Today is Galentine’s Day; which takes place on the day before Valentine’s Day.
Galentine’s Day is a day for women to come together and celebrate friendship. This pseudo made up holiday was first invented back in 2010 by the creative team of writers on the hit TV series Parks and Recreation and has since gained international attention and popularity and been embraced by women everywhere.
Friendship should never feel complicated.
Filters should never be needed.
Scores should never be kept.
Our past grievances should never be held against us.
Friends should let you walk in the front door just as you are.
Friends should always make room at the table for one more.
Friends should want to see you happy.
Friends don’t need to have the perfect words or try and fix you.
Friends should want to listen, not silence you.
Friends should want to see you thrive.
Friends should make you laugh even through the tears.
Friends should FIGHT for you, RESPECT you, INCLUDE you, ENCOURAGE you, NEED you, DESERVE you and STAND by you (acronym for F.R.I.E.N.D.S) even when life gets messy sometimes; and God knows it does.
As someone who battles with depression and anxiety, I know that sometimes even the simplest connections can feel so out of reach. When struggling with your mental health, it can easily convince you that you are a burden to others, or not worthy of love, but my journey has opened my eyes to what true friendship and connection look like and has quietly given me the courage to “break up” with friendships that were no longer serving me. Breaking up with a friend is hard and there is a grieving process that comes along with it; a very painful one at that but a necessary part of my healing. I’ve since learned that sometimes some people are just not good for me no matter how much I love or care about them. I’ve also come to the realization that the only people I deserve in my life are the ones that need me in theirs even when I have nothing else to offer them but myself.
And from speaking to so many other women over the past many years, I know that I am not alone. Friendship breakups have sadly become all too commonplace for many people, especially since the Pandemic. The Pandemic really made so many of us super vigilant as to the kind of people we want in our lives. It shined a light on the true colours of so many and trust me, when people show you who they really are you not only believe them but you begin to quickly re-evaluate many of your priorities and values too.
I will no longer squeeze myself into places I don’t fit or force myself to sit at a table with people and pretend I am someone who they prefer I be or want me to be. I will no longer share a cup of coffee (not that I even drink coffee but you get the idea) with people who I know that as soon as I walk away the gossip and judgement begins.
I deserve people in my life who are in it for the long haul. We all do.
No judgement, nor hurtful words. No endless gossip behind your back. Friendships should be as real to your face as they are loyal behind your back.
Cherish those who lift you up not those who bring you down and be the one who always makes room at the table for one more.
Happy Galentine’s Day to all the “Gals” out there who are blessed to be able to celebrate the meaning of true, authentic, everlasting friendships today, tomorrow and every day in between.
**Tag (in comments) a special “Gal” or “Gals” in your life who you know that no matter what, they will always have a seat at their table for you.🥰❤💚💛
**for more on my journey please go to youareenough712.wordpress.com
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YouAreEnough 