I believe the secret to thriving in motherhood and marriage lies in having a few genuine, fierce friends by your side. I affectionately refer to them as my soul sisters because they truly understand and accept me without any judgment. They are my heart, my soul, and my sanity. These remarkable women are far from ordinary because, honestly, basic and mundane just don’t cut it for me. I need strong, no-nonsense women in my corner, especially when life gets ridiculously tough.
Chances are, you formed some of your closest friendships long before you became a mom, and they’ve seen you at your most vulnerable. They can attest to how much you’ve grown, and I’m pretty sure many of mine are just as astonished as I am that I didn’t drown my sorrows in a bottle. I’m still figuring out how to run a household (sort of). And I know you’ve likely made some beautiful, solid friendships since stepping into motherhood.
Each of these women brings something unique to the table, yet they all inspire me daily and help keep me grounded. They are my rock. They listen when I’m on the verge of losing my mind—which happens frequently—and serve as my GPS when I feel completely lost. They make me a better person and a more patient mom.
The Role of Soul Sisters
Let’s be honest: our husbands are fantastic, but they often can’t fathom the whirlwind of thoughts swirling in our heads. It’s not their fault; they simply don’t have the same wiring. That’s where our soul sisters come in. They come from various backgrounds but share one common trait: these friendships are solid and enduring because these incredible women genuinely care about you and your well-being, no matter the cost.
They’re always the first to have your back. With just a quick text, they’ll be at your door (or on the line if they’re far away), ready to tackle a crisis or pop open a bottle of wine. To them, 5 o’clock isn’t a guideline for drinking; they know when the chaos has hit the fan and when it’s time to celebrate with a drink. They’ll help you dissect your issues down to the last detail and figure out a plan of action (not to mention, they’ll make sure you’re protected from any drama). Soul sisters always have your back.
Honest Feedback and Support
They’re also not afraid to call you out. They might not initially voice their opinions because they know how to handle you delicately, but they’ll ask the right questions to help you step back from your madness and gain some perspective. They might say things like, “Are you sure it went down that way?” or “Could you have stirred the pot just a bit?” Once they help you break down those walls, they’ll be right there problem-solving with you. Soul sisters want you to be your best self—even if their honest feedback stings a little at first.
They also become like honorary aunts to your kids, loving them almost as much as their own. They babysit for free, spoil your children with gifts, and spend hours helping you figure out what’s going on when something seems off. They’ll dive into Google searches alongside you and aren’t afraid to reach out to doctors or other experts for assistance. They are your best resource, and even if they don’t have the answers, they’ll find someone who does and keep following up to ensure you’re okay. Your kids’ struggles become their struggles, and they never back down.
Marriage Support
They love your husband and consistently fight for your marriage, even during tough times. Instead of piling on the gossip when you and your husband have a spat, they remind you of the man you fell in love with and the joy he brings to your life. Soul sisters try to bring you back to what matters and don’t fan the flames of discontent. They know when to advocate for your marriage and when to support you in stepping back. If you’re at fault, they’ll tell you straight up and encourage you to make amends. You might feel annoyed when they put you in your place, but deep down, you know they have both your and your husband’s best interests at heart.
Understanding and Intuition
They have an uncanny ability to sense when you’re going through a rough patch. They know when to be upbeat and when to give you space. Sometimes, words aren’t even necessary. Soul sisters can just read your mood—it’s part of their superpower. They know when to let you vent, when to offer a motivational pep talk, and when to simply be quiet.
I remember a particularly dark post-partum phase when I avoided my best friend’s texts and calls for nearly a month. When I finally spoke to her, she didn’t bombard me with questions. She simply said, “I missed hearing your voice,” and “I feel like a part of me is missing without you.” She didn’t need the details; she just wanted to know I was alive and to remind me of her love. She knew to give me space, and eventually, I came around. I’m so grateful that I can always be my true self with these incredible women, no matter how messy that may look.
Creating Joyful Moments
You always find fun, no matter where you are. Whether on a beach, in a chic hotel, or stuck at home without power, you and your soul sisters will create moments of joy. You laugh at the silliest things and come up with the wildest plans. You share your dreams and fears and sometimes sit in comfortable silence. They see you for who you truly are and love you just the same.
I hope every woman is fortunate enough to have a few soul sisters who complete their world. I wouldn’t be who I am today without the encouragement and unwavering love I’ve received from these friends throughout life’s challenges. Friendship that walks beside you, even when times are tough, is a rare gift. Treasure these ladies and never let them go. So, pour yourself a glass of wine, reach out to your soul sisters, and tell them just how much they mean to you.
Additional Resources
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Summary
The power of friendship is essential in navigating the challenges of motherhood. Soul sisters offer unwavering support, understanding, and encouragement, making the journey more manageable and enjoyable. They are the ones who celebrate victories, provide honest feedback, and love your family as if they were their own. Cherishing these friendships can make all the difference in your life.