If my blog could talk back, it would probably advise me to click on an old post to nudge me out of this funk I’ve been in.
 

This week I grew tired of being responsible for everything and everyone around me. I wanted out from my tick-tock schedule, to put on side blinders and simply shut down. 

Fortunately I’ve learned to recognize the cues and how unhealthy it can be if they linger around for too long. So I reached out for the fix which usually snaps me back to authenticity: communion with other women – in any shape; in any form.
 

It turns out the stars were aligned just where they should be. I soon received an e-mail from Dr. Irene Levine, The Friendship Doctor, looping me into the upcoming launch of Speed Friending in New York City – a spin off of speed-dating except where females can connect and potentially form new friendships.

I soon paypal-ed my ticket and signed myself up.

There I met Shasta Nelson, founder of Girlfriend Circles and creator of the event. Before we got started zipping around tables, Shasta announced, “you may not make a best friend tonight, but you may walk away having met one.”

I can’t say if I did or not, but I can attest to being inspired by a roomful of women in a single hour just by listening to their stories.

Here’s what the universe gave back when I asked for a little strength:
 
Meet:

Janelle – her name alone is inviting. I thought French perfume; very warm. She prides herself with being a good listener. She hears what people say, but more importantly, what they’re not saying. Very powerful.
 
Adrienne – She is a music legend in a family without any musicians. First exposed to music at seven years old when learning to play piano, she followed her heart and now performs on stage and teaches music! I made a mental note of how important it is to expose our children to as many experiences as we are able.

 
Renata – She wisely cautioned on how dangerous first impressions can be. She shared how she almost missed out on one of the best friendships of her life had she not connected with a girl who dressed too adventurous for a conservative college campus. Great advice. if you hold the bar too high when meeting people, you may be limiting yourself from new experiences and walking away from potentially great relationships.

Carly  – She admitted that she never discovers any interesting women events to attend. Her girlfriend usually uncovers these happenings but she always signs up. I thought how adventurous I could be if I too like Carly, always “signed up” for possibility.

Liz – Laughing, she confessed that she will (not if) turn into her mother one day! Won’t we all? All of those nagging habits we wished our moms had dropped while growing up, will one day be the same methods we’ll use to badger our little ones. I’m excited to try the 21 day program Liz recommended however. If you aim to change something in your behavior, try doing it for 21 days straight to unprogram it from your wiring. I can’t wait to start fixing ME.

Daneen – a reel life adventurer, she’s filming a documentary on  Seventh-gay Adventists: A film about love, sex, and eternal life.  A true “In our Shoes” role model: she’s traveling cross country with her husband and baby girl in tow, nursing and blogging and filming, oh my! Her spirit is calming. Her story is intriguing. Check out her blog, you’ll see why.
 
Last but not least, meet Shasta. A trail blazer who saw a void and is building communion between women everywhere. May she go on to grow Girlfriend Circles around the globe!

If you need to reach beyond your circle of friendships, try it. Join in.

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