I can’t be surrounded by your negativity while I’m trying to grow into a fully formed woman. – Shoshanna, Girls

Last night I was laying on the floor in a pool of sweat. We’d just finished a 2000m row and 100 burpees in a 95 degree cement box. In that 20 minute span of hell I had many thoughts racing through my brain.

• Why am I doing this?
• Oh my god, this sucks.
• Must row faster. Must beat her.
• There is so much sweat in my eye. I can’t see.
• Did Child just hit me with his water bottle while I’m rowing? WTF?
• Open your eyes before you tip over.
• I hate rowing.
• God Kristen’s ass looks good when she jumps back up.
• Stay with me Allison. I need you.
• Damn it; Megan’s fast.
• How the hell does Steph look so hot right now?
  
• 15 more. 15 fucking more.
  

As we five girls dripped on the floor after class and caught our breath, I couldn’t help but think, “I’m really lucky to have them.”

This morning a wonderful woman of great confliction reached out for a little release and guidance. I haven’t seen her in ages, but I relentlessly follow her chaos and respect her life of passion and spontaneous decisions. I say I’m spontaneous within parameters; her parameters have gone missing 😉 Although our conversation only lasted a few minutes, it ended with, “I’m so glad you’re in my life.”

My littlest and most badass of friends is presently on a thirty day adventure with her family. Even while she’s relaxing, and playing, and enjoying the summer with her loves, she’s also imparting wisdom to the masses. Her work ethic and caustic honesty motivates my every morning.

To the girls I saw last weekend over wine; to the girls I see only on social media. To the girls that inspire me in the gym; to the girls that wreck and wrack my brain. To the girls that ask for help; to the girls that freely give it. To the girls I conspire with, and to the girls I conspire for…here’s to the journey of that elusive fully-formed woman. May we never actually achieve her…