Soul Searching – Girlfriend Style
Ever been at a crossroads? Wondering what to do with your life? Unsure of what the future holds?
I believe in the power of women. I honestly believe we can change the world and change the lives of those around us. And I believe that if we take care of women (and female friendship makes women healthier, happier, less stressed and live longer), then we take better care of our global community.
I know from the inspiring women I’ve interviewed for Girlfriendology and in the conversations and communications I’ve had with women all over the globe, that we can accomplish things that are nothing less than amazing. That’s partly why I started Girlfriendology – to remind myself and you of our potential, of the incredible energy and strength that we all have – especially when we inspire and encourage each other.
The short version: I can’t imagine my life with out my girlfriends and so many of you have told me that too.
So, that has been WOmanifesto. If one woman, at the end of her life can say, “I’m so glad I had and made such great girlfriends” or if one friend can be there for another at a crucial time in her life because of even a ripple effect of appreciating and inspiring friendship from Girlfriendology, it will be a success.
I’m at a crossroads. I believe the above so strongly and have felt honored to do anything I could to inspire women to be better friends. You know – ‘inspiration, appreciation and celebration of girlfriends.” But what if women don’t care, feel they’re being fine friends, don’t have time to bother with friendship? What if they don’t value a community of like-minded supportive, encouraging, inspiring women? What if Facebook connections are close enough and 140 characters are all they care to share with each other? What if we’re too busy to be there for each other or use our collective energy to make the world a better place?
When I’m at a crossroads I reach out to my friends. (Thanks Becky and Allison for being there for me when I need a friendly shoulder to cry on or a wise friend to seek support and counsel from!) I’m reaching out to you.
Does the world need Girlfriendology?
Does the big, bulging blogosphere need a friendship blog and community? If so, what should we do (better or new) to reach women and to engage them in this effort and community? If not, is there a better way to inspire each other and to connect with like-minded women who agree we need to support and encourage each other? I need your girlfriend advice and wisdom here. Be a friend and please leave a comment or idea. Thanks girlfriend!
Tags: Blogging, blogosphere, Business, Girlfriendology, goals, soul searching
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OK, so I am technically NOT a girlfriend, I adore you in a girlfriendy like way, so I will chime in with my two cents.
I know that Women today are under more stress than ever to do more than has ever been asked of them before and that simple fact mean that they need a group of friends to rely on. I also know that when things get real bad that sharing with your closest friend can be more difficult than sharing with a semi-anonymous group.
Girlfriendology can provide that loose fitting framework from someone either looking for support, or looking to be supported by a person or a group of people who have had similar experiences. In a sea of blogging largess, Girlfriendology provides a focused point of light on specific issues that matter.
I know that maintaining forward motion on a project such as this seems that sometimes you are alone in the wilderness, pushing to make something happen that just wont. But I also know that there is a sea of young women out there that are in need. A sea of young women whose self-esteem is in desperate need of a boost.
In my experiences with our youth group and teen self-esteem workshops, I have seen this time and time again. I know these young women and I know they take to the web in search of answers. If just one of them happens upon Girlfriendology and finds an article or two that gives them strength, then I think you will be blessed in the eyes of God.
Perhaps a greater inclusion of a slightly younger audience might bring a great deal to Girlfriendology in many ways. With strong women leaders and young women in need, it sound like a perfect mix to me. Youth brings with it a high degree of web activity (and angst, I know) that may help to energize you.
Just my quick thoughts, sent with much love.
John
I’ve just recently become a part of the Girlfriendology community and I have to say that I do appreciate all of the support that is given. I recently lost my job due to the rising cost of childcare, and I could no longer afford, really, to work! As a mother this is a very tough society to live in when women are pushing each other over just to be the next in line for a promotion. I’ve ventured out on my own to become a full-time Mary Kay Consultant, and even in this business, it’s a solo act and it’s very difficult to stay motivated on a day-to-day basis between bottles and diapers and marketing strategies. I appreciate all of the effort that you take in uniting women together, and most days, just reading a line or two on Twitter is enough to bring some encouragement that not all women are against each other and there IS still a sense of community in the world! Keep doing what you’re doing, Girlfriendology!
I think what you do is very valuable. I know sometimes without feedback it is hard to know if you really are helping people. Having a place to go to always find positive support is amazing. Just the little things mean so much and I appreciate all that you are doing.
The title caught my eye on Facebook. Soul searching – girlfriend style. Your authenticity and candid speak kept me reading. Thanks Debba for asking the question. Thank you for putting it out there. I think this is the challenge for all of us. I believe in the power of girlfriends. I believe that we all need good solid quality time with our gals. I believe as a whole, women are multi-tasking way too much. It’s a splintering effect. I believe we all need a queen mama, close girlfriends in the same stage of life and ones coming along behind us to complete the circle of life. I don’t even have enough time to properly respond in this email. =) So, I’m just throwing out some thoughts. WE need each other. You are a light in the darkness. I love with that bright orange gerbera daisy pops up on my fb wall. Orange is my favorite color and the gerbera daisy is my favorite flower – so I’m a bit biased. I wish I was in the Ohio area, so I could participate in person. What you do and what you are offering is good stuff and it’s needed. Maybe we can brainstorm on how to reach the women where they are at…because we all need it and we all need to be taking care of ourselves. Each of the women I know who believe in this cause are struggling with how to connect with our audience and meet their needs. I applaud you for asking the question. I hope my rambling has made some sense. I want you to know I’m in your court. I want to help. I want to discuss and brainstorm. Let’s talk. Let’s throw some life coaching into the mix and see how we can help each other. Keep on keeping on. Keep asking the authentic powerful questions of yourself and “us” girlfriends. You are needed.
Looking forward,
Cindy
P.S. I’ve been looking forward to attending a book club – I love the idea!
Debba,
I love the human-ness of your Girlfriendology Blog — made even more real with your right-up-front statement in this post … I am at a crossroads. The realness of that honesty was refreshing on a typically impersonal forum — aka, the internet.
This same ‘realness’ is what makes Girlfriendology stand out over the many other attempts to unite women in a virtual support group. You’ve achieved that ‘important group status’ and I know it is because of your personal vision, personal diligence, personal skill, and personal time.
As your friend who likewise has been at the crossroads of choice many times, I can share this with you. When at that fork (in my mind and in my life), I chat with family and friends, take long walks, pray, let my brain rest, and let my soul talk. Then, I take that ‘big step’ and tell myself, ‘there’s no going back now, baby.’
You have many of us to lean on and applaud you whatever road you take.
Joanne