The Gather ‘Round GNO was a such a beautiful gathering Thursday night! The room as completely full, as we hosted our largest group of women ever at the stunning Verona Villa. It was a night brimming with everything you’d expect from a great girls night out. The food was incredible, the wine was flowing, the music was lively, the conversation was encouraging, and there was even great shopping to boot!
Even more important than all the rest, friendships were flourishing.
This is one of my very favorite pics of the entire night. I had just walked off the stage, and was sneaking down the side hall to go get a glass of water, when I looked over at the room full of women. They were smiling, laughing, painting, cheersing their glasses, and of course, taking selfies. In particular, I noticed this group of incredibly busy mamas pulling close together for this picture . It was a moment I knew I needed to capture in my mind, and in my heart. You see, I know them. I know their stories and I personally know the sacrifice it took for them to be in that room Thursday night. So watching them lean into each other’s arms, both physically and emotionally, means the world to me. It’s what the HeartStories GNO is all about.
It’s about showing up for each other’s lives.
It’s the reason I keep showing up everyday for this dream. It’s the image I have in my head when the going gets tough. I don’t imagine a room full of women connecting in shallow conversation. I see this. I see small groups of women, who know each other well, leaning in to do life together.
The good, the bad, the ugly, and everything in between.
Friendships are certainly made up of both positive and negative experiences, but Shasta Nelson says that “For every one negative interaction (withdrawal), we need to add at least five positive interactions (deposits) to our friendship accounts to create healthy Frientimacy.” These GNO’s are meant to be a deposit in your “friendship bank”, but they can’t be the only one. They’re an easy, done-for-you place, you can intentionally meet once a month to drop in a big deposit, by fueling conversations and connections that last well beyond the craft or activity of the night.
Whether you join us for our GNOs or not, let this image be a beautiful reminder to lean in to your friendships.
Gather around consistently with your girlfriends. Especially if your friendships aren’t all you wish they were. Especially if you feel like your friendship bank ledger is running in the red. Especially if you don’t feel like you have that invisible net of friendship surrounding you that these ladies do. “Friendships don’t just happen.” They take hard work and intention. If you feel like yours are lacking. . .
It’s up to you to do something about it.
It’s up to you to begin making deposits into that friendship bank today. It’s up to you to send the invitation. Whether it’s a call, text, or physically showing up with Starbucks in your hand. Only you know what will bring the positivity balance up in your friendships. And only you can do something about it.
Stop waiting for some kind of magical friendship to simply appear in your life.
Show up for the kind of friendship you’re longing for.
to more love,
Crystal
p.s. Our next GNO is an easy way to drop a big ‘ole deposit in the bank of your friendships! Gather your girlfriends for fun, laughter and ALL the great tips on style this spring for the “Confident Spring Style GNO” on May 2nd!
