I cannot remember the last time I was in a room full of women, some that I just met, where I felt more safe, more encouraged, and more welcomed than I did over the weekend.  And yet, we all were very vulnerable and (some of us) were very uncomfortable with going outside our comfort zone.  But what be came clear to me and another friend is that we both wondered why women are not more tolerant of each other and less picking on each other.  We both noticed it and these women would call you out if you needed it too.  I pay attention to those people that have the GUTS to stand up to me to get my attention.  If you are passive, and say things like, “Do you really think you should do that?” or “I don’t know if that is a good idea or not…”, then I probably checked out a while back.  But if you get in my face, maybe even call me a name, then you have my back and I know it.  I am remembering when someone took charge of the situation (as much as I did not like it) and didn’t give me a chance to “bolt” from it.  If we gather a group of women together, heaven help anyone standing around because there is another agenda in someone else’s mind, there’s the put downs and sarcasms, along with the crossed armed body language (I will ALWAYS remember what this tells people — it is not nice), and the glare over.  Why does it have to be that way?  I feel empowered when I am with women who are there for the same reason and they don’t care what size you wear, or how much money you have, or even pass along judgements.  The women of The G.I.F.T. make me feel that way too.  But those moments, come few and far between and we need more of them.  I am not the only one that saw it and felt it over the weekend, and I know I am not alone in my quest to encourage women to lose their inhibition and really be themselves, without the other garbage that we bring with us.  Enjoy the moment, even those that push us outside our level of comfort, so that we can laugh, smile, and make great memories that will last a lifetime.  You women out there that have the shields up, drop them.  Stop being judgemental — people know who you are and we don’t like it.  Be kind to one another and embrace the uniqueness we all have.  I cannot be like you and you cannot be like me.  Wouldn’t it be awesome if all of us women were always welcoming to each other and not because it is a cause to raise money for a friend or because we are running in a race for breast cancer research?  Why does there have to be a something else that brings us together?  Can’t being a woman be enough for the sisterhood we all need and want and that we are bound by that alone?  For those of us that seek true friendship and do not have time to be fake or watch our backs for the knives that will be put there, I implore you to reach out to women that want the same.  Stop being afraid and take back your freedom to surround yourself who wants the same things you do.  If I would ever be in a struggle with someone, I would want those women I met this weekend behind me.  They are strong, confident women who amazed me and I am grateful for losing a little inhibition in their company.  Thank you, ladies.

Michelle Homme 2013 ©