Girlfriends…

Girlfriends are so important for moms. But, I feel like so often we let life get in the way of getting together with our girlfriends. I am so guilty of it. Why do we do this? We think “I’m too tired,” or “I have too much to do at home,” or maybe if we have small kids: “I don’t want to burden my husband.”

When I was working, I walked to breakfast every day with two of my co-workers. We talked about everything on these short walks – life, kids, family… some days we would have deep conversations, other times we would talk about the latest sale at J Crew Factory and whether or not we should pull the trigger on the items in our shopping carts. I miss these easy, authentic daily chats. They made squeezing in some girl time easy each day.

Now, taking time for friends takes a little more effort. Admittedly, as an introvert and perfectionist, sometimes I will push girl time to the side. I will think “I don’t feel like socializing today,” or “I have way too much laundry I need to do tonight.” But, after every breakfast date with my sister, lunch date with a friend, or girls’ night out, I come home feeling happier and more energized. It makes me a better mom and wife.

God has put it on my heart for this year to invest more in my friendships. I want to be there for my friends more – to have more meaningful conversations and to listen better. I want to plan more lunch dates, more girls nights out, and more getaway weekends. Girl time is good for the soul. When we can connect with other moms -and even with other girlfriends in different life phases- it is like therapy.

“A sweet friendship refreshes the soul”  – Proverbs 27:9

Now, with a baby on the way (any day now!), my girl time for the next couple of months may be sitting at my house with my girlfriends in my pajamas while I feed the baby, but I want to make this a priority. I want to connect with my friends – to let them into my life even when it doesn’t look perfect, and to have authentic conversations about everything or nothing. And also, just to let loose from time to time.

Cheers to the next girls’ night out!