Women need to look after other Women

 This is one of my "Fayisms" I promote all of the time.  Let's face it, even the most understanding and caring man doesn't get it like another woman.

The front runner for caring for other women is to have a "Bestie".  My Bestie and I call each other our BFFF.  If you know my bestie you will easily figure out the extra F. Having a Bestie and being a Bestie are important roles. A Bestie knows you better than you know yourself.  They know your secrets and you know theirs. They listen to you without judgment.  They offer advice when asked and the most important thing they do, they can relate to how you are feeling.  You can go long periods without a text or phone call, but that is okay you just pick up where you left off.  When you share you don't even have to say "don't say anything" because that is a given.  Besties look after you when you need taking care of and you do it in return.  Besties are the bestest. 

We all develop a circle of friends that we are comfortable with.  I know from personal experiences there are a whole world of women out there that really need another woman.  Through my life journey I have come to realize that Women need to empower, mentor, guide and encourage other women.  I have been blessed to be helped in each of those areas when I needed it.  The one thing I really try to make sure I do is to tell that woman how much they have inspired or helped me.  

I am sure as you read this you have ideas of your own and the list could be very long.  

My list of women that I feel need the support of other women are:

* Someone that is new to my area

* Someone that is new to a job

* Someone that is suffering from a loss

* Someone that is starting over

* Someone that is overwhelmed with life

Simple things I try to do to help other women are:

* Bake or cook for them.  A friend told me once "if you don't know what to do, bake cookies".  Cookies are a gift of love in my mind.  One of my tried and true gifts are cinnamon buns or bread with a side of homemade jam.  Apparently, if you make breads you are amazing. 

* If I am thinking about someone I haven't thought about for a long time, I try to send them a text or FB message.  With today's technology this can be accomplished so easily in a few words.  I believe if I am thinking about someone there is a reason and I need to act on it.  They may be be struggling and I like to think hearing from me brightened their day.    

* I make a lunch or coffee date.  I don't do this all of the time but I often pay for it. Women are notorious for splitting the bill, men don't do that very often.  I have had so many meals and coffees paid for and it is a time for me to give back.  I make sure I clear my calendar when I extend an invitation so I can have lots of time if needed.

* Offer to help.  I really try not to say "if you need anything" because that puts the effort on them to ask and contact me.  They may not have the energy to do do that.  I try to use comments like: "I am free on Tuesday and I was wondering if I could help you with .... on that day?" 

* Help organize and purge.  Two of my favorite things to do in my life are purging and organizing.  I have an understanding of how releasing it is to get rid of things or tackle a bad space and make it look good. (More details in another posting at a later date).

* Help a working mom and her family.  I have been blessed to have a couple of young women that have let me be part of their family. There is nothing that warms my heart more than having a little boy swoon over my Chocolate Banana Bread like my little buddy does.  My other family has filled my need to bake.  It not only has given me a reason to bake but fills their school lunches.  Yep, I love to bake and I love to eat it so this works to see it go out the door.  

* Share my stuff.  When I started work at the University, I was overwhelmed with how to prepare for work on the wards.  An angel walked through the door and gave me her orientation package that she used for her students.  I vowed that day I would do the same thing to every new employee. I never believed in re-inventing the wheel and to me sharing is caring. 

I feel this post will be something each of you can relate to.  You have probably been a recipient or someone that has given in similar ways.  I want to say Thanks for doing that.   

In closing I am going to share my Cinnamon Bun recipe. This recipe is perfect for a bread maker or a stand alone mixer. 

Buns

1 cup warm water

1 Tbsp of yeast

3 Tbsp of sugar

3 Tbsp of butter

1 tsp of salt

1 egg

3 Cups of flour. (I only use Coop flour as it is wheat flour)

Mix on dough setting on a bread maker or 10 mins with a mixer.  Dough should be a wee bit sticky to touch.  Add more flour or water to get that texture.  Let dough rise for 30 mins or double.  Roll out and cover dough with butter, brown sugar and cinnamon.  Cut into 12 rolls and put in 9X13 pan.

In a separate cup mix: 1/4 cup each of butter, brown sugar and corn syrup. Pour over buns.  Let rise another 30 mins.  Bake at 350 for 18-20 mins.  Invert on parchment paper. 

Eat as many as you want.