Okay, let’s get real for a second. Life is messy. Like, really messy. And if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably had those days where you feel like you’re juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle on a tightrope. 🎪 Sounds dramatic? Maybe. But hey, that’s life. And the one thing that’s saved me from completely losing it? My squad. My ride-or-die, always-there-for-me, positive-as-heck support network.
Now, I’m not talking about the kind of friends who only show up for the Instagram-worthy brunches or the “let’s take a cute pic and never speak again” kind of vibes. I’m talking about the real ones. The ones who’ll answer your 3 a.m. texts with “I’m here, what’s up?” instead of “Why are you texting me at this hour?”
But here’s the thing: building this kind of support network doesn’t just happen overnight. It’s not like you can just swipe right on a friendship app and boom, instant soulmates. (Though, honestly, how amazing would that be? Somebody please invent that.) It takes effort, intention, and a whole lot of vulnerability.
Let’s rewind a bit. A few years ago, I was in a place where I felt… stuck. I had friends, sure, but they were more like surface-level connections. We’d hang out, have fun, but when it came to the deep stuff—the stuff that really mattered—I felt like I was on my own. I didn’t have anyone I could truly lean on, and it was exhausting.
So, I made a decision. I decided to start surrounding myself with people who lifted me up, who made me feel like I could conquer the world, even on my worst days. And let me tell you, it was a game-changer.
Here’s how I did it:
First, I started by evaluating the relationships I already had. I asked myself: “Who makes me feel good about myself? Who challenges me to be better? Who’s there for me when things get tough?” And, just as importantly, “Who drains my energy? Who makes me feel small or insecure?”
It wasn’t easy, but I had to let go of some relationships that weren’t serving me. And yes, that included some people I’d known for years. But here’s the thing: just because you’ve known someone for a long time doesn’t mean they’re good for you. Sometimes, you outgrow people. And that’s okay.
Next, I started putting myself out there. I joined a book club, signed up for a yoga class, and even went to a few networking events (which, let’s be honest, were so out of my comfort zone). But you know what? I met some amazing people. People who shared my interests, who inspired me, who made me laugh until my stomach hurt.
And then, I did the most important thing: I opened up. I stopped pretending like I had it all together and started being honest about my struggles. I shared my fears, my insecurities, my dreams. And you know what happened? People started opening up to me too. It was like this beautiful, unspoken agreement: “I’ve got your back, and I know you’ve got mine.”
Now, I’m not saying it’s always been smooth sailing. There have been moments of conflict, misunderstandings, and even some tears. But that’s the beauty of a strong support network: it’s not about perfection. It’s about showing up, even when it’s hard.
And let me tell you, having this kind of support has changed my life. When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I know I can call my bestie and she’ll remind me to breathe. When I’m doubting myself, my mentor is there to give me a pep talk. And when I’m celebrating a win, my squad is there to cheer me on.
But here’s the kicker: it’s not just about what they do for me. It’s about what I do for them too. Because a support network is a two-way street. It’s about showing up for each other, lifting each other up, and being there through the good times and the bad.
So, if you’re feeling like you’re missing that kind of support in your life, I want you to know this: it’s never too late to build your squad. Start by being intentional about the people you surround yourself with. Seek out those who inspire you, challenge you, and make you feel like the best version of yourself. And don’t be afraid to let go of relationships that don’t serve you.
Because here’s the truth: you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. So, choose wisely. Surround yourself with positive, uplifting, and supportive people. And watch how your life transforms.
And remember, building a support network isn’t just about finding your people. It’s about being the kind of person others want in their corner too. So, be kind, be authentic, and be there for the people who matter most.
Because at the end of the day, your squad is your superpower. And when you’ve got them by your side, there’s nothing you can’t conquer. 💪✨