Note : I had written this post a couple of days back and have sat tight on it to post it today, because Women’s Day.
Every girl needs her girls – you know, the ones that she can share her silly jokes with and cackle with laughter , but also ones that she can vent to and ugly cry with.
I am privileged to be surrounded by such girls from various phases of my life . Some have seen me as a child, a moody teen, others as a grown woman. I met some in real life, some virtually, while others were real life friends, now turned into virtual connections due to distance and time. Regardless of how we met, they have each held my hand or nudged me gently to get me through tumultuous and/or uneventful days at that time.
I am also honoured to be that girl for some most of these lovely ladies. I absolutely cherish our friendships and conversations shared over the years. I love the fact that we lean on each other for support and advice, drawing strength from each other’s experiences and characters.
Starting with my first bff ever – my sister- we couldn’t be any more different even if we tried .But I know when I need her, she will A.L.W.A.Y.S show up for me. Then my aunt, who is like a friend, sister, aunt , mom rolled in one. My childhood bestie – who makes time for me even when her own life is chaotic. My baby cousin who checks in even when she has her hands full with extended family and a new business.
I have my local girls that I can meet for coffee or chai or a drink every now and again. When I can go back to India, I my school/ college friends and I find the time to catch up for a coffee or a meal. A coffee with a girlfriend is not just a frivolous outing, it is a moment of bonding. Major life issues are often discussed and potential solutions found over cups of coffee and for that I am so grateful.
And when I talk about women who have held me in a warm comforting embrace of friendship, how can I not mention my work girlies. Some I have known for over 10 years, others a few years, but they all accidentally or intentionally subscribed to my madness – they patiently wait in the hallway, as I say ‘Hello’ to one other person, laugh at or with me when I can’t stop laughing in the middle of a story and lend an empathetic ear when I need one.
Then, I have my chai-time girls, called so because we connected virtually & chatted over cups of chai each day until we met face to face and they became my lifelong friends- connected virtually again ( bachcho ki shaadi mein toh mil hi lenge fir se 😃)
Last but not least in any way, my blogger friends most of whom I met virtually when I first started blogging. Over time, the blogging took a back seat, but we remained connected through other means of social media .
These women became my village, my tribe when I was finding my way through the early years of motherhood. They were the ones I turned to when I was sleep deprived and stumbling through toddler tantrums and meal-time dramas. They are still the ones that I turn to for parenting advice and to share the daily happenings. After 18 years of knowing each other virtually, we finally met face-to-face.
This is not a random sentimental rambling. This is my grateful acknowledgement as I think about life in general and the last year in particular. Last year was the hardest year of my life – may be I will be brave enough to write about the year that 2024 was, one day. But for now, I will end this post by saying that I am grateful to be surrounded by intelligent, sensitive and empathetic women who let me be me, by being their true selves around me .
Here’s to strong women- may we be them, raise them and be fortunate enough to be surrounded by them
❤️ Trish
15 Marbles 