Girlfriends

I have lived in St. Louis for almost 6 years. It is the longest that I have ever lived anywhere in one stretch (when from college to Mom and Dad's several times). The reason I tell you this is that it takes awhile to integrate into a community and figure out where you fit in. I have a few close girlfriends from high school and college. But, as an adult, I have not had a lot of girlfriends until now.

Today I went to an EWomen Network lunch (as I do every month) and after the meeting a few girls came up to see where we were going afterwards. It has just become our habit to hang out after and catch up. I was so touched that I was included in the circle of girlfriends...I just haven't been anywhere long enough to automatically be part of a group.

As we were sitting around the table, chatting, laughing and really connecting I sat back and reflected on how beautiful all of these women were. Every single one of them are different. They have different jobs, different ages, different personalities....the list goes on and on. But, as I watched them, sometimes laughing until they cried, I thought how this moment is one of those moments that makes a woman beautiful. The moment that she is enjoying, embracing and connecting with other women.

Another woman, who I hope becomes a girlfriend, told me recently that she met a woman in France that had such grace and elegance. She shared with me a story about how she studied this woman to see what it was that was so attractive and made her so elegant. At the end of the trip, the women from America decided that the French woman's grace came from her ability to savor and enjoy the moment. She wasn't rushed or putting on airs. She does the things that she does because she understands the value of the journey.

I tell you this because that is what I saw today. Beautiful, graceful women who for the moment were "in the moment". My wish for you is that you can take the time to laugh with your girlfriends and not worry about what comes next.