The Medicine of Girlfriends

Some gatherings look simple from the outside.

A table set with care.

A few salads.

Pretty glasses.

A vase of flowers from the garden.

A tray of summer drinks waiting to be enjoyed.

For me, these gatherings mean much more than just food and flowers. They are about connection and laughter. They are about sharing updates, stories, encouragement, and sometimes even a few tears. Gathering like this is one way I support my own health and well-being.

I feel lucky to have several groups of girlfriends in my life. Each group meets in its own way, but the heart of it is always the same. We come together to check in, catch up, share what’s new, talk about our families, our passions, our latest interests, our challenges, and the small joys we’ve found along the way.

These gatherings do not just happen.

They take effort.

They take commitment.

They take a shared desire to stay connected.

Since COVID, many people have lost touch with friends. Life got quieter, smaller, and more isolated for a lot of us. Even when things opened up again, our schedules filled up fast, but those meaningful connections didn’t always come back as easily.

Everyone gets busy. Days turn into weeks, and weeks into months. Before we know it, we realize it’s been too long since we’ve seen the people who lift us up.

I often say that some of the best medicine I get each day comes from the meals I eat. Food matters. Nourishment matters. What we put into our bodies really supports our physical health.

But I also believe that friendship, especially time with my girlfriends, is some of the best medicine for my mental health.

There’s something truly healing about sitting at a table with women who know you, accept you, and make room for every part of your life. It’s comforting to show up just as you are. There’s joy in laughing over little things, and strength in hearing someone else’s story and realizing we’re never really alone.

For me, getting together with girlfriends often means sharing food, going on little getaways, or enjoying fun events. Sometimes it’s lunch, sometimes a weekend, or just drinks on a summer afternoon. The way we gather doesn’t matter as much as the conversations we have when we’re together.

The real gift is the connection.

If you have lost touch with your girlfriends, consider reaching out first. Send the message. Make the call. Suggest the date. Put it in the calendar and protect it like you would any other important appointment.

Because it is important.

Friendship needs care, just like a garden. It grows when we give it time, attention, and love. It gets stronger when we show up for each other, not just during tough times, but also in the simple, beautiful moments of life.

This summer, give your girlfriends a call.

Set the date.

Make the salad.

Pour the drinks.

Sit around the table.

Let the conversation unfold.

Your body, mind, and spirit will thank you.

How will you rise from here? Maybe this summer, it starts by reaching out to the women who help you remember who you are.