again!’

Miranda giggled. She had a story to tell about that detox kit too.

Wendy was advised to consult a nutritionist, plan some healthy meals, and keep a food diary. ‘Focus on being healthy and nourishing your body for now, rather than just losing weight,’ Liz advised.

Miranda listened intently during Rebecca’s Hot Seat. She was given similar advice, as well as tools to help her cope with stress. ‘Meditate? I can’t even sit still in front of the television!’ Rebecca reluctantly accepted Liz’s recommendation of a guided visualisation audio to try. She was also to keep a diary to report her daily stress levels.

‘Miranda, your turn.’ Liz looked at her with an encouraging smile.

She smiled back and virtually leapt from her chair, hoping ten minutes would be enough time to talk about everything. ‘Wow, what a month,’ she said. ‘The day after the first meeting, I bought a book that tells you how to find your ideal man. I was embarrassed, but It’s really good, although it could go into more detail, but anyway...’ Her hands moved about like they had their own form of sign language or a mind of their own, and it was hard for her to talk without their participation. That would be like watching a movie with your eyes closed. ‘The book says to make a list of all the qualities you want in a partner. How fun! I’m going to do that as soon as I finish the book. I might also set up an online dating profile, though it’s a bit scary putting myself out there. But, well, I am on a mission. Oh, and I had the most embarrassing thing happen at the bookstore...’ Miranda covered her face as she shook her head. She talked about the bag-breaking incident and came up briefly for air. ‘And, here is my vision board – Ta da!’ She gave a flourished wave of her hand in front of the board, and some glitter sprinkled to the floor. ‘Oops, sorry Liz. I went a bit overboard decorating it!’

Miranda had started her board the day after Trisha’s wedding. She’d sat on the living room floor with all the fabulous pictures she’d cut out, and a big bowl of potato chips – her reward for sticking with the detox. The three days she’d lasted on the program seemed like three weeks. It had worked, mind you, allowing the bridesmaid dress to fit without rupturing, and her TrimTummy briefs were now her most prized possession.

But, she’d never do the detox again. Pedro from work had to nudge her a few times to bring her back to Earth, when people at reception waited to be served and she stood there waning and staring into space. The day of the wedding had been fun, and she’d allowed herself a small champagne while getting ready, to help Trisha celebrate. When Miranda got out of the limousine at the church, she promptly fainted, falling half into the limo and half on the sidewalk before being lifted up by the photographer. The limo driver gave her a sip of water, and the photographer gave her some mints, bringing her blood sugar up to detectable levels. At the wedding reception, Trisha ensured that Miranda had a plate full of food, scolding her for following a strict diet and saying, ‘Why didn’t you tell me the dress was too tight?’ Miranda tried her best to look dignified while eating, but found it a struggle. The slow cooked duck leg with tender vegetables and beetroot relish was absolutely divine!

When the time had come for Trisha to throw the bouquet, there were only two single women standing at the ready; Miranda, and Trisha’s widowed grandmother, Glenys, who was more feisty than frail. She looked like a tennis player waiting in readiness to receive the ball, alternating her stance from one stocky leg to the other, preparing to spring in whichever direction the bouquet flew. ‘You’ve got the rest of your life ahead of you, young lady,’ she said to Miranda. ‘But me?’ Fierce determination tightened the woman’s gaze on the target. Trisha winked at Miranda before turning and throwing the poor bunch of flowers that’d been painstakingly arranged by the florist, over her shoulder. As if in slow motion, Glenys raised her arms and heaved her aged body sideways towards Miranda, who wobbled on her heels. Glenys caught the bouquet with one hand and Miranda gracefully stepped away and clapped for her as the lucky woman jiggled the bouquet above her head in victory.

Liz nodded and smiled as Miranda spoke non-stop. ‘Since the wedding I’ve been looking for a new roommate, but haven’t found anyone decent, so I’m going to look for a cheaper place to rent.’ Miranda checked her watch, now up to minute seven of her allocated ten. How did the time go so fast?

Rebecca suddenly appeared in front of her with a business card. ‘We have some great places for lease right now, call my office and I’ll get one of my agents to arrange an inspection.’

Miranda leaned back a little at the invasion of personal space, away from Rebecca’s determined stare, but accepted the card and thanked her.

‘Miranda,’ Liz said. ‘I’d like you to write a list of what you’re looking for in a place to live, and as your book suggested, what you’re looking for in a man, also. Achieving goals starts with clarifying exactly what it is that you want.’

‘Sure.’ Miranda nodded with enthusiasm, her dangly earrings tickling the sides of her neck. This woman has a thing for lists. Ooh! I could decorate the lists with glitter! Hmm... I think I have a thing for glitter.

‘I wish I’d written a list like that before I married my bastard of a husband,’ Cass blurted, surprisingly loud considering her quiet nature at the first meeting. As if realising the inconsistency, her cheeks flushed pink.

Gina Longwood cleared her throat and leaned forward in her chair. She poured a stream of water from the carafe into her glass, but her hand trembled and it missed, a small puddle spilling on the table. Strange, as Gina was so cautious and measured in her movements. Miranda thought it more likely that she herself would be the one to spill water on account of her flamboyant hands. Once, she’d even whacked a colleague in the face accidentally during a lively discussion about the very rude sales assistant in a nearby boutique. Said colleague now knew to stand at least a metre away when Miranda was on a roll.

‘Oh, I’m sorry.’ Gina plucked a tissue from her bag and mopped up the spill.

‘That’s okay, it’s only water,’ Liz said with a flick of her hand.

‘Oh, Liz?’ Shauna piped up, a stainless steel water bottle in her hand. ‘I’ve been meaning to ask – is the water here purified?’

‘Ah, yes it is,’ Liz replied.

‘What sort of purification system is used?’ Shauna probed further. ‘It’s just, if it’s one of those cheap filter jugs, they don’t remove fluoride, and you know, fluoride is not as safe as we’re led to believe.’

Liz’s eyebrows rose. ‘Right, well each conference room comes equipped with a state-of-the-art filtration system that’s built into the sink.’

‘Is it a WellStream system?’

Liz ducked into the kitchen and back again. ‘Yes, it is.’

Shauna’s concerned face relaxed. ‘Oh, good. Thanks.’ She filled up her water bottle from the carafe.

Geez, ‘Mother Nature’. Miranda tapped her feet on the bar stool’s foot rest. Can we get back to my Hot Seat now?

As if reading her thoughts, Liz turned back to Miranda. ‘Now, carry your list around with you, so whenever you get an idea, you can add it,’ she said, ‘or if you prefer you can make the list on your phone.’ Miranda nodded. ‘The other thing I recommend is to make room in your life for a man. This means preparing your living space, and your schedule, for a man to be a part of it. Sleep on one side of the bed, clear some hanging space in your wardrobe, and think of things you might do together.’

‘I think I better add ‘large walk-in wardrobe’ to my ideal house list then!’ Miranda joked, and the group of women laughed.

‘I wouldn’t worry. If your future man is anything like mine, he’ll just leave his clothes on the floor anyway,’ Leanne said with her hands raised in defeat.

‘I hear ya, sister!’ Wendy’s frizzy bob bounced as she nodded.

Miranda tried not to sigh audibly. My man won’t be like that.

After more Hot Seats, including Zoe’s in which she was advised about budgeting and planning a weekly timetable, and Molly’s whose business plan for ‘Glamour Pets’ was given a revamp, a satisfied-looking Cara took her place in the spotlight. Miranda wondered if she realised she had some sort of food stain on the side of her top. Poor woman, probably didn’t get a chance to look in the mirror before she left her house.

Cara knew her vision board was the best of the lot. She spoke about her first attempt at making one, and even brought the pictures the kids had drawn on to give the group a laugh. ‘I only finished it yesterday,’ she said. ‘And two days ago, I finally did something for myself. I used to be a bit of an artist, so I drew this picture of my son, Jacob.’ She held up a charcoal portrait of her four-year-old; freckles littering the bridge of his nose and a cheeky smile emerging on his face – a bit like a children’s version of The Mona Lisa: The Mona Jacob . She’d started drawing in pencil but switched to charcoal as it was quicker. Speed was paramount in her life. If there was an easier and quicker way of doing something, she’d do it. She didn’t understand what the fuss was about those popular slow cookers, for example. Why pay good money for something that cooked slowly ? Crazy! Give her a fast cooker and she’d pay top dollar.

‘Ooohs’ and ‘Ahhhs’ emerged from the group at Cara’s drawing, and Rebecca sprung from her chair for a closer look. For a moment Cara thought it was to hand her a business card as she’d done to Miranda, but she only said, ‘wow, that’s brilliant’.

‘Thanks so much.’ Warmth spread to her heart. For the first time in a long while, Cara felt like her old self again and savoured this moment of recognition.

After talking about her past in the art world and her missed opportunity with graphic design, Liz instructed her to make time for art every week. She suggested working out an arrangement with her husband or a relative to watch the kids so she could have uninterrupted drawing time. ‘Also, write down all the things you love doing or would like to do,’ Liz added. ‘Start brainstorming ways you can support your own needs. I don’t want you to feel guilty, Cara – a happy mother makes a happy family. Put yourself higher on the priority list, and start saying ‘no’ to some things, so you can make more time for the things that matter to you.’

Having someone tell her to make time for herself made her feel somehow worthier. In the past if she’d tried to treat herself or do something special, she’d feel guilty. Barely an adult when she’d become pregnant, Cara had only ever known being a mum. Her identity tied in with the role of ‘Mother’, making it hard to see herself as a young woman deserving happiness in her own right.

‘I think that’s my problem,’ Wendy said. ‘Always saying ‘yes’ to everyone. Never putting myself first. It’s like I have this urge to please everyone all the time, does anyone else do that?’ She glanced around the table. Leanne nodded, as did Cara, Molly, and Cass, while Zoe tilted her head to the side as if to say ‘sometimes’.

Rebecca eyed them all as though they were mad. ‘You can’t please everyone, it’s a fact. You just have to do what’s right for you, and stand up for yourself, woman!’ She wagged her finger at Wendy, who leaned back in her chair.

‘Rebecca’s right,’ Liz said. ‘It can be hard to change that habit when you’ve been doing it all your life and people have come to expect certain things of you, but it’s about learning to gracefully decline some requests, while still taking into account the other person’s feelings. And remember, when you take care of yourself, you then have more to give others. Looking after number one is certainly not a selfish pursuit.’

‘Makes sense.’ Cara liked Liz even more now.

She returned to her chair at the table and Liz stood in front of the group. ‘Now, as mentioned in your welcome pack, you’re entitled to attend a bonus workshop I’m putting on tomorrow night. I’ll be taking you all through a powerful process called The Passion Test. Based on the bestselling book of the same name by Janet Bray Attwood and Chris Attwood, The Passion Test is a system that helps you to discover your top five passions – what’s most important to you in life – and how to live your life in alignment with those passions.’

Gina leaned forward, her eyes widening, but Wendy shifted in her chair. ‘I’m no good at tests, Liz,’ she said.

‘No need to worry. This is a test you cannot fail,’ Liz replied with a smile.

‘Shame they didn’t have those sorts of tests when I was at school!’ Wendy laughed.

‘Liz, can I just ask... I’m pretty clear on what my passions are, so is the workshop really necessary for me?’ Shauna enquired.

‘Good question. And it’s great that you’re clear. What I’ve found is that many people are surprised to find, after doing the test, that what they thought was a top passion turns out not to be, or something they hadn’t considered before becomes a top passion. The process is very specific, and gives you a clear vision to live your life by. For example, someone might say their passion is...’ Liz circled her hand a few times ‘...singing. But that in itself is not specific enough. Each passion is put into a statement, so instead you might describe the passion as: ‘Singing my own songs at sold out concerts around the world’ . See how much clearer that is?’ Everyone nodded. ‘Many people may have singing as a passion, but not everyone will be passionate about songwriting or singing around the world, they might want to stay in their own country and sing at weddings, for example. That’s why the test is so valuable. It helps you put the passion itself into a context that describes a way of living, rather than just something you do. And if singing is someone’s passion, they might even realise on doing The Passion Test, that they actually have a higher passion, like, ‘ Travelling the world with my soulmate’ , and singing becomes secondary to that.’ Liz held her palm against her chest. ‘Doing the test allows you to know for sure, in your heart, how you want your life to be.’

Miranda sat up tall. ‘I’m looking forward to it, sounds wonderful!’

‘Me too,’ Cara added. ‘And not just because it means I get to be kid-free two evenings in a row.’ She grinned. What would her top passion turn out to be? Was it her duty to put her family at the top, or would something else clamber to take its place?

Liz handed out forms to each woman. ‘Don’t worry if you can’t do this until the workshop, but if you get a chance between now and then, start the process by writing down some of your passions. Fill in the form by completing the sentence, ‘When my life is ideal, I am...’. So, in the case of the singer, ‘ When my life is ideal I am... singing my own songs at sold out concerts around the world.’ The aim is to come up with at least ten or more, and we’ll go through the process at the workshop to discover your top five.’

Cara tucked the form into her oversized handbag alongside school notes, receipts, tissues, snack bar wrappers, and God knows what else, then cursed under her breath when she noticed a food stain on the side of her top. Damn it. How did that happen? Probably Toby. At least she had kids to blame it on and wasn’t just a slob. Anyway, it didn’t matter now, she was excited about discovering her top five passions. Though she knew without a doubt that washing a mountain of clothing every day wouldn’t be one of them.

‘What are your top passions, Liz?’ asked Zoe with a tilt of her head.

‘I’ll tell you tomorrow night.’ Liz winked. ‘I’ll even show you my own vision board. Though it’s not as impressive as Cara’s.’ She smiled in her direction and Cara waved her compliment away.

‘Hey, I’ve got an idea.’ Rebecca stood. ‘Liz, why don’t you have a go in the Hot Seat?’

Liz raised her eyebrows. Cara bet that she wasn’t expecting to go from coach to client tonight.

‘But Liz doesn’t need to,’ Zoe said. ‘She already has her life together.’

Liz held up her hands. ‘No, no, it’s okay. I’d be happy to sit in the chair and practise what I preach. I still have dreams and goals I want to work on. Life doesn’t reach a magical point of perfection, it’s always a work-in-progress.’ She wriggled onto the seat and clasped her hands together on her lap. ‘Zoe, with your journalistic skills, why don’t you facilitate?’

Zoe’s face brightened and her eyes widened beneath her glasses. ‘Sure.’ She held a pen to her mouth as a fake microphone.

Wendy laughed. ‘I used to do that as a teenager. Pretend I was a superstar diva!’

‘Me too!’ added Miranda.

She probably still does.

‘Don’t worry, I’m not going to sing.’ Zoe smiled, then cleared her throat. ‘Okay, Liz, by this time next year, where would you like things to be in terms of your career?’

‘I feel like I’m in a job interview!’ Liz laughed. ‘Okay, next year… well I’d still like to be doing what I’m doing, and I’d like to know that I’d helped all of you and that you were happy with how the course went. I’d actually like to run another life makeover club next year for a new group of people, or even three or four clubs – a different one each week.’ She no dded.

‘Awesome,’ said Zoe. ‘Have you made any plans yet to prepare for the extra clubs?’

‘Not yet.’

‘Maybe you should make some sort of progress on this over the next couple of months?’ Zoe suggested.

‘I could help spread the word,’ Rebecca piped up. ‘Flyers. What about flyers?’

‘Good idea, though I’m not quite ready to start advertising this early in the year,’ Liz replied.

‘Expressions of interest then?’

Liz twisted her lips to the side. ‘Actually, that could be worth doing. I could start a mailing list for people potentially interested in joining next year. No obligation, and it will give them time to learn more about what’s involved before taking that step. Thanks Rebecca.’

Rebecca beamed, her chin raised in confidence like she’d just found a buyer for an expensive property.

Zoe cleared her throat and held the pen to her mouth again. ‘So, Liz, would you like to make up a mailing list and some flyers and bring them to one of the upcoming meetings?’

‘I can do that, yes.’

‘I’d be happy to hand some out,’ said Miranda, and others agreed. ‘Or write a Facebook post and we can all share it.’ Cara knew some of her mothers’ group friends might be interested. Though she also knew that many wouldn’t pay that sort of money when they complained about how shocking it was that one particular brand of milk cost fifty-seven cents more than another. She felt so lucky that Pete had been enthusiastic about her joining the club and had helped pay for it .

‘Thanks everyone,’ Liz said. ‘Maybe I should tell you about my other business plans too.’

‘Please do,’ replied Zoe.

‘Ultimately what I’d like to achieve with The Life Makeover Club program is teach other life coaches my principles and strategies, and instruct them on how to run their own clubs.’

‘Like licensing your system?’ asked Rebecca.

‘Yes,’ nodded Liz.

Rebecca seemed to jump out of her skin. ‘Oooh, I’ve got a good feeling about that, Liz. It could be very successful, and a great step to take financially.’

‘I agree. And a great way for more people to benefit from the life makeover principles and accountability of a group without me needing to physically be there. I think I’ll aim to have a certification course structure mapped out by mid next year, which will give me time to get the legalities sorted too, and then I can move onto a marketing plan to reach out to other life coaches.’ A healthy glow emanated from Liz’s face and Cara could tell she was excited about the future possibilities for the club.

‘Hang on,’ said Rebecca. ‘Mid next year? Isn’t that too far away? I’d be jumping on this opportunity right away, you don’t want to leave money on the table.’ She patted the oval table with a firm hand.

‘Life isn’t all about money.’ Shauna shook her head.

‘But it sure does come in handy,’ Wendy said with a heavy nod.

Cara didn’t think money would be a huge concern for Liz Ashford. Though she would have needed a lot during her medical treatment, her history as a top attorney would have set her up, wouldn’t it? And how much did life coaches earn anyway? Cara shook away an absurd image of herself in the future, coaching young mothers about life balance and passing on Cara Collins’ Words of Wisdom, while getting paid for it.

‘I’m not in a rush,’ Liz spoke up. ‘My priority for this year is you lovely ladies.’ She smiled. ‘And organising the clubs for next year. An important thing I’ve learned is to pace yourself. Make progress, yes, but take things one step at a time.’

‘Well, it sounds like the lovely Liz Ashford is on the right track, ladies and gent–ladies and ladies. ’ Zoe laughed. ‘I don’t know if I’m a journalist, a life coach, or a commentator at the moment!’

Liz laughed too. ‘You’re doing a great job, Zoe.’

She bowed.

‘So, your homework is to bring those flyers in, and perhaps write a list of steps needed to prepare the clubs for next year?’ Zoe tapped her chin with the pen.

‘Sounds good.’ Liz nodded and stepped off the Hot Seat. ‘Remember what I said at the first meeting about helping each other out? Now you’re helping me out!’

Cara smiled. She remembered being put at ease by Liz’s friendly nature at the first meeting, and now, the initial assumption she’d had before meeting this Life Coach to the Stars that she was some glamorous, perfect woman, was thrown out the window. Yes, she had an element of glamour and style about her, she was a professional business woman, and was living a life she loved, but she was still a person with hopes and dreams who needed this club as much as the others, though in a different way.

Liz concluded the meeting. Candles were blown out and lights switched off, as the cluster of chatting women filtered out of The Ruby Room, back into the Hot Seats of their own lives.