Girls Weekend Wisdom...
“A friend is a gift you give yourself.” – Robert Louis Stevenson.
Friendship isn’t just a 'nice to have.' Science tells us it’s essential. Studies show that strong social connections can increase longevity, boost immunity, lower stress, and significantly improve mental wellbeing. In fact, some research suggests that having good friends can be as important to your health as regular exercise, eating well and sleep!
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been reminded just how precious these relationships are. Two people I know lost very close friends suddenly and without warning — both to heart attacks, both in their mid-40s. It’s a sobering thought: none of us knows how much time we have with the people we love.
I've also had an unheard of amount of time (unheard of amount for people in marriages with kids!') with two very close friends recently. Last month I gifted myself a whole 3 and a bit weeks travelling with these friends in Europe. Being with them every day at this stage of our lives for that amount of time was so enriching and healing.
When Friendships Get Harder to Maintain
Life has its seasons, and some are harder on friendships than others. The baby and young kids years are notoriously tough — you’re sleep-deprived, your priorities shift, and often you’re just trying to keep your head above water. Moves, new jobs, and life changes can also mean losing touch with people you once saw every week.
But here’s the thing: even when life makes it harder, the value of friendship never diminishes. And sometimes we need to be intentional about weaving it back into the fabric of our lives.
The Many Types of Friends We Need
Not all friendships serve the same role — and that’s the beauty of it.
- Deep and meaningful friends: the ones you can dive straight into the soul talk with.
- Chatty, easy-going friends: who swap stories about kids, books, movies, and life’s lighter moments.
- Shared-history friends: who knew you “back then” and keep your memories alive.
I’m lucky to have all these types of friendships, and I cherish each for different reasons.
Evolving Friendships (and Letting Go)
As we reach certain stages in life, we start to see that some friendships naturally evolve… and some fade away. Sometimes you simply grow in different directions. And that’s okay. It doesn’t erase what was — it just makes space for connections that feel aligned with who you are now. I have many friends that I was once extremely close with who I no longer have contact with due to many different reasons. I still think of them all fondly and feel so grateful that they made such an impact on my life and just like the friends I still have now, helped shaped who I am today.
Girls Weekends: An Anchor in the Calendar
One of the most powerful ways to nurture a friendship is to carve out sacred, non-negotiable time. For me, that’s our yearly girls weekend.
It started when we all turned 40 — four high school friends, one long weekend every year, a different location each time. This year is our 8th annual trip (yes, we all turn 48 in the next six months!) and we’re in the Blue Mountains in NSW.
We’re all nature lovers, so we gravitate towards the ocean or the bush. Our weekends are a mix of talking, eating out, staying in with some wine and cheese boards, walking, swimming, op shopping, crying, sharing, reading, and playing games. It’s a chance to breathe deeply and reconnect without the constant pull of everyday life.
Why It Matters So Much
Girls weekends aren’t indulgent — they’re an investment. They say to your friends: You matter to me. This relationship matters to me. And they say to yourself: I deserve this joy, this laughter, this connection.
Even if you only have one small friendship group, nurture it. Prioritise it. Protect it. Because friendships are an insurance policy for happiness and connection — as long as you keep showing up for each other
Life is unpredictable, but one thing is certain: the memories we make with the people we love will outlast anything else.
This blog is for S, L, A, T and K. I love you all so much!
Alisha x
Girls Weekend Wisdom...
“A friend is a gift you give yourself.” – Robert Louis Stevenson.
Friendship isn’t just a 'nice to have.' Science tells us it’s essential. Studies show that strong social connections can increase longevity, boost immunity, lower stress, and significantly improve mental wellbeing. In fact, some research suggests that having good friends can be as important to your health as regular exercise, eating well and sleep!
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been reminded just how precious these relationships are. Two people I know lost very close friends suddenly and without warning — both to heart attacks, both in their mid-40s. It’s a sobering thought: none of us knows how much time we have with the people we love.
I've also had an unheard of amount of time (unheard of amount for people in marriages with kids!') with two very close friends recently. Last month I gifted myself a whole 3 and a bit weeks travelling with these friends in Europe. Being with them every day at this stage of our lives for that amount of time was so enriching and healing.
When Friendships Get Harder to Maintain
Life has its seasons, and some are harder on friendships than others. The baby and young kids years are notoriously tough — you’re sleep-deprived, your priorities shift, and often you’re just trying to keep your head above water. Moves, new jobs, and life changes can also mean losing touch with people you once saw every week.
But here’s the thing: even when life makes it harder, the value of friendship never diminishes. And sometimes we need to be intentional about weaving it back into the fabric of our lives.
The Many Types of Friends We Need
Not all friendships serve the same role — and that’s the beauty of it.
- Deep and meaningful friends: the ones you can dive straight into the soul talk with.
- Chatty, easy-going friends: who swap stories about kids, books, movies, and life’s lighter moments.
- Shared-history friends: who knew you “back then” and keep your memories alive.
I’m lucky to have all these types of friendships, and I cherish each for different reasons.
Evolving Friendships (and Letting Go)
As we reach certain stages in life, we start to see that some friendships naturally evolve… and some fade away. Sometimes you simply grow in different directions. And that’s okay. It doesn’t erase what was — it just makes space for connections that feel aligned with who you are now. I have many friends that I was once extremely close with who I no longer have contact with due to many different reasons. I still think of them all fondly and feel so grateful that they made such an impact on my life and just like the friends I still have now, helped shaped who I am today.
Girls Weekends: An Anchor in the Calendar
One of the most powerful ways to nurture a friendship is to carve out sacred, non-negotiable time. For me, that’s our yearly girls weekend.
It started when we all turned 40 — four high school friends, one long weekend every year, a different location each time. This year is our 8th annual trip (yes, we all turn 48 in the next six months!) and we’re in the Blue Mountains in NSW.
We’re all nature lovers, so we gravitate towards the ocean or the bush. Our weekends are a mix of talking, eating out, staying in with some wine and cheese boards, walking, swimming, op shopping, crying, sharing, reading, and playing games. It’s a chance to breathe deeply and reconnect without the constant pull of everyday life.
Why It Matters So Much
Girls weekends aren’t indulgent — they’re an investment. They say to your friends: You matter to me. This relationship matters to me. And they say to yourself: I deserve this joy, this laughter, this connection.
Even if you only have one small friendship group, nurture it. Prioritise it. Protect it. Because friendships are an insurance policy for happiness and connection — as long as you keep showing up for each other
Life is unpredictable, but one thing is certain: the memories we make with the people we love will outlast anything else.
This blog is for S, L, A, T and K. I love you all so much!
Alisha x
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