This one's for my Ladies
“Who run the world? GIRLS.”
I was in a group chat with some of my oldest friends a couple of days ago, and one of them was having a hard time with their oldest child and was telling us about it. It was clear that the more we all chimed in to offer our support, the more we were each seeking some form of reassurance in this crazy stage of life together. It was then that I was reminded of how not alone we were on our individual parenting journeys, and leaning on each other that morning was just what each of us needed.
So, as most of these little inspirational moments for me go, it really got me thinking about girl friendships and the importance of community. There is something special about finding your people who just get you. When there is no judgment to speak hard truths, when there is profound understanding amongst each other, and when there is laughter and joy that is unmatched by almost anything.
I am lucky enough to have this community in many facets of my life, which has helped shape who I am today. They have held me up when I couldn't do it alone and made me laugh until I cried (or peed my pants), and I want to spotlight some of them.
When I was growing up, there were three families that essentially helped to raise each other’s kids every summer. Between the families, there were six girls, and as we have all grown into adulthood, we are now family, calling each other the 'summer sisters.' We live all over the country, with vastly different lives, but we show up for each other, no matter what. They have left an imprint on my heart forever and helped shape who I am now.
When I graduated from college, there were eight of us girls who were close and committed to staying in touch, though our lives were wildly different. We were headed in completely different directions, moving all over the world. Thus, the 'besties' text group chat was created. Here we are, 13 years post-college, and completely and utterly entrenched in each other's lives. We have been in each other's weddings, married each other's siblings (ok, only 1 person did that, but still), traveled to be together after the babies were born, and have gone to funerals together to hold each other up. We are a group that just gets each other through every single life stage, and that will never change.
Finally, when I moved to Austin, I made friends who very, very quickly became pseudo-family members. Austin was a time and place in Nathan and I's lives when we were totally devoted to independence and figuring life out on our own. This city is also very transient, so many people who move there for work don't have many family members close by. We became each other’s family. We celebrated Friendsgivings together, exercised together, went to networking events together, and then would show up on each other's couches for entire weekends, just so we could be together. We couldn't get enough. To all of my Austin people — I lived some of the best years of my life with you. You're stuck with me, and I will cherish you forever.
I know that everybody listed above will always be in my life. The beautiful thing about us girls is that we are all so wildly different and in completely different places in our lives, but it doesn't change a thing. I also believe that, with time, more meaningful friendships will follow, and the circle will only continue to expand.
Put time, money, and effort into your girls. Check in on each other, go on girls’ trips, send each other memes or care packages, and text/call when you have time. Friendships that matter should be easy, and the community and support they offer are unrivaled. For me, solid girl friendships are sacred and worth fostering, forever. This will look different for everyone, but I can promise you with every ounce of my being that the juice is worth the squeeze.
I hope that, by reading this, you can think of meaningful, lasting friendships. I hope that you have a community to turn to when times are tough, and even better when times aren't tough. If you don't, I encourage you to seek it out. Join a group, talk to the person next to you at a yoga class, or get coffee with a neighbor. Be the first to make the effort. Friendships can take place at any time and at any stage of life, if you are willing to seek them out.
So, let's hear it for the ladies!! Reach out to your people. Tell them they matter and you are grateful for them. Life can be hard, so be the reason someone smiles today.
To all my girls, thank you for constantly making my world a better place.
I'll love you forever.
XO- J
