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The bridge you need

Until recently, I never really realized just how much it shaped me to grow up with three sisters.  I’ve always known it was part of the fabric of who I am but lately, I’ve discovered more and more, just how much it has impacted my choices and my worldview.  I see it especially the comradery I seek to create between women with HeartStories.

Sisterhood is a bond that can’t be broken.

Its a bridge, built over time, that serves as a foundation for who you are and where you’re going.  Whether they’re your sisters by birth or by choice, we all need women in our lives who “get” us.  Now, in watching our kids grow up with their extended crew of aunts, uncles, and cousins around, I see it so clearly as a gift that can’t be measured.

Of course, it’s not perfect.

They don’t always want to be around their cousins.  The olders get annoyed with the youngers.  They have awkward moments to work through.  Feelings get hurt and apologies are required.  But at the end of the day, they know these people are blood.  We’re going to be there for each other, no matter what.  They get our own special brand of crazy like no one “on the outside” ever will.

Nothing makes that more clear than nights like the one in this photo.

It’s when we recently gathered as a family to discuss our upcoming trip to Israel.  While the time was full of information we’ll need for the trip, it was also interspersed with rumpus laughter and odd hilarity that only our family would understand.  Even the Gage family, who dialed into the livestream via our private family group, added their own lively commentary along the way.

It was a stark reminder of the importance of long-haul relationships, family, and friends like family.

Family is blood, yes.  But they are really friends that stand the test of time, because all the exits are closed.  We’ve decided we’re doing life with these people, no matter what.  Just like bridge building, you wouldn’t lay bricks with temporary mortar that might be removable if you decide you don’t like it anymore. It’s permanent.

That’s the same kind of permanence lifelong friendships require.  

You need people in your life who get your brand of crazy.  If they’re not already a built-in part of your family, you need to build the bridge yourself, with the resolve to do life together. Even when you get annoyed, have awkward moments to work through.  Even, and especially, when feelings get hurt and apologies are required.  The only way you build those kinds of friendship is over the long-haul, being intentional about consistently gathering with the people you want to do life with.

If you want people in your life who get your kind of crazy, make time for them. 

Commit to them.

Show up for them, no matter what. 

It’s the only way.

Otherwise, you’ll find yourself standing on the edge of the water wondering why you don’t have the bridge you need to carry you across. 

Invest in bridge building.

Start today.

to more love,

Crystal

P.S.  This is precisely why I created the HeartStories Girls Night Out.  We do ALL the work.  We set the table and plan for the connection AND the fun.  All you have to do is make a pact with your girlfriends to commit to the first Thursday of the month, and show up.  It’s instant friendship bridge building.  Sign up right here today.

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