Girlfriend Day On The Lake

“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”
– Marcel Proust

On July 10, 2002, my friend Debbie Swing decided to throw herself a birthday lunch Debbie’s cool like that. We gathered up a group of our favorite women and had an amazing time.

It was about the time the movie of the “Divine Secrets of the YaYa Sisterhood” movie came out, so Debbie made that the theme.

The lunches carried on through months and then years. First every month and then sporatically. You never know who will show up, but you know you will be uplifted. My YaYa women are some of my favorite humans on the planet.

Over the years we have lost a few and picked up a few, but the core remains. Most of these women met through our local Chamber of Commerce. I could tell you great stories of all of their accomplishments.

They are amazing businesswomen, but even better are the gifts of the soul they give. All are philanthropic and generous in using their talents and gifts to make the world better.

Beyond that, they are the greatest of friends. Not once in this group has there been pettiness or jealousy. When good things happen to me, they celebrate. When things get bad, they are there for me, too.

When I lost my job, they were there. One called me within minutes of hearing and offered her help on my job search. It was an area of expertise for her and she shared her talents for free.

Several of the YaYas encouraged me to write more or just to make sure I was working for people who appreciated me. One told me about Medium.com, which has been a place I have connected with other writers who I not only get to learn from, but am challenged to get better and try new things.

Even in conversation today one offered to walk me through some things in her area of expertise. No self-interest, just because she cares.

We are a community, and our gifts and talents are used for the good of us all.

But what is most significant is the confidence we have in each other. I never doubt their succcess.

I remember Debbie and I were talking one day and we agreed that there is one quality we each wanted to have. It’s quite simple. We show up for each other. Our friends do, too.

So today five of my YaYas got together and spent a few hours having a boat ride around the lake. We ate lunch, we drank a bit of wine, we talked, and we laughed. What an amazing way to start a week.

Debbie was not able to be there, as she was taking care of a sick relative. Another YaYa was driving home after her dad died. Some were working, some were out of town. It’s a busy bunch and life is happening.

But we five celebrated the day and each other. It was good. I recommend you take the time to do the same. This is life.

“You must surround yourself with the dreamers and the doers, the believers and the thinkers, but most of all surround yourself with those who see the greatness within you even when you don’t see it in yourself.” – Edmund Lee