make time for you

I always knew I had amazing friends, but I never fully realized until now that I am surrounded by the most amazing people. Recently I stopped and really looked at the people Mark and I have surrounded ourselves with, and let me tell you, we are freaking lucky. Mark and I have separate friends, couple friends, work friend, old friends, etc.

One thing that has become very important to me is seeking out girl time. I am lucky to have a husband who is supportive of this time. I have a friend I meet for happy hour and we talk about real life. I have a group of girls that we meet for coffee and we laugh about everything and talk about kids & husbands. I have a best friend whom I can meet anytime or anywhere (with or without kids) and we just can't stop talking. I have a dear friend with whom I have started a monthly pedicure ritual where we can relax and gab. I have preschool mom friends that I go to dinner with and we talk preschool mom life. And I have a lovely friends that we try and get together to just catch up with what has been going on in our busy lives over dinner, breakfast or coffee.

I'm not trying to brag here at all. I am trying to tell you that if you are not spending alone time with girlfriends, you need to. If you look around and you don't feel like you are surrounded by great people.....start making new friends or call old friends. Plan a girls' night. Just do something. I am now realizing that that you can't live alone, you need to laugh and cry. You need to vent and give advice. You need to have time that does not consist of your family at home or your job.

A dear friend always tells me that to have good friendships, you need to be a good friend. I am lucky to have such great friends who continue to teach me what it means to be a good friend.

I know we get busy and we barely have time to take care of ourselves. But it is important, plan something at least once a month. Now get off your computer, call a girlfriend and make time for you.