The other day I received a lovely e-mail invite from my friend, Karen Ely of A Woman's Way Retreats.
Karen is one of those soulful women who knows the value of women's friendships. AND the importance of not being so busy that we don't take time to foster these friendships. To connect with our friends—the women whose presence sustains us and encourages us ever onward.
Here is an excerpt from what she sent me. It's lovely, thought-provoking, and I wanted to share it with you:
I often question, "What would I have done without my girlfriends?" They're the ones who have celebrated with me, cried with me, supported me, loved me and made me laugh.
And yet I yearn for the sense of women's community that I had when I was a young girl, a young woman, a young mother. When my girlfriends were just a few doors away. When a call and a quick, "stop by for tea" resulted in an immediate knock on the front door. When gathering a group of friends took a few moments and a couple of phone calls. I hear this same lament from women all over the world every day.
The more avenues we have for connection—e-mail, social networking, cell phones -- the less we actually make real contact with those we love . . . and truly need.
Take some breathing space this week to make a list of the girlfriends you miss and begin making plans for real connection . . . a long heart-to-heart gabfest, a leisurely lunch, a quiet dinner, a "thank you for being in my life" card slipped into the mail.
And yet I yearn for the sense of women's community that I had when I was a young girl, a young woman, a young mother. When my girlfriends were just a few doors away. When a call and a quick, "stop by for tea" resulted in an immediate knock on the front door. When gathering a group of friends took a few moments and a couple of phone calls. I hear this same lament from women all over the world every day.
The more avenues we have for connection—e-mail, social networking, cell phones -- the less we actually make real contact with those we love . . . and truly need.
Take some breathing space this week to make a list of the girlfriends you miss and begin making plans for real connection . . . a long heart-to-heart gabfest, a leisurely lunch, a quiet dinner, a "thank you for being in my life" card slipped into the mail.
Isn't this a lovely invitation?
I'm going to accept ... even though I can't do it in person right now as I have hefty writing deadlines this week and more looming large ... even though I'm in the midst of planning next weekend's womens' retreat .... I am going to sit down and write a few notes to girlfriends this weekend. I'll do what Karen suggested, I'll say, "I appreciate you and your presence in my life."
Sometimes when I don't have quite enough time to hand-write a note, I'll send an e-card. There are some really great sites for those. Two of my favorites are Heron Dance and Gratefulness.org. Oh, and you can also light a candle for a friend at Gratefulness.org. I love doing that. Do you your favorites?
I've also made a vow in this new year to make more time to celebrate my friendships, one-on-one, with the stellar women in my life. Even if I have to drive a few hours to make this happen, even if I have to get on a plane, I am going to do it! I refuse to let busyness take a toll on my friendships. :-)
These are my thoughts for today. I'm thinking about my wonderful girlfriends. I invite you to do the same and reach out and touch one—or two, or three. May our gratitude for one another grow!
Where would you be without your girlfriends?
I'd love to hear ...
(P.S. I just learned that this month is Girlfriend's Month. Fancy that! Click here to learn more. Photo image courtesy of girlfriendology.com)
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Congratulations to Maryse (Blue Amaryllis) for being the winner of our recent book giveaway. She won a copy of Rhoda Janzen's book, Mennonite in a Little Black Dress. Maryse, as a budding writer I think you are really going to enjoy this book. Have fun!
