Allowing the gift of friendship can be a form of self-care. It can be hard to make friends or keep friendships as you grow older. I've heard so many reasons why women lose connection with other women such as; “I don't have time.”, “All my friends are now married”, “All of my friends are single.” Or perhaps you have been burned by a friend in the past and you are hesitant to form new friendships.
I have moments where I miss the company of having a gal pal. Opening up your heart to another offers benefits of just being able to be “you”. To have someone be in your corner when it feels like your world is crashing down. That person can hold space for you, have your back, remind you that your feelings are valid, and it is safe to trust.
With the interweb, we have the opportunity to make virtual pen pals with those around the world. I've intentionally reached out to form new friendships as part of self-care. To feel a part of a community of like-minded spirits where I can let it hang out. To know I'm not alone on my healing journey or allowing my vulnerability to show when I ask for help.
It's okay to check in with yourself to ask if the friendship is positive, do you feel recharged or drained after spending time with a friend, or are you both giving and taking equally.
So whether you have one special friend or create a sisterhood of many know it can be a life-changing experience.
Someone out there needs to know they are not alone and that they can survive. Perhaps you are a parent or friend of someone trapped in an abusive relationship and need to know how to help. My goal is to share awareness, offer empowerment, and educate others about emotional traumas and domestic abuse. Here I will share my story and also stories of courage and healing from Survivors, Coaches, to Therapists/Counselors.
You can find my books and my Journals here- https://www.amazon.com/Melinda-Kunst/e/B0788SWSB1
Find me on Facebook here- www.facebook.com/hopewhentherewasnone
The Survivors Cafe on Facebook is a private community for women- https://www.facebook.com/groups/724081331311924
Find help and info here-
https://www.thehotline.org/
https://www.domesticshelters.org/
https://internationalwomenshouse.org/get-help
https://www.domesticshelters.org/resources/national-global-organizations
Sexual Assault Hotline- https://www.rainn.org/
National Suicide Prevention lifeline-800-273-8255
