How Are You REALLY Doing???

I don't know how many times a girlfriend has called to ask how I am doing and I have responded with the obligatory "fine, just fine." I tell her that the kids are doing well, work is great, we just went on a family hike over the weekend and life couldn't be better.

LIE

I should have told her that the kids are driving me crazy, work is really stressful, the family hike was fun but long and hot and we all got bug bites and sunburns that we are still suffering from.

Why didn't I tell the truth? Because it is too hard. First of all, it takes longer to tell the truth and I don't have that much time. Secondly, I don't want to listen to her advice. I know I should take it easy sometimes, cut back at work, get a sitter for the kids so that I don't go crazy, and stop feeling like I have to be Super Woman, but that isn't always as easy as she makes it sound.

The truth is, I like trying to be Super Woman. I like being busy. I like my job, my husband, and my kids. I just don't know what steps to take to make it all work better.

This week in your Girlfriend's Life Survival Club, I want you to work on a couple of things.

1. Start by being honest about your life. Be honest with yourself and be honest with your girlfriends
2. Listen to their advice. You don't have to take all of their suggestions but as your friends they might have some good ideas about simple ways to make your life easier, more fulfilling, and more enjoyable without making any drastic changes.
3. Try some simple solutions to make your day to day routine more manageable (take a bath once a week to relax, let your kids go to school with messy hair, get Take Out instead of making dinner). Find ways to give yourself a little breathing room.

You don't have to take great strides to make big positive changes in your life. Be honest about your struggles and let your Girlfriends help to you come up with some simple solutions. You might be surprised at what they come up with and how much better your life can be.