As professional women, whether building a business or career, we navigate a myriad of challenges and triumphs on our journey to success. On my journey, I've come to realize the immense value of having a varied SQUAD of relationships that cater to different aspects of my life. I now share this with other women, as I believe I am not alone in my need. I have recognized, that while one person can certainly fulfill multiple roles, EXPECTING one individual to meet all our needs can lead to frustration and disappointment for both parties involved.
Hi there, I am Myhriah Young, She.E.O. of G.A.L.S. where we teach women to Cultivate Their SQUAD! I have a wonderful group of ladies that I have surrounded myself with and now I strive to help other women do the same.
Over the years, I have found that there are at least 5 types of friendships that we all need; here are my Top 5:
1️⃣ Colleague or Peer: Find someone who understands the unique challenges of your field and can offer valuable insights and support. Having a peer who shares your professional journey can provide a sense of camaraderie and understanding like no other. This is someone who is either in the same industry or in a similar place in their career or business.
2️⃣ Deep Conversationalist: Seek out a friend who loves to dive into meaningful conversations about life, spirituality, and everything in between. These soul-stirring discussions enrich our lives and offer opportunities for growth and introspection. I will admit, that most of my friendships are this way, as I am not one who tends to have surface-level discussions. It is important to note that this person should be safe-they are not going to share and you will not be judged by them.
3️⃣ Adventure Buddy: Connect with someone who shares your love for spontaneity and exploration, ready to embark on exciting adventures at a moment's notice. Whether it's traveling to new destinations or trying out thrilling experiences, an adventure buddy adds excitement and zest to life. This can definitely by your partner, but doesn't always have to be. My hubby will go do so many things with me but doesn't love dancing or karaoke, so having ladies who love to go do those things with me is important.
4️⃣ Accountability Partner: Team up with a friend who motivates you to stay focused on your goals and holds you accountable for taking action. Accountability can also be for deeper things, such as your marriage, finances, struggles, spiritual or personal growth; I have had this type of friendship over the years and it has been so important for me. This trusted companion provides encouragement, support, and gentle nudges to help you stay on track toward your aspirations. It is important to note that not every person can handle this. Sometimes, you may need to seek out a professional mentor, coach, counselor, etc. to fulfill this need.
5️⃣ Comfort Companion: Cultivate a friendship with someone who brings joy and comfort into your life, offering unconditional support and understanding during tough times. These compassionate souls provide solace, empathy, and a safe haven for our hearts to rest. I am very fortunate that my partner is definitely this person for me, but over these last few months, when facing very difficult times, I have been very blessed to find that I have others who can fill this role as well. We often say, "In life, it's not IF you are going to go through tough times, it's WHEN, and having your SQUAD in place to help you through those times is vital."
There is no wrong way to do this. There are so many great resources out there these days, but I will say this: be careful who you entrust and don't let things like social media be the only place that you fill these needs. Oftentimes I see people post the difficult things they are going through and they get that quick rush of "support" from others, but then it stops there. We need in-person connection, hugs, and the ability to have a full conversation with others whom we can have reciprocal relationships with.
Building a SQUAD of friendships ensures you have the right support system for every aspect of your life. Tag your squad and let them know how much you appreciate them! 💖✨
If you struggle with cultivating life-long relationships, this is what we share about in the G.A.L.S. Community. We would love to have you join us in our free Facebook group here:
Come join our SQUAD and we will help you build yours!