Ladyfriends

The other night I was having trouble sleeping. I kept tossing and turning as my mind shifted from one doubt/worry/fear to another. I tried doing some breathing excercises; I even tried yelling at myself, thinking that might work. (Hey! it had worked in the past!) Still, I could not shake the cloud of negativity that was now hovering over my bed.

So I thought I would try something else:

I turned over on my back, hands by my side, and took a few, measured breaths. Suddenly, I was no longer alone. Slowly, all of my close ladyfriends began gathering along my bedside. Meg, Anita, Wendy, and Annie were there. Liz and Caroline were there. Carrie, Cody, Ashley. My mom and my sister. As I lie there, more and more came. They didn't come to chastize me or tell me what was wrong and what I could do to make it better. They didn't even give me their sympathy or coat me with "you poor thing." Instead, they reached out and touched me. Just one hand. Just a gentle touch, a recognition of their presence. And they smiled. They smiled down on me and surrounded me with their positive energy and their support.

I remember feeling this insurmountable glow of light and peace. Take THAT you big mean scary insecurities! Try getting to me NOW! I suddenly felt protected and powerful in a way I had never really felt before. Why is that? Why is there such power in the collective feminine? And, most importantly, why do we fail to utilize this power more often? Can you imagine what could be accomplished, in our own lives as well as the world at large, if we as women decided to join forces instead of constantly piting ourselves against one another? Maybe it is overly optimistic of me, but I feel like the possibilities are literally endless! Women really can change the world, if only we put our minds to it.

Now boys, I don't mean to leave you out. I know there is a lot to be said for male comraderie and the like. But I'm not a boy. So that doesn't really do much for me, now does it?

I guess my point is this: Thank you. To all the women in my life: thank you. I don't think I would be nearly as strong, independent, expressive, or passionate without you. My tears would not be nearly as salty and my laughter would not carry nearly so far.
I love you.