Friendship is the BEST MEDICINE!

" Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. " (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)

Normally I hear or read this verse and apply it in regards to marriage or dating. But this verse can be applied in more ways than that! Two are better than one in life, because when your in a bind, struggling or just can't deal with the day to day they can help pick you up. Having friends that we can lean on in the GOOD times and the bad is so important; especially as a woman, I believe that finding these types of friends can be extremely hard.

I have noticed as a wife, a mom and a friend I have the hardest time reaching out for help. I almost struggle with a small level of embarrassment when I need to ask for physical help with something, advice, or just need to speak my mind freely. I have been in and out of discussions with friends and other moms who have have felt similar feelings or even struggle with guilt and shame for not having all the answers or choosing to parent or live life differently than their friends or family.

So many times we get caught up comparing our life to others and we expect ourselves to meet their standards. We say things like, well if this person can do this or live like this without any help then I should be able to do the same. However, we never really stop to think about their personal journey and circumstance that got them to the place to handle as much as they do, or we haven't even considered that they may be struggling just as much as we are but are not open enough to share or talk about it.

I think as a woman this is a never ending struggle, we live off of social media posts that display the perfect life, no problems no messes just peace and joy and read "professional mom" blogs and never stop to remind ourselves that this is just their highlight reel. Trying to live up to this standard can be dangerous. There is no such thing as perfect, and there really is no right way to do this thing called life. However, let me say this loud and clear for the world to hear........YOU ARE NEVER GOING TO HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS, YOU WILL RARELY GET THINGS PERFECT THE FIRST TIME, BUT NO MATTER WHAT YOU WILL ALWAYS NEED FRIENDS THAT YOU CAN REACH OUT TO AND BE REAL WITH.

So I challenge you to stay committed to building healthy relationships we can lean on, and just simply be honest with. We should STAY committed to sharing the triumphs together, going to battle for one another and helping those around us conquer the feeling of shame or guilt for not knowing it all.

I have been so blessed to have such amazing friends in my life, and in my marriage. One important friendship I have leaned on for almost 10 years has been with Kelly Nelson. She is an amazing mom, wife and friend! I am so pumped to announce that she is going to be a regular contributor to "Mommin and Bloggin"! She has such amazing insight to life, leadership, being a wife, mom and friend! I can't wait to see what is on her heart and for her to share her personal life experience! Let's give her a warm welcome this coming week when she posts her first Blog!