🥙 Soul Snacks

1.5 min read

Dear Snackers,

For those of you who were following my stories earlier in the week, you noticed that I had an epic couple of nights away with my three closest mom friends. We were in Ludlow, Vermont, and it was everything my heart and soul needed. From a logistical standpoint, which is sort of a side note, traveling with a group of four is really nice. Easy to make reservations, you can take one car, and it just feels really intimate. We had an amazing time relaxing, getting active by day, and drinking and dancing our asses off by night. There is something so liberating about being with a group of women you love. In some senses, I think it is when I can be the freest version of myself – no topics and, pretty much, no behavior is off limits. I adore spending time and going away with my husband, but does he want to see me in a muu-muu swinging from the rafters and listening to Lil John? Nope. But do my girlfriends? Hell yes they do. And does it absolutely bring me back to being the person I was when I only belonged to myself? Fuck yes it does. 

Almost anytime I ask people for topics they’d like me to cover, or if I do an “Ask Me Anything” on IG, I get asked about how to make mom friends. It’s not always easy to make mom friends. I never had a hard time finding a friend group in elementary, high school or college, but in adult life, it’s more awkward. You’re not automatically seeing each other every day in class or in the cafeteria and, as we are all so acutely aware, free time is harder and harder to come by, so you have to really be willing to put yourself out there. Many moms join baby groups, or cosmically meet their mom-soul mates in an exercise class or at the playground, but it’s almost never immediate or easy. I think the answer is, like all the great things in life, it takes time. If you feel a connection to someone you think you could “really like”, cultivate it little by little. Maybe start by inviting them to do something together with your kids at first and, as your connection grows, leave those kids behind and get out on the town together (or to a coffee or a yoga class, whatever floats your boat). 

Personally, the emotional connection and true understanding I experience from being with other women is something that’s not only fun, but has truly helped me grow. Each one of my friends on this trip are moms of multiple kids and business owners – it is never easy to make these kinds of trips happen, but I am so happy we continue to prioritize these sacred relationships. I will always make time for my friends because I know those friendships are what connect me back to my true self, and my whole family needs that version of me.  

Caitlin 

• LISTEN: A great Girls List Playlist for ya.

• READ: If you're curious about some more of the science behind female friendships, I enjoyed this article.

• DRINK: Don't be a thirsty bitch this August - get your electrolytes.