Building Each Other Up

I recently had the privilege of going away for a girl’s weekend with eleven other amazing women. Some I knew fairly well, others I barely knew, and at least one I had not met before. The experience completely renewed my faith in womankind.

Among the women were three training for an upcoming marathon. They were not intimidating, nor did they make me feel guilty for my sloth as they went out running. Instead, they were inspiring. I found myself reflecting on why I had given up running after getting COVID, admiring their discipline, and renewing my vow to myself and my own fitness level. 

I was surrounded by gorgeous women who were very stylish. Again, they didn’t use this to make me feel ‘less than,’ instead they constantly reached out, and even offered to do my hair and makeup, as well as everyone else who was interested.

These women never got petty, and didn’t talk behind each other’s backs. Instead you could feel the love radiating out.

As expat women, we can get focused on what we gave up, our loneliness, and the distance from family and friends. We can forget that no matter where we go, there are amazing women who understand what we are going through. We can quickly size people up that we meet and decide they are not our people, and miss out on empowering friendship opportunities.

How can you reach out and connect with some amazing women today? I have joined two different book clubs to combine my love of reading and solitary pursuits, with creating new friendships. One of my friends has recently started a women’s group where she works planning lunches, speakers, hikes, etc. for interested women at her workplace. My other friend just gathered together twelve of her friends for a seriously fun weekend away. Reach out and connect. All the research backs the benefits you will reap for putting yourself out there.