Every year I make a New Year’s resolution to reconnect with the important women in my life. I don’t always do so well following through with that particular goal because life seems to gobble up time with a hunger that is never satisfied.

I have been fortunate over the past few weeks, however, to spend quality time with great friends over coffee. The first experience I had was a gathering for a coffee tasting party where I only knew a few of the ladies in the room. By the end of the evening, I laughed harder than I had in a very long time. I left with new friends and a renewed sense of how much I missed “girl time”. It’s important to note I allowed myself to steal this hour or two, even on a school night, even when I had that never-ending list of “Things to Do” waiting for me at home. This initial outing was a good start in adding a little balance to my world while striving to reestablish relationships with long lost friends.

I hosted a similar coffee tasting party at my house, a week later. As each of my friends introduced themselves around the room, I realized I had invited people who I’ve relied on, on many levels over the years. These are my friends, but also incredibly successful women who I admire for the way they’ve run their businesses, climbed the career ladder while caring for family, and dedicated themselves to educating and serving our community while overcoming incredible obstacles. Over a warm cup of coffee on a cool autumn afternoon, they shared stories about their personal and professional struggles. Those few hours only reaffirmed for me the importance of quiet moments, honest conversation, and the fact that true friends are an absolute treasure.

During the third party, I had more of a “support the hostess roll”, and again, I only knew one or two of the invited guests. We all, however, quickly connected while sipping coffee, giggling about our husbands, blinking back tears when sharing the challenges our children were facing, and admitting the sheer exhaustion we sometimes feel while working, running a home, and trying our best to grow well-adjusted human beings, no matter how much coffee we drink!

There is something powerful about a room full of women. It's an openness and candor in conversation I am ashamed to admit has been missing from my life for a very long time. When you put people together who are willing to share, guide, and lend an empathetic ear, the entire event becomes a comprehensive therapy session that rivals anything I’ve ever been a part of.

There are a few things I know to be sure at this point in my life. I have desperately missed and will actively nurture the friendships I have. I will seek the advice of other women both personally and professionally, and be more willing to share how I’ve navigated the trickier situations I’ve experienced. I also know, without a doubt, I prefer my friendships strong, and my coffee on the milder side.