Where is the Love - Part Two.

Happy Galentine’s Day, friend. 💗

Originating with the popular show ‘Parks and Recreation,’ February 13 is also known as Galentine’s Day–a day of celebration and love for the women who make up your support system.

As we continue our series on heart-centered relationships, this week we’re focusing on those we surrounded ourselves with, our besties.

It is often said you are the sum of the 5 people you spend the most time with. Who is that for you?

(If your answer included a toddler, keep reading!)

My mom’s best friend is a woman named Karen. The two of them go way back. And according to the legend, their friendship started with an epic snowball fight.

Growing up, I watched the two of them make intentional time to get together on a regular basis.

From having iced tea at Karen’s house once a week while I was in elementary school to summers with our families at the lake to teaching the two of them yoga just a few years ago, I can’t remember a time in my life when my mom’s best friend wasn’t there.

This level of friendship is something I’ve always coveted. Just when I think I’ve found it, life happens and my friends and I go our separate ways.

Women frequently tell me that finding and keeping good friends is more challenging the older they get.

Here’s the thing - a heart-centered friendship starts with you.

One of my favorite exercises, often used for romantic relationships, works well for any kind of relationship, especially a friendship. Give it a try and let me know what you think.

• Make a list of the characteristics you want in a friend(s). Think traits like honest, kind, encouraging, or compassionate to name a few.

• Read through your list and ask yourself how you’re showing up - not in that friendship, but for yourself. How are you kind to yourself? In what ways do you offer yourself encouragement? Before you can fully recognize those qualities in others, you first have to be them for yourself.

Like all relationships, friendships take deliberate effort. It starts with you doing the work to be the kind of friend to yourself that you hope you find in the world. That’s where you hone those skills, then you can offer them to others and recognize the gifts in return.

Once you’ve done the internal work, make an effort to show up for others in the same way. Next time you’re at the gym, church, office, ball field, PTA meeting or some other place where you have the opportunity to meet people, engage with acquaintances and potential friends with those characteristics in mind.

Remember, how you show up in the world magnetizes who shows up for you. Your vibe attracts your tribe, friend!