Happy Galentine's Day! - Nine Days Early

I sat down at my computer this morning and started my day's work by opening my email. Out popped an email from a business I love - Escama Studio - with a subject line that read Happy Galentine's Day! Their post declared it the best fake holiday on the calendar!  First I smiled, then I had to do a Google search to find out more about it. It all began like this - 

Galentine's Day celebrates female friendship, each year, on February 13. It started as a fictional celebration on 'Parks and Recreation' in an episode that aired Feb. 11, 2010. But it quickly filtered into mainstream culture with retailers seizing on the pre-Valentine's Day celebration

On that note, I realized this post is nine days early, but the timing is right in terms of getting the word out and giving us all time to try to make plans with our gal pals. The title is a mash-up of gal and Valentine, and I love how it gives us a chance to celebrate this time of year even if we aren't in a romantic relationship.

It wasn't until I was in my 50's and interviewing regularly that I began to figure out the whole gal pal thing.  I did have three wonderful girlfriends in high school, but for the most part I had trouble connecting deeply with women. In a group of females, I often felt an outsider, different in some way.  Then I discovered purposefully building friendships and it all changed.

I love my gal pals. They are my foundation and rock.  I love supporting them, being supported by them and just hanging out together, sharing laughs and creating new memories. When we hang out I feel a part - no looking in from the outside. These relationships are one the reasons I continue to push forward, grow and achieve my goals. 

That's not to say I don't have strong male friendships that also offer support and comradery. I do. I value them absolutely as much as I do my female one, and they have also been instrumental in helping me become the person I want to be.  But truth be told, male relationships have always came easier for me.  Perhaps this is because I had two brothers and no sisters, I don't know. I just always felt an easy comradery with men.  I've never had to work on it, it's just there. 

So today I want to celebrate that I finally found my groove, my female community, my gal pals. I stand in awe of you strong, intelligent, loving, kind supportive women.  It's an honor to know each of you and I look forward to creating new memories with you. You rock!

I am hoping on Feb. 13th - the official Galentine's Day - that I can find a way to connect with some of you and share a cuppa, a few laughs, maybe a hug and just enjoy the company.  Happy Galentine's Day to each and every one of you amazing women. I am honored to have you in my life.