Anyone else love a good GNO (girls nights out) or, even better, a girls weekend away? I do! I certainly don’t have enough of them, but I make it a point to make sure they are on my schedule. I am blessed to have girlfriends from many facets of my life, really good girlfriends. Whether or not you have that “support system” in place, remember it is never too late to forge some great girlfriend friendships. Here are just some of my top reasons for having girlfriends:
- You Can Pick Up Where You Left Off: You have a history together. Even if you don’t have one yet, you will develop one as that friendship is forged. It’s always good to have someone you can reach out to, and you can instantly pick up where you left off. I am still friends with my first childhood friend, Rae. We met when we were babies, and even though we don’t see each other often now, it is so easy when we do. We have a history and we can just dive right back into the conversation. Sometimes we only talk once a year but we keep up through Christmas cards, Facebook and the occasional dinner. We will never forget the things we did as kids, such as getting in trouble in Kindergarten for repeatedly going in the wrong door and then throwing the note home from the principal down the sewer. Shocking, I know! (Don’t tell my kids.)
- Confidence Boosting: Whenever I am unsure of myself, I know I can ask my friends and they will instantly make me feel better. You can also talk about anything for hours. When capri pants were new, we had an email exchange debate going on for hours as to how, if, and when we should wear capri pants. After that exchange, we all wore our trendy new capri pants with style and confidence. I’m dating myself, aren’t I?
- Stress Relief and Group Therapy: Laughter, laughter and more laughter. Sometimes after a night out with my girls, my belly hurts from laughing so much. And laughter helps with stress relief, for sure. Whether it is reminiscing about the old days and some of the stunts we pulled or telling stories about the trials and tribulations of motherhood, it is always sure to provide some relief.
- No Topic is Off-Limits: We talk about the issues of mammograms, counseling, relationships, children, hardships, losses and the list goes on and on. There is no judgment, and I know my friends truly want only the best for me (and I the same for them). After talking things through with trusted friends, the situation is easier to tackle, energy is renewed, and sometimes it’s enough just knowing that we all have a soft spot to land for the challenging times that are ahead of us.
- Learning and Trying New Things: Doing something new and getting out of your comfort zone is always easier with friends. And, of course, amazing growth comes as a result of it all. Some of my first experiences were with girlfriends: bungee jumping in Australia, getting ready for school dances, hair & make-up lessons, trips to Mardi Gras and Vegas. You get it. Go do it!!
- Love & Loyalty During Challenging Times: I have never felt more loved, supported and cared for by my friends (and my family) than after the birth of my Ellie. When Ellie was born in 2005, my life turned upside down overnight, and my life since has been a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs dependent on the health of my daughter. Those first few years were especially hard, but things just seemed to happen as our support kicked in. We were truly supported in every facet of our lives and I will never forget that. As they say in life, there are many lessons to be learned and positives to be found in challenging times.
- Girls Night Out (Or In): Enough said. Whether we go out to dinner, drinks, dancing or just stay in and do the same, it is a night that we will never forget. Just getting out of the mundane that we sometimes get into is enough to re-charge you for a while, and many memories will be made.
- An Honest Answer: Sometimes, we need the cold hard truth even when we don’t want to hear it, and that is what friends are for. Silly things like, “Yes, your butt looks big in those jeans” to more difficult things like, “I think this is not the right relationship for you.”
I could go on and on, as my girlfriends are truly blessings in my life. Some I see often and others not so much, but I want them all to know that they play a huge part in my life and are part of the fabric of who I am today. I only hope that my daughters will see the importance in nurturing friendships and understand the love and joy that they will bring into your life. Actually, this picture hangs in my Molly’s room so I think she gets it. Who else loves their girlfriends? And remember it is never too late to make new friends.
PS– I wish I could add more pictures because this is just a sampling of all the important girlfriends in my life.
