Galentine's

Who knew when Parks and Recreation premiered in 2009, it would also launch the debut of Galentine's Day? Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation, Leslie Knope, of the fictional town Pawnee, IN introduced us to the holiday giving women an opportunity to celebrate their friendships. What a concept! women celebrating their friends. I can't believe it took so long, and a television show to boot, to recognize the need for this in our society.

As I began creating this post, I was thinking about my friendships. What makes a friend? Who do we include in our close circle of friends and who are really more of an acquaintance? I've met many people over the years, and we've developed a relationship based on a commonality - work, church, gym, school, etc. But my true real friends are there even when that link is removed.

I consider myself blessed to still have friends from high school. When I graduated, we didn't have social media as a mechanism for maintaining contact, so we had to rely on snail mail and long-distance calls. As I moved away from the town where I grew up, I eventually lost touch with many of them.

An occasional letter or call but through social media, we reconnected and I am so fortunate we did! Now, our friendship is based on our adult lives and our authentic selves. That original link brought us together has long passed, but our relationships are genuine and secure.

There are women I met from school activities as the involved PTO moms. Our children may not have been in the same classes, but we worked together for various school events. Our relationships with the public school system may have come to an end, but we are still in contact and meet for dinner from time to time.

The women I met as an adult are the ladies who know ME. We met through a variety of methods and shared limited connection but struck a relationship that has developed into a true and authentic friendship.

When I contacted all of these women telling them I wanted to do this blog and asking if it was ok for me to share the photos, they all gave a resounding yes! More importantly, they all supported this endeavor and are rooting for me in the process. These are the people we all want in our lives! Despite my flaws, and I have many, these ladies accept me for who I am. For me-Lynn. I thank God everyday that He has blessed me with such people in my life. But on this day, this recently made-up holiday, I can thank them publicly for being by my side. I am grateful they help me Live Like Lynn! Who are you celebrating today?