Girlfriends Are The Greatest

You know how you feel after you've opened all the presents at Christmas and then you have to clean up and throw away the wrapping paper, tissue and bows? You know, it's that feeling of being lost and not sure what to look forward to next? It's like the time for what you were SO excited for FLEW by and now it's back to normal life.  Ew. I can't think of many things worse than that exact feeling.
 
Why do I bring that up?  Because the last few weeks were filled with so much awesomeness and girlfriendship (it's a word I just made up) time that I was so looking forward to and now it's gone, and I feel yucky. It's like the Monday-blues on steroids.  Don't get me wrong, I love the people I am surrounded by daily and love my guy, but there's just something about spending quality times with friends that is absolutely priceless. If I were asked to name the top five things I am most thankful for, my friends would fall quite high on that list.  I always wonder how on earth I've been so lucky to have such COOL,  amazing people come into my life.  

After all that quality time spent with my girls, I started to think about why girlfriends are the best.  Here are a few reasons: 

• They show you your awesomeness

If you have the right friends, they should always be building you up, seeing the awesome in you and pointing out that awesomeness.  If your friends aren't doing that, it might be time to cut those ties. Ain't nobody got time for that. 

• We've all had crappy days

Some days life can be a bitty.  Some days you just want to go home from work, talk to no one and do nothing.  That's good every now and then, but some days you need your girlfriends to help you let loose a little, tell you to relax, lighten up and it will all be okay.  This usually goes best with some wine or a margarita.
 
In addition to this, sometimes girls can be mean.  Like, really mean.  I think that if we all remember that time when we had a crappy day, then we can all cut each other a little slack, give each other the benefit of the doubt, and let our friends know that we've got each other's back.  

• You find out that you're really not that weird

Often times I will share an idea or an experience with my friends, and will say "Is that weird?" and nine times out of ten then answer is "oh my gosh, no. I do/think/feel the exact same thing!"  They get you.  They listen to you and understand you. They've been there before in one way or another.  Last summer I was explaining to one of my friends how I thought there was something wrong with me because I sometimes cry watching the Today Show, especially if I've had a bit of coffee.  Turns out my tough-as-nails friend is as just as much of a sap as I am, and confessed that she does the same on occasion (but I secretly think she's a Good Morning America viewer). 
Side note: I also cry after 90% of the haircuts I get. Anyone else? No? Okay. 

• Sometimes you just need a little push, and sometimes you inspire each other

A few months ago, one my best friends called me sounding so excited, yet so apprehensive. She had been going to Aerial lessons, and was asked by one of the coaches to participate in an Aerial Competition.  My first response to her was "DO IT!!"  She said that she was nervous to do it because she didn't want to make a fool of herself but also told me that I was one of the reasons why she was considering doing it.  When I heard that I started to get a little teary eyed (see above, the Today Show makes me cry for goodness sake).  She said she wanted to do it because she saw me try things outside of my comfort zone and it made her want do something she was a little fearful of too.  After hearing that I knew that she needed to do this competition, because I have not regretted one thing in my life that I have done outside of my comfort zone, but I have regretted NOT doing things because of fear.  Often times, we don't realize that our actions inspire others and push others, but when we find out at that they do there is no better feeling.  

• You can always learn something from each other

My friends range from moms, to wives, to fiances, to single ladies, to stay-at-home moms, to working moms, to Coach's wives, to teachers, to leaders, to runners, to exercise-haters, to.... you get it, they're all over the place.  No matter what, each of my friends has something unique to bring to the table and I appreciate every single one of my girlfriends for all they have taught me.  By taking the time to talk, listen and connect there is so much that you can learn from each other if you just pay a little attention.  

I don't mean to brag, but If the saying is true that you're only as good as the company you keep then damn it, I'm the best! Life has given me such great, great company.