… you unleashed your dreams?

… you supported other women – and they supported you?

… you believed in the greatness that your girlfriends see in you?

Several conversations with girlfriends recently have caused me to stop and think about the power we could generate if we connect, engage and support other women. Can you imagine how a city could be transformed if women (figuratively) held hands and worked together to make it a better place for children? Or the potential impact of groups of friends taking on causes across the planet? Can you picture a world where we don’t have to worry about self-esteem or make unfair comparisons for girls and women? Wouldn’t it be a nicer planet if we were compassionate about each other and treated others like dear friends?!

You may say, I’m a dreamer. But I’m not the only one. John Lennon

I don’t mind being a dreamer – I think it’s a good thing. So, being girlfriend-focused, here’s a few ideas on how we can start this making a difference in the world ‘one friendship at a time.’ (That’s kinda our goal here at Girlfriendology!)

• Volunteer together - Suddenly cleaning up a vacant lot becomes fun when you’re laughing with your girlfriends. Mentoring kids in an after-school program, when your girlfriend is at the next table, still makes it feel like you’re hanging out with her. And, you can celebrate the difference that you’re making in your community and world, when you volunteer together.
• Share together - I love the minutia that women share. Secrets we can tell only each other – like how we sneak in some ‘ME time,’ easy and tasty recipes or where we found shoes on sale. Or even bigger things, like our fears of cancer or losing a job, and those thoughts that keep us awake in the middle of the night. Things that seem insignificant actually reveal our joys, fears, hopes and personality. When we share, we bare our soul and show our true self. That’s therapeutic and wonderful. And, it unites us to take on the world!
• Dream together - If you don’t have a dream, how will you be able to reach it? Share your dreams with your girlfriends and have them do the same. (You may even be needed to help her define her dream – that’s pretty cool when you can help her see what you see in her and how that might lead her to some secret dreams!) Help each other make steps toward reaching your goals – and celebrate each step of the way. Even if you don’t understand her dream (like I’m an Entrepreneur and some of my girlfriends are Corporate Execs – so our dreams are very different), be there for her. Still be authentic and admit that you might not understand but you’re still behind her every step of the way. Keep your eyes open for opportunities, information and contacts to help her in reaching her dream. Show your support and celebrate your successes – together!

So, what are your thoughts on how we can unite to make the world a better place with and for our friends? Please share and inspire!

Girlfriendology, the online community for women based on girlfriend inspiration, appreciation and celebration

Image by George Eastman House via Flickr

Tags: celebrate, dreams, entrepreneur, girlfriends, John Lennon

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 9th, 2009 at 11:29 am and is filed under Be a Better Friend. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.