This past weekend I went to Asheville, NC with five girls I’ve known for over 20 years (some almost 35) to celebrate our 40th birthdays.
We shared stories about our husbands, kids and jobs, political views and life goals. One thing we all agreed on was that when we’re together, we can be ourselves. No censoring. No judgement.
This created a safe environment for us to be honest about what we wanted to do, didn’t want to do, share hardships and joys. So, for example, we could tell each other to f-off during a heated game of Catchphrase and no one took it personally. While I did reiterate that my choice words were loving in nature, I didn’t need to. These women know me. I can be exactly who I am, and they can too. For me, these long-term friendships give me the confidence to be who I am and to try new things.
All of my friends are smart, funny people with unique perspectives. They have taught me about motherhood, being brave, making good choices and bad, and I hope I’ve given them similar gifts as well.
I’m grateful for the weekend and the decades of experiences we’ve shared. I’m grateful for the safety of judgment free friendships. Maybe most of all, I’m grateful that we prefer to play Catchphrase at home in our jammies than stay out until 3 am.
Thanks Sarah, Laurie, Beth, Molly and Renee, the trip was awesome and I’m grateful for you.
One Response
I just discovered your blog- I love it! You’re so creative and well spoken, awesome way to stay connected to you. It’s great to read your experiences and life navigations. I always knew the profound person you were, now we can all read for ourselves. I loved this post especially- I felt exactly 100% the same. That trip was more than a girls trip. It was the truest form of each of us- simple, easy and love all around. We must do it again! XO