Reason #2 Why Busy Women Need a Retreat- To Connect, Laugh and Bond with Like-Minded Mamas
In April, I had the opportunity to fly to NYC for a girls weekend with two of my college besties. We try to get together annually for a reunion, and have traveled to South Beach, San Francisco/Napa, and Orlando over the last several years, with anywhere from 3-18 of us.
We had an incredible time walking through Central Park, eating (and drinking!) at my friend's fav wine bar, and sitting on her couch laughing, and sharing the painful circumstances each of us had walked through since we last were together. I left that weekend feeling refreshed and renewed!
But this reunion was not an easy one for me as it was the first time leaving my daughter, who's been struggling with separation anxiety since my husband's death in October.
We worked our way up to it little by little.
I took Phoebe to a friend's house for a play date while I ran a few errands. Then left her with a babysitter while I attended an event close to home. She did great!
And I was finally at peace, knowing she would be OK staying with her best friend so I could travel to see mine.
On the plane ride from Orlando to NYC, I ended up sitting next to this really awesome "Supermom". She was also heading to meet her sorority sisters in NYC for a girls pampering weekend.
We oohed and aahed over the massages, delicious food, and laughter we would be soon be sharing with girls we've known for 20+ years.
We were both so EXCITED!
After a brief pause in our conversation, she asked if she could share something from the book she was reading- "The Happiness Project", by Gretchen Rubin.
Here are a few of the snippets she read to me:
"Both men and women find relationships with women to be more intimate and enjoyable than those with men. Women have more feelings of empathy for other people than men do..."
"The most reliable predictor of not being lonely is the amount of contact with women. Time spent with men doesn't make a difference."
"Studies show that if you have 5 or more friends with whom to discuss an important matter, you're far more likely to describe yourself as "very happy"..."
"Not only does having strong relationships make it far more likely that you take joy in life, but studies show that it also lengthens life, boosts immunity, and cuts the risk of depression..."
"You need a relationship network, which helps provide a sense of identity and self-esteem and in which you can give and receive support."
Ladies, our friendships with other women are SO IMPORTANT!!!! But we are overstretched in so many ways today, that it has become increasingly difficult to cultivate the friendships we have. We simply have less time to build friendships.
Obviously we can't always just jump on a plane to see our girlfriends! But, getting away for a women's retreat is a great way to make time to meet other women who share similar circumstances, issues and desires.
I'd love to have you join our "Frazzled to Dazzled Pampering & Coaching Mini-Retreat for Busy Women" this June 25th and June 26th where you can meet some FABULOUS new friends! Click HERE for more info.
Here's to friendships! Both old and new! May you find the time to make your girlfriends a priority in your life! Remember, it's good for your health!
Love,
