Strength in Numbers

As our glasses clinked and a toast was made to friendship, I was overwhelmed with sadness and joy of what I was witnessing before me; a true testament of the strength that radiates through the bonds of girlfriends.  That night, I sat with two of my dearest friends. Through laughter and tears our friendship has grown.  We have played all the roles to one another at some time; the cheerleader, the consoler, the supporter, the confused, and the depressed.  And though currently, we are all trying to keep each other afloat during recent hardships, we have experienced much happiness together as well.  We have had our share of celebrations with libations during the  momentous chapters in our lives.  To graduations, birthdays, engagements, career changes, and kids, all have brought lifelong memories.

This night was long overdue and much needed.  It was a girl power energy reload session. Kid free and open bar.  We could drink, curse, and eat as we pleased.  Like most gatherings, we worked our way through the cheese course, while finishing a bottle of wine.  As the three of us went around, updating on the past weekly events; laughter, frustrations, and fears were expressed.  As I started to sip my third glass of wine, I stared at the women across from me, and felt helpless.  For my unemployment situation is worrisome and problematic,  but it is just a hiccup compared to what my dear friends are facing.  Sitting around the dining room table, we grieved painful past memories and reminisced about the joyful ones.  We reaffirmed to one another the necessity of  survival and the support that will always be there as we go through the chapters of life.

The well being of the mind, body and soul is essential to live the balanced and prosperous life one should being living. And if you don't make those hard decisions and do what is needed, it will prevent you from ever reaching that balance in life, which is so essential to truly living.  When you surround yourself with extraordinary friends, like these women, positive energy and support fills your spirit, which puts you in the right mind set to achieve and maintain balance.

There is something very different between women and men, which I know many would agree on, but this difference can be spotted between the two sexes even more when crisis hits.  The reactions and coping mechanisms vary greatly.  For us women, discussing our fears, anger, and sadness permits our spirits and minds to handle and find solutions to the problems.  We are then more receptive for the positive energy to flow through us and make the necessary changes needed to turn the negative situation into a more tolerable or manageable one.  Now, I am not saying that your boyfriends, fiances, or husbands, can not help or comfort you through challenging times, but their methods and mechanisms differ, and though they may bring a sense assurance and support, I know personally I could have never gotten over roadblocks without the therapy and support received from my girlfriends.

The women in my life, from all ages and backgrounds, impact and shape the being I am.  I do not feel that one ever stays the same, but through lessons of life, influence of others, and exposure to the truth, individuals keep evolving to be the woman or man God wants them to be.

You may ask, why aren't we just born that way? My answer to that is just this; we would not appreciate the triumphs and beauty in succeeding and overcoming the challenges.  We would also take for granted the people in our life and overlook the power and influence they bring.

As our girl's weekend came to end, we departed rejuvenated and refreshed.  After giving  good-bye hugs and planning our next get together, I could not help, but feel a peace in my spirit.  I was reassured as I left that day,  that no matter where the road takes us or what barracks try to hold us back, with the help and support  of those closest to us, we will always make it.