By GINNY COOPER MCCARLEY / Staff Writer

WESTOVER—More than 40 women dressed in polka dots for a networking luncheon hosted by the South Shelby Chamber of Commerce.

Connecting the Dots: Women’s Polka Dot Networking Luncheon was a progressive lunch sponsored by ServPro and featured speaker Joyce E. Brooks, author of Self-Inflicted Overload.

“This is the first time we’ve done this,” SSCC Executive Director told the group. “I think it’s the first time a chamber in Alabama has done this.”

Brooks, who was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer in 2008 and declared cancer free in 2009, said it was her experience with the disease that “turned everything upside down” and prompted her to make changes in her life.

Brooks spoke to attendees about the importance of maintaining a balance between work and life.

“Everyone here today is multitasking,” Brooks said. “As ladies, we do everything. A work-life balance is where there is no part of your life that has total control.”

Brooks proposed a five-step strategy, based on the word “peace,” including praying, increasing energy levels through health and exercise, adjusting your attitude, communicating and enjoying each day.

“When you have peace you can achieve anything,” Brooks said.