We recently went to the lake to celebrate our friend Jeff’s birthday on a Saturday night. It was such a nice, and unexpected, change of pace from our every day lives. We were expecting a cookout and a little hangout, but it was so much more. It was like we drove those 15 minutes straight into another time and place. The smell of food on the grill, the flicker of the open fire and the sun setting out over the water instantly changed my mood. I was like a little girl back at camp, and my only responsibility was to play and have fun.
And so I did. We all did.
We ran around in the soft grass. The boys played fetch with the dogs in the lake. We made friends with the people in the campsites next to us. We roasted s’mores, told stories and laughed. We watched that beautiful sun set completely over the water.
Then we said goodnight, and drove back home.
The drive home was full of laughter, car dancing and excitement. We wondered why we don’t do things like this more often. It was so refreshing, connecting and life-giving. We decided we certainly should.
And yet, we haven’t.
It took Mel coordinating a special occasion, a birthday, to encourage us to set the time aside, pack up the car and make that drive. It took her asking us more than once and then reminding us several times to make it all happen. Before we arrived, it seemed like a lot of work. We were tired from a long, busy week. We had just finished up with Saturday ball games. It felt like a big commitment to get there and dedicate our entire evening to just hanging out.
But it was so worth it.
It was a great reminder for me of why I started the Girl’s Night Out in the first place. Of course you’re too busy, tired and over-scheduled to make a monthly GNO. It’s a commitment of your precious time, that is such a rare commodity. But if someone doesn’t plan, coordinate, invite and remind you to take a break from your crazy-busy life to nurture yourself, will you?
Will you consistently plan fun time to laugh and connect with women who support you?
Will you intentionally make space to go a little deeper into your stories so you all feel less alone?
I hope you will.
But just in case you don’t. I’m going to keep inviting you and reminding you. I’m going to keep showing up and holding space for you. Because I know what it’s like to feel like you can’t add one more thing to your overflowing, spinning plate. But I also know what this kind of connection can do for your soul. You need to be refreshed, connected and have renewed passion for living your most meaningful life.
We don’t want to miss all you have to offer, because you were too busy to coordinate the plans yourself.
So come join us in two weeks.
Or if you’re out-of-town, make that extra effort to connect with your tribe of sisters.
You deserve it.
We need you.
to more love,
Crystal
