About a year ago my girlfriend Julie declared that for her 50^th birthday she was going to plan a girl’s weekend in Mexico (yes, at 50 you are still a girl!) to celebrate her milestone birthday. I remember not feeling sure about Mexico, wondering who would go, would I get along with all these women, how long would I be gone, would the kids be okay, how much would this cost, and dying because it was over super bowl weekend. You get the picture- I was essentially entertaining all the reasons this might not work.

I had months to think about how three nights and fours days was one day longer than I was really wanting to be away. Then I started thinking about how getting in a bathing suit (never mind bikini) in the middle of winter sounded dreadful. And even though these thoughts came in and out of my mind, the reality of the stress of the holidays, a busy year of work and the thought of missing uninterrupted friend time got me in the right mind set right about a month before. All of a sudden I couldn’t wait to go, and while I didn’t know some of the women going on the trip I was open to the whole idea of getting away with ten other women coming from different parts of the country all to celebrate our mutual friend Julie.

I am so glad I went! It was a weekend of connecting on all different levels. There were women there with kids and no kids, divorced, single and newly separated, newlyweds and married for nearly 20 years, professional working women and stay at home moms from cities and suburbs.

We shared drinks, food, opinions, music, dancing and our stories. Everyone had a story at some point throughout the four days. I shared about my past, about my kids, my family and what I want to do and see this year. Some of us have big dreams, some were content, some were unsure of what next week held for them, but everyone had someone there who related to them in some way. We shared doctor names, new workouts, diets, recipes, places to stay on vacation, books, yoga, massages and some of us shed a few (much needed) tears.

As I write this on the plane ride home, my heart is full. I just ate and drank whatever I wanted for four days. I had no responsibilities, I finished Girl, Wash Your Face, I started a new Netflix series and I just made some real connections. I am already wondering when we will all get together again. I feel connected to these women, I want to hear about their travels and stories. I want to know that their kids are alright, I want to share my stories and struggles, I want to do this more often.

It has been a couple of years since I went away for a girl’s weekend. I don’t want to go that long again. Whether it’s with my personal close friends or a group of women that I don’t fully know yet I am reminded how much I need girlfriends. I need them today as much or even more than I did when I was actually a girl.