Despite the fact that I grew up with three brothers, I was surrounded by women almost daily. Mostly, strong Greek women. I have fond memories of my “aunts”, several of whom, weren’t my aunts at all. They loved to voice their opinion, loved to cook, and loved to love. It was normal that one of these aunts would walk through the door unannounced multiple times a week. If someone was sick or simply going through a rough time, there were meals brought. I cannot tell you how many times my mom was standing in the kitchen cooking for another family. My mom and her friends stuck by each other no matter what. And, you know what? They still do today now that they’re in their 60s, 70s, and 80s.
Bye-bye, Mom-Shaming
Today, I seem to stumble across blogs that center on mom-shaming. Sins and lies sell. They get the hits. I get it, but I’d love if we could focus on the exquisite bond among women instead. Surround yourself with those who make you better, not those who make you question how you’re momming. I have been pretty fortunate in that I have some pretty marvelous moms in my life. We come from different upbringings and choose to live our lives differently, but acceptance adheres us together. One of my dearest friends from college is a corporate beast who has to travel almost monthly. I am currently a SAHM. But, we get each other. We sympathize with our roles, despite how incredibly opposite they are. I have friends who have suffered from awful post partum and pre-post partum depression. Other friends who have endured infertility, others who sleep-train, some who breastfeed, and some who bottle-feed. You get the picture. What I’m saying here is that we are all diverse, but we open our arms and embrace. We listen to our stories. Some are success stories and some are tragic. We lift each other up in all times, not just when the boat is sailing smoothly.
Making Time
You’ve got to make time for your girlfriends, ladies. You have to. This sisterhood thing is pure magic. But you have to nourish these relationships so that they continue to blossom. The older we get, the rougher life tends to be as adults. Parents get sick, marriages get complicated, and bank accounts get depleted. Be there for one another and more importantly, celebrate one another. I understand that leaving babies and toddlers can be hard on some mommas, but trust me, when you’re in the middle of a girls night, you won’t regret it. The next day you may if you’ve had one too many cocktails, but your soul sure won’t.
Making Friends
If you’re in the middle of new surroundings, put yourself out there. I have found that women are truly inviting and inspiring. I understand that it can be a bit daunting, but just believe in the power of sisterhood. I know that sounds cheesy, but we are all in this together, aren’t we? I sincerely trust that women want to lift one another up instead of letting the other know that they are better at momming. Look up some mom groups in your area. Or simply chat with that mom you always awkwardly stand next to at preschool drop-off. You know you’re both still in your pajamas under that winter coat, so you’re closer than you think already.
I could go on and on about my love of women. So, guys get to pee standing up and don’t have to endure the pain of childbirth? We women, triumph together. I am inspired that I get to be a part of this whole magnificent thing.
What do you do to celebrate your strong female relationships?
