I recently traveled to southern Illinois with some of my favorite ladies. Our dear friend is going through a difficult divorce, and we gathered together at a cabin to celebrate her and surround her with love and friendship.
I met these ladies nearly twenty years ago when we all worked at Camp Ondessonk in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest. I am so fortunate to know such beautiful, strong women. These ladies are my soul sisters, and I often refer to them as my "tribe".
We know each other so very well. The way that only friends who've known each other for so long can. We essentially grew up together...meeting in our teenage years and then growing into strong, educated women, and becoming wives and mothers alongside each other.
We all share the same passion for nature and our environment. We pride ourselves on being eco-conscious and consider ourselves tough, outdoorsy women. Collectively, we hold several graduate degrees, have traveled the world, and hiked and canoed hundreds of miles.
Spending time with these women feels very similar to coming home. It's always so very comfortable, as if we haven't missed any time. They know me as well as anyone. And I always come away from our visits feeling re-centered...as if my inner compass is pointing back to my true north. They remind me of who I am and the kind of woman I strive to be. Their nurturing spirits leave me feeling inspired to live more authentically.
We are fortunate to see each other several times a year, gathering together every Labor Day and New Years eve at the camp where we once worked. We dubbed this weekend "Shawnee Goddess Weekend" and decided shortly after we arrived that it needs to become an annual tradition. We all welcomed the break from our lives and celebrated the chance to just hang with the girls. The weekend was intended to restore our friend who is going through a tough time. I think we accomplished that and much more. Our weekend consisted of no make-up, lots of comfy pants, and despite having a beautiful cabin, we were mostly outside. It was full of laughter, late nights, delicious food, lots of drinks (with little umbrellas!) and soulful conversations.
I realize that not everyone knows this kind of friendship. I'm very aware of just how lucky I am. I truly cherish them and all of our fun memories. I plan to grow old with these women by my side, and I couldn't ask for a better, more beautiful group of friends to share in my life's journey.
