Celebrating the Strength of Girlfriends
As women, we treasure our friendships with our women friends. We are a trusted source of strength for each other. Girlfriends form a bond, a sisterhood, where we support one another’s dreams and passions even when our spouses or children don’t understand. They give us the courage to discover what our passions are and cheer us on to make our dreams a reality.
Now that I’ve arrived at that middle-age number 50, I have discovered that my girlfriends are more important than ever. We talk a lot about what the future might bring and our place in the world. We still have dreams and a lot more passion for the second half of our lives. I want to buy that beautiful car and take a road trip, write a book, start a new hobby, travel through Europe, and enjoy the next half of my life even more than I did the first part. And now I’m old enough and wise enough to appreciate every single moment of blessing and accomplishment.
I share all of these dreams with my girlfriends because theirs are so similar. These women help me live, and they challenge me to fulfill my dreams without judgment. They don’t think I’m silly or crazy when I tell them what I’m planning. This year, I seem to be on the road to fulfilling some of the dreams on my list, and I am thankful for those ladies who have encouraged and supported me to take the risks and reach for some gusto!
With age and wisdom, I have also become a better listener and supporter – paying more attention to my friends’ dreams and offering suggestions and support as to how they, too, can enjoy this part of their lives. Joy comes when I see them fulfilling their dreams.
Lifelong girlfriends continue to be a source of wisdom and strength. We have history, and that is the glue that binds us. Besides that, our history provides a sense of security, knowing that my friends are still there, even after all of my life’s twists, turns, ups, and downs over the past thirty years. The constant that I rely upon at age 50 is that I have people who really know me, love me, and cheer me on as I move into this next phase of life.
So, I urge you to take time and celebrate the incredible strength you gain from your girlfriends and embrace their love and support because they will see you through the decades of your life.
