Inspire others, inspire yourself

Beth Anne is planning to leave corporate world and start her own business. (Don't worry - I'll definitely updated you when it is up and running - it is for/by women and great!) She struggles, like all of us, with doubt, fear, insecurity and, in general, not being exactly sure how she'll accomplish her goals. But, each day, she plugs away at steps to reaching her dream.

She inspires me to go after my goal of bringing together a community of girlfriends - showing appreciation and celebrating these wonderful friendships. She shares entrepreneurial articles with me and passes along what she is learning through this process - which, to be honest, is a tough, uphill battle at times. But she perseveres and uses her experience to encourage me.

I hope I inspire her too to keep going too. I pass along magazines and links that are applicable to her upcoming business. I remind her when she becomes frustrated that she is on her way. And I love to celebrate with her when just the right person/solutions comes along that she really needed.

Life is good with girlfriends - especially those who inspire you. You have the awesome opportunity to return the favor.

• What do you do to inspire your girlfriends?
• How have your girlfriends assisted and inspired you in reaching your dreams?
• What things could you not have accomplished without the faith of a wonderful girlfriend?

Please share your ideas. I'm sure they'll inspire others. Thanks Beth Anne!

I look forward to celebrating your success with you in the coming months!!!

Girlfriends of all ages ...

Don't you love how a girlfriend's age doesn't matter? And do you even more love, how a girlfriend doesn't see wrinkles or remember birthday years?

The past two nights I've laughed with girlfriends with over a 35 year age span. Older or younger, they're still my girlfriends - and I LOVE that.

Do you reach out to girlfriends who are a different age? race? social/economic level? Do you celebrate the diversity of all the wonderful women in your life? If so, tell me about it. I'd love to hear your stories of what you've learned about yourself by having multi-generational / ethnic girlfriends.

Until then ... enjoy, and CELEBRATE!, your girlfriends!

Remembering Tricia

Think back ... who was your first best friend? Didn't you plan on being BFF? Wasn't that friendship extra special?!

My first girlfriend was Tricia. In kindergarten class together, we bonded over crayons and recess. We stayed friends even after I moved but eventually lost touch.

Years later, fate (as it has a tendency to do!) placed us not only at the same college, but even in the same dorm and on the same floor. We reconnected and shared many hilarious memories (and photos) in college.

Looking back, I did learn everything I need to about girlfriends in kindergarten. Share what you have, listen, care, laugh, love. Girlfriends are worth a gazillion crayons and can draw a smile when there were tears before.

Thanks Tricia for the gift of your friendship and for teaching me about girlfriends! And, thanks to every girlfriend since who has continued to care about, inspire, amuse and love me. Your friendships are priceless. Thanks SO MUCH.

Love your 'Shoes'!

How many pairs of shoes do you have in your closet? Too many to mention? How about how many girlfriends do you have in your corner? Hopefully you're equally blessed there too!

Most of us have different shoes for certain outfits, a change in season and whatever mood suits us at the time. Some shoes are functional, some are stylish and some are just because we love them! (And there is nothing wrong in my book with that! In fact, that is my shoe in the photo. I love them - especially because they were really cheap!)

Girlfriends are like shoes too. Some are based on work or workout buddies, others are moms, old friends, new friends, long distance, neighbors, etc. Each, like our shoes, girlfriends help us 'accessorize' our lives with beauty, functionality, express our personality and, especially, support!

I saw a friend of mine in NYC. I never described her as one of my girlfriends because Jane was my coach in previous years and I've primarily seen her as a mentor and advisor. But now I realize she really is a girlfriend, and one that I value deeply. We discussed life updates at our breakfast yesterday. She reminded me of some things about my life that I had really enjoyed, was actually good at and she totally inspired me. I love that she sees things in me that are blind to me, good things that challenge me to reach for my dreams.

Do you need some inspiration? Want to overcome doubt and insecurity to achieve what you're so wanting to do? Choose wisely but try out your dreams with a special, supportive girlfriend. She may be the extra 'spring in your step' you need to reach your potential. Find a friend who can help you kick butt on your dreams! (And THANKS Jane!)

Vicki's Dream - and encouraging your girlfriends

Humble, sweet and super talented, my girlfriend Vicki is about to achieve her dream. For years she has struggled as an artist/designer, never swaying to try anything else but follow her dream. Her husband, John, and kids have been supportive and patient. And now she's taking on NYC and the multi-billion dollar world of licensing.

Tomorrow I will join my friend Vicki in NYC for the Surtex Licensing Show/National Stationery Show. She will be represented by a well-established agent and her designs will be on display. International companies will view her artwork to license on all types of products. (Her baby bedding line, featuring Bazooples, is about to launch too! Check her out at www.vickischreiner.com/)

I'm thrilled to join her to celebrate her success in the Big Apple and to spend time together to discuss and plot the further growth of both of our dreams. She has been a cheerleader for me and a wonderful caring girlfriend.

Sometimes it takes others believing in your dream, even when you can't. I knew Vicki was talented, probably even more than she did during moments of uncertainty. But isn't it nice to know your girlfriends believe in you? Are there girlfriends you should encourage to follow their dreams? What words of encouragement can you offer to remind them that they're special, talented and loved? Reach out to a girlfriend and let her know how amazing she is. Then, when she reaches her dream, or you reach yours, go to NYC and celebrate!

Girlfriends are worth celebrating - like Barb's Birthday

We met in college. Two silly girls who lived across the hall from each other. We celebrated birthdays and Spring Break together, skipped classes to go shopping, shared clothing and secrets, laughed and cried through boyfriends and broken hearts. Now, half a lifetime ago, I am still blessed to have her friendship. This week we had dinner to celebrate another birthday with Barb, my life-long friend. Happy Birthday Barb!

What elements in our friendship has kept us together? It started with logistics and being in a new environment. Eventually though we moved, had different marital/child status, changed jobs and cities, saw a lot of time go by. Time, miles, change, busy lives often distance or stretch friendships. This one lasted and, I have no doubt, will for the rest of our lives.

What lessons have you learned from lifelong friends? How do you show these amazing women how much they mean to you? I'd love to hear your thoughts! Thanks - and thanks Barb, for the wonderful (lifelong) gift of your friendship!! Hugs, Debba

The Dream Lives on!

Wow, to look back at my first blog over a year ago confirmed time does really fly! I haven't been just having fun (as we girls like to do!), I've been preparing to launch www.girlfriendology.com and working on new items for www.cafepress.com/girlfriend-gifts. But I'm back and committed to pursuing my dream of inspiring, appreciating and celebrating girlfriends.

What's the latest? Well, the web site is in the design process. The newsletter is being built with the same design (so hopefully that will start going out in the coming month). And I am designing products for www.cafepress.com/girlfriend-gifts. (Actually I'm going to the National Stationery Show this weekend to see what great girlfriend gifts I can find so Girlfriendology has the best 'stuff! I'll report back what I find in NYC.)

What else has happened in the past year? Well, I've shared my dream with dozens of my girlfriends (I am so blessed with great girlfriends!) and they've shared their ideas with me, which has been awesome! I've also found out some really amazing facts and stories about why female friendships are so important to have, maintain and appreciate. I'll share this in coming blogs.

Do you have great girlfriends? Would you like to? Join me in this journey to create and keep the friendships that make us feel special and to be that special friend to a girlfriend who brightens her life. (And ... no calories, no hefty Visa bill from shopping therapy, no men who don't understand why we need shoes and chocolate! Just women recognizing the wonderful blessing of female friends.) Thanks for the gift of your friendship!